Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Touchscreen Display
Smartphone Control
USB/iPod Control
Built-in Bluetooth
Disc Playback
AM/FM Tuner + SiriusXM Ready
Audio Section
AV Connections
Remote Control

Touchscreen Display

6.1" Detachable Touchscreen Display: The Sony XAV-601BT DVD receiver features a detachable 6.1" widescreen (17:9) touchscreen LCD monitor. The WVGA LCD monitor has a high resolution of 800 (H) x 480 (V) x RGB; with 1,152,000 total pixels. The LCD monitor provides touchscreen controls with interactive video graphics, making menu navigation easy. The unit's 6.1" touchscreen monitor is detachable and comes with a carrying pouch to deter theft. A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the LCD monitor non-detachable, if desired.

Caution Alarm: If you turn the ignition switch to the Off position without detaching the front-panel, the caution alarm will sound for a few seconds. The alarm will only sound if the built-in amplifier is used.

Gesture Commands (with Touch Effect): You can perform frequently-used operations by making command strokes across the XAV-601BT's touchscreen display. Draw a horizontal line left-to-right to skip/seek forward or draw a horizontal line right-to-left to skip/seek backward. You can also draw a vertical line upwards to fast-forward a video or skip forward in a folder; as well as draw a vertical line downwards to reverse a video or skip backward in a folder. When the Touch Effect feature is activated the touchscreen will display a light trail where you have touched the display.

Front Panel Controls: In addition to the head unit's touchscreen controls, the XAV-601BT also offers a rotary knob and hard-key buttons along the left side of the screen.

Dynamic Color Illuminator (35,936 colors): Dynamic Color Illuminator lets you match the head unit's button illumination to complement your existing vehicle lighting components. With selectable Sound Synchronization, the timing of the color change is synchronized with the audio source. You can select from 12 preset colors (red/amber/m-amber/yellow/white/light green/green/light blue/sky blue/blue/purple/pink), customized color, & 5 preset patterns (rainbow/ocean/sunset/forest/random).

Picture EQ: You can select a picture quality mode suitable for the interior brightness of your vehicle. You can choose from Dynamic, Standard, Theater, Sepia, or Custom (1/2). The Custom (1/2) Picture EQ modes allow you to make your own picture quality settings by adjusting the picture tones manually. You can adjust the Brightness, Color, and Color Tone (warm/normal/cool).

Background Themes: You can select between various background themes for the head unit's touchscreen monitor. Choose from Animal, Balloon, Gate, Glow, Graffiti, Ink, Random, or Off.

Icon Adjustment: You can choose for the unit's Home screen menu icons to be displayed based on how often they are used or by system default. These same icons can be displayed in a 2D or 3D mode.

Aspect Ratio: You can change the screen's aspect ratio of the DVD receiver's LCD monitor to suit your video content. You can choose from Normal, Wide, Full, or Zoom.

Multi-Language Display: For your convenience, this unit is equipped with a multiple language display. You can select the language which is best suited to your first language; English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese.

Track List: The Sony XAV-601BT displays a list of albums, folders, tracks, images, or video files stored on a disc or USB device, so you can quickly search your audio/video content.

Parking Brake Detection: To prevent the displaying of video while the vehicle is in motion, the light green wire in the supplied 22-pin harness must be connected to the vehicle's parking brake detection circuit. While the vehicle is in motion (parking brake off), you can still view all of the other displays and menus.

Dimmer: To change the brightness of the display you can set the XAV-601BT to one of two dimmer modes; Dimmer Auto (dims the display automatically when you turn your vehicle's lights on), or Dimmer On (display always dim). You can adjust the dimmer level from -5 to +5.

Auto Off: When installing in a vehicle without an accessory power wire at the radio location, you can set the unit to turn off all lighting a set amount of time after you turn the power off. The Auto Off feature can be set to 30 seconds, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or No.

2-DIN Chassis: The Sony XAV-601BT has a 2-DIN chassis (also known as Double-DIN), and will fit in many vehicles with a large dash opening. The unit can be ISO-mounted using factory brackets, or Euro-mounted using the supplied mounting sleeve. This head unit does not come with a Euro-mount trim ring. As always, please consult Crutchfield's Outfit My Car to verify fit with your vehicle.

Smartphone Control

MirrorLink: MirrorLink technology offers seamless connectivity between select smartphones and the Sony XAV-601BT receiver through its USB connection. MirrorLink duplicates your smartphone's display on the head unit's touchscreen display, so you can control compatible applications on your smartphone from the head unit's touchscreen monitor. Only a smartphone and smartphone apps compatible with MirrorLink function can be used. For your safety, when the parking brake is not engaged, some smartphone screen content may not appear on the XAV-601BT's touchscreen monitor.

• Drive Link for Samsung Galaxy S III (Android): To use MirrorLink with your Samsung Galaxy S III, the free "Drive Link" application must be downloaded from Samsung Apps and installed on your compatible Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone. Once downloaded, individual apps are grouped into three categories (Music, Location, Phone) for easy access. Selecting a category lets you quickly access specific apps for music playback, car navigation and maps, as well as hands-free telephone communication.
• Nokia Car Mode w/ MirrorLink: To use MirrorLink with your Nokia smartphone, the "Nokia Car Mode with Mirrorlink" application ($29.99) must be downloaded from the Nokia Store and installed on your compatible Nokia smartphone.  Once downloaded, individual apps are grouped into three categories (Call, Drive, Music) for easy access. Selecting a category lets you quickly access specific apps for music playback, car navigation and maps, as well as hands-free telephone communication.

Note: The following Firmware Update adds compatibility for the Sony Xperia Z and Samsung Galaxy Note II smartphones. Compatible Samsung and Nokia phone models, their launch timing, as well as functionality will differ by country or origin. Check out the MirrorLink Certified Product Listing for the latest compatible MirrorLink smartphones.

Pandora Internet Radio: Pandora is the leading Internet Radio music service in the United States, giving people music they love anytime, anywhere, through personalized radio stations. The Sony XAV-601BT DVD receiver lets you playback and control the Pandora Internet Radio music service that is being streamed to your Apple iPhone, Android smartphone, or BlackBerry. Your iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry smartphone will need an active Data Plan account with connection to the Internet via 3G, EDGE, or WiFi. In addition, you will need an active Pandora music service account.

• Pandora App for iPhone: The Sony XAV-601BT provides complete access to your Pandora account using your iPhone (3G/3GS/4), via the head unit's front- or rear-panel USB port. To access Pandora you must have an Apple iPhone (iOS3 or later) with the latest version of the Pandora App from Apple's iTunes App Store.
• Pandora via Android or BlackBerry: The Sony XAV-601BT lets you playback and control Pandora Internet Radio streamed from your Android or BlackBerry smartphone, via Bluetooth (no hard-wired connection required). To access Pandora from the Sony head unit, your Bluetooth-enabled Android or BlackBerry smartphone must have the latest version of the Pandora App from the Android Market or the BlackBerry App World. Your Android or BlackBerry smartphone must support A2DP, AVRCP, and SPP Bluetooth profiles.

Note: Access to the Pandora service will depend on the availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your iPhone or smartphone to connect to the Internet. Pandora is not supported in Canada and only available in the United States.

Pandora Control: The Sony XAV-601BT will provide control over the Pandora music service streamed to your USB-connected iPhone or Bluetooth-enabled Android or BlackBerry smartphone.

• Station List: You can select Pandora stations from your Station List by date or alphabetically (A-Z).
• QuickMix: QuickMix allows you to listen to songs played on one or more Pandora stations in your Station List randomly. You will need to edit your QuickMix station selections on the phone before connection.
• Skip Songs: You can skip song tracks within a station. You cannot skip back to a previous song. Pandora limits the number of skips allowed.
• Thumbs Up/Down: You can give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down to help Pandora personalize stations to suit your preferences.
• Bookmarking: The song or artist currently being played can be bookmarked & stored in your Pandora account.

Information Display: The Sony XAV-601BT will display Artist, Album, & Song information provided by the Pandora app on your iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry smartphone.

USB/iPod Control

Dual USB Ports: The receiver is equipped with a front-panel and rear-panel USB (type-A) port that can be used for plugging in (MSC) Mass Storage Class or MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) type USB devices. The rear-panel USB port is attached to the rear-chassis via a 58" cable. The head unit can play video, photo, and audio files stored on a compatible USB device. The files must be formatted in FAT 12/16/32. The head unit can recognize up to 10,000 files from a single USB memory device. USB portable audio players that can be charged via USB will be charged when plugged into the CD receiver's USB port (max. 1A), and the vehicle's ignition switch is set to ACC or On.

Note: This unit cannot recognize USB devices via a USB hub. Not all listed file types may play back due to file variations. Copyright protected ACC-LC files cannot be played back.

USB Playback Functions: The XAV-601BT offers the following USB search & playback functions.

• Search Modes:
  • Quick-BrowZer: allows you to search for a track on a connected USB device easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or Playlist)
  • Jump Mode: gets you closer to the song you want by allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10% increments
  • Zappin: play music (files or folders) in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you are looking for on your connected USB device
• Playback Modes:
  • Repeat: repeat a single track or repeat an entire album
  • Random: shuffle all tracks or a specific album

Content Transfer/SensMe Online Software: The Content Transfer/SensMe online software can organize your music into playlists that perfectly match your mood, scene, and location, making it easier to choose the music that fits the moment. SensMe actually looks at the beats-per-minute and automatically groups your music (stored on your windows-based computer) into channels, making listening and managing all of your content even simpler. Once you have downloaded & used the SensMe software to organize your PC's music, you can then transfer that music to your USB device (Not iPod/iPhone) for playback on the Sony head unit. You can select & play a channel that fits your mood from the following categories.

• Time of Day: Tracks are recommended for each time of day. Choose from Morning, Daytime, Evening, Night, or Midnight.
• Music Type: Plays tracks according to the music type. Choose from Energetic, Relax, Upbeat, Mellow, Lounge, Emotional, Dance, and Extreme.
• Driving Type: Plays track that are suitable for type of driving. Choose from Freeway, Chillout Drive, Weekend Trip, Midnight Cruise, Party Ride, Morning Commute, and Going Home.
• Mood Map: Distributes tracks as dots on a two-axis mood map, based on the characteristics of individual tracks (last 200 tracks transferred). Simply touch a point on the map according to your Mood (Sad/Happy), Type (Acoustic/Electronic), Style (Soft/Hard), or Time (Morning/Midnight) and a circle appears around the touched point, and the tracks inside that circle are played.

Note: Download of the Content Transfer/SensMe online software to your windows-based computer is required to enable the SensMe function on this head unit. The software must be downloaded to your PC & then music content must be transferred to a USB (MSC) device. The SensMe software is not compatible with iPod or iPhone.

System Requirements for SensMe Software: Your Windows-based computer must meet the following system requirements.

Note: 64-bit & Media Center versions of Windows XP are not supported. Not compatible Mac.

iPod/iPhone 2-Wire Connectivity: The front- or rear-panel USB port and rear-panel AV-1 input are compatible with select iPod/iPhone devices when used with the optional Sony RC-202IPV adapter (RC-202IPV, sold separately). One end of the cable plugs directly into your iPod's dock connector while the other end of the cable uses two connectors that plug into the XAV-601BT. The USB type-A connector portion of the cable plugs into the receiver's front- or rear-panel USB port and handles the metadata, control, charging, and audio playback of your iPod/iPhone, so you can navigate through your music and video files using the head unit's touchscreen controls and view song and movie info, as well as album art on its display. The composite video connector of the cable plugs into the unit's rear-panel AV-1 input and transfers the video images from your iPod/iPhone to the Sony head unit. Video can only be displayed while the vehicle is in park. If you require audio playback only, you can simply plug your compatible iPod/iPhone directly into the head unit's front-panel USB port using your iPod/iPhone's dock connector cable (no additional adapter required).

Note: If you have an iPod nano (7th gen), iPod touch (5th gen), or iPhone 5; use the Lighting-to-USB cable that came with your Apple device to connect to the head unit. These Apple devices only support audio playback (no video output).

Bypass iPod DAC: The USB Direct Connection enables high-speed iPod/iPhone data communications via the optional RC-202IPV (2-Wire) interface. The USB connection allows your iPod/iPhone's stored music to be loaded instantly to the head unit and sound quality to be maximized through the head unit's 24-bit D/A converter, allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to 120dB.

iPod Navigation: The controls of the XAV-601BT are seamless when used with the optional RC-202IPV and include metadata browsing, as well as the ability to choose from various playback & search modes to suit your listening application. You can also choose to control your iPod/iPhone from its touchscreen or clickwheel.

• Head Unit Control: The head unit's Quick-BrowZer feature allows you to browse your iPod/iPhone's music library by Album, Track, Genre, Playlist, Artist, or Music Podcast. You can browse your videos by Movie, Rental, TV Show, Music Video, Playlist, or Video Podcast. You can then search within a specific Quick-BrowZer category alphabetically (A-Z). With the unit's Zappin feature, you can play music tracks & albums in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you are looking for on your connected iPod/iPhone. The XAV-601BT also supports Repeat (Track/Album) & Shuffle (Album) playback modes.
• Passenger App Control: The Passenger App control mode allows you to control stored audio/video content from your connected iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen. This is very useful for the person riding in your passenger seat. The iPod Passenger mode also lets you listen to your favorite music apps, such as Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Last.fm, Rhapsody, & Slacker streamed to your iPhone (iOS 3.0+) through the Sony head unit and your vehicle's speakers. You can even watch video on the Sony DVD receiver's touchscreen from streaming movie apps, such as Netflix & YouTube, downloaded on your iPhone 4/4S (iOS 4.0+), via the SonyRC-202IPV iPod cable (sold separately). Video can only be accessed when the vehicle is in park and the hand-brake is fully engaged. Not all apps will be compatible, and you will continue to control all app functions via your iPhone's touchscreen. Access to your iPhone's downloaded applications will depend on the availability of a cellular and/or WiFi network for purposes of allowing your iPhone to connect to the Internet.

Music Information: The multimedia head unit will display your iPod/iPhone's stored music file information; including Track number, Elapsed playing time, Song Title, Artist/Album Name, and Album Art. The head unit will not display metadata information from streamed music apps; in this case head unit only displays the message "Passenger App Control". You will continue to view song/artist information from music apps on your iPhone's touchscreen.

Charging: The head unit's USB connection provides 1A of current to power and charge your connected iPod/iPhone when your vehicle's ignition switch is set to the 'ACC' or 'On' position. This unit does not charge the iPad. If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge, then this unit will not recognize it.

Telenav App Control: Telenav app control for iPhone 4/4S will be available as of Aug 2012 via firmware update. Simply connect your iPhone's TeleNav GPS app via the RC-202iPV cable (sold separately) to the XAV-601BT and see directions on the DVD receiver's screen while hearing them over the car speakers.  The TeleNav app features a 3D moving map and provides voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation with real-time traffic and automatic rerouting. You also get Lane Assist and speed trap + red light camera alerts. Multiple route options are available; based on distance, drive time, and traffic. You can search from  millions of POIs, including restaurants, ATMs, and gas stations. You can also save your favorite destinations for easier access. Even though the TeleNav App is free to download from the iTunes store, some features require a $2.99 per month fee.

Note: If you start playback of your iPhone's music before you launch the TeleNav GPS app, you can continue to listen to stored music and music apps on your iPhone, while navigating with the TeleNav application. However, you cannot control playback or view metadata of your iPhone's music.

iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Sony XAV-601BT is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of 10/5/2012):

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is available.

TomTom Navigation: Connect the optional TomTom XA-NV100T add-on navigation module (coming soon) to the head unit's USB port for direct access to GPS guidance. TomTom is the only company to incorporate real world, real-time feedback, providing the most accurate maps available.

Firmware Upgradable: You can easily upgrade the XAV-601BT's firmware. Simply use your PC to download updates from Sony' eSupport site to a USB thumbdrive and load it on the DVD receiver via its USB input. The tested XAV-601BT contained firmware version SR11_xav_1.09.001.

Built-in Bluetooth

Bluetooth Technology: The Sony XAV-601BT is equipped with built-in Bluetooth (version 2.1 + EDR), allowing you to make and receive phone calls wirelessly through the receiver; as well as stream music wirelessly from your smartphone to the head unit.

Bluetooth Profiles: In order to use Bluetooth wireless technology, your phone must also be Bluetooth compatible and be able to interpret certain profiles. This unit is compatible with the following Bluetooth Profiles:

• Hands-Free Communication: HFP (Hands Free Profile), PBAB (Phone Book Access Profile).
• Audio Streaming: A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile).

Pairing: Up to 9 phones or audio devices can be registered with the XAV-601BT (only one device can be used at a time). The unit can be set to automatically reconnect to the last connected Bluetooth device when the ignition is turned on. Due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some Bluetooth enabled devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may not support all features when used with the Sony XAV-601BT. Please visit Sony eSupport for a complete list of compatible Bluetooth enabled phones.

External Microphone: The XAV-601BT includes an external microphone to carry on your side of your phone conversation and voice command dialing. The external wired microphone offers improved audio quality versus an integrated microphone, so you can be heard easier over noisy traffic and road noise. You can adjust the level of the microphone without affecting the other sources. The external microphone features an attached 12' cable terminated by a right-angle 3.5mm connector which plugs into the mic input on the rear-panel of the head unit. The microphone comes with a mounting bracket which can be clipped to your vehicle's sun-visor or taped to your dash. The external microphone measures 0.465" (diameter) x 1.425" (depth).

Note: There is no integrated front-panel mic.

Hands-Free Communication: The Sony XAV-601BT supports Bluetooth hands-free communication for your Bluetooth enabled cell-phone. Bluetooth hands-free communication helps to minimize distraction while driving by allowing you to control your mobile phone from the head unit, so you don't have to touch your mobile phone. The controls of the XAV-601BT can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call, or end a call. The unit also features an external microphone (featuring adjustable gain), so you can carry on your side of the conversation while listening to the caller through your vehicles speakers. During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode (talking directly on your cell phone) and the Hands Free Mode.

• Answering Calls: Incoming calls can be answered manually or automatically (between 3-10 seconds) through the Sony head unit, while the ring tone is output from your car speakers and the caller's name or phone number is displayed on the head unit's LCD. Incoming calls can also be rejected if desired.
• Dialing a Number: Using the XAV-601BT, you can dial a phone number in one of the following ways.
  • Entering Phone #: Allows you to manually dial a phone number using the unit's touchscreen.
  • Redial: Use to easily redial the last number you called.
  • Preset Dial: You can store up to 6 contacts in the preset dial for quick dialing.
  • Phone Book: You can store up to 1,000 contacts in the unit's phone book. Up to a 40 character name can be input for each contact.
  • Call History: The unit will store the last 20 calls, allowing you to select a previous phone number quickly from the list.
  • Voice Dial: You can make a call using the voice tags stored on your connected cellular phone.

SMS Indicator: The SMS indicator informs you of any incoming or unread SMS messages on your paired Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. You will still need to view the text message from your phone, as well as create and send text messages from your phone.

Wireless Audio Streaming (with Meta Data Display): The Sony XAV-601BT also supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth enabled audio player or smartphone. The XAV-601BT will be able to control your stored music's basic playback functions; such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, Fast-Forward/Reverse, and Shuffle/Repeat. The head unit will also display your stored music's song information; such as Artist name, Song title, and Album label. The XAV-601BT also supports audio streaming of music apps, but without control or metadata. You will continue to use your Bluetooth enabled smartphone to view and control streaming music apps. When an incoming call or outgoing call is in progress from your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, audio streaming will be paused so you can take your call. Once the call is finished, your streaming music will resume.

Disc Playback

Compatible Discs: The Sony multimedia head unit has a front loading disc slot to make loading your disc easier, because there is no panel to slide or fold-down. The Sony XAV-601BT supports playback of DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD-/+R DL, CD-Audio, CD-Text, CD-R/RW, and VCD discs.

Audio/Video File Playback: The Sony XAV-601BT supports various audio & video files recorded onto DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and CD-R/RW discs. Files recorded onto data CDs must be formatted in ISO 9660 level 1/2 or Joliet/Romeo. Files recorded onto data DVDs must be formatted in UDF Bridge (combined UDF/ISO 9660). The XAV-601BT can support up 256 folders, and a combined 2,000 folders and files on a disc.

Note: Not all listed file types may playback due to file variations. Copyright protected ACC-LC files cannot be played back.

List Function: You can bring up a list of albums, folders, tracks, video files on a disc and select the desired one to play.

Zappin: With the Zappin feature, you can play music (files or folders) in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you are looking for on your MP3/WMA/AAC disc.

Direct Search: You can directly locate a desired point on a disc by specifying the title number, chapter number, track, image, or file.

Repeat and Shuffle Play: The Sony XAV-601BT provides Repeat and Shuffle playback modes for various media content.

• Repeat: DVD (Title/Chapter), CD (All/Track), MP3/WMA/AAC (All/Track/Folder), Xvid/MPEG-4 (All/File/Folder)
• Shuffle: DVD (Title), CD (Disc), MP3/WMA/AAC (Folder), Xvid/MPEG-4 (Folder)

Multi-Disc Resume: The Sony XAV-601BT can store the playback resume settings in its memory for up to 5 DVD discs.

Off Insert/Eject: A disc can be inserted or ejected with the power off. The head unit will automatically begin disc playback, when a disc is inserted with the receiver set to a different source or powered off.

Auto Reload: The DVD receiver will automatically reinsert the disc if it's ejected, but not removed for 20 seconds or more.

AM/FM Tuner + SiriusXM Ready

Digital Clarity Tuner: The Sony XAV-601BT is equipped with a Digital Clarity Tuner for clear AM/FM stereo sound with digital processing technology.

RDS: Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist, title, and album when listening to compatible FM stations. FM stations with Radio Data System (RDS) service send inaudible digital information along with the regular radio program signal.

Preset Tuning: The radio features 5 memory bands to store and receive AM/FM stations. You can store up to 6 presets each in FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1 and AM2 (total: 18 FM/12 AM). Preset tuning can be done manually or automatically.

• Best Tuning Memory (BTM): This feature selects stations with the best signals within the selected band and stores them in order of their frequency. You can select from FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1, and AM2.
• Manual Tuning: You can manually tune and find your favorite radio stations one by one for FM1, FM2, FM3, AM1, and AM2.

Manual/Seek Tuning: The XAV-601BT allows you to manual tune or seek tune AM/FM stations.

• Manual Tuning: You can manually tune & find your favorite radio stations one by one.
• Seek Tuning: You can use the seek button to help you search quickly through the available AM/FM stations.

SiriusXM Ready: The Sony XAV-601BT comes ready for SiriusXM programming with access to XM and Sirius Satellite Radio stations. Thanks to its proprietary SiriusXM Connect port, you can add the optional SXV200V1 SiriusXM Connect tuner and receive more than 150 channels of exclusive programming directly from SiriusXM, via the "SiriusXM All Access" package (subscription required). Visit SiriusXM.com for a complete list of subscription options and channel guide. Additional features of the SXV200 SiriusXM Connect tuner include:

• Channel list displays a list of all available channels
• Category Search searches for channels in a certain category
• Displayed Information such as Channel Name, Artist Name, & Song Title can be viewed on the head unit's LCD
• Up to 18 SiriusXM Satellite Radio station presets
• Channels containing unsuitable content for children can be blocked

Note: A separate SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription is required (operates on the XM Network). However, you can easily add this SiriusXM tuner to an existing Sirius or XM account for a Multi-Radio Discount Plan.

Audio Section

True Fidelity Sound Construction: The Sony XAV-601BT DVD receiver features a newly developed sound processor for less distortion, an S-MOSFET IC for smooth signal transmission, and a large-sized capacitor for deep bass sound.

Dynamic Reality Amp: The XAV-601BT is equipped with Sony's Dynamic Reality Amp to produce 3-dimensional sound staging for more realistic sound inside your vehicle.

24 Bit D/A Converter: The Sony XAV-601BT utilizes a 24-bit digital to analog converter for superior sound quality.

CEA2006 Compliant Amplifier: The power specifications for the Sony XAV-601BT are compliant with the CEA2006 Mobile Amplifier Power Testing and Measurement standards from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). These standards were developed as a way to equitably compare power specs from model to model and between manufacturers. The power output specs for the XAV-601BT are as follows:

• Continuous Power Output: 17 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 1% THD-N)
• Peak Power Output: 52 watts x 4-channels (208 total watts)

5ch/5V Preamp Outputs: The XAV-601BT contains five 5-volt RCA preamp outputs; a front channel pair, rear channel pair, and mono-subwoofer channel. The front and rear channel preamp outputs can be faded. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading.

Subwoofer Controls: The unit's subwoofer preamp output is non-fading and features a low pass filter with a selectable cut-off frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or Off. In addition, you can select the phase of the subwoofer output from Normal or Reverse. You can adjust the subwoofer preamp output's volume level independently from the head unit's volume control from -6 to +6 in 1dB increments.

High-Pass Filter: The front and rear speaker outputs offer a selectable high-pass crossover frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or Off.

EQ7: You can select an equalizer curve from eight music types; Xplod, Vocal, Edge, Cruise, Space, Gravity, Custom, or Off (Flat). The Custom EQ7 mode allows you to make your own equalizer settings. You can adjust the level (+/-8dB) of seven different frequency bands; Band1 (63Hz), Band2 (160Hz), Band3 (400Hz), Band4 (1kHz), Band5 (2.5khz), Band6 (6.3khz), and Band7 (16.0kHz).

ASE (Advanced Sound Engine): The Sony XAV-601BT offers multi-channel playback with its Advanced Sound Engine, featuring Intelligent Time Alignment (ITA) and Center Speaker Optimizer (CSO) to create a virtual 5.1 listening experience to rival the most advanced home theater equipment.

• ITA (Intelligent Time Alignment): This unit can change the localization of sound by delaying the sound output from each speaker and subwoofer to suit your position, giving you the feeling of being in the center of the soundfield wherever you sit in the car. The options for the Listening Positions are - Front Left, Front Right, Front Center, All, Custom, or Off. The Custom ITA mode allows you to precisely calibrate the output from each speaker so that the sound from all speakers reaches the listener at the same time. Simply measure the distance between your listening position and each speaker from 0 to 13.1' (in 0.8125" increments). You can also set the subwoofer distance of the subwoofer to Near, Normal, or Far.
• CSO (Center Speaker Organizer): A typical surround sound systems has 5 speakers (front left/right, rear left/right, center) and 1 subwoofer. CSO allows you to create a virtual center channel speaker even though a real center speaker is not connected.

RBE (Rear Bass Enhancer): RBE enhances the bass sound by applying the low-pass filter setting to the rear speakers. This function allows the rear speakers to work as a subwoofer even if there is no subwoofer connected.

4.1ch Speaker Level: You can adjust the volume level of each connected speaker individually.

Dolby D Level: You can adjust the audio output level for a DVD recorded in Dolby Digital format, to reduce the volume level differences between disc and source.

Audio DRC: This features makes the sound clearer when the volume is set to low while watching a DVD movie. You can set the Audio DRC to Standard (normal) or Wide (live performance).

Beep Tone: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.

AV Connections

Dual Audio/Video Inputs: The XAV-601BT is equipped with two audio/video inputs for connecting an external audio/video source. Each audio/video input consists of a composite video jack and a pair of stereo RCA jacks. You can adjust the audio level of the audio/video inputs from +/-18.

Video Output (with Dual Zone): The XAV-601BT features a rear-panel composite video/stereo RCA audio output that allows you to connect an external display to the unit. You can simultaneously enjoy different sources in the front and rear of your vehicle. You can select from any source for the head unit's touchscreen monitor. You can only select Disc for the connected external monitor. When Dual Zone is activated, use the head unit's touchscreen to control the front source and use the included IR remote to operate the rear source.

Rear View Camera: The Sony XAV-601BT is equipped with a composite video Rear View Camera input. You can view a Normal or Reversed (mirror) image, as well as display marker lines to assist you while backing up. The head unit features a function that automatically switches to the rear camera image (Rear View Camera In jack) when an optional rear camera (such as the 158XAR800C, sold separately) is installed on your vehicle. When your vehicle's shift lever is in the reverse position, the screen automatically switches to the rear view camera. The purple/white wire (attached to the unit's preamp output harness), must be connected to the vehicle's reverse lamp circuit for automatic video switching). Automatic video switching takes approximately 1.2 seconds.

Note: Audio from your music source will continue playing, while the back-up camera is displayed.

Remote Control

IR Remote Control: The Sony multimedia head unit comes supplied with an IR wireless remote control (RM-X271) for easy operation. The included wireless remote allows you to control the basic functions (not Bluetooth) of the Sony head unit while keeping your eyes on the road.

Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with an optional steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately). Please consult Crutchfield's Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.