Overview: The Kenwood
KDC-BT945U AM/FM CD receiver features a detachable
fold-down face, rear-panel auxiliary and USB input, three pairs of 4.0-volt preamp outputs,
built-in iPod operation, Satellite and HD Radio controls (with optional tuner), CD-changer controls
(with optional CD-changer), as well as AAC/MP3/WMA playback. The unit also features built-in Bluetooth communication for hands-free operation of your mobile cell-phone. In addition, the CD player comes with an IR wireless remote control. The unit's amplifier is rated at 22 watts x 4 channel RMS and 50 watts
x 4 channel peak.
Display Features
Audio Section
Radio Functions
Disc Playback
Aux/USB/iPod Connection
Bluetooth/Remote Control
Optional Software
Display Features
Detachable Fold-Down Face: The unit features a
fold-down, detachable face to deter theft. There is a red indicator light that
will flash on the unit after the face has been removed to warn potential
thieves. You can turn this flashing LED on or off. The CD player comes supplied with a soft black fabric, draw
string face case to protect the detachable face when you have it off the
chassis. You must manually fold the face down before inserting or ejecting a
disc.
Note: A face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face
non-detachable, if desired.
LCD Display: The KDC-BT945U
features a full-dot, multi-line LCD display with spectrum analyzer and adjustable
contrast (0-12). The KDC-BT945U offers the following display modes.
- 5-Line: Display 4 to 5 lines of text.
- 3-Line: Displays 2 to 3 lines of text.
- iPod-Like: Displays iPod source information only.
- Spectrum Analyzer: Display a line of text and the spectrum
analyzer.
- Clock Display: Displays only the 12-hour clock.
Illumination Effect: This function sets whether the
headunit's key illumination color is changed in conjunction with the key-button
operation.
Multi-Language Support: The
Kenwood KDC-BT945U offers English, French, and Spanish menu text.
Text/Title Scroll: The KDC-BT945U will display CD
text, Audio file text and Satellite and HD radio text. You can turn the
scrolling feature "on" to scroll longer titles across the screen.
Favorite Memory Control: The headunit's Favorite Control
feature allows you to save six "Favorites" for easy access. You can select a
"Favorite" playlist from your connected iPod, your favorite radio station from
the unit's built-in AM/FM tuner or connected Satellite Radio or HD tuner (both
sold separately), a favorite telephone number from your mobile-phone using the
optional Bluetooth hands-free kit (sold separately), or an audio setting. This
allows you to have instant access of your favorite Radio station, telephone
number, iPod playlist, or audio setting from one list on the headunit's display.
Display Illumination/Clock
Display: When the unit is in Standby mode, the face/button illumination
is "keyed." In addition, while the unit is in Standby mode, you can turn the
clock display on or off. When the Clock Display is turned on and the unit is in
Standby mode, the Clock Display is also "keyed." Pressing and holding the source
button turns the unit off completely.
Dimmer: The dimmer function will dim this unit's display
automatically when the vehicle light switch is turned On when you connect
orange/white Illumination wire of this player. You can also choose to dim the
display manually.
Display Off: This function turns off the display when have
not performed an operation for 5 seconds. This is effective for when you are
driving at night.
Demo Mode: This unit features a Demo mode which can be
turned "on" or "off".
Audio Section
24 Bit D/A Converter: The
Kenwood KDC-BT945U utilizes a 24-bit digital to analog converter for superior CD
sound quality.
MOSFET Amplifier: The Kenwood KDC-BT945U is equipped
with a MOSFET amplifier. Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET
amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, and it delivers increased
power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. More
power means louder and cleaner music at higher volumes because you're not
pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. The power output specs for the
KDC-BT945U are as follows:
- Full Bandwidth Power: 22 watts RMS x 4 channels (at 4
ohms, 20-20kHz, 1% THD)
- Maximum Output Power: 50 watts x 4 channels
3-Sets of 4.0V Preamp Outputs: The KDC-BT945U features front, rear,
and subwoofer 4.0V preamp outputs. The front and rear speaker preamp outputs are
balance and fade adjustable. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading. The
subwoofer preamp output features an independent level control (-15 to +15).
Amp Off: You can turn the KDC-BT945U's built-in amplifier off to improve
the quality of the sound from the headunit's preamp outputs.
Rotary Volume Control: The CD receiver uses a 6-way rotary
volume control that increases and decreases the volume of the stereo from 0 to
35. The rotary knob also controls other audio settings such as Bass, Treble and
preset EQ settings. In addition, the rotary knob allows you to scroll through
and select your music tracks when the Music Search function is activated.
DSP: In order to optimize the sound quality, you can use the
headunit's integrated DSP to set the type of vehicle and speaker sizes,
locations, distances and x-over points. The DSP settings include the following:
- Car Type: You can
compensate the delay of the sound arrival time by selecting your environment
from the following car types. Choose from Compact, Full Size Car,
Station Wagon, Mini Van, SUV, Mini Van (Long), or Off
- Speaker Setting: The speaker X'over is automatically
set when the position and size of each speaker are select from the following
items.
- Front: Location (Door, On Dash, or Under Dash);
Size: (Small, Medium, Large); Tweeter (None or Use)
- Rear: Location (Door, Rear Deck, 2nd Row or 3rd Row;
Size (None, Small, Medium, or Large)
- Subwoofer: Size (None, Small, Large)
- Digital Time Alignment (DTA): Choose from 0.00 to 14.44
feet for the Front pair of speakers, Rear pair of speakers, and Subwoofer
distances in reference to the distance between your listening positioning
and the locations of the particular speakers.
- X'Over: The Kenwood eXcelon headunit provides
independent high-pass crossovers for the unit's front and rear
speaker/preamp outputs, as well as a subwoofer low-pass crossover.
- Front High Pass Filter: Frequency (40, 60, 70,
80,100, 120, 150, 180, or 220 Hz); Slope (-12, -18, or -24 dB per
octave); or you can also select full-range
- Rear High Pass Filter: Frequency (40, 60, 70, 80,
100, 120, 150, 180, or 220 Hz); Slope (-12, -18, or -24 dB per octave);
you can also select full-range
- Subwoofer Low Pass Filter: Frequency (40, 60, 70,
80, 100, 120, 150, 180, or 220 Hz); Slope (-12, -18, or -24 dB per
octave); Phase (Normal/Reverse); or you can also select full-range
Equalizer Control: Equalizer Control allows you to choose
from 8 presets, or set your own custom settings using the 3-band
Equalizer. The EQ adjustments are as follows:
- Preset EQ: You can select from Natural, Rock, Pops,
Easy, Top 40, Jazz, Game, iPod (you can select from 22 EQ curve types), or
User.
- 3-Band EQ: The User mode allows you to adjust the
following 3-Band EQ
- Bass: Frequency (60/100/160/250/400
Hz);
Q-Factor (0.25/0.5/1.0/2.0); Level (-9 to
+9 dB)
- Mid: Frequency (0.63/1.0/1.6/2.5
kHz); Q-Factor (0.25/0.5/1.0/2.0);
Level (- 9 to +9 dB)
- Treble: Frequency
(4/6.3/10/16 kHz); Level (-9 to
+9 dB)
Position Control: For a better sound-stage you can
select your optimal listening position. You can choose from All, Front Left,
Front Right or Front.
Audio Preset: You can register six audio settings into the
unit's preset memory to be recalled at any time. The Audio Preset memory can
save Car Type Selection, Speaker Setting, Fine Adjustment, X'Over Setting,
Equalizer, and/or Listening Position.
Bass Boost: The Kenwood
KDC-BT945U features a two level Bass Boost to increase bass levels.
Highway Sound: This
features compensates the low volume or bass sound being lost by road noises to
make vocals sound clearer. You can set the Highway Sound function to 1, 2, 3, or
off.
Volume Offset: The level of
each source may be independently adjusted to prevent radical leaps in output
volume when switching from one source to another. The available settings range
from -8 to 0.
Source Tone Memory:
This feature allows you to store System Q bass, middle and treble tone settings
for each source (CD, Tuner, Aux, USB, and connected External Device).
Dual Zone: The Dual Zone mode
allows you to output the Main source and the Auxiliary input separately for the
front and rear channels. You can select whether the auxiliary input will play in
the front or the rear.
Tel Mute: The KDC-BT945U
features a cell-phone mute wire (brown) in its harness that when hooked up to
your car's phone system mute wire will automatically mute the receiver's audio
signal when a call comes in.
Radio Functions
AM/FM Tuner: The Kenwood KDC-BT945U features a
built-in AM/FM tuner. You can choose one of three tuning modes: Auto 1 (seek
tuning), Auto 2 (cycles through and tunes the selected band's preset stations
only with each button press), or Manual.
Tuner Presets: The KDC-BT945U's tuner features 3 FM
banks (1, 2, 3) and 1 AM bank for storing presets. You can store 6 presets for
each AM/FM bank giving you a total of 18 FM presets and 6 AM presets.
Auto Memory Tuning: Not only does the CD receiver's tuner
allow you manually enter your desired presets you can choose to have the unit
automatically put stations with good reception in the memory banks
automatically; this is a handy feature when traveling.
Direct Access Tuning: You can directly access an AM/FM
station by entering in the frequency number using the include wireless remote
control.
Mono Mode: This feature reduces the noise (static) when a
stereo broadcast is received as monaural (for FM band only).
Satellite Radio Ready: There are several options for
connecting an optional XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio receiver to this receiver:
Note: A subscription is also required to receive
satellite radio programming from SIRIUS or XM.
HD Radio Ready (with iTunes Tagging): With an optional
Kenwood HD Radio tuner (113HR300, sold separately), you will be able to receive digital AM/FM
broadcasts from local stations where available. This new technology will
significantly improve audio quality and reception, as well as include
information such as artist name and song titles or traffic news, viewable on the
receiver's display. The Kenwood KTC-HR300 HD Radio tuner(113HR300) is also
capable of iTunes tagging. iTunes tagging gives you the ability to tag a song
(up to 50) and stores it to a connected iPod. The next time your iPod is
connected to iTunes, the tagged songs are displayed with the option to purchase
them from the iTunes Store.
Note: Right now there are about 2,000 radio stations
broadcasting using digital HD Radio technology in the U.S. To find HD Radio
stations in your area, visit the HD Radio website (HDRadio.com).
Satellite + HD Radio Note: You will need the Kenwood KCA-S220A
Dual-Source Switching Unit (113KCAS220,
sold separately) to connect both a Satellite Radio Tuner and HD Radio Tuner to
this headunit.
Disc Playback
AAC/MP3/WMA Playback: The KDC-BT945U can play AAC (8-320
kbps), MP3 (8-320 kbps) and WMA
(32-192 kbps) files recorded on CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW discs in ISO9660 Level
1/Level 2, Joliet, Romeo, and Long file name formats. Each disc should have a
maximum of 8 directory levels, 50 folders, and 255 files per folder with a
maximum of 512 files and folders. During AAC/MP3/WMA playback, the unit displays
any recorded ID3 Tag (Ver.1) information. The headunit will display up to 60
characters.
Supreme+ Setting: When MP3, WMA or AAC files encoded at a low bit rate (less than 96 kbps, 44.1k, 48kHz) are
played, the Supreme+ Setting function restores their high frequencies so the
sound quality is closer to files encoded at a high bit rate. The processing is
optimized for the compression format and the bit rate used. When the Supreme+
Setting is Off, the unit plays the original sound stored in the audio file.
Playback Modes: The Kenwood KDC-BT945U features Scan
(track/file), Random (folder/disc), and Repeat (track/file/folder) playback
modes for your CD and music files.
Music Search: The Kenwood AM/FM CD receiver features a Music
Search feature which allows you to scroll through and select your AAC/MP3/WMA music
folders and files, as well as scroll through your audio CD's music tracks using
the headunit's rotary knob.
High Speed Search: This function allows you to continuously scroll up
or down your track list at high speed.
Direct Music Search: You can search music tracks and files
directly by entering the track/file number using the include wireless remote
control.
Last Position Memory: If the unit is shut off or
switched to the tuner mode while a CD is playing, the next time CD is selected
as the source, playback will resume from the point where it left off.
CD Force: When there is a
problem with playing a CD with a special format, this setting plays the CD by
force. Some CDs still may not play in the CD Force mode.
Off Eject: The
KDC-BT945U allows you to eject your disc for 10
minutes after switching off the vehicles engine.
Aux/USB/iPod Connection
USB Port: The Kenwood KDC-BT945U features a rear-panel 2.0
USB type-A port on a 39" pigtail. The USB port enables
connection and control of a portable USB mass-storage class device with AAC
(8-320 kbps), MP3
(8-320 kbps), and WMA (32-192 kbps) music files. The USB port is compatible with
all USB mass storage class devices that support the FAT16 or FAT32 file system.
Your USB device should only have a maximum of 8 directory levels, 255 folders,
and 255 files per folder with a maximum of 65,025 files and folders. The
KDC-BT945U provides Scan (file), Random (folder) and Repeat (file/folder) playback
modes, as well as Folder, Track, High Speed, and Direct Music (via remote
control) search modes. When your
USB device is connected to this unit, it can be charged up provided that the
KDC-BT945U is powered on.
Note: You cannot connect a USB device via a USB hub or
Multi-Card Reader to this unit.
iPod Direct: The KDC-BT945U's rear-panel USB port also acts
as an iPod/iPhone high-speed direct connection when used with the optional
Kenwood USB Direct Connection Cable
(113iP101, sold separately) or the USB/iPod cable that comes with your iPod/iPhone.
Using either cable allows audio playback, music navigation, information display,
and charging of select iPod/iPhone models from the KDC-BT945U.
- USB Connection: The USB connection allows your iPod's
large music libraries to be loaded instantly to the headunit and sound
quality to be maximized through the headunit's 24-bit D/A converter,
allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to 105dB.
- Audio Playback: The Kenwood headunit supports audio
playback of music files and podcasts stored on your iPod or iPhone.
- Music Navigation: When your iPod/iPhone is connected to
the KDC-BT945U, you can choose to operate your iPod/iPhone via the Kenwood
headunit's controls or your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or touchscreen. If you
select to control your iPod/iPhone from the KDC-BT945U, the Kenwood headunit
will allow you to navigate your iPod's music by Playlist, Artists, Album,
Genre, Composer, Song, or Podcast (your iPod's click-wheel/touch-screen will
be locked in this mode). You can search these categories alphabetically or
using a percentage search (0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%). You can also browse for music
of the same artist or genre as the one being currently played (Related
Search). In addition, you can create your own custom iPod playlist (up to 10
songs) from the headunit.
- Information Display: The KDC-BT945U will also display
your iPod/iPhone's music file information when you are controlling your iPod
or iPhone from the Kenwood headunit. If you choose to operate your connected
iPod/iPhone via its clickwheel or touchscreen controls, the KDC-BT945U will
not display your iPod's music information (the headunit will instead display
iPod MODE).
- Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is
set to ACC or ON, the headunit's USB connection will power and charge your
iPod/iPhone.
Note: If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge,
then the unit will not recognize it.
iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Kenwood KDC-BT945U is
"Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model
features (as of Feb. 2010):
|
iPod/iPhone Model |
Generation |
Media Type |
Control
Type |
Display
Type |
Charge |
| Audio |
Video |
Headunit |
iPod/iPhone |
Song/Artist
Info |
Track Info |
|
dock-connector |
3rd |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
clickwheel
color |
4th |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| mini |
1st |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| 2nd |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
| video
|
5th |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 120GB |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 160GB |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
nano |
1st |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 3rd |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 4th |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 5th |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 6th |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
touch |
1st |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4 |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change
functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may
need to reset the headunit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality.
If this doesn't work, you may need to revert to the older software
version or wait until an newer software update is available. Not
compatible with iOS 4.0 for iPhone (3G/3GS) or iPod touch (2nd/3rd gen).
AUX Input: The
KDC-BT945U is equipped with a rear-panel 3.5mm minijack auxiliary input for
connecting external portable audio devices such as an MP3 player. The
KDC-BT945U allows you to select the source type displayed when using the
auxiliary input. You can choose from AUX, DVD, Portable, Game, Video or TV.
Rear Auxiliary Input "Ready": The unit already
features a rear panel auxiliary input, but if you need a second auxiliary
input, one can be added to the rear of the unit. When used with an optional
adapter, this unit can accept a rear input from an auxiliary source. When the
CA-C1AUX adapter (113CAC1AX,
sold separately) is used, you cannot connect a CD changer to the head unit
because the adapter plugs into the DIN changer control connection on the head
unit. When the KCA-S220A 2-changer switch (113KCAS220,
sold separately) is used, you can connect a CD changer and an auxiliary audio
source at the same time. When an auxiliary audio source is connected, you can
choose from one of six names for the source: AUX, DVD, Portable, Game, Video or
TV.
Bluetooth/Remote Control
Built-In Bluetooth: The Kenwood KDC-BT945U CD-Receiver
features built-in 2.4GHz Bluetooth technology (version 2.1+EDR) and is
compatible with Bluetooth hands-free calling, as well as Bluetooth wireless
music streaming. The KDC-BT945U supports the following Bluetooth profiles: HFP
(Hands Free Profile), HSP (Headset Profile), OPP (Object Push Profile), PBAP
(Phonebook Access Profile), SPP (Serial Port Profile), SYNC (Synchronization
Profile), A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile), and AVRCP (Audio/Video
Remote Control Profile). Your Bluetooth enabled device must be paired with the
KDC-BT945U before hands-free operation or music steaming. You can register up to
five Bluetooth enabled devices with the Kenwood headunit (only one
paired phone can be used at a time).
- Bluetooth Hands-free Communication: The headunit
supports Bluetooth's Hands-Free Profile communication. The controls of
the KDC-BT945U can be used to dial a number, answer an in-coming call or end a
call. The KDC-BT945U can even be setup to automatically answer a call. The
unit also includes an external microphone (with visor/pillar mounting
bracket) featuring adjustable gain, so you can carry on your side of the
conversation while listening to the caller through your car's front
speakers. During a conversation, you can switch between the Private Mode
(talking directly on your cell phone) and the Hands Free Mode. You can also
wirelessly download the short message (SMS) arrived at your cell-phone so
that is can be read on the headunit's display. Stored phone numbers can be
categorized by General, Home, Office, Mobile, or Other. Using the KDC-BT945U,
you can dial a phone number in one of the following ways:
- Entering a Phone Number: Allows you to directly
dial a phone number up to 25 digits.
- Speed (Preset) Dialing: Allows you to register up
to 6 phone numbers for quick dialing.
- Phone Book: You can dial by using the downloaded
phone book. You can download phone book data from your cell phone to the
KDC-BT945U. Up to 1000 numbers can be stored for each registered cell
phone. Each number can be up to 32 digits long and each name can be up
to 50 characters long. You can search for a number by the initials, or
you can search the phone book in alphabetical order.
- Call Log: The Call Log is a list of calls that have
originated from and were received by this unit that you can dial. You
can select Outgoing, Incoming, or Missed calls.
- Outgoing Call List: Allows you to dial by using
the outgoing call list. Up to 10 phone numbers are stored in the
outgoing call list.
- Incoming Call List: Allows you to dial by using
the incoming call list. Up to 10 phone numbers are stored in the
incoming call list.
- Missed Call List: Allows you to dial by using
the missed call list. Up to 10 phone numbers are stored in the
missed call list.
- Call Waiting: You can answer another incoming call with the
current call suspended.
- Bluetooth Audio Players: The headunit also supports
Bluetooth's wireless Audio Streaming Profile and Bluetooth's Audio
Control Profile. These features allow you to wirelessly transmit music from
your Bluetooth compatible cell-phone or portable audio player to the
KDC-BT945U so you can listen to and control your stored music files through
your vehicle's audio system.
Note: Not all Bluetooth mobile phones will be
compatible. Visit Kenwood's web site for a complete list of compatible
Bluetooth enabled phones.
Wireless Remote Control: The KDC-BT945U comes with the
RC-405 IR wireless remote control with a full numeric keypad (0-9). The remote
will control Audio, CD, Tuner, USB, Bluetooth, and external device functions.
The remote control allows direct access of your music tracks and discs loaded in
a connected CD-changer (sold separately), as well as direct access to AM/FM
radio stations. It is powered by a single CR2025 3V lithium-cell battery
(supplied).
Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The unit also 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
the optional PAC SWI-JACK Steering Wheel Control Interface Adapter (127SWIJACK,
sold separately); or the optional Metra ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface
Adapter (120ASWC,
sold separately).
Note: Please consult the
Crutchfield Car Selector to see if your vehicle is compatible.
Optional Software
Music Editor Compatible: The Kenwood KDC-BT945U supports the
PC application, Kenwood Music Editor Lite (ver.l.0 or later). Kenwood Music
Editor Lite is a desktop software that helps organize, manage and transfer AAC,
MP3, and WMA music files to your USB devices from your PC. When you playback
audio files that have been stored on your USB device using Kenwood Music Editor
Lite (ver.l.0) through this unit, you can search a file by title, album, or
artist name using the headunit's Music Search function.
Note: Kenwood Music Editor software can be downloaded
for free from Kenwood.com to your PC. Kenwood Music Editor is compatible
with Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
SP2 or later. Kenwood Music Editor (Ver.1.5.0 and later) are compatible with
Windows Vista.
