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Kenwood DDX514

DVD receiver

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Item# 113DDX514 offer details

Item# 113DDX514

Review Sumary

 
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Our take on the Kenwood DDX514

DVD receivers: They're not just for movies

DVD receivers add a new level of entertainment to your vehicle. You can watch a movie on the screen when you're parked on a Saturday night, or play a DVD through your rear seat video setup on the road. Touchscreen receivers allow you to breeze through menus with the tip of your finger. Most DVD receivers feature a USB input for audio from your iPod, and the ability to add an adapter that allows video to display on the screen. Some receivers even offer connections for a center speaker and a subwoofer, so you can build a full-fledged theater in your car, just like at home.

Kenwood built the DDX514 DVD receiver as an audio/video command post for your double-sized dash opening dash opening. Just touch the 6.1" screen to change sources, select DVD menu items, or choose the music you want to hear.

Movies and more
Watch your favorite DVDs on the built-in screen whenever you're parked, or add an external screen and wireless headphones to the audio/video output so your passengers in the back can watch movies while you drive.

Disc and USB playback
The DDX514 plays all your CDs and DVDs, even recordable CDs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC files. Or you can plug a thumb drive full of music into the receiver's USB input for hours of listening enjoyment. The DDX514 displays tag information contained in your files, in large characters you can read with a quick glance at the large screen.

Ready and waiting for your iPod®
Add Kenwood's iPod adapter to control and play the music from your iPod in your car. An updated menu lets you navigate your playlists and albums with ease, and you'll see your album cover art on the big screen. When you're parked, you can even view videos stored on your iPod.

More entertainment options
Add a satellite radio tuner for access to a world of commercial-free music, or add an HD Radio™ tuner for the enhanced digital sound quality many AM and FM stations are now broadcasting. Kenwood's Bluetooth® adapter allows you to make safer hands-free calls in your vehicle, or stream music from a Bluetooth portable or phone.

Navigation-ready
Install Kenwood's KNA-G510 navigation module, and you'll control navigation functions right on the touchscreen. Voice prompts guide you to your destination, and the Garmin-powered navigation system features 2D and 3D views for impressive detail.

Get more info on this product

Highlights:

  • General features:
  • DVD/CD receiver with internal amp (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
  • 6.1" touchscreen
  • fits double-sized dash openings
  • Audio/video features:
  • plays DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3/WMA/AAC files on disc
  • high- and low-pass filters
  • 3-band parametric equalizer
  • Expandability:
  • works with Kenwood iPod adapter, Bluetooth adapter, HD Radio tuner, and navigation module
  • inputs: rear USB input, A/V input, rear camera input
  • outputs: A/V output, 4-channel preamp output (front, rear/subwoofer)
  • Other information:
  • compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
  • warranty: 1 year
 
Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
General
Chassis Size Code
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DD
CEA-2006 Compliant
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No
RMS Power Output
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22 watts
Peak Power Output
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50 watts
RMS Power Bandwidth
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20-20kHz
Preamp Outputs
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4-channel
Preamp Voltage
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2 volts
Subwoofer Preamp Outputs
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No
Monitor Size (diagonal)
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6 1/8
Key Button Color
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Variable
EQ Bands
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3
Wireless Remote
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Optional
Steering Wheel Control Compatible
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Yes
Parts Warranty
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1 Year
Labor Warranty
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1 Year
Expandability
Auxiliary Inputs
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Front
USB Input
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Rear
Memory Card Slot
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USB memory
Bluetooth Compatible
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Optional
Satellite Radio Ready
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Both
HD Radio
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Optional
Navigation
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No
Changer Control
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No
Tuner
FM Sensitivity
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9.3 dBf
European Tuning
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No
Radio Data System (RDS)
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Yes

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Double-DIN DVD receiver with built-in 6.1" monitor
  • Sleeve
  • Trim ring
  • Wiring harness
  • 2 Radio removal tools
  • 6 Pan-head ISO-mount screws
  • 6 Flat-head ISO-mount screws
  • Instruction manual (English)
  • Instruction manual (Spanish)
  • Instruction manual (French)
  • Installation manual (Eng/Spa/Fre)
  • Warranty card
  • "Regarding the Wiring Harness" note
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.

Display Features
Audio Section
DVD/CD Playback
AM/FM Tuner
External Device Connection
Remote Control

General Features

2-DIN Chassis: The DDX514 has a 2-DIN chassis (also known as Double DIN or size DD), and will fit in many vehicles with a large dash opening. Unlike many in-dash monitors, there is no hideaway box; all the inputs and outputs are included within the unit's chassis. The unit can be ISO-mounted using factory brackets, or Euro-mounted using the supplied mounting sleeve. As always, please check the Crutchfield Vehicle Selector to verify fit with your vehicle.

Motorized Touchscreen Display: The Kenwood DDX514 features a motorized 6.1" wide, 16:9 touchscreen display with a TFT active matrix system. The screen has a resolution of 480 x 234 with 336,960 total pixels (480H x 234V x RGB). This unit has touch screen controls with interactive video graphics, making menu navigation easy. The unit has a front-loading disc-slot to make loading your disc easier because there is not panel to slide or fold-down. The screen is non-glare and smudge-resistant.

Selectable Screen Viewing Modes: You can choose from the following screen modes for DVD, Video, iPod, USB and Rear-camera playback:

  • Normal: displays 16:9 widescreen format pictures that fill the entire screen width, and 4:3 (conventional TV) pictures display with black bars on either side
  • Full: expands 4:3 pictures horizontally to fill the entire width of the screen, distorting the picture slightly but retaining full image height
  • Justify: expands 4:3 pictures horizontally only at the edges
  • Zoom: expands 4:3 pictures both horizontally and vertically, filling the screen without distorting the picture but cutting off the top and bottom edges

Display Adjustment: You can adjust the unit's display brightness, contrast, color, tint, and black level to suit your viewing needs.

Front Panel Controls With Changeable Illumination: In addition to the touchscreen controls, the unit includes frequently used buttons and a rotary-dial along the left edge of the screen. You can adjust the head unit's button illumination from the following preset colors - Blue, Purple, Sky Blue, Aqua Blue, Yellow, Green, Amber, Red, Pink, White or Scan (Scans through all preset colors). You can also select three custom user colors that are adjusted between Red, Green, and Blue values from 0-31 each. In addition, you can download still images for use as the unit's background from a connected USB thumbdrive.

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.

Security Code: You may program the unit with a 4 digit security code. Once the unit has been programmed with a security code, the code must be entered to use the unit after it has been disconnected from power.

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's harness.

Audio Section

24-Bit D-A Converter: For superb quality audio playback from DVDs, CDs, and USB media, the DDX514 is equipped with a 24-bit digital-to-analog converter.

System Q EX Sound Control: Seven EQ curves are preset into memory, allowing you to recall the best preset EQ curve for different types of music. The preset curves are named Natural, Rock, Pops, Easy, Top 40, and Jazz. In addition, you may store your own settings under the User Memory EQ curve. Each preset has its own adjustment for the bass center frequency (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, or 150Hz), bass level (-8 to +8), bass Q factor (1.00, 1.25, 1.50 or 2.00), bass extension (On or Off), middle center frequency (500Hz, 1.0kHz, 1.5 or 2.0kHz), middle level (-8 to +8), middle Q factor (1.0 or 2.0), treble center frequency (10.0, 12.5, 15.0 or 17.5kHz), and treble level (-8 to +8). The System Q EX can be turned off in the menu, still allowing you to adjust the bass, middle and treble levels only.

Speaker Type Setting: This feature tailors the System Q EX Sound Control settings according to the type of front speakers in your vehicle. You may select Standard (for speakers with a general diameter), Narrow (for speakers with a small diameter), Middle (for speakers with a medium diameter), or Wide (for speakers with a large diameter).

Selectable Preamp Output: The DDX514 features front and rear 2-volt preamp outputs. The rear preamp output allows you to adjust from a full-range rear speaker preamp output to a low-pass non-fading subwoofer preamp output.

System E's+ Advanced Crossover System: The System E's+ Advanced Crossover system allows you to tailor your system with selectable crossover points for all channels. For the front and rear channels (using either speaker level or preamp output), there is a high-pass filter with independently selectable crossover points of 40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz or Through (no filter). If you select the non-fading preamp output setting for the rear channel to use with subwoofer amplifiers, the unit features a low-pass filter with adjustable subwoofer output level control.

Dolby Digital: The DDX514 supports playback of Dolby Digital and DTS 2.0 DVD discs and will convert multi-channel Dolby Digital sources to 2-channel.

Note: There is a female Toslink digital output terminal located on the rear panel that is non-operation and labeled in the manual as Do not connect.

Dynamic Range: The dynamic range can be adjusted by selecting either Normal, Wide or Dialog. Dialog makes the total sound volume become larger as compared with Wide and Normal, allowing you to listen to the movie's dialogue more clearly. This is effective only on Dolby Digital software.

Loudness: The Loudness feature compensates for low and high tones during low volume. You can turn this feature either on or off. Only the low tone is compensated for when the tuner is selected as a source.

Volume Offset Control: 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 -15 to 0.

Setup Memory: Audio Setup and AV Interface settings can be memorized and recalled at any time. When the settings are cleared when the unit is disconnected from the battery, they can be restored.

Source Tone Memory: This feature allows you to store System Q-EX and bass, middle and treble tone settings for each source (DVD, CD, USB, Aux, FM, AM).

Dual Zone Capability: The unit's dual zone control allows you to independently set the source for the front and rear channels. You can set the front channels to Tuner, Sirius, XM, DVD, Video, USB, iPod, Bluetooth, Navigation or Standby. You can set the rear channels to DVD, Video, iPod, USB, or Off. You can adjust the volume of the 2nd Zone independently from 0 to 35.

Note: You can only watch a DVD movie in the 2nd Zone, when the main zone is also set to DVD. You can, however, listen to audio from a DVD in the 2nd zone when another source is selected for the main zone.

DVD/CD Playback

Compatible Discs: The Kenwood DDX514 supports playback of DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD-/+R DL, CD-Audio, CD-R/RW, CD-ROM, DTS-CD, and VCD discs.

AAC/MP3/WMA Playback: This unit can play AAC (16-320 kbps), MP3 (16-320 kbps) and WMA (48-192 kbps) files recorded on CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW and DVD+/-R/W discs in ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet, Romeo and Long file name formats. Each disc should have a maximum of 8 directory levels, 254 folders per disc, and 255 files per folder (512 maximum number of files and folders). During MP3/WMA playback, the unit displays any recorded ID3 Tag information.

JPEG/MPEG Playback: In addition to MP3/WMA/AAC discs, this unit can play discs with JPEG (8192 x 7680) still image files or MPEG video files. The unit supports MPEG1 (352 x 240, 362 x 288) and MPEG2 (720 x 480, 720 x 576) NTSC video formats.

CD Read Setting: If there is a problem with the CD player reading a disc with a special format, you can switch to a second CD Read setting which forces the player to read the disc. CD Read setting 1 is for normal CDs and MP3/WMA discs, while CD Read setting 2 cannot read MP3/WMA/AAC discs or VCD.

DVD Display Setup: You can setup the monitor to display a 16:9, 4:3 Letter-Box, or 4:3 Pan&Scan aspect ratio when viewing a DVD disc.

Control Screens: During DVD playback, you can control certain operations simply by touching an area of the screen. You can touch the left one-third of the screen to start the current chapter over, or the right one-third of the screen to skip to the next chapter. Pressing the top center of the screen activates the DVD Disc Menu control buttons, while pressing the bottom center briefly displays the information screen. For VCD playback, the top center is the Zoom control area.

Direct Search: By entering its number with the optional remote (KNA-RCDV330, sold separately) you can directly access title, chapter, time, track, channel, or frequency.

Video Display Adjustments: During playback of a video or still image you can reverse the picture horizontally and rotate the picture clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Zoom: The DDX514 features a 2 level zoom (2x or off) when playing back video and still images.

Parental Control: Parental Control allows you to restrict DVD playback according to a predetermined level. You can select a parental control rating from 0-8, which is protected by a 4-digit password.

AM/FM Tuner

CR-2 Tuner: The DDX514 uses Kenwood's CR-2 tuner provides high signal strength for clear radio reception. The tuner features the Clean Reception System Circuit (CRSC) for improved rejection of distortion due to multi-path. 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.

Radio Data System (RDS): The unit's tuner features RDS (Radio Data System). RDS is a service used by some radio stations to transmit data outside of normal radio broadcast signals. When an RDS station is received, you can immediately find out what kind of data is being transmitted by looking at the program service name which appears in the display after the frequency. RDS features an emergency transmission function which interrupts regular programming to broadcast an emergency announcement (such as a tornado or severe storm). There is also a switchable Traffic Information function, which will automatically tune a traffic bulletin when it is broadcast, even when you're not listening to the radio.

Station Name Preset (SNPS): This feature allows you to assign names to radio stations. Up to 30 AM and FM stations can be named. Each name can be up to 16 characters in length. The Preset Select menu will display the six presets in each band either by name or frequency.

External Device Connection

Front Panel A/V Input: The unit features a front-panel 3.5mm audio/video input on the front panel of the head unit for connecting an external A/V source. The AV Input can be labeled AUX, TV, Video, DVD, VCD, VCR or Game.

Video/Camera Input: The DDX514 is equipped with a built-in video/camera input with a composite video jack on the rear-chassis of the unit. This composite video terminal can be used to connect an external video source without audio. This input can also be used as a rear camera input for connecting an optional rear view camera, such as the Kenwood CCD-2000 (113CCD2000, sold separately). The video from this connection can be set to display when switched to this input, or display the rear view camera video automatically when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse gear. You can also display the video of the rear view camera in a mirror image, if desired. The purple/white wire in the wiring harness must be connected to the vehicle's reverse lamp circuit for automatic video switching.

A/V Output: The unit features a set of stereo RCA jacks and a composite video jack to output A/V signals to an optional monitor. You can choose AV-In, DVD, iPod, USB or Off as the source for the A/V output.

USB Port: The Kenwood DDX514 features a rear panel 2.0 USB type-A port that is attached to the chassis with a 36" cord to allow for various placement options during installation. The USB port enables playback of MP3 (16-230 kbps), WMA (48-192 kbps), and AAC (16-320 kbps) files; as well as JPEG (8192 x 7680 pixels) and Video (MPEG1/MPEG2) files from connected portable USB mass-storage players, USB thumb drives and portable digital audio players. The USB port is compatible with all USB mass storage class devices that support the FAT16 or FAT32 file system. The head unit can recognize up to 126 folders (255 files per folders) and 15,000 total files. The unit will display any recorded ID3 Tag information stored on your connected USB device. You USB device's rechargeable battery will be recharged while it is connected to the USB port of the DDX514 and the unit is turned on.

iPod High Speed Connection: The USB port and the rear panel 3.5mm A/V AUX inputs are compatible with select iPod devices when used with the optional KCA-iP301V adapter (113IP301V, sold separately). The USB Direct Connection enables high-speed iPod data communications of 12MB/bps via the optional KCA-iP301V (3-Wire) interface. One end of the cable plugs directly into your iPod's dock connector while the other end of the cable uses three connectors that plug into the back of the DDX514. The USB type-A connector portion of the cable plugs into the receiver's USB port and handles the control and charging of your iPod, so you can navigate through your music and video files using the head unit's touchscreen controls and view song and movie info on its display. The two 3.5mm miniplug connectors of the cable plug into the unit's A/V 3.5mm inputs and transfer the music and video from your iPod to your Kenwood DVD/CD player. By using the Auxiliary input the music travels to the receiver as an analog signal, so you can even play the Digital-Rights-Protected files you've stored on your iPod. The controls of the DDX514 are seamless when used with the optional KCA-iP301V and include metadata browsing and playback of DRM contents, as well as the ability to choose any iPod playback mode to suit your listening application. The Kenwood DDX514 and the KCA-iP301V iPod adapter cable is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model features (as of Nov. 2009):

iPod/iPhone Model Generation Media Playback Control Type Information Display Charge
dock-connector 3rd No No No No
click-wheel/color-display 4th No No No No
mini 1st No No No No
2nd
video 5th

Audio only: USB/iPod dock cable
Audio/Video: KCA-iP301V cable

Receiver: Browse by category, Scan play, Repeat, Random

Numeric Track Info
Song/Artist Title
Album Art

Yes
classic 80GB

Audio only: USB/iPod dock cable
Audio/Video: KCA-iP301V cable

 

Receiver: Browse by category, Scan play, Repeat, Random
iPod: clickwheel

 

Numeric Track Info
Artist/Song Title
Album Art

Yes
120GB
160GB
nano 1st Audio only: USB/iPod dock cable Receiver: Browse by category, Scan play, Repeat, Random Numeric Track Info
Artist/Song Title
Album Art
Yes
2nd Receiver: Browse by category, Scan play, Repeat, Random
iPod: clickwheel
3rd Audio only: USB/iPod dock cable
Audio/Video: KCA-iP301V cable
4th
5th
6th Audio only: USB/iPod dock cable Receiver: Browse by category, Scan play, Repeat, Random
iPod: touchscreen
touch 1st Audio only: USB/iPod dock cable
Audio/Video: KCA-iP301V cable
Receiver: Browse by category, Scan play, Repeat, Random
iPod: touchscreen
Numeric Track Info
Artist/Song Title
Album Art
Yes
2nd
3rd
4th
iPhone 2G Audio only: USB/iPod dock cable
Audio/Video: KCA-iP301V cable
Receiver: Browse by category, Scan play, Repeat, Random
iPhone: touchscreen
Numeric Track Info
Artist/Song Title
Album Art
Yes
3G
3GS
4

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).

Satellite Radio Ready: There are several options for connecting an optional XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio tuner to this receiver:

  • XM: This unit supports the Audivox CNP-2000 MiniTuner via the optional Kenwood KCA-XM100V interface box which includes a vehicle dock and antenna (package # 700XMKENV1, sold separately). XM Satellite Radio programming offers 170 digital radio channels including 69 channels of commercial free music, plus news, sports, talk, comedy, and other entertainment programming from coast to coast. XM also offers instant traffic and weather alerts for 21 major US cities, as well as live sports broadcasts from Major League Baseball, NHL, the PGA tour, Indy car racing and several major college conferences.
  • Sirius: To receive SIRIUS Satellite Radio, you can connect the optional SIRIUS Universal Vehicle Tuner (607SCC1) and the optional Kenwood Sirius Satellite Radio Interface (113CASR20V); package item number 700SIRKENV; or you can connect the optional CA-SR20V Kenwood Sirius Satellite Radio Interface and the SiriusConnect vehicle docking kit (607SCVDOC1); package item number 700SIRKENP, along with your compatible SIRIUS Dock & Play receiver. SIRIUS Satellite Radio features more than 120 streams of original programming beamed coast-to-coast, including 65 streams of commercial-free, digital-quality music, and news, talk, sports, entertainment, and children's programming.
  • Auxiliary Input: A portable satellite radio receiver, such as the Delphi SkyFi3 or SIRIUS Sportster, can be connected to the head unit via its auxiliary input.

Note: A subscription is also required to receive satellite radio programming from SIRIUS or XM.

HD Radio Ready: The DDX514 is HD Radio ready. With an optional Kenwood HD Radio tuner (113KTCHR20 or 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.

Navigation Input: You can connect the Kenwood KNAG510 navigation system (113KNAG510, sold separately) to this unit via the maroon colored 13-pin jack on the back of the chassis. The KNA-G510 comes with routing software and mapping information by Garmin, customized for select Kenwood head units. The maps cover the US (including Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada, they are pre-loaded and include more than 5 million points of interest. There is also an SD memory card slot used for future updates. You can select which speakers are used for navigation voice guidance: front left, front right, or both front speakers, as well as adjust the volume independently from 0-35. You can also set the volume for the voice guidance audio. Third party navigation systems with composite video a can also be connected via the AV-IN input.

Bluetooth Ready: The unit is Bluetooth compatible using the optional Kenwood KCA-BT200 Bluetooth adapter (113BT200, sold separately). Using the KCA-BT200 and the adapter's supplied microphone you can make and answer phone calls from the Kenwood head unit as well as listen to audio files stored on a Bluetooth enabled audio player. You can make calls from your cell-phone using the DDX514 by entering a phone number from the head unit's on-screen keypad, registering up to six phone number presets, from your downloaded Phonebook information or from an outgoing/incoming call list. This unit all supports Voice Recognition if your mobile-phone is Voice Recognition compatible. The head unit can support up to 35 voices and also supports Key Word Voice Recognition to select phone number category. In addition, the unit features SMS (Short Message Service) so you can send a small text message from your mobile phone using the DDX514. When your cell-phone is called, the DDX514 is paused and muted automatically (you need to hook-up Brown Mute-Wire of harness). You are able to register up to five compatible Bluetooth cell phones but only one compatible Bluetooth cell phone can be connected when using the KCA-BT200 adapter. Visit Kenwood's web site for a complete list of compatible Bluetooth enabled phones.

Remote Control

Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The DDX514 has a steering remote control lead attached to the harness. When used with the optional SWI-JACK interface (127SWIJACK, sold separately), you can retain the use of your steering wheel and/or rear seat radio controls when replacing the factory head unit in select vehicles. The SWI-JACK is compatible with over 95% of the vehicles made from 1986 to the present. Compatible vehicles include many Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Please consult the Crutchfield Vehicle Selector to see if your vehicle is compatible.

 

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)
Video: Kenwood DDX514 DVD Receiver

Video: Kenwood DDX514 DVD Receiver

Ken Nail
2/10/2009
based on 1 rating
 
A Crutchfield expert demonstrates how the Kenwood DDX514 DVD receiver's touchscreen display makes it easy to take advantage of all of the great features that Kenwood built into this stereo.
 

Product Reviews

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1-10 of 17 items >> Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

Wow!!

Written By Mr. 357, Stuttgart, Germany on Monday, November 22, 2010
 
I ordered this unit about 2 weeks ago and I received it promptly thereafter. I have to say
after the install which was a breeze. I am loving every minute of this product. The
touchscreen is really handy especially driving on the autobahn @ 100 mph in traffic. You
just touch the screen and it's done! Crutchfield you rock!!! Thanks to Zac (my advisor) for
all of his support!
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
3 out of 5

Good unit...but some warnings

Written By ciscokid1970, Big D on Wednesday, November 17, 2010
 
Crutchfield has great service, instruction sheets, they include wire kits and dash kits.
I have had this Kenwood ddx514 for about 6 mos. Install in my 2006 Scion Xb was
painless.

Things I like:
1. Ease of use, can customize fav functions. Easy to adjust.
2. FM tuner and RDS radio information is fantastic
3. DVD picture and sound is excellent.
4. Was easy to connect headrest monitors to it and they look great too.

Things I DO NOT LIKE: (I hope Kenwood sees this review)
1. I pod connectivity requires this special cable, aside from the money, the problem
is the special cable uses a headphone jack transmit the music to the HU which sounds
inferior to DIGITAL AUDIO. Seriously Kenwood if you wanted to make a few extra bucks
they fine make a special connector but at least keep the music digital. Ohh and the
cable is like 6ft long, no fun coiling this snake behind the dash. My single din Sony has
real USB conn on front that sounds better.
2. HD radio requires a EXTRA box to be purchased and placed behind your stereo.
First problem is the HD kit worsens the regular radio reception, I had the unit removed
because I lost 3 of my favorite stations. Come on Kenwood this HU is double din you
should easily be able to build the HD tuner in and avoid signal loss and space
problems.
3. Wimpy Bass. I am not kidding my stock stereo had more bass than this
kenwood...with the same high quality pioneer elite after market speakers.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
4 out of 5

Outstanding head unit

Written By Chris, Indiana on Sunday, January 10, 2010
 
Installed this in a 2007 Expedition.

Passed the WAF (wife acceptance factor) with flying colors. Installed with a
14" Valor video screen in the roof and Kenwood backup camera (sitting on the
hitch). Everything works like it should. Sound quality improved over the stock
stereo and the controls are easy to use. The backup picture display is
excellent and I can fully recommend that combination.

Dual zone works great except you lose many of your controls when you turn it on.
If you listen to radio up front (and kids watch DVD in back), you lose the
radio controls so you must switch out of dual zone to change channels. Not a
showstopper but an annoyance. Pretty much the only con I have (and it's an
annoyance, not a problem) Everything else has been outstanding.

Might even consider it in my altima just for the usb and dvd/mp3 playback
capabilities.
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4 out of 5

Great Sound....Crazy Dual Zone

Written By Grant, Nebraska on Sunday, December 06, 2009
 
I purchased this unit along with Vizualogic headrest screens for my 08 Acadia and installed it on Saturday. This unit looks awesome and the colors match my dash perfectly. It sounds great too. The main reason I purchased this unit was because of the dual zone functionality so my kid could watch movies in the back and I could listen to radio in the front. This works....kind of. In order to actually view the DVD in the rear the front input must be on NAV mode (can still listen to the radio but have limited controls). I'm not sure how I feel about this. I've had Kenwood headunits all my life but I may trade this out for the Alpine W505.
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5 out of 5

Great product, Great Service

Written By RobRoy, Jackson, Tennesse home of Casey Jones on Friday, December 04, 2009
 
Received yesterday noon, installed yesterday afternoon.
Just match the wires, all and all it takes about an hour... but I took my time.
I didn't want have to rewire....

With Crutchfield's guide, install was a piece of cake in my 2002 Nissan Xterra.

The ddx-514 lives up to all the other reviews. Great Sound from my stock
speakers.
Easy to learn, It's great to put your CDs on a jump drive. Then just scroll to
your selection.

I agree with everyone else, the only negative is the size and location of the
clock display...
But no one is perfect...

1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Kenwood DDX514

Written By Jeff, Allentown, PA on Tuesday, September 08, 2009
 
This is my 2nd head unit from Crutchfield. My review is 2 fold, 1 to highlight the great value and customer support you get from Crutchfield when you need to make a return and 2nd to highlight the Kenwood head unit it's self. I bought the cable for direct iPod control and this is in-use in a 2005 Ford Freestyle. I initially bought a Clarion DUZ385SAT and should have listened to the reviews and I also found the display to be very poor in any amount of sunlight, even through a pair of sunglasses the display was horrible. I called and obtained an RMA for the Clarion and the next day after I dropped the box of at UPS, they processed my return and issued the credit. You can be assured if you have any issues, Crutchfield will be there to assist you.

Now to the actual Kenwood review - even if you don't ever plan to use the DVD feature, granted this price is much more than the Clarion, this is the BEST head unit I've ever seen for a double DIN style unit. I upgraded to this unit only for the display, however once I started to use it, I quickly realized that it's more than worth the extra dollars. The touch-screen is awesome, simple to use, and yes you can see it, even with sunlight and sunglasses on. It's very easy to navigate the iPod with the direct control. Sound quality through the factory speakers is so good, you wouldn't know that all we did was upgrade the head unit. I'm considering buying one for my 2005 Ford F-150 we like it so much!
8 out of 8 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Double Din Fits 2003 VW GTi

Written By Funktional, Brooklyn, NY on Friday, September 04, 2009
 
The Kenwood DDX514 had everything I wanted, and in my budget.
unfortunately Crutchfield says it won't fit. They say single din w/ a fascia kit
does....they claim no Double Din fits. I thought thats a big waste of space. After
chatting with a few sales reps they say its not the space thats an issue its that
there's no mounting kit available to hold the radio in place, and the size of the
dash cutout is a bit too big.... me being a charlatan I ordered it...since they
have a great return policy. They sent all the additional bits, antenna adaptor,
wiring harness, removal keys...for free!!

Pulled the Monsoon head unit. Slid the new Kenwood mounting frame in which
fit like it was made for the car. The only thing that needed to be done was the
frame had to be screwed to the VW mounting. 2 screws and a tie wrap and its
solid. Wired the harness slid the radio in, put on the included fascia and it looks
perfect no extra space at all. Easy install.
Crutchfield please reevaluate
Kenwood has years of experience with touch screen technology, in 1996 the
KC-Z1 A/V receiver won a design award....I also have one :-)
The head unit is wonderful, sound imaging is a lot better than the Monsoon.
Plenty of EQ to make it sound right. DVDs, and QT's via iPod look great!!
Very happy with my purchase.

Thanks Dallas x3260 & Sam x3270 for all the help!!

-Andrew
4 out of 7 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Very Nice

Written By burrell, Twin Cities, MN on Thursday, August 20, 2009
 
Got this unit to replace the factory stereo in my wife's 2002 Camry. Installation was a breeze, and I'm quite happy with the unit. Wife is out of town, so I have to wait for her verdict but I'm optimistic. I added the iPod cable, as well as the HD radio and Bluetooth units. Wish HD and BT were internal, but they were pretty easy to hook up. I did have a problem with the 1st bluetooth, but Customer Service sent me a new one with no hassle and it works perfectly.

Wife places a high value on simple operation- and this unit is prefectly suited to that. No special obscure commands, nice large glove-friendly buttons, and the add-ons are seamless.
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5 out of 5

Great Product

Written By josef, Oklahoma City, OK on Monday, July 13, 2009
 
Great product. Easy to install into an RX-8 so that is saying something. Screen clarity is amazing as well as the sound quality. Ease of upgrading to more advanced features such as bluetooth and gps or satelite is very easy and the integration is flawless. I highly recommend this HU to anyone who is looking for a multimedia unit for their car. Also it has A/V out so If you have a larger car with backseats for your kids or passengers, it can accomodate external displays for them and will still play the movie for you passengers. Well done Kenwood, once again a well designed unit.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

You won't regret buying this unit

Written By Mike, Lebanon, IN on Saturday, July 04, 2009
 
I have always bought Kenwood head units for just about every car I have owned, and this one is no different. I purchased this for my 2003 Chevy TrailBlazer. I wanted something that would not only play MP3 files, but MP3 files burned to a DVD. This unit is more than Icould hav asked for. I especially like the fact that I can put audio files on a USB flash drive and play them using this unit. The LCD display has suprisingly good quality for watching DVD movies as well.

There are a few things that I would like to see changed in a firmware update. For onr, the clock is stuck in the upper right hand corner and is very small; almost imposible to read at times. I would like to have the option to put the closk where I want it and make it as big as I want. I would also like to choose whether the Traffic Information button was visable or not. One thing I do wish all manufacturers would change is the fact that they think everyone owns an iPod. I have two Creative music players and wouldn't trade them for the world. It would be nice to control these from the interface, but Kenwood only supports the iPod.

Overall, I am very happy with this unit. There si just so much you can do and set on this unit that it is a little overwhleming at first. Once you use it for a few days, you get more used to where things are located. The options such as HD Radio and a NAV upgarde that can be added to this unit inthe future is really a great idea. You won't regret buying this.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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1-10 of 17 items >>
Learn more about In-dash DVD Receivers

Learn more about In-dash DVD Receivers

What's 'Appening?

What's 'Appening?

Matt Freeman
3/18/2011
based on 75 ratings (10 comments)
 
In just a few short years, iPod control has become a prominent feature of car stereos. Car A/V companies have acted just as quickly to develop stereos that let you take advantage of the iPhone's...
 
Video: How to Install a Car Stereo

Video: How to Install a Car Stereo

Robert Ferency-Viars
12/17/2010
based on 95 ratings (2 comments)
 
Watch this video for a step-by-step overview of a basic car stereo installation. The installation shown in this video is only one example - the actual steps involved vary from car to car.
 
DVD Receivers — they're not just for movies

DVD Receivers — they're not just for movies

Zak Billmeier
12/6/2011
based on 75 ratings (3 comments)
 
DVD receivers are great for playing movies, but they offer much more than that for your car stereo setup. Large touchscreens, loads of built-in features, and easy viewability are just some of the...
 
How to Choose a Mobile Video System

How to Choose a Mobile Video System

Matt Freeman
6/29/2009
based on 41 ratings (1 comment)
 
From sleek, retractable in-dash televisions to high-performance monitors, from in-dash DVD players to easy-add-on portable systems, it's obvious that mobile video is here to stay.
 
Steering Wheel Audio Control Adapters

Steering Wheel Audio Control Adapters

Jo Greene
4/15/2011
based on 35 ratings (5 comments)
 
If you're considering replacing your factory radio with an aftermarket receiver, adding a steering wheel control adapter lets you keep the full functionality and convenience of your steering wheel...
 

Accessories

Accessories we recommend
iPod Adapters
Keep the USB dock adapter that came with your iPod for your home and get one to use with your new stereo.
Kenwood KCA-IP302 iPod® cable
Sends audio and video to select Kenwood multimedia receivers

Also available in:
Open Box: $24.99
$29.99
In Stock
 
 
P.I.E. iPod® Cable for Kenwood
Model KNW/USB-AV2
Sends audio/video from your iPod or iPhone™ to your USB-equipped Kenwood DVD receiver
$27.99
In Stock
 
 
P.I.E. iPod® Cable for Kenwood
Model KNW/USB-AV
Sends audio/video from your iPod to USB-equipped Kenwood DVD receivers
$27.99
Low Stock
 
 
Satellite Radio Tuners
You can have satellite radio display on the face of this stereo by using one of these packages. Subscription required.
SIRIUS Package for Kenwood
Get SIRIUS satellite radio reception on your 2008-up Kenwood multimedia receiver
$39.98
In Stock
 
 
Sirius Dock-and-Play Package for Kenwood
Control your dock-and-play SIRIUS radio from your 2008-up Kenwood multimedia receiver
$49.98
In Stock
 
 
Bluetooth Phone Kits
Make and receive hands-free phone calls with your compatible cell phone.
Kenwood KCA-BT300
Bluetooth® adapter for Kenwood receivers

Also available in:
Open Box: $134.99
$149.99
In Stock
 
 
HD Radio Tuners
Receive FM stations with CD-quality sound and AM stations that sound as good as today's analog FM stations.
Kenwood KTC-HR300
Add-on HD Radio™ tuner for select Kenwood receivers

Also available in:
Open Box: $89.99
$129.99
In Stock
 
 
Steering Wheel Audio Control Adapters
You can operate your new radio with your factory-installed steering wheel controls by adding an adapter.
PAC SWI-JACK
Steering wheel control interface for Alpine, Clarion, JVC, and Kenwood
$69.99
In Stock
 
 
Rear-View Cameras
Your back bumper will thank you for getting a rear-view camera.
Kenwood CMOS-200
Rear-view camera
$199.99
In Stock
 
 
Boyo VTL402C / VTL422C
Bar-type rear-view camera (Chrome)
$69.99
In Stock
 
After $30.00 Price Break
 
Screen Cleaners
Keep your screen clear of fingerprints and dust with a cleaning kit.
Monster ScreenClean
TV cleaner kit
$14.95
In Stock
 
 
Professional Installation
Get more info about having your new receiver put in by a qualified professional in your area.
InstallCard: In-dash Video
Prepaid professional in-dash or all-in-one headrest video installation
 
Extras
Test Discs
Whether it's for sound quality or for maximum boom, there's no way to perfect your system like a professional test disc.
Autosound 2000 CD Set
$69.95
In Stock
 
 
CD Care
Get rid of the skipping on your favorite discs with a CD cleaning kit.
Maxell DVD-LC
DVD Lens Cleaner with Dolby Digital system sound check
$11.99
In Stock
 
After $3.00 Price Break
 
Maxell CD-335
CD scratch repair kit
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
CD Cases
CD cases will keep the footprints off your discs, which will let them play better.
Visor Storage 12-disc CD Holder
Keep your favorite discs within reach
$14.99
In Stock
 
 
Installation Tools
Save money by doing the installation yourself. The right tools will help.
Posi-Products™ Car Stereo Connector Kit
16 connectors for installing a new car stereo
$6.49
In Stock
 
 
Metra Crimp Tool and Connectors
Package contains crimp tool and over 150 pieces
$19.99
Out of Stock
 
 
Scosche TK12V Car Stereo Tool Kit
The tools you need for a clean and professional car stereo installation
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Metra Crimp Tool Set
Package contains light-duty crimp tool and 20 crimp caps
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge wire
$29.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Wire Cutter/Stripper Tool
Cuts and strips 12- to 22-gauge stranded wire
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
S&G Tool Aid 87650
Door Trim and Panel Removal Tool
$9.99
In Stock
 
 
Multi Wedge Trim Panel Tools
Set of six (flexible and rigid) tools — helps remove trim and door panels
$19.99
In Stock
 
 
Skewdriver Pro SPK4042
Ratcheting straight and offset screwdriver set with 40 bits (Skewdriver Pro with ratchet handle, pictured)
$49.99
In Stock
 
 
DEI Heat Shrink Tubing
Black 4-foot length (Assortment)
$24.99
In Stock
 
 
Wavetek Meterman 15XP Multimeter
With autoranging display — tests your electrical connections safely and easily
$99.99
In Stock
 
 
Show more items
 
 
Kenwood DDX514