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Digital multimedia car stereos
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How to shop for Digital Multimedia Car Stereos
Digital multimedia video receivers are touchscreen stereos designed for people who no longer listen to CDs. They do all the stuff that other stereos do, but they don't have a disc player built in. The lack of disc player means that the stereo body behind the faceplate can be a lot smaller, letting these stereos fit in places where other stereos won't. That opens up new options for many vehicles.
Expert Advice
Below is some basic info about shopping for a new video receiver. For more detailed buying tips, be sure to read our car stereo buying guide.
Touchscreen controls make it easy to adjust the stereo and customize the settings. Touchscreen stereos also tend to have more features than smaller car stereos, often including Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for the best smartphone integration.
It's important to know which stereos will work in your car before you get too distracted by all of the options and models available. That's just one of the reasons we ask you to tell us what you drive — it'll make your shopping easier.
What to look for
When shopping for a new stereo, make sure you get the options you want. Here are a few features to look for:
- Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming. This is almost a standard feature, but there are still a few stereos out there without it.
- Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. Many stereos will do both. Read our articles about Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to learn more about phone integration.
- Wireless CarPlay or Android Auto. Most stereos require a USB connection to your phone in order to use CarPlay or Android Auto, but some offer the greater convenience of a completely wireless connection.
- Voice control. One of the newest features in car stereo, some video receivers incorporate Alexa or Siri voice commands when connected to your phone.
Popular questions customers ask
Yes, when connected via USB or Bluetooth. And if you're using CarPlay or Android Auto, you can control most music apps from the stereo's touchscreen for a "true" car stereo feel.
Our vehicle database is unmatched. We've taken apart the dashes and door panels of more than thousands of vehicles and measured every space and bolt pattern. So when we say the stereo fitsà we know it does. We'll also make sure you get the right installation gear when you order.
You'll need a special adapter to keep those handy buttons working with your new stereo. When you put the stereo in your shopping cart on our site, we'll show you all the options for installation hardware, including the right adapter for the steering wheel controls.
You have two options for adding GPS navigation to the stereo. First, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay let you use your favorite GPS app including Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze. If you want GPS navigation without tying up your phone, you'll have to upgrade to a new stereo with built-in navigation.
Most video receivers will work with your existing backup camera. If your car doesn't already have a camera, you'll find compatible backup cameras under the stereo's "Accessories" tab on our site.
