Alpine IVA-D310

Alpine IVA-D310 Head Unit Features:

  • DVD/CD receiver with built-in amplifier (18 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels; CEA-2006 compliant)
  • Motorized, retractable 7" LCD monitor with PulseTouch controls
  • Detachable control panel
  • Audio/video input
  • Backup camera input
  • Navigation input
  • White LED secondary display for use when monitor is retracted
  • Plays DVDs, DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and MP3/WMA discs
  • Direct-touch DVD menu control
  • Bass Engine Plus
  • 4-channel time correction
  • 3-position high-/low-pass crossover
  • Bass and treble center frequency control
  • Subwoofer level and phase control
  • MediaXpander
  • iPersonalize lets you create and download custom Bass Engine settings at Alpine's website, then upload them into the system
  • controls XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio
  • CD changer/TV tuner controls
  • Compatible with Alpine iPod interface adapter
  • Audio/video output
  • DVD/CD signal-to-noise ratio: 105 dB
  • FM sensitivity: 9.3 dBf
  • Front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs
  • Digital output for optional surround-sound processor
  • MaxTune SQ AM/FM tuner
  • 18 FM/6 AM presets
  • Wireless remote
  • DVD/CD frequency response: 5-20,000 Hz
  • Clarion N.I.C.E 430 Navigation System

    The Clarion N.I.C.E 430 is just the latest stop on my winding journey to find the portable GPS unit that meets all my needs.

    The trade-off on this one was Text-to-Speech, which it doesn't have. My thinking was that it wasn't a deal-breaker, as the GPS will announce turns, so who cares if it reads the street names or not.

    But, after using other GPS units with this feature, I feel now that it IS a deal-breaker. Hearing the street name helps keep your eyes on the road, instead of reading the screen. It may not seem like much, but after continued use you REALLY start to miss it.

    The other problem, that really IS a deal-breaker, is the sluggish response from the unit, surprising since it sports a pretty hefty 400Mhz processor. Route calculation is slow, but more importantly, on-the-fly route correction if you miss a turn is REALLY slow, so much so that you'll regularly miss a quick turn after re-calculation. This, partnered with very slow satellite aquisition sealed the deal for me, and I returned the Clarion.

    Strike three was the Bluetooth function, which is spotty at best. It lost the connection to my Blackberry numerous times, and the worst is that THERE IS NO PHONE DIRECTORY. A fatal omission, I thought the idea of handsfree was to avoid fumbling for phone numbers?

    A shame really, because of all the GPS units that have come before, the Clarion definitely has the most robust software. You have complete control over editing the route, and the turn-by-turn itinerary is great, and even includes major streets you'll pass to your next turn. The screen is also easy on the eyes, clear and vibrant. Unfortunately, the map screen renders the text very small, making it hard to read street names on it.
    A great navigation system should be simple to use, provide intelligent routing with rich data, and feature entertainment options that make driving more enjoyable and convenient. And you shouldn't have to break the bank to get it all. Today, that navigation system is here: the Pioneer AVIC-D3. Commutes, traffic, and road trips have met their match.

    Pioneer AVIC-D3 Navigation System Features:

    - Fast and powerful DVD navigation platform
    - DVD Video playback for your favorite movies
    - Match your dash with customizable illumination
    JVC KD HDR1 is one of the few in-car stereos on the market that comes with a built-in HD (hybrid digital) radio tuner. HD radio works by sending out a traditional analog signal as well as digital signal, which can be used to transmit text data such as song and artist details. Radios with a built-in HD receiver sort through the multiple signals and reproduce the original broadcast without the multipath distortion associated with standard analog FM and AM reception. The KD HDR1 can also play MP3 and WMA discs and can be connected to iPods and satellite radio via add-on modules.

    JVC KD HDR1 Head Unit Features:
    - Power Output: 200W Max. (50W X 4),20X 4 (RMS)
    - Built-In HD Radio Tuner with Multi-Cast Capability
    - Ready For Ipod*
    - Sat Radio Ready
    - MP3/WMA Compatible with ID3/WMA Tag
    top