JVC Adds KW-NX7000 Double-DIN Nav

JVC has really been stepping up there game in the last year or two. Their oversized-DIN radios have changed the face (pun intended) of in-dash radios, and the re-introduction of the new sleek Kameleon series was a welcomed return. One of the newer radios to hit the JVC stables is the new double-DIN KW-NX7000. This beauty features a detachable faceplate with a low-reflection 7" touchscreen. The faceplate also features proximity-sensing buttons that are blacked out, but illuminate when you finger approaches them. The NX7000 GPS uses NAVTEQ mapping software with a built-in RDS tuner for real-time traffic info, as well as a WAAS for more accurate GPS positioning. The unit is also Bluetooth capable for hands-free cellphone operation. The navigation and Bluetooth can also work together for POI syncing, which adds a touch of added convenience to the navigation. If you're being directed to a specific restaurant, for example, you can also dial that restaurant through the GPS via Bluetooth and your mobile.

The NX7000 will playback DVD, CD, MP3, WMA, WAV, DivX, JPG and MPEG formats, is satellite radio and HD Radio ready, and can accept a rearview camera.  The NX7000 also has an improved iPod GUI and high-speed USB 2.0 connection, whcih makes a pretty dramatic difference when sorting through content and menus on your iPod. The screen will also display album artwork, and the radio charges your iPod as well. If you're not an iPod fan, you access MP3s via the SD card slot or USB port.

Full details available after the jump!

New Pioneer AVIC-F Series!

One of the benefits of attending events like Pioneer's Sound Build-Off is the chance to get sneak peeks at upcoming and prototype equipment, and this event did not disappoint! Pioneer treated us to a hands-on experience with the new AVIC-F series, which will come in three in-dash flavors (two Pioneer, one Premier) and one hybrid portable model. The AVIC in-dash models are extremely impressive, featuring built-in Bluetooth, MSN-Direct, navigation, iPod compatibility, and a host of other goodies.
Pioneer really stepped up on the GUI (graphical user interface), making it really easy to navigate the different menus, via, a 5.8" touchscreen as found on the current D3 model. When using your cell phone or iPod, you can also take advantage of the VoiceBox-powered voice recognition software. However, this isn't your typical voice recognition software, the AVIC-F has the ability to recognize and accept conversational speech--and it works quite well! The AVIC-Fs accept voice commands via the microphone built-in to the faceplate, and users can select phonebook entries, iPod artists, songs, or genres. You can also expand the new AVIC's with XM & Sirius, HD radio, or a back-up camera. During our test drive the AVIC had no trouble ignoring "ums", pauses in speech, or even not following the exact command to request an artist or phonebook entry.

MSN Direct is an additional very unique feature, and provides some pretty handy information that really adds value to the navigation capabilities. The feed from MSN is provided via FM, and can provided access to lowest gas prices, movie schedules, weather, and traffic information. The MSN info is integrated into the navigation, and can re-route based on traffic information, direct you to the gas station with the cheapest prices, or find the nearest movie theater with your desired flick.
Pioneer has really gone out of their way to make sure their new navigation radios are easy to use, resourceful, intelligent, and intuitive. The new AVIC-F series arrive in shops in June, and even if you don't plan on buying a nav unit immediately, I highly recommend checking it out just to see how the bar has been raised.

We've got a small gallery after the jump (with more to come later!) as well as an in-depth press release giving all the details of these killer new radios.

Retro Cool: Becker Mexico

Back in the 1960's Becker released the original Mexico radio, and instant hit and now a cult favorite for classic car buffs overseas. The original Mexico series had a list of "firsts" for the mobile electronics industry (we've got them after the break), and this future classic will add a touch of modern cool to your classic old school.
Fast forward 40+ years to the new Becker Mexico.... Becker incorporated just about every modern convenience into this retro looking shaft-styled radio. Follow the jump for all the details. Seriously... This radio doesn't look like much, but it packs a wallop!

Free Stuff: New MP3s Courtesy of Jensen

Every few weeks I hop over to Jensen's website to check out their collection of MP3s. I'm one of the rare people in this world that have yet to hop on the BitTorrent bandwagon, and I actually pay for my MP3s (Thanks, iTunes). So whenever there's a chance to (legally) get free MP3s, I hop on it. Jensen offers 16 totally free MP3's for your listening pleasure, as well as free bass tones should you want to test the limits of your low frequency transducers.

I'm an electronic music and hip-hop fan, so most of the stuff I liked on their site fell in these genres. I dug Element's "Chucks," this track offers a smooth West Coast laid-back hip hop style. It actually reminded me a bit of the Northwest sounds. Plastic Little's "I'm Not a Thug" is a pretty cool track. Reminds me of a mash-up of Gorillaz with a mix of Fat Boy Slim on a hip-hop tip. Most of the tracks were cool and I look forward to trying them out in my car.

Hop on over to Jensen's website and check out the selection for yourself. And even if you don't like what you hear, quit bitchin', they're free!

How-To: Alpine CDA-7930 Display Repair

By: Richard Vedvik (keep_hope_alive)

The display on my CDA-7930 was busted, like many LCD’s they are fragile and easily broken, for instance; if you try to secure the faceplate by pushing on the display.

Luckily a replacement display is cheap - $20, and like all Alpine parts is available through pacparts.com. This faceplate was worth saving for that price. It helps to have a service manual for any project like this. They're around $10 and worth every penny.

Before the project:

Read on for the whole process...