Kenwood Announces New Digital Media Receivers KIV-BT901 And KIV-701

Kenwood USA announced the introduction of the two new in-dash digital media controller / receivers designed specifically for users of the Apple iPod, iPod Video, iTouch, iPhone, Microsoft’s Zune and Pandora internet radio.

Kenwood KIV-BT901

The intended user is a dedicated portable media enthusiast and travels exclusively with digital music and video files instead of conventional CDs and DVDs. This user may have also embraced the discovery of new music via Pandora internet radio. Because of the unique and specialized application of these receivers, the CD transport has been eliminated.

The flagship model is the KIV-BT901 ($500.00 suggested retail price) and takes this unique product concept to new heights. Beginning with a 3” full-color, multi-lingual TFT display, the KIV-BT901 shows full song, artist and album text plus large-format, full-color album art. iPod video files not only appear on the display, but an A/V output allows the content to appear on external rear-seat monitors. The KIV-BT901 also features a new, built-in Bluetooth circuit by industry-leader Parrot that provides the latest in hands-free performance and phone compatibility.

New for 2011 is the addition of Pandora internet radio control capability when used with an iPhone that has the free Pandora app downloaded (Internet access required). All seek, search and “thumbs up/down” functions are replicated on the faceplate of the KIV-BT901, and the oversized 3” display presents full-color album art, song title, album and artist. For safety and convenience, Kenwood has also added a backup camera input to the KIV-BT901which is compatible with Kenwood’s CMOS-300 ($400.00 suggested retail price) and CMOS-200 ($250.00 suggested retail price) backup cameras.

Three 4.0 volt preamp outputs with built-in digital sound processing make the KIV-BT901 a true audio performer. And an on-board 512MB flash memory module will rip external content through the USB input, supporting a wide range of audio files including MP3, WMA, AAC and WAV.

The variable key illumination feature gives the KIV-BT901 the ability to match the interior lighting of almost any automobile. A remote control is provided at no additional charge.

The KIV-701 ($450.00 suggested retail price) has all of the performance and functionality as the KIV-BT901 with the exception of built-in Bluetooth connectivity. The KCA-BT300 hideaway Bluetooth module ($180.00 suggested retail price) can be added at a later time.

The KIV-BT901 and KIV-701 are covered by a one- year manufacturer’s limited warranty and are available through authorized Kenwood retailers.