Kenwood Releases New Multimedia/Navigation Products For 2011

Kenwood USA Corporation announced the introduction of six newly-engineered in-car multimedia systems, many with built-in navigation technology by Garmin and the latest in audio and video performance features.

Kenwood DNX6180

Kenwood introduces a new premium double-DIN multimedia / navigation receiver, the DNX7180 ($1,500.00 suggested retail price). Advanced navigation technology by Garmin is built into the DNX7180 and includes features such as Lane Assist with Junction View that reduce highway interchange confusion and improve driving safety. The DNX7180 also includes built-in NAVTEQ Live Traffic service that is free for the life of the product. For maximizing fuel efficiency while driving, the DNX7180 offers the Garmin-developed ecoRoute feature that measures the impact of your driving habits on the environment and suggests routes that will provide the most efficient fuel consumption. The optional ecoRoute HD feature allows the user to view vehicle diagnostics such as fuel consumption, engine temperature and exhaust emissions (ecoRoute HD requires the optional KNA-EC100 external ODBII interface module).

The DNX7180 will fully operate Pandora internet radio right from the touchscreen when the unit is linked to an enabled Smartphone (Internet service via the Smartphone is required). The DNX7180 has an advanced graphic user interface (GUI), displayed on a bright WVGA 6.95” touchscreen with LED Backlight provides the highest quality DVD video, iPod video, USB video, navigation maps and source icons. While in the navigation mode, the DNX7180 can display mapping information as well as audio/video controls on a split screen and will even allow continued monitoring of the navigation screen in split screen view while making or taking hands-free phone calls. The latest Parrot Bluetooth module is built into the DNX7180 and will allow for wireless streaming of music content when paired with a compatible cell phone or portable music device.

The double-DIN DNX6180 ($1,200.00 suggested retail price) has a 6.1” WVGA touchscreen panel, intuitive user interface and great Kenwood quality. A compact front-panel knob is included to easily control volume. The user has complete touchscreen control over multiple audio and video sources, including DVD, MP3/WMA compact disc, iPod, iPod Touch, iPhone, Pandora internet radio, external mass storage devices, satellite radio and HD Radio (optional iPod, HD Radio or satellite radio accessories and iPhone with Internet access may be required). Customization is easy, and the user can match the faceplate lighting of the DNX6180 to the interior lighting of most vehicles, while the background and startup screen graphics can be changed to show personal photos. The DNX5180 DVD receiver ($1,150.00 suggested retail price) has the same feature set as the DNX6180 but without built-in Bluetooth. The optional KCA-BT300 Bluetooth module ($180.00 suggested retail price) can be added at any time.

The new double-DIN DDX418 ($550.00 suggested retail price) is a non-navigation DVD receiver with a 6.1” WVGA touchscreen panel, iPod/iPhone control, personal customization and built-in Bluetooth. The DDX318 ($500.00 suggested retail price) has the same feature set as the DDX418 but without built-in Bluetooth.

For single-DIN DVD receiver applications, Kenwood introduces the KVT-516 ($850.00 suggested retail price). The KVT-516 is equipped with a retractable 7” WQVGAtouchscreen monitor and Z-Action mechanism for exceptional reliability. Users can play their favorite audio or video content from their iPod, iPod Touch or iPhone and control the device through the touchscreen panel on the KVT-516. Garmin navigation can be added at a later time through the use of the KNA-G610 ($600.00 suggested retail price), and the KVT-516 can be upgraded to hands-free cell phone operation via Bluetooth by adding the KCA-BT300.

The DNX7180, DNX6180, DNX5180, DDX418, DDX318 and KVT-516 come with a one-year manufacturer’s limited warranty and are available through authorized Kenwood retailers.