Kenwood Launches New Kenwood eXcelon Multimedia/Navigation Products For 2011
Kenwood USA Corporation announced the introduction of three premium in-car multimedia systems specifically engineered and manufactured exclusively for the Kenwood Excelon dealer network. All models feature the latest in entertainment technologies, with the two navigation models offering direct control over Pandora internet radio when linked to an enabled iPhone (Internet access required).
For 2011, Kenwood introduces a new flagship double-DIN multimedia / navigation receiver, the DNX9980HD ($2,000.00 suggested retail price), which is Kenwood’s first multimedia model to incorporate HD Radio as a built-in feature. Along with better sound quality and additional HD Radio-specific programming, the user can enjoy full-color album artwork and other visuals appearing on the touchscreen display.
Kenwood DNX9980HD
Advanced 3-D navigation technology by Garmin is included, offering three-dimensional buildings and landmarks with many images being photo-realistic. Lane Assist with Junction View are two features that reduce highway interchange confusion and improve driving safety. ecoRoute provides the most fuel efficient travel routes, and the optional ecoRoute HD even 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 DNX9980HD also includes built-in NAVTEQ Live Traffic service that is free for the life of the product. Kenwood’s voice control feature allows the user to fully operate the navigation system and utilize features such as entering addresses or phone numbers, choosing menu options and select points of interest.
The voice control system will also operate the audio and video systems, allowing the user to change between multiple sources, access entries in a cellular phonebook, make phone calls, seek out music and video files and access station presets. Twin iPod control allows for the connection and operation of two iPod, iPod Touch or iPhone devices.
The DNX9980HD has an advanced Digital Aria 3-D animated graphic user interface (GUI) with selectable skins and movable, drag-and-drop icons for complete customization. A high-resolution WVGA 6.95” touchscreen with Dynamic Brightness Control provides the best looking DVD video, iPod video and USB video.
An upgraded 6.1” WVGA LCD touch screen panel with navigation/audio/video split screen view capabilities give the user complete control over multiple audio and video sources, including DVD, MP3/WMA compact disc, iPod, iPhone, Pandora internet radio link, external mass storage devices, satellite radio and HD Radio (optional iPod, HD Radio or satellite radio accessories and Internet access may be required).
While in the navigation mode, the DNX9980HD 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 DNX9980HD and is capable of A2DP stereo audio streaming from a similarly-equipped portable digital media player or Smartphone.
The double-DIN DNX6980 ($1,300.00 suggested retail price) is a value-added combination of cutting edge technologies, intuitive user interface and great Kenwood Excelon quality. With the Garmin navigation and Parrot Bluetooth built right into the unit, the DNX6980 offers the latest in technologies at an attractive price. A compact front-panel knob is included to easily control volume.
An upgraded 6.1” WVGA LCD touch screen panel with navigation/audio/video split screen view capabilities give the user complete control over multiple audio and video sources, including DVD, MP3/WMA compact disc, iPod, iPhone, Pandora internet radio link, external mass storage devices, satellite radio and HD Radio (optional iPod, HD Radio or satellite radio accessories and Internet access may be required).
The user can customize the GUI and hard-key illumination colors of the DNX6980 to match the unit’s faceplate lighting to the interior lighting of many vehicles, while the background and startup screen graphics can be changed to show personal photos or the brand logo of the vehicle.
The Kenwood Excelon KVT-696 ($950.00 suggested retail price) single-DIN DVD receiver offers a 7” WQVGA flip-out screen powered by Kenwood’s time-tested Z-Action Mechanism. The KVT-696 shares some of the source icon customization and audio/video features as the more expensive DNX6980 with the exception of built-in Garmin navigation, Pandora link and Bluetooth. The optional KNA-G610 ($600.00 suggested retail price) is a hideaway module for those customers who wish to add Garmin navigation to the KVT-696 at a later time.
The DNX9980HD, DNX6980 and KVT-696 come with two-year warranties and are available only through authorized Kenwood Excelon retailers.
| Model | MSRP | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| DNX9980HD | $2,000.00 | March, 2011 |
| DNX6980 | $1,300.00 | February, 2011 |
| KVT-696 | $950.00 | Now |
| KNA-G610 | $600 | Now |
| KNA-EC100 | $150.00 | February, 2011 |
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