CES 2009

(Credit: JVC Mobile Entertainment)

JVC rings in the New Year with not one, not two, but seven new CD receivers for its 2009 mobile entertainment product line.

JVC Mobile's new flagship KD-R900 In-Dash CD Receiver has two USB 2.0 ports (one front and one rear) for connection to an iPod, an iPhone, USB flash memory drives, digital audio players, portable HDD devices, or any two devices simultaneously. The KD-R900 also features hands-free Bluetooth phone calling and A2DP wireless audio streaming capability via an included USB Bluetooth adapter and high-quality external wired microphone. This adapter operates as a fully functional receiver, transmitter, and antenna for Bluetooth and plugs into either of the KD-R900's USB ports. Users are given the option of controlling their iPod/iPhone using either the in-dash receiver's controls or the controls on the device itself to make music selections, thanks to a full-speed two-way iPod control feature. The list of features is rounded out with a front aux input, flip-down detachable faceplate, and an LCD screen with variable-color illumination which is capable of over 30,000 customizable colors to match most vehicles' interior illumination hues. The unit is also HD Radio Ready, Satellite Radio Ready, and MP3/WMA compatible. The KD-R900 features a three-band parametric iEQ, wireless remote, MOS-FET 50Wx4, and 5V front, rear, and subwoofer preoutputs with subwoofer control. The receiver is available in March 2009 with an MSRP of $269.95.

At the next level, the KD-R800 CD Receiver features many of the same features as the top-tier KD-R900, with the exception of the full-speed two-way iPod/iPhone control. The KD-R800 receiver is available in February with an MSRP of $219.95.

JVC will be installing the KD-HDR50 at the Car Tech CES booth.

(Credit: JVC Mobile Entertainment)

The KD-HDR50 CD Receiver distinguishes itself with a built-in HD Radio tuner with multicasting and iTunes Tagging capability. Of course, like any good iTunes Tagging head unity, the USB 2.0 iPod control is in full effect. The unit doesn't include, but is compatible with, the USB Bluetooth adapter and is satellite radio ready. The KD-HDR50 steps up to a seven-band iEQ and is should shipping in January 2009 at an MSRP of $179.95. Also new for 2009 is the very similar KD-HDR20, which has many of the same features, with the exception of iPod control and iTunes Tagging, and it should cost for $139.95 and ship at the same time as the KD-HDR50.

The KD-R600 CD Receiver features a USB 2.0 connection with two-way control and charging for iPod/iPhone. The unit is ready for Bluetooth adapter, satellite radio ready, HD Radio ready, and has MP3/WMA playback capability for an MSRP of $159.95. The KD-R300 reduces the MSRP to $119.95 at the expense of the integrated iPod control. Finally, the entry level $99.95 KD-R200 is a basic unit that loses the flexibility of adding external modules. All three units feature a three-band iEQ, wireless remote, MOS-FET 50Wx4, and variable-color illumination display (KD-R200 features fixed color illumination).

View the full JVC 2009 CD receiver lineup.

(Credit: Audiovox/Jensen)

The VM9423 touch-screen multimedia system is the first of six new Jensen models that will launch during the first half of 2009. This top-of-the-line system has a built-in HD Radio tuner, integrated iPod connectivity, and iTunes tagging. The VM9423 is GPS navigation, backup camera, Bluetooth, and Sirius/XM satellite radio ready--all of which require additional modules to add their respective functions. We cringe thinking about the mess of cables and modules that would have to be tucked behind the dash for the full-blown, all-bells-and-whistles install, but we think this modular approach will let users add the features they can afford when they can afford them. Flexibility is always appreciated.

The device features a 6.5-inch touch screen with an interface that, while easy to read and understand at a glace, is a bit dated in its aesthetic. USB and SD inputs give the driver options to use digital storage devices with up to 8GB of capacity. MediaLink4, an under-dash interface adapter for connecting external devices, and jLink3 Cable, which terminates with a 30-pin iPod dock connector on one end and a proprietary Jensen connection on the other, are included. CD/DVD optical formats and MP3, WMA and DivX digital format playback are also supported. The VM9423 is expected to cost $549.99.