Any see JVC's new head unit: KD-AVX1 ?

[atomic punk]

Anyone hear any good/bad/indifferent news about this new head unit from JVC?

HERE

I'm thinking about getting it. It can be had for a good price for the features (although not from this place). I don't have $1000 to spend on a 7" screen and this looks like a neat toy. I think it is a slightly oversized single DIN, so some trim kit mods will probably have to be done.

 

[drice78]

I like the idea of a DVD full of MP3s! I wonder how the navigation is on this unit with that many MP3s on one disc.

 

[cnims]

I have a similar model, the KD-DV5100, which also supports MP3 encoded DVDS. It will support dual layer DVDs, so you can put up to 8.5 GB on one disc if you have a DL burner. The only bad things I've discovered are that it won't work with the PAC SWI-X (for steering wheel controls) and if you turn it off in the middle of playing an mp3 track, it starts over from the beginning (doesn't remember where you were).

 

[atomic punk]

I have a similar model, the KD-DV5100, which also supports MP3 encoded DVDS. It will support dual layer DVDs, so you can put up to 8.5 GB on one disc if you have a DL burner. The only bad things I've discovered are that it won't work with the PAC SWI-X (for steering wheel controls) and if you turn it off in the middle of playing an mp3 track, it starts over from the beginning (doesn't remember where you were).

Hmmm, interesting.... I wonder if the new model has the same 2 shortcomings?

 

[atomic punk]

I thought that this: PAC SWI-X was a universal IR unit?

 

[cnims]

Correct, but the new JVC models use a higher frequency for the remote than what the SWI-X is capable of outputing. I sent a email to PAC technical support and they told me this. They said they would get back with me if they've figured anything out, but that was about a month ago. I gave up and went with Alpine instead.

 

[atomic punk]

Correct, but the new JVC models use a higher frequency for the remote than what the SWI-X is capable of outputing. I sent a email to PAC technical support and they told me this. They said they would get back with me if they've figured anything out, but that was about a month ago. I gave up and went with Alpine instead.

Did the tech say anything about this?

"Steering Remote Control Ready"

That was taken directly from the JVC home page decription of the unit. I'm curious now what it is compatible with.... I've been on hold with JVC for 20min here at work....

 

[cnims]

Are you sure the steering wheel remote ready applies to the KD-AVX1? I was looking at their webpage but thought that this applied only to the model with full size flip up screen. Let me know what their support says if you ever get though.

 

[atomic punk]

Yeah, I'll post what they say... the customer service dept had no idea what I was talking about and the tech weenies were busy, so I was told I'd get a call back within 1-2 business days.

For now, check out this link, see if it works... might have to cut/paste. Look under the "features" tab, at the last bullet.

http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027409&pathId=58&page=2

 

[cnims]

I checked out the link - it does say steering wheel remote ready. I wonder how it interfaces with the steering wheel controls or what else you have to buy.

 

[atomic punk]

Ok, here's the latest....

I called JVC... actually, I called them twice in 4 days now... they "will have to get back to (me) in 1-2 business days". They have no idea what it means nor why it's listed like that on the website. I will wait another 1-2 days.

So I called Crutchfield.
A tech there named Emmitt told me that there is no direct link - or jumper harness adapter/plug between my 4runner SE steering wheel control harness and the head unit.

Also, the JVC "might" only be able to receive an IR frequency band that the PAC won't trasmit, but he doesn't have the specs on the JVC unit to be sure. He told me that the PAC transmits in the 38-40khz signal frequency range, so at least I can start with that when JVC calls me back, if ever.

One last thing... he said that the PAC-SWIX is not compatible with my 05 4R SPORT edition, the one without the JBL head unit. (I have the stock, single CD one) is that true, or has Crutchfield just not researched it that far????

 

[cnims]

They probably just didn't research that. As long as you have the buttons on the steering wheel, it will work.

Here's a cut and paste of the email from PAC regarding compatibility with the newer JVC headunits:
--
The flashing of the LED does indicate that there was an error during the programming of the IR remote. Unfortunately we have notice this issues with the SWI-X and the newer JVC radios. The cause of this is due to the frequency pattern of the IR remote, which could mean the IR frequency is on the border line of what the SWI-X can actually read and store. As of now we have not found a fix for these issues. A couple things you can try or make sure of when programming is to have the radio turned off, no shop lights inside the vehicle and press and hold each button for a couple seconds during programming. I

 

[atomic punk]

That's helpful, thanks!!!

I guess I'll just have to wait to hear what JVC says about it, since "apparently" it IS compatible with the steering wheel controls, as listed on their website.:bash:

 

[atomic punk]

I'm getting nowhere with this.... at ludicrous speed..

JVC: said go to SOUNDGATE for compatibility.

Soundgate: said they have units compatible with JVC units, but not specifically for 03-05 Toy 4R's yet.... they are building/testing a new unit now and might have one out in 2 months if it passes.

PAC: check out
THIS website.
Looks like it IS compatible with new 4R's as well as JVC aftermarket head units?

Anyone know PAC's home page/contact info? I can't find it anywhere online.. because I don't know what PAC stands for maybe...? call me a dolt.