Kenwood's newest double-DIN head unit, the DNX8120 brings a new era of technology with its all-in-one navigation/entertainment system with built-in Bluetooth technology. Part of the eXcelon 8 series, the DNX8120 has a 6.95-inch fully motorized touchscreen interface that's easy to use and filled with an array of features to complement any audio enthusiast. Each head unit is equipped with a 13-band EQ and internal amplification (22 watts RMS/50 watts peak x four channels) delivering plenty of power to juice your ride while blasting down the road. Using the easy-to-navigate menu options on the startup screen, the DNX8120 can quickly shift from DVD, MP3, iPod, or Bluetooth capability with a simple touch of the screen, making for a distraction-free drive.
Media Playback
While many of Kenwood's competitive head units offer limited CD and DVD playback, the DNX8120 can support a wide range of audio and video formats-MP3, WMA, and AAC discs. JPEG, MPEG, VCD, and DivX files on either CD+/-R/RW or DVD+/-R/RW discs offer near limitless compatibility playback. The DNX8120 comes with two USB interfaces, making data transfers and firmware updates an easy one-two step process. A USB Direct Control gives users access to portable music devices, enabling the end user to play audio files directly from the flash drive. Slow-responding iPod interfacing is a thing of the past when using the DNX8120. Dubbed as the fastest head unit on the market today, the head unit offers lightening-quick access when tracking through multiple music files or browsing for your favorite tune when using the optional KCA-iP300V iPod video control cable. As an added bonus, the DNX8120 has two external switch control relays, which allow the installer to set up the double-DIN head unit to control electronic devices directly from the DNX8120 touchscreen, such as garage doors, security gates, and even home lighting systems.
The Next Generation Of Bluetooth Technology
Both California and Washington states are preparing for a mandatory hands-free cell phone law that will go into effect July 1. The dreaded cell phone law will affect millions of drivers who could become criminals overnight if caught dialing or talking on their cellular phone without the use of a car speakerphone or Bluetooth headset. If the thought of having to drive around with a headset and microphone reminiscent of a McDonalds employee turns you off, fear not, Kenwood has raised the bar on Bluetooth technology by integrating the convenience of hands-free technology into their new DNX8120 unit. Bluetooth aficionados will be pleased to know thatKenwood has now incorporated Parrot technology on the DNX8120 and doesn't require a separate Bluetooth unit like its previous models. The built-in Bluetooth not only serves as a hands-free device but also offers the ability (dependent on make and model) to transfer music from your phone to the head unit (A2DP music streaming), as well as text messaging without ever touching your keypads. The included microphone can be clipped onto the dash or headliner, while the conversation can be heard through the car speakers.
| Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 Audio System
Garmin Navigation Made Easy
In 2007, Kenwood received high praise from consumers who took to the streets using the now older-model DNX7100 and 7120 series head unit and its integrated Garmin system, the leaders in GPS automotive navigation. This year, Kenwood once again teamed up with Garmin to offer precise, easy-to-use, turn-by-turn voice directions and on-screen map guidance. With simple one-touch access, end users are able to use the built-in hard drive-based Garmin-sourced navigation system with 2GB of dedicated memory to find multiple points of interest, which include maps of the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Turbo magazine put the DNX8120 Garmin navigation up to the test against some of the more popular competitors' navigation systems and found that while the graphical display of the Garmin looks simplistic in style with its visual, crayon-styled routing, the navigation stood out from the rest as the NAVTEQ mapping and text-to-speech sequence methodically led us to our final destination with ample time to prepare for a turn on even the smallest of street names. With a push of the button, the optional voice commands, ranging from American accents to our favorite British turn-by-turn voice prompts, ensure any driver with no sense of direction to make it from point A to B with Garmin's 6 million points of interest. If you're caught making long commutes to and from work, you might want to check out the XM Instant Traffic & Weather for constant traffic and weather conditions and continuous real-time updates (GXM30 XM live traffic receiver to XM radio subscription required). Another added feature you can add onto the DNX8120 is the Kenwood GTM-10 tuner for XM Live Traffic Only (subscription required), which enables you to receive the same type of traffic information through local FM broadcasts.
