JVC intros KD-AVX77 touchscreen car head unit
updated 03:05 am EST, Fri January 9, 2009
JVC touchscreen head unit
JVC Mobile at CES introduced a unique car audio head unit known as the KD-AVX77. The 5.4-inch wide touchscreen unit forgoes nearly all buttons for its control interface. Instead, the device also has a proximity sensor that can register a user’s moving hand in front of it to exit its screen saving mode. As the controls are virtual, users can switch the positioning of commonly used functions such as the volume controls. The head unit can play back DVDs as well as CDs, displaying movie content on its display, which is nearly ideally suitable for widescreen movie playback, where the black lines on top or bottom of the image are removed.
Bluetooth support is integrated into the KD-AVX77, along with a wired microphone for handsfree phone conversations. iPods or iPhones can be controlled and played back thanks to a rear full-speed USB 2.0 port. Users can control the connected iPods via the devices themselves or the head unit itself. Dolby Digital 5.1-channel is supported, as are dual-zone setups. The head unit is rated at 50W x 4 and comes ready for connecting HD Radio, satellite radio or a CD changer.
The KD-AVX77 receiver will begin shipping in March, priced at nearly $650.
