» Pioneer AVIC-D2 Dashboard GPS Navigation and Entertainment System Review

The AVIC-D2 is a classic example of the current trend of convergence in consumer electronic devices. Pioneer market it as an automotive GPS navigation system however, it is a generously featured, all-round entertainment system product as well. The system is double-DIN sized for car dashboard installation and has a motorized front panel display.

Some of the highlight features of this well equipped system are;

• An 8 channel GPS receiver
• Voice and visual navigation guidance - recorded voice not text-to-speech
• Large, 6.5-inch, high resolution LCD touchscreen display with wide viewing angle
• Audio/video DVD/CD player
• AM/FM radio

The Pioneer AVIC Series

The Pioneer AVIC- D2 has three siblings in its AVIC family including the AVIC-Z1, AVIC-N3 and AVIC-D3 to match a range of needs and budgets.

Some of the major differences between the models are as follows;

AVIC-D3 is another further step down this track building on the success of its sibling the AVIC-D2 and will be available in stores this spring.

Pioneer market it as an automotive GPS navigation system however, it is a generously featured, all-round entertainment system product as well. The system is double-DIN sized for car dashboard installation and has a motorized front panel display. A couple of interesting additions over the Pioneer AVIC-D3 features are the AUX input on front for both Audio and Video and multicolor illumination allowing color matching with your vehicle’s dashboard.

Some of the highlight features of this well equipped system are;

• An 8 channel GPS receiver
• Voice and visual navigation guidance - recorded voice not text-to-speech
• Large, 6.1-inch, high resolution LCD touchscreen display with wide viewing angle
• Audio/video DVD/CD player
• AM/FM radio
• Safe, hands-free phone operation utilizing Bluetooth

The Pioneer AVIC Series

The Pioneer AVIC- D3 has three siblings in its AVIC family including the AVIC-Z1, AVIC-N3 and AVIC-D2 to match a range of needs and budgets.

Some of the major differences between the models are as follows;

• the AVIC-Z1 has a larger 7 inch screen compared to 6.5 inch for the rest.
• HDD version has 20GB for map storage compared to the other models which use DVDs.
• The AVIC-Z1 and AVIC-N3 have five selectable viewing modes
• Routing Learning capability and the Smart Routing Algorithm are exclusive to the AVIC-Z1
• The AVIC-D2 doesn’t have DVD video playback capability
• Only the AVIC-Z1 has text-to-speech capability with the others using a recorded voice
• Advanced Voice Recognition control is included and can be purchased for the AVIC-N3
• The AVIC-D2 and AVIC-D3 are the only models capable of playback of WMA music files.
• The AVIC-D3 has the greatest media file type compatibility including MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC, and DivX file playback on either CD or DVD
• Only the AVIC-Z1 and AVIC-D3 have the 3D Highway Exit Zoom
• vBluetooth capability is available only in the AVIC-Z1 and AVIC-D3 (optional)
• Detailed city maps are not available with the AVIC-D3.

Of the Pioneer AVIC range the AVIC-Z1 is the pick of the models if you have the budget to match. The convenience added by having a hard disc drive (HDD) is substantial - no loading the navigation data DVD discs when required and the usability of a music library rather than juggling CDs. Having a twin drives (CD, DVD) , allows the AVIC-D2’s navigation map data disc to remain loaded at all times saving repeatedly ejecting it if you are playing music CDs.

Touch Panel Operation

The AVIC- D2 can be operated using the touch screen to navigate menus (or touch information icons), plot routes, or change map views. Current location information, turn distances and approximate time to destination are displayed.

Navigation

The Tele Atlas mapping database is supplied on two DVDs which cover US, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii nearly 11 million points of interest (POI) sorted into more than 341 categories. Detailed city maps are available for 23 cities and show features such as road islands, parks, baseball fields, city blocks. In 50 markets the AVIC- D2 has information to supply traveling lane recommendations which is very useful in making the correct exits congested conditions.

The AVIC-D2 has two separate disc drive behind the face panel. This allows the convenience of leaving a Tele Atlas mapping database DVD loaded in one disc drive while playing a music CD or video DVD played.

One fascinating innovation is the placement of Brand Icons on the navigation maps. Is this a possible future source of revenue for Pioneer much like contextural advertising is for Google? It may also be another avenue to apply smart algorihms so that only your favorite brands are represented.

Entertainment

Audio Entertainment System

The integrated DVD/CD player allows audio, MP3 and WMA files to be played. It can play DVD video and DVD-R/RW discs. The AM/FM radio has a Supertuner IIID tuner. DVD video can be played if an optional rear seat display is added. The system has a MOSFET amplifier providing 50 watts (peak) over four channels.

iPod Adapter Ready with Enhanced Touch-Panel Interface

Pioneer’s iPod adapter (CD-IB100II or CD-IB100) permits direct control and playback of iPod through the touch-panel. The AVIC-D2 can be connected with an iPod via this dedicated adapter, and using the touch panel, listeners can play iPod-recorded songs, scroll through the music library on their iPod, or select from several functions like Shuffle playback.

Extending the AVIC- D2’s Capabilities

In conjunction with navigation information, the AVIC- D2 provides high quality audio and video entertainment for drivers and passengers. A admirable feature of this system is the ability to add attachments including XM and Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod adapter, CD changer and TV tuners for rear seat entertainment.

Extra Speakers

The AVIC- D2 comes standard with four speakers however, the system has separate RCA connectors for two more pairs of speakers and a subwoofer, all of which require separate amplifiers.

Rear View Camera Capability

By adding an optional rear view camera (ND-BC1) you can see what is behind you when you are reversing and when traveling forwards using a split screen display.

XM NavTraffic Ready

Avoiding traffic congestion and road works is possible if you add the GEX-P10XMT XM NavTraffic Satellite Radio Tuner, XM NavTraffic powered by NAVTEQ Traffic which covers some 22 major metropolitan markets. The Navigation System will automatically alert you, and suggest any alternate route if there are any traffic problems on your intended route. The coloring of roads to indicate different speed ranges is an excellent visual que. XM radio and XM NavTraffic service subscriptions are required.

XM Satellite Radio

The addition of the GEX-P10XMT also allows subscription to XM Satellite Radio’s more than 130 digital radio channels of commercial-free music and premier sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming.

Roadside Assistance Display

The AVIC- D2 can make obtaining roadside assistance easier by displaying emergency phone numbers and your current location by street name, city, and state, plus longitude and latitude. Any other relevant personal information entered, including vehicle identification number, insurance number, and insurance company phone number are also displayed. As a bonus, one years Emergency Roadside Assistance Service is offered free of charge through Nationwide Autoclub.

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