» JVC KD-NX5000 In-dash GPS Navigator Wins EISA Award

JVC KD-NX5000 in-dash car GPS navigation has won a 2007/2008 EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) award for the European Navi-Media System category. In describing the KD-NX5000, EISA expressed surprise that all the included functionality could be included in a single DIN in-dash device.

The mindset with which to consider the JVC KD-NX5000 is probably the notion that it is a solid multimedia entertainment unit with GPS included rather than a GPS unit with multimedia entertainment added. From the image you will see that KD-NX5000 is a very compact I-DIN design for in-dash mounting. Other competing in-dash GPS navigation and entertainment units such as Pioneer’s premium model, the AVIC-Z1, are double-DIN and can have a larger screen (7 inches for the AVIC-Z1). The available dashboard slots available may dictate selection however.

JVC KD-NX5000 GPS Navigation Capabilities

Of the generous 40Gb of hard disk drive (HDD) available, 16Gb is allocated for navigation. The storage is pre-loaded with map data from Navteq including 13 million points of interest (POI). European models come with maps for 21 countries while North American versions come with 50 US States and Canadian maps.

The LCD screen is 3.5 inches diagonally (320 x 234 pixels resolution) with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It should be noted that the screen is not a touch screen and destinations must be entered using buttons surrounding the screen or with the remote control provided. Navigation instructions are given visually and vocally with male or female voices in nine languages available including; English (GB), English (US), German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Swedish and Danish.

The KD-NX5000 can calculate the fastest route factoring in real-time traffic information available from the in-built RDS-TMS traffic tuner. Hands-free phone capability is available if you purchase the optional KS-BTA200 Bluetooth adaptor.

The GPS receiver powering the JVC KD-NX5000’s GPS functionality is WAAS capable (link) for greater accuracy. Further navigation accuracy is available through the incorporation of the EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service).

JVC KD-NX5000 Entertainment Features

The KD-NX5000 comes with a very large 24Gb HDD Music Server which is also used for map storage. To extend the storage space even further music files can be stored in a compressed format. JVC rightly advertise the KD-NX5000 as a media server as their estimate of the storage capacity is 6,000 songs in MP3/WMA format or 600 WAV files. By using JVC’s Lossless Encoder users can rip music tracks from their loaded CDs and build a music library on the hard drive. The KD-NX5000 can play an extensive range of media and formats including; CD, DVD, MPEG1, MPEG2, DivX, MP3, WMA, WAV and JPEG (photo viewing). Apple iPod owners don’t miss out with an optional KS-PD100 adapter available to allow their iPod to be connected and controlled by the KD-NX5000.

There is an extensive range of preconfigured EQ settings–including dance, country, reggae, classic, hard rock, pop, and jazz. Additionally, there is provision for user-configured EQ memory settings. Subwoofer output, amp power, and fader/balance have separate controls. Sound power output is respectable at 4 X 50 Watt Max. (MOS-FET).

Other multimedia related features include:

• DAB Full Control (via optional KT-DB1000)
• 12-bit/108MHz Video DAC
• DTS/ Dolby Digital/MPEG Audio
• 7-Band iEQ
• J-BUS Terminal
• Gold-Plated AV Output Terminals (Front/Rear/Subwoofer/Video)
• Optical Digital Output Terminals
• Gold-Plated Video Input Terminals
• Motorized Slide-Out Face
• Easy-Grip Wireless Remote Control
• Shock Proof Memory
• Amp Defeat Switch

Further Reading In-dash GPS Navigation and Entertainment Units

The Pioneer AVIC-Z1 previously mentioned has a number of lower specification siblings in its AVIC family including the AVIC-N3, AVIC-D2 and AVIC-D3.

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JVC KD-NX5000 Specifications

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