Pioneer’s AVIC-X710BT and AVIC-X910BT are the latest impressive instalments in their line of in-dash navigation and entertainment systems. Both systems combine GPS navigation, audio and video entertainment and extensive connectivity features including Apple iPod and iPhone, Bluetooth, MSN Direct, HD Radio and SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio. Big displays make a difference and the AVIC-X Series has a bright, color 5.8 inch high resolution WVGA touch panel display. Both Pioneer AVIC-X navigation system models can be fully integrated into a large number of vehicles with a 2-DIN dash opening.

Building upon features from previous models such as their AVIC-F500BT (in-dash and portable navigation), Pioneer have made visual interface enhancements including:

• Map View Modes: various screen views offered including 3D map mode, 2D North Up and the new 2D Heading Up map mode.
• Highway Sign Boards: when approaching a major junction simulated highway signs appear on the navigation display as a quick visual aid. It assists the driver to select the correct lane for a smooth passage through major interchanges and exits.
• Redesigned Map Interface: Key on-screen information layered on top of the map display was revamped for easier viewing utilizing larger fonts, more precise graphic contrast and less multi-line information.
• 3D Icons (X910BT only): Displayed as 3D illustrations are more than 1,300 icons including buildings, historical landmarks, and baseball fields to assist the driver in relating the navigation map to their physical surroundings.

Conversational Voice Control

For the AVIC-X710BT and AVIC-X910BT Pioneer have extended the use of VoiceBox’s award winning Conversational Voice Search Platform to voice control for compatible iPods/iPhones and compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phones. Following syncing, conversational commands can be used to control music playback from their iPod/iPhone by artist name, album name, playlist name or music genre. Users do not have to remember specific command phrases and can simply make statements like, “I want to listen to Pink,” or “Let’s hear Black Eyed Peas Boom Boom Pow” to start playback.

From conversational phrases, the software is able to extract the command, removing all the irrelevant words. Speech clutter such as umsand ahsand background noise can be removed as well. This capability is called intent recognition. While VoiceBox uses context and user intent to understand commands it may in difficult to resolve situations ask clarifying questions that is, cooperative conversations.

Multimedia Playback

Utilizing the 5.8 inch touch panel display users can access a wide variety of multimedia sources including playback of iTunes, AAC, MP3, WMA, WAVE, DivX and MPEG4 files from CD, DVD (X910BT only), USB devices or SD memory cards.

Connectivity

Compatible iPod music players, portable media players and USB memory devices can be connected using the USB interface. Data including software updates, POI updates, audio and video files can be uploaded using the front panel mounted SD memory card. A/V input can also be through a mini-jack A/V input.

Both AVIC models are equipped with Pioneer’s Supertuner IIID AM/FM tuner, three sets of RCA outputs and a built-in 50 Watts X 4 high power amplifier, and is ready to connect to various optional tuners including XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and HD Digital Radio.

Backing Up Camera

As with other models in the AVIC range, Pioneer have provided both models with a back-up camera input that can automatically display images from a separately purchased back-up camera triggered when vehicle is shifted into reverse.

Both models map database from Tele Atlas covers the United States, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii and more than 12 million points of interest (POI).

Pioneer has its AVIC-FEEDS PC application for users to create and store additional points of interests onto an SD memory card for uploading to the nav unit.

Purchasers should note that on the X910BT has the a MSN Direct Tuner built-in.

The Pioneer AVIC-X710BT and AVIC-X910BT are available for suggested prices of $900 and $1,100, respectively.