Pioneer AVIC Z1, D2 and D3 In-dash Satellite Navigation Devices

The Pioneer AVIC-Z1, AVIC-D2 and AVIC-D3 are double-DIN sized in-dash GPS navigation devices which have an excellent range of features including; an 8 channel GPS receiver, turn-by-turn navigation, large 6.5 inch + high resolution LCD touchscreen displays, motorized front panel display, voice recognition, audio/video DVD/CD player, AM/FM radio and Bluetooth for hands-free phone operation. Of these Pioneer AVIC models, the AVIC-Z1 is the pick for features for the price. The convenience of having a hard disc drive (HDD) with the AVIC-Z 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.

Pioneer AVIC-D2 Automotive GPS Navigation and Entertainment System

Differences Between AVIC Z1, D2 and D3 Included Features

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 for announcing street and place names
Advanced Voice Recognition control is included only with the AVIC-Z1
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 hands-free capability is available only in the AVIC-Z1 and AVIC-D3 (optional)
Detailed city maps are not available with the AVIC-D3.

Common Features

Touch Panel Operation

The touch screen is used to navigate menus, reveal information behind navigation 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, which is significant, covering US, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii and containing 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.

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

Smart Routing Algorithm

The smart routing algorithm takes into account current road data (such as posted speed limits, number of turns to the destination) as well as simple distances when determining the most efficient route suggestion.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology enabled cellular phones can be combined with the AVIC-Z1 (optional for AVIC-D3) for safer hands-free phone operation. The optional ND-BT1, a head unit with microphone and the vehicle’s speaker system put you in control. As with other systems, any other audio is automatically muted during phone calls. A handy convenience is being able to access phone numbers associated with the POI making it simple to call ahead.

Entertainment

Audio Entertainment System

The integrated DVD/CD player allows audio or MP3 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 provids 50 watts (peak) over four channels.

HDD Music Library with Voice Command

A huge 10GB of the 30GB HDD can be used by the AVIC-Z1 for a music storage. The system allows you to listen to music while at the same time ripping and storing at 4 times playing speed. Gracenote CDDB Music Recognition Service is included and updatable and capable of automatically labeling ripped music with the artists name, song title, genre, and album title. Music library contents can then be accessed by voice command using for example, an artists name or song title.

Of note is the default autorecord mode which automatically starts ripping audio files from music CDs as soon as they are inserted.

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-Z1 can be connected with an iPod via this dedicated adapter, and using the touch panel, you can play iPod-recorded songs, scroll through the music library on their iPod, or select from several functions like Shuffle playback.

Extending the AVIC-Z1′s Capabilities

An attraction of the AVIC-Z1 navigation and entertainment system is the ability to add attachments including XM and Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod adapter, CD changer and TV tuners for rear seat entertainment.

Rear Seat Video

RCA connectors are included for hooking up a rear seat video display when playing DVD videos.

Extra Speakers

The AVIC units 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 cue. 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 units 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.