Looking for new head unit

[kartherma]

Hi all,
As I indicated from my posts in other threads I am now looking for a new head unit to put in the marauder.

I see everyone talking about the pioneer AVIC series units.
My problem is I am not sure that I want/need all of the features, and I am not sure that all of the features will work in Guam (navigation).

I am asking for suggestions and have the intention of purchasing through John's Stereo (thanks for the shipping to FPO John!)

My basic desire is:
double din like the AVIC
mp3 compatible
hard drive so I can store multiple songs, and be able to put a cd in it once and have it store those songs
usb to be able to load songs

Do you guys think the nav feature will work in Guam?

I am thinking that the latest generation AVIC is too much for me both feature-wise and cost-wise.

My budget for a head unit I think is in the 800-900 range, but I am open to ideas!

thanks,
Be good!
Curt

[magindat]

I think this is the answer for you:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...mier/FH-P800BT
FH-P800BT
Premier™ Double-DIN CD Receiver with Built-In Bluetooth® Wireless and USB Direct Control of iPod

• Advanced Sound Retriever restores the rich, full, dynamic sound to compressed music
• 3 Hi-Volt RCA preouts (Front, Rear, Sub)

While it is NOT hard drive equipped, you could add the IPod to it and stay within you budget. It looks very at home in the car and has USB memory connectivity, direct IPod connection and control, CD/MP3 compatibility (which means about 140 songs per CD). It also has direct generic MP3 player connectivity. The 3V out will feed your sub amp quite nicely.

I do not know of a Pioneer unit that will take a CD and rip it to the HD save for maybe the Z2 which again won't Nav in Guam and it WAY out of your budget.

Nav WOULD work in Guam, but there'd be no maps. I imagine you could buy maps, but typically the map sets are upwards of $250.

I have not yet experimented (but intended to in Carlos's car) with connecting a USB powered external HD to the USB connector. Of course, that would still not have the 'rip' function, but would hold a basically unlimited amount of music, since I've now seen 2.5" terabyte USB HD's which would fit in your shirt pocket!

In any event, this plus Ipod (if you don't already have one) fits your budget and requirements.

[GreekGod]

Pioneer’s commitment to providing consumers with the ultimate in-car entertainment experience has led to three new product offerings that go beyond the typical navigation system. The Pioneer AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and Premier branded AVIC-F90BT combine a multitude of functional entertainment capabilities with advanced navigation features that fit the lifestyle of today’s on-the-go consumers. The on-dash AVIC-F500BT, recently unveiled at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show, joins the same elite family of in-dash AVIC-F series navigation systems.
Each of the highly sophisticated in-dash navigation systems enable users to link and control their personal devices. Apple iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth®, MSN® Direct, HD® radio, XM® and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio, single CD, DVD video playback and compressed audio and video playback through USB and SD memory devices are among the players’ numerous capabilities. Additionally, each unit offers an advanced conversational voice recognition system for hands-free dialing of compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phones and control of an entire music collection on iPod players.
“Pioneer’s AVIC-F series navigation systems are the ideal solution for millions of drivers who want an in-car product that can be easily integrated with other mobile personal devices, whether it is an iPod or Bluetooth enabled cell phone,” said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for the mobile business group at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “These offerings create a higher level in-car experience with navigation, entertainment and voice recognition capabilities - beyond what anyone will find on almost all current standard navigation systems in the market.”
Beyond Voice Control
A focal feature of all three systems is the highly sophisticated voice recognition feature collaborated with VoiceBox Technologies, allowing users to control connected iPod players and compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phones by voice. In addition, the systems differentiate from others on the market with features including conversational commands and intent recognition.
The navigation systems analyze every day conversational commands to initiate music playback and phone calling functions. Users can simply say, “Let’s hear artist Usher” or “I want to listen to artist Chris Brown,” to play back songs from specified artists in their iPods. Users can request music using the artist name, album name, playlist name and music genre.
The AVIC-F Series systems also allow conversational elements from the user’s speech such as stumbles and pauses without failing the command. For example, when the user says, “I want to, ah, play artist, um, Black Eyed Peas,” the system distinguishes the command phrase from the extra unwanted words to perform the desired function.

In the hands-free phone mode with a compatible Bluetooth enabled cell phone, the system utilizes intent recognition. From a command such as, “Call Robert Smith,” the AVIC-F systems can identify the contact without specifying the category it is stored in the phone. These units will prompt users with additional information by responding, “I have three numbers for Robert Smith – home, mobile and office. Which would you like to call?” The user can then provide the additional information without restating the command.
Beyond Entertainment
The AVIC-F navigation systems simultaneously operate as high-end audio and video entertainment sources. Each unit feature a 5.8-inch high resolution WVGA touch panel display which users can easily access various forms of entertainment. The AVIC-F700BT starts with a single CD/CD-R/RW playback mechanism while the AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT are further equipped with CD/CD-R/RW/DVD/DVD-R/RW video playback, capable of reading MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC, Wave, DivX* and MPEG4* files.
Each unit also includes a USB interface for quick connection to iPod music players, portable media players and USB memory device. For extra convenience, SD memory filled with additional Points of Interest information or compressed audio and video, slides directly into the SD card slot located in front of each unit. When any external device is plugged in, the systems will instantly recognize the source allowing users access and control through the touch panel display and/or voice control (iPod only). Pioneer also added a mini-jack A/V input on the face of each unit for immediate connection to other portable devices, such as camcorders and video players.
As high-end source units, each system is equipped with its Pioneer’s unprecedented Supertuner IIID AM/FM tuner, XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and HD Radio connectivity, three sets of RCA outputs and 50 Watts X 4 high power amplifier.
Beyond Navigation
Each system utilizes flash memory to obtain quicker mapping information and allow an “always on” navigation state. The comprehensive map database from Tele Atlas® covers the entire United States, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii enabling users to route to millions of destinations. The database includes more than 12-million points of interest (POI), for destinations such as gas stations, ATMs, hotels and restaurants which can be easily searched either near a current location, or close to a specified destination. Categories of POIs can be overlaid onto the map for quick identification further enhancing the navigation experience. On the AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT model, specific landmarks are illustrated using 3-dimentional icons.
As an added benefit, each system employs a Text-to-Speech (TTS) function to further improve its assistance capabilities. Unlike some navigation systems, the AVIC-F models will announce street names in addition to turning instructions ensuring users are warned ahead of time. Drivers will hear, “turn right on Broadway,” instead of simply prompting, “Turn right ahead.”
The AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT products also feature MSN® Direct connectivity. With a paid MSN subscription*, users will receive updated traffic, weather forecasts, gas prices and movie time information for more than 100 cities across the United States and Canada. At a glance, traffic incidents and traffic flow are displayed directly on the map indicated by different colored lines and traffic icons. The navigation systems automatically integrates with the MSN Direct data allowing users to route to gas stations and movie theaters of choice with a simple touch of the screen.
As an added benefit of the integrated SD card slot, Pioneer’s systems are ready for updates and additional POI information. Using a PC application from Pioneer, users with compatible PCs can create and store new points of interests onto an SD memory card for the navigation system to reference. This is especially helpful when users want to add their personalized POIs.

Beyond Integration
The Pioneer AVIC-F navigation systems can be fully integrated into nearly any car with a double DIN dash opening. With up to 32,768 customizable illumination colors, users can establish a refined factory OEM look and feel.
For safety and convenience, each unit is equipped with a camera input and back-up trigger. These systems will automatically display images from a separately purchased camera when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The feature is extremely useful in large automobiles where it can be difficult to see behind the vehicle.
The Pioneer AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and Premier AVIC-F90BT will be available in June 2008 for a suggested price of $850, $1,100 and $1,200 respectively.
Pioneer’s Mobile Entertainment Division is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, advanced connectivity and ease-of-use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier electronic products.
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including Blu-ray Disc and DVD, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment.™

* DivX playback not available through USB and SD card slot
* MSN Direct is a subscription service that delivers traffic conditions, fuel prices, weather data, and more to personal navigation devices to over 100 cities in the United States and Canada. After the initial trial subscription included with the AVIC-900BT and AVIC-F90BT, an optional subscription service fee is required for MSN Direct services.
PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation.
BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
HD Digital Radio is a registered trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation.
IPOD is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
MSN Direct is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation
SIRIUS is a registered trademark of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.
TELE ATLAS is a registered trademark of Tele Atlas NV
VOICE BOX is a registered trademark of Voice Box Technologies, Inc.
XM is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

[GreekGod]

Features

AVIC-F700BT

AVIC-F900BT

Premier

AVIC-F90BT

3D Landmark Icon

-

Yes

Built-in MSN Direct Tuner

-

Yes

Yes

5.8-inch WVGA LCD Touch Panel

Yes

Yes

Yes

Built-in Bluetooth Technology

Yes

Yes

Yes

Conversational Voice Recognition for Bluetooth

Yes

Yes

Yes

Audio/Video Direct Control for Ipod

CD-IU230V required

CD-IU230V required

Cable Included

Conversational Voice Recognition for iPod

Yes

Yes

Yes

DVD Video Playback

-

Yes

Yes

iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback on DVD

-

Yes

Yes

iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback on CD

Yes

Yes

Yes

iTunes AAC/MP3/WMA Playback from USB Memory Devices or SD Memory Card

Yes

Yes

Yes

Back-Up Camera Ready

Yes

Yes

Yes

XM and Satellite Radio Capability

Yes

Yes

Yes

HD Radio Capability

Yes

Yes

Yes

Hi-Voltage Preouts

-

-

Yes

50W x 4 High Power Amplifier

Yes

Yes

Yes

Availability

June 08

June 08

June 08

Suggested Price

$850

$1100

$1200

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[magindat]

That's great stuff, but he's in GUAM!!!! The nav is a complete waste.

I would agree, though that the new F series is the ULTIMATE VALUE in the market today. Nothing comes close. Pioneer could ask TWICE the money and still sell the hell out of them.

[O's Fan Rich]

That's great stuff, but he's in GUAM!!!! The nav is a complete waste.

I would agree, though that the new F series is the ULTIMATE VALUE in the market today. Nothing comes close. Pioneer could ask TWICE the money and still sell the hell out of them.

I agree Rich. It's a fantastic unit with all the features I need, especially since I have a Garmin Nuvi that flips between cars for navigation.
Ipod, Bluetooth, hands free telephone, three RCA outputs in the back, control like crazy and I got it for $250.00...
how the heck do you beat that?