Whether you’re interested in DVD for video playback, or simply for its massive MP3 audio storage capacity, Kenwood’s new DVD based head units are well worth checking out.
Over the last couple of years, many people have opted to buy in-dash DVD tuners as an alternative to a conventional CD tuner. By doing so, you gain the ability to store a massive number of MP3 tracks on a single disc. Typically, a single DVD can handle around 1000 tracks per disc – with the added benefit that the discs are cheap enough to simply re-burn and throw away of they become scratched or damaged.
As a useful bonus, you can also connect the unit to an external screen and play back DVD movies to keep your passengers amused whilst on the move.
Secondary to this, the evolution of small, cheap TFT displays has resulted in the appearance of a new type of unit, with a small video display integrated into the front fascia. These can play back DVD internally and display the video image on the front panel. Whilst these displays are tiny, it’s surprising how clear the resulting image is – and it’s certainly just as viewable as a video iPod or similar.
Kenwood’s latests release includes one unit from each category – the KDV-5241U, which is a conventional style head unit with DVD capability, and the KDV-7241 which includes an integrated display.
KDV-5241U
Kenwood KDV-5241U
The KDV-5241U features a stylish common sense design, with a decent sized rotary control for ease of use. The front panel also features a USB input for connection to mass storage devices and an input for external AV sources.
The unit has 3 pairs of RCA preouts for system expansion, a 5 band EQ and all of the normal features you’d expect from a unit at this level, ie. MP3 and WMA playback, RDS-EON tuner, etc
KDV-7241
Kenwood KDV-7241
The KDV-7241 is Kenwood’s first unit to feature a front mounted TFT display and, based on the popularity of similar units from other manufacturers, is bound to be popular with the younger end of the market. As well as supporting regular DVDs, the unit can also play DIVx Ultra encoded video – again, something which is bound to be more popular with the download savvy youth market.
The unit features a motorised, multi-angle front panel, which should help to ensure that the display remains readily viewable in the widest possible array of vehicles.