JVC KD-AVX44 Review
The Basics
The KD-AVX44 is a single-DIN CD/DVD receiver with a detachable faceplate. When not in use, the face of the unit appears glossy, black, and otherwise unremarkable. But when you wave your hand near it, a proximity detector illuminates the panel in red light. Presto! You have controls.
In addition to a variety of CD and DVD formats (no DVD-Audio, however), El Kameleon supports ancillary devices such as HD Radio and satellite radio tuners, CD changers, a rearview camera, and iPod video (the adapter cable is purchased separately for $49.95). You can even feed video content from a navigation unit. Built-in media options include USB connectivity (for thumb drives, MP3 players, and iPod) and Bluetooth for phones and other enabled devices.
At specialist retailers, another version of El Kameleon is available for the Arsenal line: the KD-ADV49. This version has a two-year warranty (versus the one-year) and features blue illumination. It also costs $30 more at $579.95.
User-Friendliness
The black-out faceplate controls-the aspect of the KD-AVX44 that makes it so desirable-also makes it a bit difficult to use. With the paucity of actual buttons (there’s one on each corner of the unit), most commands need to be inputted through the smart panel. Once you get a hang of it you’ll be fine, but otherwise, answering a phone call, skipping a track, or even raising the volume can be frustrating.
Fortunately, JVC Mobile threw in a remote control for those who want a more tactile experience. Following the simple trend of few buttons on the unit’s actual faceplate, the remote keeps it basic. For some functions (e.g., hands-free phone use), the remote is highly recommended.
Functionality
Audio features include a seven-band iEQ, 50 watts x 4 of power, 5-volt line and subwoofer preouts, and gold-plated A/V input and output terminals. The unit supports a center channel and Dolby and DTS surround sound sources. For two-channel audio, Dolby PLII will simulate the surround sound experience.
CD and DVD playback works well with the unit automatically detecting the type of media and accessing it. Four levels of tilt make avoiding glare on the screen more doable but in full daylight, it may be impossible. The main limitation, of course, is the screen’s small size. For anyone wanting a discreet, sleek look, El Kameleon definitely has it; moreover, the bright screen has an attractive jewel-like quality.
With its dual-zone capability, you can have the DVD playback routed to monitors in the rear cabin. But if you don’t want to listen to the movie the kids are watching or the MP3s they’re flipping through, you can have them switch to headphones while you indulge in other sources (other than USB). Using the remote, your passengers can control the media of their choice.
Hands-free phone calls and streaming Bluetooth audio are built-in. The microphone is hidden at the top left corner and calls are clear for both the driver and the recipient. Like any Bluetooth setup, one can’t expect it to function seamlessly with every phone. Out of the box, the KD-AVX44 paired perfectly with our Samsung Blackjack, but it wouldn’t download the address book (if you frequently change your phone or are unsure about compatibility, visit www.mobile.jvc.com for CD-ROM updates)
Receiving calls requires only pushing a soft button on the upper left corner (or setting up the Auto Answer feature). However, making calls necessitates delving through three screens of the menu. Using shortcuts on the remote makes this a safer proposition. Better yet, use the voice dialing option on your phone if it has one.
With many media options and minimal visual clutter, the KD-AVX44 has a lot of appeal. It offers a lot of features that work well and many add-on options if you want more. JVC, however, designed it to be more cool than user-friendly. Keep that in mind if you don’t like a high learning curve.
Key Features
CD/DVD playback with Dual Zone mode* IPod and USB device connectivity* Built-in Bluetooth for hands-free phone and audio streaming* Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound* HD and satellite radio ready* Attractive black-out removable faceplate* Poor ease of use
JVC KD-AVX44
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[...] The KD-AVX44 is a single-DIN CD/DVD receiver with a detachable faceplate. When not in use, the face of the unit appears glossy, black, and otherwise unremarkable. But when you wave your hand near it, a proximity detector illuminates the panel in red light. Presto! You have controls. [...]