Pioneer AVIC-D3 In-Dash GPS Navigation System with DVD Player

A great navigation system should be simple to use, provide intelligent routing with rich data, and feature entertainment options that make driving more enjoyable and convenient. The Pioneer AVIC-D3 in-dash navigation system comes with two DVD-ROMs containing a massive Tele Atlas database, enabling the unit to provide a gigantic network of turn-by-turn routable roads. You get fast processor calculations of multiple routes and directions to destinations via the graphic map interface and voice guidance within seconds. Have access to 12 million Points Of Interest (POI) throughout the United States and Canada for the nearest gas station, restaurant or ATM. The double-DIN size will fit in most standard vehicles providing a perfect placement in your the dashboard. The integration gets even better with the multi-color illumination to match the interface to the colors of your dashboard. Never need to touch your cell phone again with the optional CD-BTB200 Bluetooth adapter used with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone. Make and receive phone calls while listening through your in-car speakers. With subscription and optional XM NavTraffic service, you will be one step ahead of traffic jams and alternate routes will be provided. 2 DVD-ROM CNDV-70M Map Data US, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii Coverage Area 3D Hybrid Sensor (Gyro & G-Force) GPS Receiver & 8-Channel Antenna Included Emergency Mode Display 1-Year Roadside Assistance Included Map, Guide, Route, Driver's & Rear View Display Mode 5 Vehicle Dynamics Skins - Original, Carbon, Hologram, Sharp Metal and Classic Playback - MP3 Playback with ID3 Tag, WMA (Windows Media Audio), iTunes AAC and DivX Video on DVD/DVD-R/-RW, CD/CD-R/-RW 24-Station/6-Button (18FM/6FM) Presets Built-in Speaker Power - MOS-FET 50W x 4 3-Band Parametric EEQ Equalizer BSM (Best Stations Memory) XM Radio Ready with Enhanced Graphical GEX-P10XMT or GEX-P920XM optional accessory
Customer Review: Pioneer AVIC-D3
The Pioneer AVIC-D3 is a great after market In-Dash GPS Navigation System. The multitude of features and additional accessories make this system a must have for mobile video/navigation enthusiasts. As with most "all-in-one" type technologies, it does take a while to get used to the interface and menus. Though once you become familiar with them, which doesn't take much time at all, you'll probably find yourself wanting to cruise around just for the heck of it. One slight annoying design flaw is "the system's single disc slot means that users will constantly have to switch between navigation discs and media sources to make the most of its many features." But if this is not of a particular concern to you, then you'll be generally satisfied with this product.
Customer Review: Good System for the price
First off, if you plan to use the Navigation system heavily AND a CD/DVD heavily as well, think about it! I bought this system in the last week and I was able to test it thoroughly this past weekend. Thegps88756 is a very good beginning of the line model and for the price it is going for, even with all the bells and whistles, it is a very good product. If you buy it at the current price from amazon you will get the AVIC-D3($594.95) the bluetooth($94.95) the iPod Cable($15.45) and the remote($13.80-if you need it, my package already included it) totaling for less than $720. Paying $700 for hardware you get navigation, DVD playing capabilities (video plays only when the car is moving less than 10MPH-unless overridden), iPod integration, cell phone integration (handsfree mandatory in CA beginning summer 2008), you can also get satellite radio and traffic if you want. It is a very complete system and you can also expand it by installing head rest monitors or flip down monitors, rear-view camera, amplifiers, and then list can go on and on. As far as comparing this product to others in the market...it has it's limitations. It isn't as complete as other systems could be, but the price makes those things be forgotten about. Cons: 1) It has a limitation on the media loaded. You have one slot for CD/DVD/Navi, so if you want to have a DVD all the time inside your unit, then pretty much forget about Navigation. If you are going to use Navigation all the time, then maybe this system is not the one for you. If you have an iPod however, you can have plenty of music from there without the need for a CD (plus you can play your videos from the iPod too, however you need to manually select them). In my case, I would like to have two DVD slots where I can get to keep the navigation disc inside and I can get an extra slot so I can put music videos to listen to (music from DVDs is much richer than from CDs or iPod) or have it free for a CD. Juggling discs isn't something I look forward to when I'm even starting my drive, even less if I was driving. 2) The screen size is smaller based on its big buttons (relatively speaking) and the CD slot which is visible. I am unsure what the others are in comparison, but seeing them side to side the AVIC-D3 seems to be dwarfed. 3) Programming and usage of the unit is not completely easy or intuitive. I have not been able to program the 150+ entries from my address book into the nav unit since my phone will only do one by one. The phone needs to be disconnected from the unit in order to do this 4) Lack of tilt feature. Some units allow some tilt so that the glare can be reduced. I am unsure of the tradeoff that exists (on the one hand it could brake and make it unusable, on the other, there's no tilt). Pros: 1) Very affordable compared to others. With less than 700, I was able to purchase the system, the bluetooth, iPod connection, and a remote (which I don't know if I'll use, but it's there for now). Other systems (the next one up) went for much more, two times more than this one. 2) Although some of the more intricate programming is, well, more intricate and hard, most things are very easy to get to. You'll get how to program your cell phone and once you have done it once, you really don't need to do it. Playing a DVD, CD, out of the iPod, radio (even programming the stations) isn't hard. Using the navi is very intuitive, keep pressing the Menu button if you need to do something and press Map if you need to get back to the map. 3) Has everything you need, or most of it anyway. 4) Expandable. You can have other screens connected to it, amplifiers, camera, satellite radio (XM & Sirius). I am unsure whether you can have HD Radio or if a DVD changer is currently available or if it will be available, but a DVD changer would be a great addition for the system. In short: I have the system and it works for me, it has what I need at an affordable price with expandability. At this current time, I would say I would buy it again, although I would look to see if there was a possibility to get one with 2 discs for a comparable, or even a little more expensive. I would NOT get it if: I had long drives to difficult locations where I don't know where I'm going and I was carrying kids who would be watching DVDs. Hope this helps getting you the best system for you!

Satellites orbiting along a precise path send signals to earth. This enables GPS technology to pinpoint a person's exact location, and display it on a satellite map. The technology is used in cars to help drivers choose the best route to their destination.

Audiovox, the manufacturer of GPS systems, claim that their more than 40 years experience in the wireless industry has helped to insure best value for money from the GPS system manufactured by them.

The Audiovox GPS receiver uses the satellite signals to calculate the latitude, longitude and altitude at which a user is. This is known as the 3D position. Other calculations such as the vehicle's speed, distance from its destination, etc. are also calculated.

The signals are low power radio signals, designated L1 and L2. The L1 frequency of 1575.42 MHz in the UHF band is used by Civilian GPS. The signals pass through plastic, glass and clouds, but not through buildings or mountains.

Audiovox has innovated, to introduce a Real Time Traffic module which is absent in conventional navigation systems. A car owner can activate this module by buying a simple hardware addition, and paying a one-time activation fee and a low subscription.

The Audiovox Electronics NVX226 3 Portable Navigation car navigation system features 9 function keys, TFT Screen with clear voice and visual instructions. It calculates the estimated time of arrival, distance to go, time to go, and miles per hour.

This model comes with a 1 GB flash memory with full U.S. mapping, turn by turn voice prompts, a built-in rechargeable battery, a windshield mounting bracket, a cradle with a built-in speaker and Canada mapping available on separate CD, if needed.

To get accurate positioning from the GPS system, in your car, you should use an external amplified antenna in your car, which will also give you a full sky view. However try using the GPS system, without an antenna, to begin with.

Most modern GPS receivers don't need one. To provide for the possibility that you might need it in future, make sure there's an external antenna port in the unit you buy.

Richard J. Runion is the President of Geostar Publishing & Services LLC. Rich loves net research & blogging. His new blog on Audiovox GPS is fast becoming popular, as it is comprehensive and well-researched. Read his blog at: http://www.audiovoxgpsreview.com/