If you're building a comprehensive A/V system for the S-10 or S-15, one of the most complete units is Panasonic's VAD-9300U AM/FM/CD/DVD/LCD 5.1-channel receiver/monitor (MSRP $2,000). The VAD-9300U features a motorized, 7-inch widescreen-style LCD color monitor, which tilts to five different angles to optimize viewing quality and can also swivel to the left or right (remember: Viewing a screen with full-motion video, while driving, is illegal); built-in Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel capabilities; and extensive Digital Signal Processing with eight preset soundfields. An added feature, not found on competitive units, is a built-in TV tuner and antenna so you can listen to your favorite programs while you drive. As with most Panasonic head units, the VAD-9300U is a Sirius-capable unit when equipped with the optional tuner. If you have a late-model four-door Crew Cab S-10 or S-15, you can even configure the VAD-9300U as a dual zone unit, allowing rear-seat passengers to watch a video while front seat passengers listen to the tuner.
While we mentioned it in last month's issue, if you're looking for navigation, you must check out Pioneer's AVIC-N1 (MSRP TBA). The AVIC-N1 is a single-DIN AM/FM/CD/DVD receiver/monitor with a retractable 6.5-inch screen and a fully integrated GPS navigation system using onboard flash memory. After navigation data is loaded from the navigation DVD to the onboard flash memory, the disc can be removed and the unit can then be used to play entertainment CDs or DVDs, including DVD-Audio discs, eliminating the need for a second, costly DVD transport or CD changer. The AVIC-N1 has the ability to monitor several vehicle performance parameters (speed, acceleration, lateral g-force, angular velocity, slope, angle), which is probably a feature of greater importance to sport compact car enthusiasts, but is an interesting application of the sensors already installed for the navigation functions.
If you want to add a CD changer to your factory system, and your current factory-installed head unit has a front panel AUX button, you're no longer obligated to go back to the dealer to use its integrated controls. The USA SPEC SCD-G190 6-disc changer (MSRP $330), available from Crutchfield and selected mobile electronics specialists, can be connected to many '97-'04 GM-built radios with CD controls. This is a plug-in unit; you don't have to cut any wires as a harness adapter is supplied with the unit. The SCD-G190 changer is even compatible with vehicles equipped with the GM OnStar system, so upgrading your system doesn't have to mean losing this popular feature.
The mass storage/jukebox category is poised to make strong inroads in 2004, after getting off to a slower than expected start in 2003. One of the long-awaited units in this category is Alpine's HDA-5460 player (MSRP $1,000) with a 16GB removable hard disk drive that stores as many as 3,000 of your favorite MP3/WMA/WAV music files - that's almost 300 conventional CDs. Transferring music files from your PC to the removable hard disk drive is fast. Simply plug a cable from the computer directly to the removable disk drive's USB port. Its "auto-synch" function enables people to quickly update their drive with the latest music and playlists on their desktop. The unit can be used as a stand-alone unit with almost any existing factory or aftermarket system with its RCA outputs, or it can be fully integrated into Alpine Ai-Net head units.