Comments on: JVC Arsenal KD-ADV49 DVD/CD Receiver with Motorized 3.5″ Widescreen Monitor, Built-in Bluetooth®, USB 2.0 for Ipod, HD Radio Ready, Satellite Ready

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:11:59 +0000

When I saw the price for this and all it featured I had to get it. My state has recently required hands free and is enforcing it so this couldn’t have come along at a better time. Because the Bluetooth handsfree is built-in (not a $100+ optional accessory)makes it worth the price all by itself. All the other features it comes with are icing on the cake. Despite the fact that my pick-up is noisy the built-in mic work just fine. As far as iPhone compatibility goes that’s Apples fault. iPhones are notorious for poor bluetooth compatibility. One reason I wouldn’t own one. That and I don’t want to cop an iTude.

Installation was a snap. Since the unit I was replacing was a JVC it fit right into the old sleave and used the same wiring plug.

One thing I like that’s not mentioned anywhere is the tilting faceplate. You can adjust the angle of the faceplate which helps reduce glare and improves the veiwing angle. It also makes it easier to use the touch controls. It automatically lies flat when you shut the car off and resumes the previous angle when you start up.

While it’s true, using the touch controls for volume is a bit difficult and possibly dangerous, the rest of the controls are easy. My only real complaint with this unit is, after a week or 2 the touch area has become smudged and possibly even scratch from use. Controlling the volume requires you to slide your fingertip in a circular motion which leaves a mark in a very short time. This is my reason for docking it a star.

Otherwise I love everything else about it. Sound quality is improved over my last unit. Reading mp3’s on DVD and USB is slow but so was my previous head unit so I’m accustomed to it. Video quality is great despite the small screen(it’s as big as you can get and still fit it’s standard size faceplate)it’s bright and sharp with good color.

Overall a splendid unit and a great value at $200.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: Randal A

Randal A — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:50:58 +0000

it’s not just a good unit, this is a better unit and amazon has it for a best price.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Vitaliy Tembel

Vitaliy Tembel — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:58:09 +0000

Touch pad control is nearly impossible to use when driving. Bluetooth needs an external mic like on the older versions- people could barely hear me. I had to return it for a refund. Keep looking.

Rating: 1 / 5

By: Carlos Mejia

Carlos Mejia — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:47:59 +0000

Multimedia Receiver muy elegante, de muy buena imagen y sonido.
Facil de instalar y programar.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Ace

Ace — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:49:37 +0000

Do not buy if you have an iPhone. It will not work. Call JVC first.

I edited the review and gave it 4 stars. Even though it does not work with the iPhone, it works excellent with an iPod.

Now that I have been using the unit for a while, here are some of the things I like and don’t like:

Positives:
-The iPod connected to the USB works well. It is a little slow at first but performs well overall.
-The dual zone is great. My kids can watch a DVD in the backseat while I listen to something else in the front seat.
-The bluetooth streaming of music is very cool.
-The system looks awesome in my car. It also completely disappears when you turn the car off so I don’t worry about theft.
-The built in DVD screen has a surprisingly great picture.

Negatives:
-The call quality is very poor when you are using the bluetooth. You can hear great but the person you are talking to will probably complain.
-When using the dual zone, you cannot listen to whatever is connected to the USB cable (iPod in my case). I can still listen to the radio or steam from the bluetooth, but not use the USB connection.
-The touchscreen is a pain to operate while driving. The remote control does help. I am going to go back and install the steering wheel controls to make it safer.
Rating: 4 / 5