Kenwood adds USB-equipped auto systems
by Marc Perton 
posted Jan 8th 2006 at 2:32AM
We know Kenwood isn't the first company to introduce USB-equipped auto CD players, but the units they're showing off at CES, including the DPX-501 and DPX-701, are welcome additions nonetheless. The units can play MP3, WMA and AAC files stored on any USB drive or portable audio player that supports mass-storage mode, and a promised firmware upgrade will support Windows Media DRM, opening the door for direct support for files downloaded from subscription services such as Rhapsody and Napster. The new models also include MP3/WMA-compatible CD players, and are HD Radio and Sirius ready.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
influx @ Jan 8th 2006 2:43AM
Its about time. I'm surprised more companys haven't already started supporting this feature.
QBOX2006 @ Jan 8th 2006 3:09AM
ABOUT TIME! I'm gonna plug my 80 GB USB hard drive into that puppy!
joe williams @ Jan 8th 2006 10:57AM
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TJ @ Jan 8th 2006 12:12PM
there's been a company doing that for about a year it's at wal-mart for less then $100 for all the same features and more.
cr4a @ Jan 8th 2006 12:47PM
You know, I'd really like to see a car stereo unit with open source firmware. It's a longshot, I know, but hey, a guy can dream, can't he?
Goreged Bushed @ Jan 8th 2006 3:41PM
USB is good, but the formats used is the reason why I would not buy it, OPEN SOURCE BABY >> OGG IT MAN.
Rich @ Jan 8th 2006 6:40PM
Dear god. That looks more like the car stereo my father had in the 80s...
EH @ Jan 8th 2006 10:59PM
Sony, Clarion, and many others have also released USB decks. Sony's, dubbed the giga-deck, uses the faceplate to actually plug into the computer for retriving your music.
Jamin @ Jan 9th 2006 9:47AM
When are they going to just drop the stupid skipping CD player? Just stick a big USB slot on the front and call it a day....
Oh and about friggen time!
KB @ Jan 9th 2006 5:37PM
TJ,
I remember seeing the Walmart one online but cannot find it now. Can you please post the link to it. Thanks.
analyst @ Jan 10th 2006 3:32AM
Aldi stores (in UK, but prob other countries too) had a Medion branded unit for sale last week which took CD/CDR/CD-RW incl mp3-CD and a USB interface and an SD Card reader, all for 49 (GBP) about $88 (USD)
Anna Green @ Feb 5th 2006 11:20PM
NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW - WHEN WILL IT COME OUT???? EVEN KENWOOD WON'T TELL ME! I want to put an aftermarket stereo in my old beater, but don't know how long I can wait. This is exactly what I need!