JVC brings seven new in-dash CD receivers: Bluetooth, USB, iTunes tagging

JVC's hittin' hot and heavy today at CES, and in you've been wondering when you'd see something for your vehicle, here's your sign. JVC Mobile is introducing seven new in-dash receivers today, with the flagship KD-R900 ($269.95) packing dual USB 2.0 ports, Bluetooth, 3-Band Parametric iEQ, variable-color illumination display, a remote remote and a MOS-FET 50W x 4 internal amplifier. For the nitty-gritty on the other half dozen, head on down to the read link.

[STINK @ Jan 7th 2009 12:01PM]

Big honkin' rotary knob, USB, and aux input. Me likey.

[Lowest Ranked @ Jan 7th 2009 12:01PM]

Any that are sized 1.5 DIN? There aren't enough options on the market as it is.

[Rory @ Jan 7th 2009 4:00PM]

That is because older GM models (pre 2002) and the current Chysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles use 1.5-DIN - there just isn't a market. I'd just learn to deal with that and get a mounting kit for 1-DIN that leaves a 0.5-DIN pocket below the HU. (Alternatively there are a few 0.5-DIN EQ's you could put below it or maybe even a few other 0.5-DIN accessories I don't know about).

[Your dad @ Jan 7th 2009 12:15PM]

Do people still switch out thier factory stereos for these ugly and way to flashy misfits

[SOOPERGOOMAN @ Jan 7th 2009 12:30PM]

Yes sir, YES we do and they sound way better than that craptastic stereo in yours.

[arkweld @ Jan 7th 2009 12:54PM]

but these new models all look identical and still sport the craptastic blue and silver look. Silver faceplate elements just look cheap and tacky.

I'm happy to stick with my AVX44.

[Cash @ Jan 7th 2009 1:23PM]

Yeah, but not as often as we used to. Even though the radio tuner circuit burned out in my 3 year old Alpine CDA-9855, I've yet to replace it with their newer models because they've all gotten so cheap and plastic'y looking compared to their old stuff, which was just plain solid. It's not just Alpine though... seems like all the big makers are going for this gaudy flimsy craptastic look with way too many LED's and huge rotary knobs that just get in the way. And don't even get me started on the whole face mounted USB port, because driving down the highway with a friggin' USB key sticking out of my dash is really what I want to do. If they were going to go that route, I'd rather see an SD card slot that sat flush with the deck and didn't tempt fate everytime I reached for the volume knob without looking while driving.

[Rory @ Jan 7th 2009 3:56PM]

Chalk me up as another who hates the front-mounted USB port. Having the AUX up there is nice (if there is one in the back too to permanently mount things) for when you have someone else bring their iPod into the car. Pioneer seems to keep them on the back, but their styling is so awful (why can't I get any illumination color besides blue?!) that I've avoided them.

[greatsunjester @ Jan 7th 2009 12:19PM]

USB input is handy, though I would almost prefer a SD card slot so nothing sticks out when memory is inserted. I guess I am in the minority in that I want a Zune interface option!

[htd @ Jan 7th 2009 12:20PM]

no numeric buttons in the front? how do I switch to my radio stations?

[P1i @ Jan 28th 2009 11:27AM]

using gestures

[nesteazba @ Jan 7th 2009 12:25PM]

Any word on iPhone 3G compatibility? I have a year old JVC unit in my car that refuses to work with my iPhone 3G :(

[SOOPERGOOMAN @ Jan 7th 2009 12:31PM]

This is purdy, 2 usb ports is nice to have, stream from em psp directly. BT in there, thats about time. Me wanty!

[Jay Coulter @ Jan 7th 2009 12:37PM]

Sick, I like it a lot. Just put a system in my quad cab and was looking for a new deck. I like the fact that there is a front and rear usb so that I can run my ipod from the back. This way the cable will not be visible

[G8RS @ Jan 7th 2009 12:41PM]

OMG! Bluetooth right out of the box! Just what I've always wanted. I'm sure glad I don't have to buy any additional hardware.

[Nick @ Jan 7th 2009 12:47PM]

I'm anxiously awaiting the day I can plug my bus powered 250 GB external drive full of music in to my head unit...

[arkweld @ Jan 7th 2009 12:57PM]

You already can.

[FILA @ Jan 7th 2009 1:37PM]

Yea just get a power converter, inverter whatever the fuck there called for your car, plug your drive into it and the USB in and it should work. i have a 500gig external but no deck in my car for it thou

[Nick @ Jan 7th 2009 1:54PM]

I said it was bus powered...power converter doesn't really help me out there...

[Exootep @ Jan 7th 2009 1:03PM]

A: I've used two BT enabled stereos, 1 from Pioneer and currently the JVC AVX44. The downside is that the integrated microphone in the JVC doesn't work too well; less complaints from the other end using the Pioneer external mic.

B: Both of those stereos allowed me to use my 160GB external, USB, bus powered HDD, although the folder navigation on each was complete crap.

[Nick @ Jan 7th 2009 1:54PM]

What about the folder navigation sucked? Trying to gauge if its worth having my entire music collection with me at all times...

[f3rg @ Jan 7th 2009 7:09PM]

USB and Aux should always be on the front. Nice to see that.