Does anyone know the difference? I’ve been searching high and low. The only thing I’ve found is “software upgrades” and dual DVD slots.

Are the software upgrades noticeable? Were they able to improve the Ipod interface?

Also, who’s used the XM Navtraffic service? To be honest, this is the only reason I’m considering the Pioneer. I’d prefer to get Kenwood’s new DDX-6019 but real-time traffic navigation goes a long way in Miami.

Thanks for all you help!

 

There is a new Pioneer coming out, the Avic z1. It can play movie DVD's and has a 7" screen.

 

Yep...was looking at that. Real nice looking but the price is steep ($1600 on ebay)

 

I am looking at the Kenwood as well. Heard iffy things about the Pioneer Nav software accuracy which put me off the D1 or D2. Since I have a Garmin PDA unit right now and it is spot on for accuracy and the Kenwood Nav uses a similar Garmin engine I was leaning down that path. I thought I read though that it was Sirius and/or XM Traffic capable as well like the Pioneer?

 

I wish. From my research, Pioneer is the only aftermarket company with that service.

 

OK, went back and looked at the 6019 specs again and it looks as though "will be" is the answer for XM Traffic on the Kenwood.

The Kenwood site simply lists it as XM Traffic capable with a note to say that a subscription is required. Crutchfield says this as well but adds the detail that "additional components" AND a Subscription will be required "in a short time when they are available". The Pioneer I know also needs an additional XM interface and a subscription from when I looked at it, but they are available today I think.

Looks like I was wrong on the Sirius for Traffic though.

Since the XM Traffic option is something I don't need right away and I am still in the looking rather than the buying stage that is OK by me, but I guess the Pioneer is the one that has the option out today if that is important to you.

Myself at the moment though I think the Kenwood looks a lot better and I have more faith in the maker of the Nav System. YMMV

 

It’s a real dilemma for me. I’m a Kenwood fan and love the way the unit looks. The D2 actually looks kinda dated to me. Also, the Kenwood is $300 less.

…but that real-time traffic is big.

 

Your right. Although, they never call it "Navtraffic" which is what Pioneer has.

Kenwood already has this product - http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Fh4YsC1...sp?i=113GXM30T

This just might be enough to sway me.

 

That is an "interesting" design...... Might put it on the dash, but wouldn't want to mount it on the roof.

Was going to say that I couldn't find reference to it working with the Kenwood G510 but then I found this:

http://www.garmin.com/pressroom/mobile/010306d.html

Look familiar? It does say the XM 30 works with it, and now we know it uses the proven StreetPilot interface.

All in all with the better looks of the 6019, the fact that I already have the Kenwood iPod Interface for the Kenwood CD/Receiver I have now, the ability to get XM Traffic and the soon to be available Bluetooth interface I think the PNav 6019 is the better solution for me.

Think I talked myself into it now I just have to persuade the wife.......

 

I passed by a few car audio stores today and it was worth it. I got a chance to put the AVIC-Z1, AVIC-D2 and DDX6019 through its paces. The DDX was a real surprise because it wasn’t on display. The salesman took one out of the box and plugged it in…very nice.

Initial impressions -

1. The Z1 is great. It would be the "no brainer" if not for the price ($1600 on ebay, $2200 in the store.) Very nice screen and menu system.

2. D2 is likely the way I'll go. Although I'm giving up built-in DVD and available bluetooth, the system is very sleek. The user interface is very attractive.

3. DDX6019 looked great out the box and I have little negative to say about it. My only issues have to do with price and user interface. The interface is basic. Not boring but there's nothing to get excited about either. The salesman said it was basically just like the other Kenwood DVD systems. As for price, the system has the potential to get very expensive. You can find the DDX on ebay for $700. Add to that the GPS ($600-$700,) Ipod adapter ($60-$70,) Garmin XM/Navtraffic antenna ($250) and you can see.

 

Hmmmm......

You have a point there. I will have to stop by a store and take the DDX for a test drive so to speak. The iPod and the Nav are the two main functions for me. The iQue M5 is my 3rd Garmin unit and cannot fault them for their GPS systems. I do NOT like the iPod interface with my current KDC-MP828 HU though.

User interface is a big thing for me and I was hoping the DDX would have a better set up then the 828 I have now. Having a 60gb iPod and LOTS of music is painfull to work with otherwise. XM and Bluetooth are just addons for me at the moment although I can see where both will become wants in a short time frame. Was planning on getting the basic P-NAV system (eBay for about $1,200) to go with my existing iPod interface then adding the rest later.

Now though I am back to the drawing board maybe..........

If you go with the D2 can you post an impression of the Navs accuracy and the ease of use of the interface.