Kenwood DNX8120 - Review Double-DIN DVD/NAV

If you're caught making long commutes to and from work, you might want to check out the XM Instant Traffic & Weather for constant traffic and weather conditions and continuous real-time updates (GXM30 XM live traffic receiver to XM radio subscription required). Another added feature you can have on the DNX8120 is the Kenwood GTM-10 tuner for XM Live Traffic Only (subscription required), which enables you to receive the same type of traffic information through local FM broadcasts.

A few features offer form, function, and fun to the road less traveled. The 3-D display offers easy-to-read, bold turn-by-turn directions, distance to location, arrival time, and current speed. If the big red arrow is pass for you, you can select from a well-equipped off-road vehicle, a couple of sports cars, a motorhome, a sleigh (yes, a sleigh) and a green station wagon loaded with luggage. Wally World, here we come!

The form and function of the navigation portion are excellent. Destination entry, POI entry, and settings are very easy to navigate. One-touch access to the navigation screen is made simple through the fixed button on the face. The only quirk we found was in the POI entry processing. If you enter a location that is a few hundred miles away the unit takes an extended period to process the data. Just a quirk-not a deal breaker by any means.

BluetoothThe team at Parrot was approached for the Bluetooth technology behind the unit. The Bluetooth feature offers technologies from the Parrot 8120 and unlike previous units the feature is built-in. Functionality is clean and simple. It pulled the address book without issue. Pairing with the cell phone was a breeze. You can also preset phone numbers into the product for easy connectivity. When making a call, the signal is processed through the audio system. The signal comes in clean and clear with the Bluetooth antenna built in. The built-in Bluetooth not only serves as a hands-free device but also offers the ability (depending on make and model) to transfer music from your phone to the head unit (A2DP music streaming) and text messaging without ever touching your keypads.

Everything was perfect until we discovered an issue with the microphone. Individuals on the other end of the call had to focus on the conversation in order to make us out. We sounded like we were talking in the middle of torrential rain. The microphone picked up everything around us in reference to wind noise. Also, it cut in and out intermittently. We utilized the recommended steering wheel location and a few other locations, but we still had the same issue.

ConclusionAll in all, this is a great follow-up to the T120 from last year and the unit offers a positive experience, with the only true shortcoming in the hands-free calling area. We recommend reading the owner's manual to maximize the experience. Even as savvy electronistas, this was a must for us. The Kenwood DNX8120 is the answer to a world of gadget-cluttered vehicles.

Features:6.95-inch touchscreenBluetoothiPod audio/video inputUSB input5.1 decoderHD Radio, XM Radio, and Sirius Satellite Radio upgradeableTwo relay-controlled outputs

NavigationKenwood went to Garmin to develop the navigation segment. Since the core data is Navteq based, you get the standard 6 million points of interest (POIs) and bells and whistles provided by most nav systems. The 2GB hard drive includes maps of the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. We found a few elements rather useful. The unit offers three driving options when available: shortest distance, fastest distance, and the third, which catches you off guard, "Off Road." I must say it was an interesting voyage, but nonetheless a successful one.