Pioneer AVICF900BT All in one

G. B. on 01.01.2009

I got this unit for Xmas. Bought from JB. Very good value based on other retailers and RRP. Simply put; the unit has everything. Previous reviews on the Internet have identified a few problems with this unit that are basically user issues and nothing to do with the unit itself. Read The Manual (RTM) stuff like radio muting during GPS instructions; Which is fully user selectable between 1. Full Mute.(Default) 2. 50% Volume. And 3. Full volume. The Speed camera and Red Light/ Speed Camera alerts are very handy and user programmable. Bluetooth interface is simple in fact the user interface and GUI is very intuitive throughout. Self installed in a (Late model) Mitsubishi Magna the installation instructions were easy to follow for someone with moderate electronics or vehicle electrical experience. The most difficult connection to find was the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) called the Car Speed Signal in the installation manual. The car manufacture being no help here refusing point blank to offer any suggestions on the location of the VSS because of some policy inextricably linked to a legal liability which mysteriously disappeared if I purchased a workshop manual for $160(Fat chance). JB offered some suggestions, the direction of one was most fruitful and resulted in the identification of the VSS signal wire and is whereabouts (In the centre console just below the original head unit loom). Installation took a leisurely 2 days having a 2nd car there was no urgency there. I have to admit it is very easy to run cables in a late model Magna. (clip on panels everywhere) Its a pity they no longer manufacture. In operation the DVD / CD / MP3(on DVD, CD or SD/USB) WMA on SD/USB only) performed flawlessly. The FM/AM radio function is the quality you would expect from Pioneer. (1st Class) The GPS is perfect and the granular control on warning(prompts) (from full to nothing) very handy. Having used portable GPS before this in comparison is a very mature unit. The iPOD cable/USB included is most handy. I ran it to the centre console for easy access. Bluetooth hands-free is intuitive and simple to set up. Address book download a single button press. The sun visor mounted mic offers perfect clarity with little noise. (tested a few times by calling the home answering machine) Having support for a reversing camera and rear LCD units is also handy but yet to be utilised. The security PIN function and rear security bolt mount point also give peace of mind. A highly recommended unit. It is expensive, but has everything you could ever want. And if you were to buy a separate GPS / DVD player / MP3 / Radio unit you would be up for over a grand and a half anyway. It doesnt have a FTA TV but these days why would you want it. Gert.