JVC KP-PX9 GPS

JVC KVPX9 GPS JVC announced at the CES show the launch of their entry into the Portable Navigation device category with the JVC KP-PX9; rolls right off the tongue doesn't it? This little number comes with a 3.5" touch screen and a 20GB hard drive and the ability to play music and movies. The size puts it in competition with the Lowrance iWay 350C, and the Garmin C-series. Neither can play movies though, and that's where the premium price of around $800 comes in for this little number.

"We designed JVC's first offering in portable navigation to be so much more than just a database of maps and directions. The KV-PX9 can be taken wherever you go to listen to music and play videos whenever and wherever you want," said Gary DeFeo, General Manager, JVC Company of Americaâ€™s Mobile Electronics Division.

The JVC KV-PX9 dedicates 13GB of hard disc space to navigation maps and over 13 million points of interest (P.O.I). The remaining 7GB are available to store movies (up to 40 hours), music files (up to 1400 songs) and pictures (up to 4500 files) as well as a data. Files are easily transferred using the unit's USB 2.0 input or its SD card slot. Compatible file formats are WMA, MP3, WMV, ASF, AVI (320 x 240 maximum) and JPEG.

The KV-PX9's 3.5-inch full-color screen is a low reflection, high luminance display for easy visibility under a wide range of lighting conditions. Touch-screen controls make for simple operation, as does a voice guidance system that offers a choice of three languages and a male or female voice. Two map views are offered: 2D - an aerial view, or 3D - a through-the-windshield view. The on-screen display includes current location street name and distance to next turning point. Touch-screen controls include day/night adjustment, brightness, zoom in/out and map scroll. Other features include destination memory and multiple route/re-route calculation options. The P.O.I. screen displays nearby restaurants, car rental locations, gas stations, hotels, parking and more.

For audio playback, the KV-PX9 includes a pair of built-in stereo speakers. Alternatively, sound can be routed to the line input of a vehicleâ€™s head unit or an RF modulator can be used to route the sound through the vehicleâ€™s FM tuner. The unit includes a headphone jack, and features JVCâ€™s exclusive CC Converter that enhances the sound quality of compressed music files.

The KV-PX9 is especially suited to mobile applications thanks to shock absorbing gel supports that cushion the hard drive, and an acceleration sensor that detects when the unit is dropped and automatically pulls the pickup away from the hard drive to protect it.

The KV-PX9 has a lithium ion battery with a three-hour battery life. Included with the unit is a suction mount, 12 volt to 24 volt power adapter, dedicated cradle and a carrying case. Available options include a car kit that duplicates the included items for convenient use in multiple vehicles, and a home kit that includes an AC adapter and USB cable.

The JVC KV-PX9 measures 3.6 x 3.4 x 1.8 inches (W x H x D).

It will be available in March and sell for about $799.95.

January 12, 2006

JVC KP-PX9 GPS