JVC launches innovative in-car Sat Nav and A/V system

JVC has introduced a fully featured double-DIN size in-car navigation and A/V system with a removable front - the entire 7-inch colour screen detaches from the front panel. A soft pouch is supplied, allowing the display to be carried away by the driver to help prevent theft of the unit.

The KW-NX7000 claims to offer class beating navigation, as well as a huge array of multi-media features and an innovative control interface.

The unit comes complete with mapping for 30 European countries burnt into its internal flash memory. Route calculation speeds are claimed to be extremely rapid, and recalculation lighting fast in the event of a driver making a wrong turn or finding their way blocked. New map data can be uploaded from an SD card slot behind the front panel. On board RDS TMC from Traffic Master allows the unit to route a driver dynamically, taking into account any traffic incidents.

The 7-inch touch screen displays navigation information in several different modes, including 3D view and a split screen mode. Split screen shows both the next turn (including lane instruction) and the entire route, next to each other. Voice instructions are clear and concise, with a choice of male and female voices in a number of different languages. Over 2 Million existing points of interest can be added to via SD card. If connected to JVC's KS-BTA200 Bluetooth interface, the system provides a one-button touch dialling facility to a local hotel or restaurant, for instance.

A motion sensor built into the screen ensures that touch controls are hidden when not required. These are re-displayed when movement is sensed, ensuring an uncluttered, easy to read screen. The innovative control surface offers 'gesture control' of certain functions - draw a clockwise or anticlockwise circle on the front panel for smooth volume control, for example.

In entertainment mode, the JVC KW-NX7000 will play multiple formats from CD and DVD discs, including WAV, WMA, MP3 and AAC audio files and DivX. There's also a USB port which will directly control an iPod, as well as any other USB compatible digital media source. Other features include an A/V input for an optional reversing/parking camera.

With its advanced Sat Nav features, and high quality audio and video playback functions all built-in, the KW-NX7000 is one impressive package that just about does it all. It's available from JVC specialist dealers for around £950, excluding installation.