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Over-all, the unit met my expectation. Had a slight problem though with my ipod touch since the unit cannot read the video files. Finally had the chance to have the Alpine IVA-W505 installed and as advertised, it worked perfectly. Video is very clear with the audio more than sufficient when played with the factory installed audio system in my 2008 Honda Civic. Nonetheless, the audio is crisp and does not skip a beat, thanks to the additional cable (KCE-422i) i purchased, also from Amazon.
The 'sky' on the nav unit changes from day to night.simple, but cool feature.Supposedly, there are over a million points of interest.to which many in my town seem to be in there.One note - I haven't been able to figure out what the 'address book' is in the navigation unit - it didn't seem to sync from my phone - and I had to manually input the addresses I wanted in the address book - which is cool I guess, it limited the entries in the book itself.In summary - PROS --Access to navigation, phone, iPod, DVD/CD all in one unit - VERY COOL.-Interfaces very well with iPod - all iPod functionality is available in head unit (previous head unit only partial iPod functionality, playlist only)-Screen resolution is very good - which makes movies crystal clear, and helps in day time viewing.-Many audio and video adjustments - from bass, treble, subwoofer, and high pass filter, to contrast, color, screen height/width etc., etc.-Just good to have so much functionality in one head unit.CONS --Owners manual might as well not exist, I have a USB cable that doesn't seem to go to anything (it goes with the nav unit, but with no software updates, and no computer interface why include it.).-Graphic User Interface (GUI) is REALLY funky - you have to learn how to use it - not intuitive at all (and I own 2 Macs, 1 PC, Xbox360) - there are actually two menus, one for the audio / video side and one for the navigation side - and each have their own 'setup' menus etc.-NO support on the Navigation side of things - Alpine actually isn't releasing updates for the navigation maps, and NAVTEQ (the people who they purchased the maps from send you back to Alpine (NAVTEQ's customer service was quick to respond and outstanding)Overall, I am EXTREMELY pleased with the performance of the unit, and would recommend it to anyone. Basically, it can play anything that your iPod can play (video, audio, books, TV shows, etc). In addition, I am using the optional USB cable to connect to my 80 GB iPod.The head unit will play both video and audio from the iPod. The 'handsfree' works seamlessly - when someone calls me the audio mutes, and as soon as I am done with the call, the audio (music) comes back on at the level it was prior to the call - and song plays from where it was interrupted by the call.On the navigation side of things, I like the 3D mode - you can watch points of interest go by on the map, etc etc. UPDATE:Alpine's customer service did get in touch with me, and I was able to resolve my Navigation issues.therefore, I would move my rating from 4 to 5 stars - but it won't let me.Original review:First let me say that I thoroughly enjoy this Alpine head unit. It really does everything you can imagine from an entertainment / navigation unit.BTW - I purchased a PMD-B200 portable navigation unit that 'docks' into the IVA-W505 head unit. In addition the unit can sync to your phone via bluetooth (I happen to have an iPhone) and the phone book syncs every time I get into the car.
In fact, Alpine does NOT ALLOW their product to be sold on Amazon ~ thus any item sold HAS NO WARRANTY. I was told by an authorized dealer that the serial number is most likely removed or altered, and he showed me Alpine's website that warns folks to not buy from people like this. SO DO NOT BUY. Discount Jungle is NOT an authorized Alpine dealer. There is NO WARRANTY buying Alpine from this business. I bought from the authorized dealer and it's a great radio, but looking at all the stuff it can do, I sure as heck would want a warranty.
The menus are easy to navigate and looking for MP3s on the unit is way better than the previous JVC that I had in my car. I have been thru 6 different headunits on my show car in about 3 years and this is BY FAR the best unit I have come across. I don't have a single complaint about the 505 yet, and I recieved the unit from the first shipment to the US.5 stars +
You can also get a back up video cam if you want to, not sure if it's worth $200, why not just turn you head. Worked fine for my iphone and ipod, but the album cover is fuzzy. The sound from the ipod/iphone is a good but not great. Trust me on this one. A new one supposed to be coming out before holiday 08.
You just slide the portable GPS unit into the loading slot behind the video screen, a good idea if Alpine ever make a decent portable GPS. I have a little more time with the ipod interphase also, so still pretty happy with it. My ear drums were bleeding half way through the loudness setting so I can't tell you how loud it will get. Your dealer would tell you nothing would work, which is a lie. It is much, much louder than my factory-installed unit, so it's great if you are looking to play some loud music. The touch screen is cool but I don't care much for the graphics.
A new one is coming out, I heard. I thought it was expensive but it looked much better than the single din units. Expect more bells and whistles for this price. For a fee, you can add blue tooth, GPS, rearview cam, HD radio, XM.Just in case you have a Jaguar x-type, I ordered a mounting kit and wiring kit ($95 shipped) from bluspot.com.uk and you can put any single and double din unit in your car. The picture is sharp, the sound is amazing.
I know, a little crazy. I was blown away. Bought it over the phone and they put it in without me even see the unit first. Did not get the GPS, which would be an Alpine Blackbird II, which also had lousy reviews.
I never had other after market unit before so I have no basis for comparison. They also said aftermarket system will kill your fiber optic network, which is also a lie.Now I have the DVD bypass installed. The screen also tilt in various angles for viewing. Wow, it's worth just getting it for the DVD alone.
My factory installed radio was not loud enough for some of my mp3 even at the highest volume. They told me it's the top of the line so I took their word for it.
Very plain and only two themes, I would expect more at this price. Did not get the blue tooth yet because the current Alpine bluetooth does not work at all with iphone.
So may be I will update the review after that.Bottom line, bare bone unit that work with ipod/iphone out of the box. If they can do it for a darn cell phone, why can't you do it in a big hunk of metal like this, Alpine.
The unit was recommended to me by a local car audio shop. How about some themes and skins.
Finally, they are ordering me a cable so my passerger "wink, wink" can watch DVD while the car is moving.
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