Kenwood's newest double-DIN head unit, the DNX8120 brings a new era of technology with its all-in-one navigation/entertainment system with built-in Bluetooth technology. Part of the eXcelon 8 series, the DNX8120 has a 6.95-inch fully motorized touchscreen interface that's easy to use and filled with an array of features to complement any audio enthusiast. Each head unit is equipped with a 13-band EQ and internal amplification (22 watts RMS/50 watts peak x four channels) delivering plenty of power to juice your ride while blasting down the road. Using the easy-to-navigate menu options on the startup screen, the DNX8120 can quickly shift from DVD, MP3, iPod, or Bluetooth capability with a simple touch of the screen, making for a distraction-free drive.
Media Playback
While many of Kenwood's competitive head units offer limited CD and DVD playback, the DNX8120 can support a wide range of audio and video formats-MP3, WMA, and AAC discs. JPEG, MPEG, VCD, and DivX files on either CD+/-R/RW or DVD+/-R/RW discs offer near limitless compatibility playback. The DNX8120 comes with two USB interfaces, making data transfers and firmware updates an easy one-two step process. A USB Direct Control gives users access to portable music devices, enabling the end user to play audio files directly from the flash drive. Slow-responding iPod interfacing is a thing of the past when using the DNX8120. Dubbed as the fastest head unit on the market today, the head unit offers lightening-quick access when tracking through multiple music files or browsing for your favorite tune when using the optional KCA-iP300V iPod video control cable. As an added bonus, the DNX8120 has two external switch control relays, which allow the installer to set up the double-DIN head unit to control electronic devices directly from the DNX8120 touchscreen, such as garage doors, security gates, and even home lighting systems.
The Next Generation Of Bluetooth Technology
Both California and Washington states are preparing for a mandatory hands-free cell phone law that will go into effect July 1. The dreaded cell phone law will affect millions of drivers who could become criminals overnight if caught dialing or talking on their cellular phone without the use of a car speakerphone or Bluetooth headset. If the thought of having to drive around with a headset and microphone reminiscent of a McDonalds employee turns you off, fear not, Kenwood has raised the bar on Bluetooth technology by integrating the convenience of hands-free technology into their new DNX8120 unit. Bluetooth aficionados will be pleased to know thatKenwood has now incorporated Parrot technology on the DNX8120 and doesn't require a separate Bluetooth unit like its previous models. The built-in Bluetooth not only serves as a hands-free device but also offers the ability (dependent on make and model) to transfer music from your phone to the head unit (A2DP music streaming), as well as text messaging without ever touching your keypads. The included microphone can be clipped onto the dash or headliner, while the conversation can be heard through the car speakers.
The Kenwood DNX8120 main options...
The Kenwood DNX8120 main options screen is simple enough to navigate through without adding distractions while driving.
Using the provided USB port,...
Using the provided USB port, the Kenwood DNX8120 enables customizable features that allows consumers to create their own boot up screen.
The big question on our minds...
The big question on our minds when installing the DNX8120 was will the unit be compatible without third-generation iPod 80GB classic. Using the optional KCA-iP300V iPod video control cable, we plugged our iPod unit in and were pleased to see both album artwork and downloaded video files recognized on the new head unit.