Nav-vy Savvy - Eurotuner Tech

Eclipse AVN 6610
MSRP: $1699
What we like: All-in-one system, dual
slot for CD/DVD playback, good graphics
What we don't like: average menu setup, remote control not included
Nav features: 7" touchscreen, 8.5 million POIs, city map view, option for Sirius traffic
Audio features: 5v output, 50x4W max, seven-band PEQ, listening position selector,circle surround 2
Extras: DVD/CD, MP3 and WMA, dual-zone capability

Eclipse's successful AVN (audio, video, nav) line has made an all-in-one solution the standard for double-DIN units. Previously, the only drawback was the price, until now. Eclipse presents the AVN6610, which is an excellent mainstream product. Now you'll get the quality of a market leader at a lower price. There are other manufacturers with HDD nav at a similar price, but we've noticed that during rerouting, DVD-based systems are a little slower.

Another question is whether you'll sacrifice disc playback while routing. Thanks to the dual slot, that isn't a concern. It can play a DVD in the back of the car while you navigate the route to your destination.

As for the "wake up" feature, the Eclipse is immediately ready for navigation as soon as you start the engine. Plus, scrolling across the map was as fast as some of the other HDD-based units we evaluated.

Punch in a destination via the touchscreen, and you are able to choose from three routes. Everything on the 6610 functioned well for overall nav. Driving around Los Angeles, we didn't experience any routing anomalies and even added routes along the way. The unit's drawbacks had more to do with user interface; we wished there were a few more options to access menu items.

Overall, the 6610 was slightly less intuitive for both nav and audio functions. But once you get used to the system, you'll be rewarded with an array of capabilities. One new feature is the City Map view. In densely-populated cities, you can hit the icon for a view of an area, with buildings outlined.

On the audio side, you have DSP presets and a seven-band equaliser. The Harmonizer helps improve the quality of MP3/WMA files. In addition to optimizing sound for different seating positions, you also have control over the sub.

Overall, this is a true AVN. It may be missing some extra features, but Eclipse has added a bigger screen and the price is very attractive.
Grade: B+

JVC KD-NX5000
MSRP: $999.95
What we like: expandability, easy-to-use remote, FM tuner
What we don't like: tiny screen with excessive reflective finish, access limitations recording to music server
Nav features: 40GB HDD, 13 million POIs, RDS-TMC traffic information tuner, 2D/3D maps
Audio features: 24GB HDD music server, seven-band EQ with presets, crossovers, sub level/phase controls, amp defeat, 20x4W
Extras: remote control, plays most audio media, wav/jpeg/mpeg, Dolby Digital/dts,5.1 digital output, video input and output

In a market crowded with flip-out monitors and double-DIN head units, JVC has managed to stuff a 3.5" widescreen TFT monitor into a removable faceplate.

It utilizes two multi-position buttons to adjust everything from volume and track to menu and nav selections, with additional buttons covering the console. Activating the menus is as easy as can be without a touchscreen. Commonly used menus are accessible with the menu button, while pressing it a second time allows access to supplemental choices.

The menu is among the most keen we've ever encountered. For example, to select from the points of interest menu requires choosing the vicinity search, typing in a city and selecting from the sub-menus.

The KD-NX5000 is the first unit we've come across with options for listening to turn-by-turn nav instructions. Audio interrupt is available with a choice between either left and right channels or both, allowing music to be muted, attenuated, or played by the rear channels.

Voice prompts are given clearly and well in advance. But we wish JVC could provide street name prompts so the user doesn't need to view the small monitor.

Miss your turn and the prompts quickly become irritating, requesting a U-turn when a more direct solution could be straight ahead. This can occur several times before the system even fully calculates the route.

We also found another option worth exploring: the RDS-TMC traffic tuner. It operates easily to guide you around congestion via text format.

However, viewing the monitor can be difficult in daylight due to the reflective faceplate.

Aside from limitations with recording tracks from a music CD to the 24GB music server, the A/V section proved trustworthy. Users have a seven-band EQ, crossovers, sub control and host of other features. JVC also allows connectivity to audio goodies such as Bluetooth and iPod.

Overall, the KD-NX5000 has notable features and a unique approach. Unfortunately, we didn't like the small screen and nav routing.
Grade: C+

Personal Navigation Device
Magellan Maestro 4040
MSRP: $499.99
What we like: 4.3" touchscreen, QuickSpell for fast address entry, Bluetooth phone use,AAA TourBook, SD slot, rechargeable battery

Magellan has always made high-quality, reliable PND portable nav products. But with the Maestro 4040, the company has stepped up its A-game by offering one of the best portable nav devices on the market. Featuring a large 4.3" touchscreen, easy to read map and user-friendly menu, the Maestro 4040 does everything you'd expect from a high-end nav product. With 4.5 million POIs, plus the AAA TourBook, the Maestro doesn't suffer from slow satellite acquisitioning common to many PNDs.

The Maestro is preloaded with maps covering the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. With the optional TrafficKit, you can also get the latest info on trouble spots along your commute.

Moreover, you can enjoy hands-free phone conversations via Bluetooth. The speaker is loud enough to overcome cabin noise and the mic picks up speech quite well.