Pioneer announces in-car AVH-P4900 5900DVD entertainment systems
Pioneer has announced a couple of new in-car entertainment systems
which they've designated the AVH-4900DVD and AVH-P5900DVD. Both units
feature motorized touchscreen LCDs (6.5-inch for the 4900, 7-inch for
the 5900) and XM and Sirius connectivity, but the 5900 one-ups the 4900
with the inclusion of iPod compatibility and sync-support for Bluetooth
phones thanks to an optional CD-BTB100 Bluetooth adapter. The Bluetooth
support goes far enough as to enable traditional speakerphone usage
thanks to an integrated microphone, dialling through the unit's touch
screen, and displaying caller id, along with A2DP support. Fortunately,
Pioneer was thoughtful enough to include an auxiliary audio input on
both units, so 4900 owners can still plug in and play whatever audio
device takes their fancy. Interestingly for the few of you out there
who listen to compressed music, Pioneer has included some voodoo
technology called Bit Map Expander that supposedly is capable of
"filling in" areas of music that are missing after compression -- not
that you'll notice it over the din of your rocket powered car. The
AVH-P4900 will be shipping in March at $800, with the AVH-P4900 coming
in at a slightly pricier $1000 in May.

- Michael Perks
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