Kenwood USA is shipping two new in-dash digital media receivers with internet radio capability: the KIV-BT901 and KIV-701.
The flagship KIV-BT901 has a 3″ color display that shows album art, plus song, title and artist. New for 2011 is the addition of control capability for the Pandora app running on a connected iPhone. The phone’s data connection is used for Internet access, but the KIV-BT901 faceplace offers Seek, search and “thumbs up/down” capabilities.
The receiver can also playback iPod video files that appear on the display, and an A/V output allows for content to appear on external rear-seat monitors. A 512 MB flash memory module rips external content via a USB input; MP3, WMA, AAC and WAV audio files are supported. The USB input can also be used for the connection and control of a Microsoft Zune device.
Bluetooth connectivity allows for phone calls to be routed through the car’s audio system
The KIV-701 has all of the performance and functionality as the KIV-BT901 with the exception of built-in Bluetooth support.
The KIV-BT901 lists for $430 and the KIV-701 for $360; both are available through authorized Kenwood retailers.
