Panasonic CQ-DVR909U In-Dash DVD Player

Price Paid:  $388.00 from Car Toys

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 CQ-DVR909U

Summary:
So far so good! I really like this receiver. At first I didn't like it at all because I didn't know how to use it, til a friend figured it out and showed me. Even reading the manual didn't help me. So far I like this unit because it's an all in one unit, and it doesn't take up more space then needed. It's in the dash not under the seats!! :) The sound is better then i expected. So crystal clear. now my husband wants one in his car, even though he doesn't have a screen in for the dvd. he really likes how it sounds.

Strengths:
don't know yet, we haven't had it long enough to know.

Weaknesses:
same as stregths

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $699.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2001

Summary:
The CQDVR909u is still one of the only head units in the world to incorporate Dolby Digital processing and DVD Audio disc playback in a single DIN unit. The performance is as good as it gets, Car Stereo Review magazine rated the CQDVR909u head unit as, "the best they ever tested" and I equally agree with that statement. Wether I'm listening to CDs, DVDs or DVD Audio....the sound is crytal clear and very dynamic. I hope to have this head unit for a longtime to come.

Strengths:
Format versatility(am/fm,cd,dvd,dvd audio) Dolby Processing (pro logic, dolby digital & DTS) Easy operation on both the unit itself & the remote control. 5v Front/Rear/SubWoofer Outputs Aux Input

Weaknesses:
Setting station memory Built in center channel dosen't handle high power. Better to use external center channel.

Similar Products Used:
none...the CQDVR909u is a one of a kind head unit...you won't see another single DIN unit wiht this many high end features...anywhere.

Price Paid:  $509.00 from Crutchfield

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000 VW Golf

Summary:
This head unit has some incredible capabilities! It can play DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, CD, Video CD, Super Video CDs. There is a motorized 5-watt rms center channel speaker built in, but it will make you want to add a full fledged center eventually as it is just a tweeter. There are advanced theater processing options with the BUILT-IN Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS decoding with downmixing options and Pro Logic decoding available for any source and you can adjust speaker levels and delays. There are 6-channel RCA preamp outputs for true 5.1 expandability. Too many features to list here. 1 RCA video out. CD changer control. Wireless remote. Sound quality, especially with DVD-Audio discs, is mind-blowingly transparent, pure and clean! Once you get all the tweaking done, and you get used to its controls, it's pretty easy to use. The MOSFET amp is clean and should be strong enough for most people 18 x 4 RMS, but it's a separate unit. WARNING: This unit (similar to my XBox) will absolutely not play CD-R's, but I've found that it will play certain brands of CD-RW's with different levels of compatibility. The Memorex CD-RWs (I think) always play, whether CD audio or VCD, but Verbatim's and TDK's take longer to recognize, and some won't recognize at all. Despite its quirks and minor weaknesses, there is no other head unit more capable for multimedia and audiophile use and is a better value than the Panasonic. I teamed this DVD player with the Clarion TVX-5653 add-on unit with 5.8" 16:9 monitor with a TV Tuner built in for even more multimedia capability. Though the Clarion has 4-viewing aspect modes, the Panasonic can take advantage of anamorphic DVD's for the best picture quality. With this combo, you can watch TV/DVD/DVD-Audio/VCD/SVCD and listen to AM/FM and CDs/CD-RWs!!! I need to add XM Radio or Sirius Satellite for the ultimate in mobile audio/video heaven!

Strengths:
More audiophile/multimedia features than any other DVD player out there. DTS!!! True surround sound. 6-channel 5.1 RCA pre-outs for ultra expandability. Removable face. Very high quality construction and build. Thick, but easy to understand manual. Excellent, pristine, transparent, studio-quality, crystal clear sound reproduction.

Weaknesses:
Champagne finish doesn't match many interiors. Remote is not user friendly as all buttons are shaped the same and spaced evenly. Doesn't play CD-R's. Separate amp unit a hassle to install. Center speaker is too weak (just a tweeter) despite what some auto sound shops tell you, you'll want a full range speaker or component system and amp to take full advantage of 5.1. Motorized face may close on you while you're putting a CD or DVD in if you take too long. Display can be difficult to see from some angles and impossible to see when the sun hits it. I know a new version with a monitor built-in will come out right after I bought this unit. Many menus and options may be difficult for some to navigate so RTFM!

Similar Products Used:
There are no similar products!

Price Paid:  $995.00 from the wiz

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000

Summary:
I guess there has been a dramatic price drop since i bought the unit this website shows it at 549.00 I paid 999.00 when the mrsp was 1999.00 oh well the unit is worth it. I have it in my motorhome and play dvd'' on the tv in great 5.1 surround. I also have it connected to the sat dish again 5.1 and the vcr. this is one awesome unt

Strengths:
the remote control, easy to use and the sound is great, plus the radio finding the 6 strongest fm stations and setting them.

Weaknesses:
balace/fader control is confusing they should be separated