Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The two main features I use in the car work great: the radio and the AUX in line (for streaming Pandora from my phone). I haven't had a chance to try out the USB input yet, but I did try the DVD functionality and it works great too, although it does require the use of the remote for navigation. Here are my thoughts so far:
PROS
* Great sound
* Easy changing of audio settings
* Nice large display for displaying radio settings while playing the radio
* DIM function cycles through three settings great for day, night, and off
* Installation instructions were easy enough for me to follow
* Detailed instruction on how to connect hand brake wire (although the kit doesn't appear to include the right sensor)
* Lots of audio options: AUX in and DVD worked without any problems
* UPDATE: USB music plays fast with little delay
* UPDATE: USB music picks up right where it left off when you turn power on
CONS
* Lots of wires which make for a difficult installation into a standard stereo space
* DVD control requires use of the remote
* Display does nothing when in AUX mode (a screensaver or something would have been nice, not sure if that's legal though)
* UPDATE: Turning on power button in the dark is a guess game
* UPDATE: Navigation of USB music using remote is not intuitive (i.e. I have to read the manual)
* UPDATE: Received a USB Bad after leaving stereo off overnight
The installation for me went pretty smoothly. As mentioned above, the plethera of wires made sliding the stereo into place a pain. In order to get it to work, I had to pull out the DIN below the stereo and guide the wires down into the space below. Overall, I thought the installation instructions were good. They had the three most important items which are a step to remind you to disconnect the negative from the car battery, a diagram of the overall way the stereo is installed into a dash, and a wiring diagram. With those three I was able to do a standard installation (i.e. four speakers and the radio antenna) without any issues. By the way, this stereo was the first stereo I've ever installed.
By the way, another reviewer mentioned the audio would stop when they went into the settings. That may be true for USB audio or CD/DVD playback, but for radio and AUX in, the audio kept playing no matter what I did unless I hit the power button to mute.
UPDATE: USB functionality works great. You plug in a drive and it starts at the first song it finds. When you turn the power off and back on, it picks right up at the last part of the song you were listening to when powering off the stereo. I did receive a USB Bad error when turning the car on this morning, unplugging and replugging the USB in fixed the issue and it picked up at the last song it was playing. I haven't figured out all the details on navigating through the songs just yet, but with the remote it looks like you can search via artist, album, song title, etc. As the driver though, I'm expecting I won't be able to do much better than using the forward and reverse buttons (and the preview seek button) to navigate the music. Because of that, I grabbed some old 512 MB and 1 GB drives which I'm putting together different "mixes" that I can update at will and plug in as my mood changes.
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Clarion VZ300 3.5" In-Dash DVD/CD/MP3/USB ReceiverAn affordable way to add multimedia to your vehicle, Clarion's VZ300 is anything but basic. It features a vibrant 3.5-inch LCD monitor, front panel USB input and iPod video playback (optional CCUIPOD3), an auxiliary input, and plenty more. The VZ300 is also HD Radio and Satellite Radio Ready if you choose to expand, and offers rear video zone entertainment. 40 Watts through four channels is a good start, but the VZ300 also features three sets of RCA preamp outputs, so you can build up anytime.
Enjoy a Wide Variety of Media The built-in optical disc drive is compatible with DVD-Video, DVD+R/RW, DVD-RW/RW, CD-DA, HDCD, CD-R and CD-RW, so you're assured access to a wide variety of visual and musical entertainment.
3.5-inch LCD Screen The 3.5-inch LCD displays operational status of your iPod, CD and DVD playback, radio functions and more. It offers maximum usability within minimum dimensions.
iPod Playback Just connect your iPod using the optional CCUIPOD3 cable to control your iPod from the source unit.
Front USB Input Front USB input is included. This is really convenient and just attach your USB Memory stick and USB Memory and enjoy your favorite music library.
Front Auxiliary Input Enjoy music from external devices such as MP3 players with this handy front-panel input.
HD Radio Ready Connecting the THD300 lets you enjoy listening to digitally broadcast radio programs with all their superior quality and helpful information.
Rear Vision Camera RCA Input VZ300 is equipped with an RCA type video input that accepts video signals from Clarion's rear vision CCD camera. This enhances safety by automatically displaying a live picture of what's behind you on VZ300's LCD screen whenever you shift into reverse, enabling you to avoid hitting objects even if they're not clearly visible in the rear-view mirror.
24-bit D/A Converter for Superb Sound Reproduction Fully enjoy the sonic impact of DVD movie soundtracks or music videos. 24-bit technology actually oversamples the digital signal, providing excellent results that just weren't possible with older 16-bit systems.
Built-in Low-Pass Filter For optimal subwoofer performance, Clarion equips its VZ300 with a built-in Low-Pass Filter. Offering users selectable frequencies at 50Hz, 80z, and 120Hz, Clarion's Low-Pass Filter stops mid- and high-range frequencies from entering the subwoofer output. This allows users to really dial in the bass so it hits harder and tighter.
XM Radio Compatible In addition to the many sources that can be connected to the VZ300, you can be connected with XM Radio. The VZ300 can be connected to the XM Direct 2 tuner for hours of entertainment.
6ch/2V RCA Output with Subwoofer Control With 3 sets of RCA outputs, you are free to add external power amplifiers to create a more powerful, sophisticated audio system. Also, independent volume control is enabled for the subwoofer so you can adjust the level of bass output to your liking at any time, regardless of the output level of the other channels.
What's in the Box VZ300 Receiver, Remote Control, Installation Hardware, User's Manual
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