JVC KD-NX5000
Manufacturer: JVC Part number: KD-NX5000
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Aside from some usability niggles resulting from its compact size, the JVC KD-NX5000 offers about as many car tech features per square foot as you can get.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
JVC KD-NX5000 price range: $549.95
- Reviewed by: Kevin Massy
- Reviewed on: 02/02/2007
The good: The JVC KD-NX5000 combines a usable, traffic data-equipped navigation system with a plethora of audio and video capabilities in a compact package.
The bad: Its irregular size, complex menus, and rough navigation maps leave something to be desired.
The bottom line: Aside from some usability niggles resulting from its compact size, the JVC KD-NX5000 offers about as many car tech features per square foot as you can get.
A year ago, we sung the praises of the Pioneer AVIC Z-1 for its ability to pack GPS navigation, video, digital audio, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a hard drive into a single aftermarket device. In a kind of Moore's Law for car stereos, we find ourselves a year later looking at a device that packs even more features into a device that is about half the size. JVC's KD-NX5000 is a stylish, hard drive-based head unit equipped with nearly every entertainment and information feature that drivers could wish for. With 40GB of built-in storage (10 more than the Z-1) and a bright, 3.5-inch color LCD screen, the KD-NX5000 comes with integrated GPS navigation (with optional real-time traffic service) and a wealth of media options. Although its compact size can impede the usability of its navigation function, the KD-NX5000 is a serious contender for those looking for a capable, all-in-one car tech system.
The most striking design feature of the KD-NX5000 is the integrated 3.5-inch color LCD screen built into its front faceplate. The depth of its screen makes the unit tricky to install in standard single DIN-sized slots (on most cars, you'll have to take off the surround bracket to fit it in), but its bright, high-resolution display allows the system to offer a usable navigation system.
Once they've installed the unit, drivers have to go through a "calibration" process (driving around at over 25mph), which syncs up the system's GPS module with a minimum number of satellites. With the unit calibrated, entering destinations from the map screen's menu can be done in a variety of ways: punching in an address, GPS coordinates, or the name of a point of interest; using the onscreen keypad; entering a phone number; or selecting from a list of previous or preset destinations.
The KD-NX5000's 16GB hard drive-based navigation system contains 13 million points of interest (POI) with maps provided by Navteq. Destinations must be entered by using hard buttons on the faceplate or by using the system's remote control. We found the process of letter-by-letter destination entry somewhat labor-intensive, although the predictive address feature saved us from a lot of unnecessary button pushing. We were particularly impressed by the predictive phone-number entry: we had only to type in the California area code and first three digits of the number for CNET's corporate headquarters in San Francisco before the system gave us the address we wanted.
One of the most remarkable design features of the KD-NX5000 is the way that it manages to incorporate so many features without having a faceplate packed with buttons. To achieve this economy, many controls rely on the user pressing the same buttons to access multiple layers of selection. For example, pressing the Map button on the left hand-dial while in A/V mode will change the screen to show the map, while pressing it repeatedly on the map screen will change the perspective from a 2D overhead view with heading up, to a 3D birds-eye view, to a 2D view with north up.
Another example of multilevel control is the shortcut menu, which can be called up by pressing the Enter button while on the map screen. This brings up four icons, which can be used to mark a location on the map as a favorite, get information about a particular point on the map, select a category for quick guidance to a nearby point of interest, or set the destination as a preprogrammed Home address. When selecting a POI, the system gives a comprehensive list of the location's details, including phone number--a very useful feature for drivers who want to call ahead before setting out, for example, to a restaurant.
Map renderings are nowhere near as crisp as those of other OEM and double-DIN aftermarket systems we have seen. Adding to the vagueness of the maps is the fact that the zoom function's smallest scale is about the size of three or four city blocks, which is a pain when trying to navigate in built-up areas. Accordingly, the navigation function on the KD-NX5000 is likely to be used for general highway guidance rather than pinpoint wayfaring.
When guiding drivers to a destination, the system gives voice prompts for distance to and direction of upcoming turns. Holding the button when in voice-guidance mode will repeat the last command--a feature that we like to see on navigation systems. Voice guidance can be tailored to the driver's preference with options to select male or female prompts, the required output channel (left speakers, right speakers, or both), and whether music is muted or just attenuated during spoken directions.
The KD-NX5000 has another advanced navigation feature in the form of a subscription-based real-time traffic information service from Navteq. With the service activated, traffic information can be called up at any time by pressing a button on the right-hand corner of the faceplate. A setting in the navigation menu enables drivers to set the system to automatically reroute as needed to bypass traffic.
Media mogul
If the KD-NX5000's navigation functionality is somewhat limited, its breadth of audio and video media capabilities is undeniably impressive. The system plays audio and video files from both CDs and DVDs, as well as video, DivX-encoded video (MPEG1 and MPEG2 formats), JPGs, and MP3, WMA, and WAV audio files from recordable/rewritable CDs and recordable/rewritable DVDs. One observation we made when playing discs was that both the discs and the head unit got extremely hot, perhaps due to our test unit being a preproduction model, but a noteworthy point.
For all these formats, there is an equally impressive range of preconfigured EQ settings--including dance, country, reggae, classic, hard rock, pop, and jazz--plus three, user-configured EQ memory settings. In addition, there are separate controls for subwoofer output, amp power, and fader/balance.
For MP3 digital audio, the screen displays full ID3-tag information for folder, track, and artist. Folder lists can be displayed by holding down the up and down arrows on the right-hand dial. A feature that we particularly liked is the system's ability to display browsable still pictures, which they call BSPs, from DVD-Audio discs on the color screen (see the image of the Beatle's Love album in the gallery). If there is more than one of these graphics, then users can cycle thorough to choose the one they want to see.
Hard rock
The KD-NX5000's built-in hard drive is one of its major attractions, as it enables drivers to compile their own media libraries, eliminating the need to bring stacks of CDs on the road. Audiophiles can rip CDs to the hard drive using JVC's Lossless Encoder, which maintains original CD quality, while those wanting to cram in as many songs as possible can store files in compressed format. JVC estimates that the KD-NX5000 has enough capacity for 6,000 songs.
Ripping audio discs to the library is a straightforward procedure: An option in the A/V menus allows drivers to copy the current track, all tracks, or a specific track of their choice. The copying process for one track takes about 10 seconds, during which time the playback of the track is paused as the hard drive imports the file. When an MP3 or WMA file is copied to the hard drive, the system also copies over all the ID3-tag information, which is then displayed when the track is played back from the hard drive. As with the navigation of files on discs, the hard drive music can be navigated using the List function, accessible from the menu, which enables users to search music by genre, album, or track. When in audio playback mode, the Source menu enables users to access and organize the tracks saved to the hard drive.
Once a file is copied to the library, users can use the Title Entry function to tag and edit songs according to genre, title, and track name. While this is a useful feature, we found the process of entering letters via the four-way dial and the Enter button very time consuming. Those wishing to catalog 24GB of music in this way had better set aside a couple of months for the task.
Video playback
We are used to watching video on our iPods, but we must admit to being skeptical of the realistic prospects of watching a video on a screen this small from the distance of the driver's seat; in practice, we found these misgivings to be unfounded. In Full 16:9 screen configuration (there are also settings for Regular and Auto aspect ratios), movies on the KD-NX5000's display are remarkably clear.
The easiest way to control the video function of the system is via the included remote control, which enables users to play, pause, skip forward and back, and adjust all screen menus with the dedicated buttons. In keeping with the design of the head unit, which packs loads of features into a limited amount of real estate, the remote has a sliding panel that gives access to controls for each of the stereo's different functions, while a button for Top Menu and a four-way keypad give users an intuitive interface for controlling videos.
In Sum
In an indication of the sheer number of features on the KD-NX5000, its instruction manual runs to 119 pages. For those tech junkies who want more connectivity and entertainment options than those offered in the base unit, the KD-NX5000 can be hooked up to add-on modules for iPod control, Sirius Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth hands-free calling. While its irregular size, complex menus, and rough navigation maps leave something to be desired, the KD-NX5000 is about as much car tech per square foot as you can get. It will be available in mid-February this year.
User reviews
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Would be perfect with a software update
by chris916 on April 25, 2007
Pros: Everything all in one, detachable face, small footprint
Cons: major usability shortcomings
Summary: The first day you get this installed in your car, you will be in awe of it and all it's abilities. After the first month you will wonder if ...
Summary: The first day you get this installed in your car, you will be in awe of it and all it's abilities. After the first month you will wonder if anyone at JVC ever tried to actually use it themselves.
There are 2 major flaws--The navigation interface and the way music is stored/ripped to the hard drive. FOr the navigation, it is great if you already know the address. If you don't, then good luck. An example--There are 6 best buys within 10 miles of me. This will only find one of them. Why? Because for some reason you have to manually enter the city before searching, or it will only search 1.2 (ONE point TWO) miles for your current position. This is fine for gas stations and banks, but fails for just about anything else. Since you have to manually enter the city, it won't consider anything at all that's technically in another town. If you're from sacramento and in Rancho Cordova on Sunrise Blvd and want to find a best buy it will tell you there aren't any because technically they are in elk grove, roseville, citrus heights, folsom, sacramento and Natomas--even though the citrus heights store is maybe 2 mniles down the road. This makes the "search" feature pretty much useless if you're in an unfamiliar area. I had used a streetpilot, nuvi and telenav GPS units before this one and none of them had such limited searching ability. So if you're trying to find a store in a new area you have to search for the address on your cell phone first, then enter it into the navigation system.
Now for the music--It's fine if you buy a new CD and want to rip it to the hard drive, just put it in, enter the title and rip. But if you're like me and have a lot of music on your computer, it fails miserably. I have about 11 gigs on my computer organized by Artist-->Album-->Song. For some reason, the unit will only rip one folder deep. So if you had 500 Artists, with 2 albums each, and say 5 songs each, you would either have to make one huge folder with 5000 songs in it (which then makes scrolling through them almost impossible) or you have to Rip each album (and manually enter titles of folders) individually, which would take probably a year literally with that many songs.7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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amazing all in one product; it boggles the ming what it can do.
by beechmon on April 2, 2007
Pros: Small, easy installation, easy menu, price, performance.
Cons: If were touch screen... wow. a little hard to move playlists around
Summary: This unit is amazing. When people step into my car, they immediately see head unit, and are amazed with the music videos i normally view. To start, I bought this ...
Summary: This unit is amazing. When people step into my car, they immediately see head unit, and are amazed with the music videos i normally view. To start, I bought this unit from Abes of Maine, and they were great to work with. Very good customer service.
Installation:
Next once i got the unit, it was a breeze doing the usual installation. Then came hooking up the GPS. You just ground the parking brake wire, and find the speed pulse(mine was right in the old head unit, so it was easy to find the wire and connect it, go to your local audio store to find the wire).
CD Player/hard drive: The waiting on loading your cd's to the KD NX5000 is prety fast. Of course you have to wait about 2 minutes for a normal CD, but just think of going to your local store and just leave your car on for 2 min, and have it coipy while your in there. To set the name of your album or genre, is a little hastle, but not too bad, would be nice if you could just title the cd while it's copying. But it's versitility is amazing. Being able to play music, then with the push of the button you have the map, then with another push of the av, you get the tuner or hard drive or the cd. It's very simple, my stupid room mate figured it out easily. Just a few things to maybe change for later models, but it doesn' hurt the product at all.
Navigation:
Now to talk about the gps a little. it is very good with directions, turn by turn voice guidance/ text to speech. It will tell you the name to the roads to turn on to. Plus it gives you plenty of notice before you turn. It also lowers the music, and plays the direction over the music, which helps when your watching a movie/ music video. The POI is also helpful and easy to use, the only problem is that you need to know what town the store your looking for is in, unless your using the vicinity mode, which is where your located around. I have previously had a garmin and a tom tom, and from my experience the garmin worked great and the new JVC works just as easily(just stay away from tom tom). Plus it is easy to plug in multiple destinations, and move them around if needed(for those delivery guys/girls out there). And calculates very quickly.
I would definitely recommend this product for anyone looking for a gps unit, that won't be taken out of the car, and the ease of not shuffling through cd's or entertaining other while your driving. And you can't be the price compared to the avic z1, and the eclipse avn 5945(i think). Either way, 700 versus 2000, there is not much of a difference, for what you recieve, if you even recieve more from the other units.
What's missing
Would be nice if they had a remote control with the alphabet on it for letter entry during address finding, and naming folders in the hard drive. It would also be nice having a visual/screen saver when your just playing music.
All in all, you can't beat this, if your car can't take a double din, or if your looking to bargain shop, this is the as they state, the best dollar per inch you can invest in.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Impressive, you will not be disapointed
by dj4monie on March 6, 2007
Pros: Hard Drive Navigation, Divx Playback, 2 Line Sirius Radio Support
Cons: Can't sign up for RDS Traffic Trial, Some POI searches will turn up nothing
Summary: I got my NX-5000 installed just in time for my trip (not extended trip) to Vegas. Was having problems with my newly built HTPC so I decided to let a ...
Summary: I got my NX-5000 installed just in time for my trip (not extended trip) to Vegas. Was having problems with my newly built HTPC so I decided to let a local installer put it in. There are only 3 extra wires that have to be connected in order for the Navigation to work.
Finding all the wires in my car were not hard, but again I just didn't have time to do it.
I ploted my trip to Vegas and it had me take a route I have taken before without Navi and it proved to be the fastest route to Vegas from the San Fernando Valley.
Once I got to Vegas I used it for everywhere I went. I only had to ask where something was once, as the map had old information and Im sure the source had not been updated before JVC released it to public. That is not JVC's fault, any Navi system can sometimes have you visit the old address of a business by accident.
All functions work fine, I haven't tried DVD/Divx playback yet. That is coming, so I will update that once I use it.
Some might think the screen is a bit small. PLEEASSSSSSE, I had people in the back seat and even THEY could read it without leaning forward.
The maps are clear and easy to read and you can advance the view if you need to see another turn, exit or even the next freeway you'll be taking.
All in all, its shizie!
I got it and a JVC Sirius Connect for less than what Crutchfield is charging. My unit came from JVC of Canada. I'm not sure if it has maps of Canada on it or not...
Updated
Read the manual fully!
I finally figured out how to join the RDS traffic. It works, kinda. It depends on where you are. If your in a remote area, don't expect it to work. If your in a major city it should help you navigate around accidents. I haven't really tried it yet.
You can also add stops along your route and I finally figured that out as well.
So like I said read the manual, the english section is 114 pages...
More ******** can be added later Im sure so keep track of JVC's japanese site as that's where the manaul says updates will appear.
The NX5000 isn't even on JVC's North American web site yet.Updated
Read the manual fully!
I finally figured out how to join the RDS traffic. It works, kinda. It depends on where you are. If your in a remote area, don't expect it to work. If your in a major city it should help you navigate around accidents. I haven't really tried it yet.
You can also add stops along your route and I finally figured that out as well.
So like I said read the manual, the english section is 114 pages...
More ******** can be added later Im sure so keep track of JVC's japanese site as that's where the manaul says updates will appear.
The NX5000 isn't even on JVC's North American web site yet.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Do not purchase for listening to audio books. It does not remember location on CD or in memory.
by jnichols999 on September 3, 2007
Pros: Hard drive if you dont mind restarting at the beginning of tracks if the unit is turned off or the AV source is changed.
Cons: Does not remember location on CDs or disk. It always restarts at the beginning of the last track played before turning off the unit or switching to a diffrerent source.
Summary: For listening to audio books it is useless since it cannot remember a location within a track. It starts over at the beginning of the last track played if the ...
Summary: For listening to audio books it is useless since it cannot remember a location within a track. It starts over at the beginning of the last track played if the unit is turned off or the AV source is changed.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Almost but fatal flaws
by hardrivn on September 8, 2008
Pros: GPS HD Single DIN
Cons: Fatal flaw with this device, when playing music from the hard drive YOU CANNOT PAUSE OR STOP. Checked the manual and those buttons are not used when playing music from the HD. I contacted support and they confirmed it.
Summary: Fatal flaw with this device, when playing music from the hard drive YOU CANNOT PAUSE OR STOP. Seriously you cannot pause or stop when playing music that you ripped to ...
Summary: Fatal flaw with this device, when playing music from the hard drive YOU CANNOT PAUSE OR STOP. Seriously you cannot pause or stop when playing music that you ripped to it's internal hard drive, checked the manual and those buttons are not used when playing music from the HD. I contacted support because I figured I had to be doing something wrong and they confirmed it. Also there is no True Mute since you cannot stop or pause the music from the hard drive you have to turn the volume way down if you still want to use it for NAV, thankfully NAV audio is different from main volume so you can still hear directions. Other than that it would be nice if it would automatically pause when you recieve a phone call over the bluetooth and it would be nice if it had speed sensitive volume (it has the GPS, it has electronic volume control why not?). JVC could fix these issues with a simple software update but they have not.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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strong single DIN solution - impressive
by pwlorraine on January 31, 2008
Pros: strong navigation, video, easy to use
Cons: rds program / station id not displayed, no text-to-speech
Summary: I installed the JVC KD-NX5000 into a BMW e36 replacing the factory head unit. Installation was simple using a Crutchfield harness - finding the velocity signal was very simple using ...
Summary: I installed the JVC KD-NX5000 into a BMW e36 replacing the factory head unit. Installation was simple using a Crutchfield harness - finding the velocity signal was very simple using either the Crutchfield documentation or the Bentley manual. I also installed a JVC bluetooth module at the same time. Calibration was very easy and taken care of by driving around the block a few times. All told, installation took about three hours - most of it spent taking trim pieces off the BMW and putting things back together.
Controls are context based - pressing "menu" calls up the menu display for the AV mode you are in. It really is not difficult and I didn't need the manual except for learning how to edit station or waypoint names.
Enabling video-in-motion is easy as it is on Pioneer units and is described elsewhere on the web.
Navigation is accurate and the display is clear with voice instructions temporarily muting audio. The data base is very complete with more POI's than my gf's LG 735. The unit does not have text to speech so messages are basic - "turn right in 200 feet" rather than "turn right on maple in 200 feet". The navigation integrates with the bluetooth function allowing you to direct dial to POI's.
The bluetooth system is a good deal at $120 (vs $700 or so for my Audi). Bluetooth, satellite, and cd-changers are supported through the JVC J-bus standard - hopefully the new HD radio tuner will be supported as well.
The JVC KD-NX5000 is an excellent solution for a single DIN slot with clear graphics, excellent sound, and superior value.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Apples & Oranges
by imflyboy on April 22, 2007
Pros: Not Applicable
Cons: Not Applicable
Summary: Just a comment. Comparing an in-dash GPS with a PND is somewhat like comparing a laptop to a desktop or a DLP TV to an LCD set. While both products ...
Summary: Just a comment. Comparing an in-dash GPS with a PND is somewhat like comparing a laptop to a desktop or a DLP TV to an LCD set. While both products navigate, they are in completely different categories. And where are TomTom, Navman, Mio and Sony in the CNET the Editor's reviews? Seems that the reviewer is out of touch with this market. This makes the reviews of the current GPS's suspect. Is there quid pro quo here?
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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From a scale of 1-10 I would say this product is a 6.5.
by Jmixa13 on March 20, 2009
Pros: This product is great for audio purposes.
Cons: Had trouble with the bluetooth options, and my navigation doesn't work, it froze at one location and stopped working.
Summary: They should have a software that upgrades this product.
Summary: They should have a software that upgrades this product.
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Great features, Bad interface
by syedauf on August 7, 2008
Pros: Multi format media support, Real time traffic, Many module add ons, Good quality screen, great navigation, POI search is awesome
Cons: Bad interface, big & non-illuminated remote control, no touch screen, no audio progression in HDD playback, complicated menus, bad font, no updates/customizations
Summary: I bought this unit three months ago and have been mostly satisfied with it. This unit is loaded with features and is maybe the most loaded unit in the market ...
Summary: I bought this unit three months ago and have been mostly satisfied with it. This unit is loaded with features and is maybe the most loaded unit in the market these days but there are some things that don't make it the best receiver yet.
I will categorize my comments below to make reading easier:
NAVIGATION
The navigation is great but sometimes it fails to calculate route for a previously calculated POI.
Annoyingly deep menus, even for 'Route Options' those should be one-touch.
The traffic 'reroute' option is not helpful, it reroutes and always calculates the same route and the next thing you know is that you are stuck in the traffic.
Other than this the navigation has never failed me, its very accurate and 13 million POIs, phone no lookup, coordinates lookup just make it even better. Also, it uses HDD for navigation as compared to some which use a CD.
MEDIA
The KD-NX5000 plays virtually every type of media!! The media is organized nicely on the HDD using folders, genres, albums, etc.
It has a huge drive to store all of your favorite songs, even videos. The screen is small but crisp and bright enough to watch a music video or a movie.
However, you cannot progress a song playing on HDD, that's annoying. It takes a long time to burn the mp3 songs on the HDD and you have to listen to the audio songs while burning them on the HDD.
The remote control is not illuminated so you have to learn all the buttons.
Altogether its a very good system but the buttons (no touch screen and hard to click buttons, your finger will get tired)and to many menus spoil the joy. -
I have never regretted it yet.
by mitw on July 16, 2008
Pros: Excellent product, Holds TONS of music, lots of features
Cons: weak on locating POI's, not good if you have to look at a detailed street by street map of a city. But it can do it
Summary: This unit is fabulous. You will never worry about getting to your destination. Quick recalculations, soothing female voice. Or for the ladies, confidant guy's voice. Listen to music while ...
Summary: This unit is fabulous. You will never worry about getting to your destination. Quick recalculations, soothing female voice. Or for the ladies, confidant guy's voice. Listen to music while being told how to get where you want to go. But if you need to actually zoom in on the map, mark it and have it take you there, than that gets tricky although the unit allows you to do this. Unit allows you to mark your favorite locations and keep a list of different places you want to go to for future reference. Holds TONS of music. After loading CD's you will never need them again. Loading MP3's or Wma's much quicker than trying to load a store brought CD. All your information about the song gets transfered too. Just have to punch in category titles. Which I didn't find to be a big hassle. DVD movies are acceptable to watch, very clear and crisp, but would not sell my TV. Unit is weak on locating a place you want to go if you don't know any information about it, i.e. address or phone number, town, etc. It will call up tons of places but you need to have some idea which Walmart, Target, Restaurant etc. you want TGT. Definitely pleased with the purchase. Brought it prior to a trip down south taken along the coast and it was flawless. Unit proved itself in the HOT,HOT,HOT sun, as it baked in the car and work when you needed it too, without a hitch. One draw back is when playing music from hard drive and you shut off the car, unit picks up playing song from beginning instead of where you left off. But it doesn't do this with CD's??? Nice feature that you can make your own categories for your music to store the songs into. TONS AND TONS OF FEATURES. I don't use an iPod, blue-tooth, satellite radio, rear view camera, etc. but this unit can handle it if I did, but you have to buy some add-ons. Don't connect the e-brake wire and you can punch in directions and new trip locations, etc. on the go. All in all a great unit with a small footprint with so many features it takes 119 pages to explain them. But my wife uses it and she is technically challenged. She picked it up very quickly. We love it and wouldn't leave home without it.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: JVC
- Part number: KD-NX5000
- Description: This Single DIN Navigation Receiver comes with 3.5" monitor, 40GB hard drive, built in RDS-TMC tuner, and is ready for Bluetooth.
General
- Width 7.2 in
- Depth 6.2 in
- Height 2 in
GPS System
- Recommended Use Automotive
- Receiver 15 channel
- Voice Navigation instructions
Manufacturer info
- JVC
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse JVC products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.jvc.com/
- Address:
1700 Valley Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470 - Phone: 800-526-5308
