Pioneer AVIC-U310BT
Manufacturer: Pioneer North America Part number: AVICU310BT
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Pioneer AVIC-U310BT isn't perfect, but it meets most people's needs for navigation, hands-free calling, and digital audio playback at a very affordable price.
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CNET editors' review
Pioneer AVIC-U310BT price range: $349.00 - $599.99
- Reviewed by: Antuan Goodwin
- Reviewed on: 07/16/2009
The good: The Pioneer AVIC-U310BT supports digital audio playback from USB storage devices, MP3 players, and iPods. The hands-free calling feature automatically imports contacts form a paired phone. The touch screen is detachable and powered, for destination entry and trip planning outside of the vehicle.
The bad: The preloaded point-of-interest library is severely limited. Multiple menu sources make it hard to find the parameter you want to change. No video playback options.
The bottom line: The Pioneer AVIC-U310BT isn't perfect, but it meets most people's needs for navigation, hands-free calling, and digital audio playback at a very affordable price.
Pioneer's goal with the AVIC-U310BT, the entry-level model in its AVIC in-dash navigation line, was to meet the three major needs: GPS navigation, digital audio playback, and Bluetooth hands-free calling.
Design
The AVIC-U310BT is a double-DIN unit, which takes up twice the vertical space of a standard DIN-size car stereo, so make sure that your vehicle has room to support it before going out and purchasing it.
At the top of the mostly fixed faceplate is a single CD slot. Below and to the left are the physical controls. The primary physical input is a control knob, which can be twisted to adjust the volume or scroll through lists, nudged directionally like a joystick, or pushed like a button to make selections. The knob doesn't feature much tactile differentiation between a directional press and a center press, causing more than a few accidental fumbles when attempting to navigate the U310BT's menus.
Above and below the control knob are buttons for Mode, which toggles between navigation and audio playback modes, and List, which puts the U310BT into browsing mode for exploring digital media sources, iPod taxonomy, and radio presets. Finally at the bottom of the unit's faceplate are buttons for Source selection that double as a power button, and an AM/FM Band selection that doubles as a Back button when browsing audio menus and digital media lists.
Occupying the majority of the faceplate is the removable touch-screen display. The full-color screen measures 4.3-inches diagonally, about the same size as the screen on the Garmin Nuvi 205W or the TomTom XL 340 S. The screen is quite responsive to touch inputs.
The detachable screen has a rechargeable battery of its own, so it can be used independently of the rest of the U310BT to input destinations, plan trips, and store favorites. However, the detached screen lacks a GPS antenna of its own, so it cannot be used as a portable navigation device. Along the top edge of the faceplate is a power switch and an SD card slot that can be used to load data for use with the navigation function, but not media. Along its bottom edge is a Mini-USB port for connection to a PC.
Behind the scenes, the Pioneer features inputs for your car's AM/FM antenna, a 1/8-inch analog auxiliary input, an input for wired remote adapters, and Pioneer's proprietary connection for add-on modules. There are also inputs for the included GPS antenna, external microphone, and USB connection. Although the AVIC-U310BT supports iPod playback, it does not come with a 30-pin dock connector, so BYO-Sync cable.
Although the AVIC-U310BT is a big double-DIN unit, it doesn't support video playback from DVD, digital, or analog sources.
The unit features no preamp inputs and only two sets of preamp outputs--front and switchable rear/subwoofer output--so users will have to choose between a dedicated subwoofer output or in-dash fader control of external amplifiers. This isn't much of a big deal for the average user who will probably drive their speakers with the U310BT's internal amp, but it could be an issue for system builders.
The unit ships with a standard USB cable for connecting digital audio players and storage devices, a Mini-USB cable for loading data from a computer, an external GPS antenna with magnetic mount, an external microphone for Bluetooth hands-free calling, a standard wiring harness, and a CD with instruction and the AVIC Feeds software.
Features
Starting with navigation, the U310BT uses solid-state storage to hold its navigation data, so searches and map rendering are quick. The unit features text-to-speech, which reads proper street names aloud for easier navigation, and highway lane guidance, which displays an indicator of what lanes are valid for the current route when approaching highway intersections. Traffic is not available with the U310BT.
The unit ships with a dismally small set of points of interest. There isn't even a category for restaurants; one of the most often used POI categories. Instead, Pioneer expects users to connect their U310BT's faceplate to their PCs and load custom POIs using the AVIC Feeds software that ships with the unit and is available for free download. People who want more preloaded destinations can opt for an additional POI pack SD card, but that adds an estimated $100 to the U310BT's bottom line.
Moving on to hands-free calling, the Pioneer connects to your phone with Bluetooth wireless. Pairing can be initiated on the unit or on the phone using a four-digit PIN code. Once paired, the AVIC-U310BT can automatically pull your contacts into its memory. We were able to quickly pull our entire 100 contact phonebook onto the Pioneer in seconds. The receiver does not support stereo Bluetooth audio streaming.
Audio sources include AM/FM radio, a single slot CD player with MP3/WMA playback, a rear-mounted 1/8-inch analog auxiliary input, and a USB port that supports storage devices, and digital audio players such as the iPod.
When connected to an iPod, the U310BT lets the user quickly browse by artist, genre, album, song, playlist, and so on with the control dial. The U310BT supports audio book playback with variable speed control. A special "passenger control" mode lets the user select songs using the iPod/iPhone's onscreen controls while still retaining the full digital audio connection and onscreen metadata. This is a useful feature for when a friend jumps in the car and wants to hear a song on their iPod without having to figure out the U310BT's interface or for passengers who want to multitask on their iPhone without interrupting the music.
Performance
Starting--again--with navigation, the Pioneer's start-up time was extremely quick, about 45 seconds for a cold start and instantaneously for subsequent reboots, no doubt thanks to the solid-state storage's quick read times and the detachable faceplate's battery allowing it to always be in a standby state with the navigation data ready to go.
We were thoroughly annoyed by the U310BT's deficit of preloaded POIs, but were pleased with how easily we were able to add our own POIs using the AVIC-Feeds software and Google Maps.
Bluetooth hands-free calling is nearly flawless in execution, with super simple pairing and idiot-proof automatic syncing of contacts. We were able to quickly search through our 100 plus contacts using the AVIC-U310BT's alphabet search. The system is powered by Parrot hardware, including a noise-canceling microphone that, when mounted near the driver's head, delivers crystal clear call quality. During our test calls at highway speeds, we received no complaints about echoes or road noise.
We only have two minor complaints about the way the U310BT handles calls. First, the hands-free calling volume is adjusted separately from the audio playback volume using a touch-screen button instead of the more intuitive spinning volume knob. Secondly, entering a call doesn't pause audio playback, it merely mutes it. So, if you're listening to a podcast and a call comes in, you will miss all of the content that happens for the duration of the call and have to rewind.
Audio playback from the Pioneer's 14 watt x 4 channel amplifier (50W x 4 max) can be adjusted with a three-band EQ with three levels of loudness control, and a bass booster function. High pass filters for the internal amplifier and low pass filter for the subwoofer output can both be adjusted from the unit's interface. Each audio source can be assigned a Source Level Adjustment value for consistent volume control between audio sources.
After connecting an iPod or digital media source, users must wait for the U310BT to read the device, which can take a few moments. After the initial load, navigation of digital media libraries is relatively quick, with only minor pauses here and there.
One minor annoyance that we ran into during our testing is that there is no centralized place to adjust the U310BT's settings. The navigation menu has its own touch-screen-based settings menu, as does the phone system. The audio controls are also on a separate screen and are accessed and navigated wholly with the control knob. Finally, more esoteric settings can only be accessed by removing the faceplate, connecting it to a PC, and adjusting the settings using the AVIC-Feeds software. Even then some settings never took. For example, by default the unit's key illumination color is set to cycle through a spectrum of colors, but we were unable to get the unit to stop cycling, even though the AVIC-Feeds software has an RGB setting for a solid illumination color.
In sum
Overall, the AVIC-U310BT is a very easy way for most entry-level users to add all of the cabin tech they need with one box. At an MSRP of $699, it is also one of the cheapest ways to do so.
The Pioneer earns extra design points for its detachable, powered faceplate that let us input our destinations from the comfort of our home, rather than in an idling car. We also liked the Pioneer's all-in-one approach, but had to dock a few design points for the interface's lack of integration. For example, the multiple menus were particularly frustrating.
The U310BT feature set is also quite good, including navigation with text-to-speech, hands-free calling, and digital audio playback. The unit earns bonus points for iPod integration and the neat iPod passenger control feature. However, the navigation system's dismal POI catalog in many ways limits the unit's usefulness for impromptu trips.
Although its feature list is long, the AVIC-U310BT is still an entry-level unit that makes a few sacrifices to advanced features in the name of providing a good basic tech experience at a great price.
User reviews
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AVIC-U310BT - useless Cheap Nav and bluetooth- Avoid
Pros: I liked the fact this is cheapest major brand Nav and Bluetooth unit. Looks neat and clean and starts instantly. It has detachable screen so you can plan your route.
It also can control iPhone/iPod and USB drive, and audio quality is ok to good.Cons: 1. Bluetooth hangs and daily basis, and only way to get it working is by hard resetting unit, at which point you loose all your setting, Nav, Audio, Radio, bluetooth settings, and you start from scratch again.
2. Nav also freezes- incorrect locationSummary: This has been frustating experience with this head unit since I bought it. Bluetooth MIC was useless as other party can not here. So replaced with Garmin Microphone and that ...
Summary: This has been frustating experience with this head unit since I bought it. Bluetooth MIC was useless as other party can not here. So replaced with Garmin Microphone and that solved the issue.
Initially Bluetooth freezing, onlyway is hard reset.
Then Nav started freezing randomly. It fly me thru some unknown areas(with full GPS signal as per unit) far away from where I am driving. The TTS is useless as it gives incorrect directions, sometime forgets to do so.
Major Roads, that are laid 5 years ago does not show up. insist on driving on walking trails.
POIs are joke, you do not have Restaurants, or gas stations, but have Cemetary!!?
Pioneer claims there are no issue reported, where as avic411.com forums says otherwise. Units sent to warranty repair came back with same firmware, and has same issues, and nothing solved. So, no use of repair.
In the end you all be warned, it is upto you to experience all this mess, or avoid like any wise person would do.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Budget GPS Radio
by epa4wd on August 15, 2009
Pros: Bluetooth
Color Display Custumization, DOES WORK.
GPS
USB
Ipod Control
Excellent if you plan on keeping stock speakersCons: A bit Complex Menu, takes some time to get used to.
Summary: Although this CNET reviews says setting for illumination did not work, they didn't complete the process for changing the color display. After creating a color, saving it to the ...
Summary: Although this CNET reviews says setting for illumination did not work, they didn't complete the process for changing the color display. After creating a color, saving it to the SD card, copying the settings to the radio, press and hold SRC button until all sound comes off, then press the volume knob for a few seconds and initial settings will appear, select illumination color, change from SCAN to CUSTOM. Thats it works like a charm. Read the manual Antuan!!!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Overall I'm pleased with it for an audio device
by A7thson on September 29, 2009
Pros: Double din
Satellite compatable
Ipod compatableCons: No mute button
Clock only displays on gps screen
Lags occasionally
GPS is not user friendly
Gas mileage calculator is a jokeSummary: Basically I bought this unit as a head unit for XM radio. I needed a double din unit for a factory install that I was having removed from a truck ...
Summary: Basically I bought this unit as a head unit for XM radio. I needed a double din unit for a factory install that I was having removed from a truck and didn't really want a filler plate. Personally I thought I'd get more use out of a GPS than a dvd player so I went with this one. Overall the the sound quality is good, the XM works well, The Ipod hookup works well. I'm not much of a cell phone user while driving, but I did try it out and it worked as described, but as other users stated connection was lost later, but I didn't mess with it to get it back. The GPS is not user friendly, especially when trying to get POI's into it. There are no clear instructions and it took several trys before I got the process down, I'll take my Garmin over it any day. Some other minor complaints are there is no mute button, which makes it kind of a pain when you pull up to a drive through. Though the phone does mute automatically I guess. The other thing is the clock only shows on the GPS screen, so if you are using any other input screen you have to switch back to see the time. How difficult would it have been to have the time show on all screens? And the last thing is the gas mileage calculator. I had thought this would be a nice useful feature to have, but it has a little quirk where it wants you to keep track of how far you have travelled since your last fill up. So unless you remember to set your trip meter every time, or you write down the milege every time you fill up, it becomes useless. Again how difficult would it have been to program it where you simply put in your current mileage at fillup and it calculates it for you? Maybe there are settings for all of these like the one to stop the cycling lights and put them on one color, but I've yet to find them.
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GPS - iPod Control - Bluetooth for about $400
Pros: Instant On!
AM/FM/Single Disk CD Player with 18 FM presets; 6 AM presets
Total iPod control thru unit
Basic GPS with text to speech
Hands Free Bluetooth (when it works)
Detachable faceplateCons: There's a software glitch in the bluetooth software that requires re-pairing your phone with the base regularly. Menus might seem initially confusing.
Summary: I installed the AVIC U310BTs in my 2009 smart car after reading that this unit would be offered as the "official" GPS upgrade on the 2010 model smarts. I picked ...
Summary: I installed the AVIC U310BTs in my 2009 smart car after reading that this unit would be offered as the "official" GPS upgrade on the 2010 model smarts. I picked up a unit on eBay for $370. Another $30 for the iPod cable plus $50 for the double din face plate and wiring harness and another 50 bucks for new speakers and for $500 I had an upgrade that the dealer will offer for $1300.
The GPS is basic but adequate. The lady in the box giving directions has a very slight flutter to her voice but she gets me there just fine. The radio/CD player work great and the units puts out a lot of sound. Paired with decent speakers, you will not be disappointed.
With a 120 Gig iPod, my Holy Grail has been a way to navigate through the hundreds of artists and thousands of CDs to play the tune I wanted without killing myself while driving. I've found that the AVIC U310BT succeeds in allowing me to search with a minimum of clicks and twists to the exact song I wanted-- while driving! However, here's where the confusing menus might make you want to read the manual. Once you "get" the menu flow, it all makes sense in some weird way.
My biggest disappointment with the unit is the software glitch with the bluetooth. About every 4 starts of the car the bluetooth hangs and will not work with my phone. It requires a faceplate reset which takes about 30 seconds then you must repair your phone which takes another couple of minutes. This is really the only thing that I do not like about the unit. I take a star away for the bluetooth hassle.
Pioneer AVIC units in the past have been criticized for slow boot times. On the 310BT however, the unit comes on instantly because the battery in the removable faceplate keeps it in standby when the car is off. The instant on function seems to be the culprit that somehow causes the bluetooth to hang upon occasion.
The U310BT has only been on sale since June so I expect that as more owners report this bluetooth problem there will be a firmware update to correct, but until then I'm not as happy as I could be. -
All and all a good deal for the price.
by DJGiannetto on August 23, 2009
Pros: Detectable face, bluetooth, compatibility with iPhone 3GS, lighting color selection (match your existing dash color scheme, can be wired in with steering wheel controls (volume, and source change), Satellite Radio compatible, etc.
Cons: GPS is no where near as good as a Garmin. Cant request intersections, POI that come stock are a joke. It makes you hit the "OK" button twice to accept a new route. The phone book "import" is disappointing.
Summary: Worth the money because of how many things the unit consolidates. The GPS leaves a lot to be desired if you are used to a stand alone unit.
Summary: Worth the money because of how many things the unit consolidates. The GPS leaves a lot to be desired if you are used to a stand alone unit.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Pioneer North America
- Part number: AVICU310BT
- Bottom Line: The Pioneer AVIC-U310BT isn't perfect, but it meets most people's needs for navigation, hands-free calling, and digital audio playback at a very affordable price.
General
- Width 7.0 in
- Depth 0.4 in
- Height 3.9 in
- Weight 3.7 lbs
GPS System
- Recommended Use Automotive
- Receiver 20 channel
- Connectivity USB, Bluetooth-enabled
- GPS Functions / Services Audio player, Distance
- Voice Audible signal(s)
- Antenna Built-in
- Features Text to speech
Miscellaneous
- GPS design features Touchscreen, XM tuner, SIRIUS tuner, HD radio, AM tuner, FM tuner
Manufacturer info
- Pioneer North America
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Pioneer North America products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/
- Address:
2265 E. 220th St.
Long Beach, CA 90810 - Phone: 310/952-2111




