Shop RadioShack for Great GiftsJVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44
Manufacturer: JVC Part number: KD-AVX44
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The vast array of features offered by the JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44 creates a car audio experience that rivals all but the best preinstalled receivers.
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Where to buy
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| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
 | | In stock | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44 price range: $259.95 - $399.00
- Reviewed by: Antuan Goodwin
- Edited by: Wayne Cunningham
- Reviewed on: 08/28/2008
The good: The JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44 is great for lovers of digital media, offering DVD/DivX-video playback and MP3/AAC/WMA playback from an iPod, USB device, or A2DP Bluetooth device. Innovative proximity-based controls create a design that won't clutter the vehicle's interior.
The bad: Button-free interface can be sluggish to accept inputs, such as quickly raising or lowering the volume. Included screen is too small to be used for extended viewing.
The bottom line: The vast array of features offered by the JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44 creates a car audio experience that rivals all but the best preinstalled receivers.
The simple, blank faceplate of the JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44 belies a plethora of features, including in-dash DVD/DivX playback, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB digital audio playback, and that's just the beginning of this receiver's abilities.
Design
When powered off, the El Kameleon presents the user with a blank face of black glossy plastic. Four unlabeled, almost indiscernible buttons sit at its corners. When powered on, the faceplate comes alive with a full-color LCD display dominating the right two-thirds of the unit. Placing your hand near the display causes a proximity-activated touch-sensitive display to illuminate in the remaining left third. When you remove your hand, the interface goes blank again after a few seconds. The proximity sensor can be set to leave everything always on, to control the touch interface only, or to deactivate the entire display for what we like to call stealth mode.
The interface itself is styled to resemble a compass, with most commands input by tapping primary directions (north, south, etc.) or secondary (such as northeast). Tapping east and west skips songs, while holding north or south puts the unit into browsing mode, where media can be selected. Volume is controlled by spinning your finger around the perimeter of the interface to simulate turning a dial. We're sure it's no coincidence that the aesthetic resembles the venerable iPod click wheel, as iPod integration is one of the unit's major selling points.
With the proximity sensor tripped, the four buttons at the corners have illuminated labels for changing the source, ejecting a disc, power, and removing the detachable faceplate. Hitting the eject button causes the motorized faceplate to rotate down, revealing the disc slot.
Our only real complaint is that the unit is, at times, sluggish to accept commands. Also, the lack of any sort of touch feedback means you'll have to look at the unit to know for certain that you're skipping a track or even touching the right part of the faceplate. We like the sleek aesthetic of the touch-pad interface and how it's decidedly not gaudy. We also understand that you can't always have your cake and eat it too, but after a few days of sliding our finger around the touch pad, we really missed having a proper volume knob.
Features
A built-in Bluetooth wireless transmitter and microphone allow the El Kameleon to sync with a compatible phone for hands-free calling. Caller ID information is displayed onscreen and music/movies are paused for the duration of the call. The unit also allows uploading of phonebook entries for easy access, but the process is excruciatingly slow and only allows entries to be sent one at a time. Call quality is satisfactory, although ultimately dependent on quality of service and the phone itself.
We were surprised to learn that the unit also supports A2DP-audio streaming from Bluetooth devices. We were easily able to control playback of music stored on our Windows Mobile phone. Even though JVC places much emphasis on iPod integration, for us the Bluetooth integration is the killer app. Playing music and making calls from a device that's still in our pocket is the ultimate in ease of use. It's too bad the iPhone doesn't support A2DP streaming.
The disc slot hidden behind the faceplate accepts a wide range of media, from non-DRM MP3, AAC, WMA, and WAV CDs, to DVD movies and DivX encoded videos. The unit only displays video when the parking brake is engaged.
The built-in display is suitable for occasional viewing from the driver's seat, but for entertaining backseat passengers you're going to want something bigger. With that in mind, the El Kameleon sports a full array of audio/video outputs to expand the unit's capabilities. A video output allows the addition of an external monitor and 5.1 Dolby Digital surround capabilities. The system allows you to specify in a menu the number and arrangement of your speakers, and adjusts to give the best sound possible. The sound's character is further customizable with a seven-band EQ.
Aside from disc-based media, the El Kameleon comes equipped with a USB pigtail that can read digital music from a USB drive, iPod, or other MP3 player. The unit doesn't come with a dock connector, so you'll have to bring your own sync cable to pair an iPod. Once connected with an iPod, the unit sorts songs by artist, album, playlist, podcasts, and other criteria. Navigation is slow when browsing songs stored on an iPod, particularly for hard-drive based models. While the El Kameleon is able to display videos stored on an iPod, it doesn't support the functionality out of the box. The unit requires the additional purchase of a KS-U20 module from JVC to enable video. The El Kameleon is also upgradable for satellite radio, HD radio, and reverse camera integration.
Performance
When installing the unit, we came across two very minor issues. The first is that the El Kameleon doesn't come with screws for use with mounting brackets, requiring a run to the local hardware store to complete the installation. The other is that the sheer number of connectivity options meant that there were more than a dozen RCA pigtails coming off of the back of the unit, in addition to the standard power and speaker cables. Stuffing this mess of wires behind the device and into the dash was daunting in our small test car, particularly because, unlike most in-dash receivers, the El Kameleon has a rear fan that must be kept clear for cooling purposes. However, people opting for professional installation will never encounter these issues.
Once installed, the El Kameleon performed brilliantly. With 50-max watts playing through four discrete channels, the sound quality was clear and free of distortion at listening volume. The internal amplifier can be adjusted to high power for aftermarket speakers, low power, which makes stock speakers sound great, or off, for use with a completely externally amplified system. There are preamp outputs for the front, rear, subwoofer, and center speakers to build a full, 5.1-surround system. Also present are video out and second audio out for dual zone playback, and audio/video in for use with an external source or backup camera.
Video playback is crisp and smooth with DVD or DivX. We tried a disc with a few Xvid AVI files and surprisingly the files played, so it's possible that the device supports any MPEG-4 encoded video, but since it's not explicitly stated, we can't be sure.
In sum
Able to handle just about all of your in-car audiovisual needs with a great-looking touch-pad display that won't utterly dominate your dash, the JVC El Kameleon KD-AVX44 is a huge value for its $499 price point. The El Kameleon crams just about all of the features you'd expect to find in a big double-DIN receiver into a svelte single-DIN package.
The screen is not practical for extended viewing because of its small size, but you can't safely watch a movie while driving anyway. For a similar price, other units can be had with larger motorized screens. The extra screen real estate can mean better viewing experience, but moving parts can be clunky and prone to breakage. Also, these units often require multiple adapters at an additional cost to reach the same level of functionality offered out of the box with the El Kameleon.
User reviews
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Solid performance/good sound, even on deck power alone
by make_or_break on October 21, 2008
Pros: Clean aesthetics, very good SQ. No knob clutter. Extremely versatile; works with many formats. Easy BT synch with my CrackBerry. Love the blackout feature.
Cons: Doesn't play at all with older iPods, or my Creative Zen X-Fi. Grease/fingerprint magnet. Faceplate scratches easily; Brasso and a microfiber cloth is an ABSOLUTE MUST. Volume changing is a challenge when driving. Menus are hit and miss.
Summary: Bought the Kam for my old Porsche 993 Carrera 2, replacing a garish Alpine unit. Liked that it could play WMA *AND* AAC, and that sat and HD radio were ...
Summary: Bought the Kam for my old Porsche 993 Carrera 2, replacing a garish Alpine unit. Liked that it could play WMA *AND* AAC, and that sat and HD radio were available options. But the main attraction was its faceplate...no knobs whatsoever. When off, it looks like a shiny blankout panel in the Porsche's dash, as if the car was bought with the radio delete option (yes, some Porschephiles don't want no stinkin' radio in their cars--all in the name of performance).
It does everything I ask of it (99% audio-only). Viewing vids are basically a joke using the built-in LCD; it's PSP-sized but planted into the dash it's also not like you can hold it up to your face, either. The menus are pretty much car geek tech; little forethought was given to how the sub menus interface and mesh with the player; command and function flow can seem somewhat disjointed or unrefined at times when moving down the menu tree, but in general everything works even if it won't make Apple UI designers break a sweat as the Next Big Thing in user friendliness.
I agree with the CNET reviewer; though the iPod-like spinning motion for controlling the volume is cool at first, it gets tired pretty fast. In a hard-sprung car like the Type 993 911, it can be REAL trying to get that dialing motion down pat; there's still nothing as sweet as a big volume knob. I've found that it's also easy to hit the wrong area of the control surface and get entirely the wrong command. I also find that I accidentally hit the pause area of the control surface (the center of the circle) way too often. As much as I hate small buttons, there are times that I would take one of those type of decks over this one, particularly when driving over a particularly bumpy patch of asphalt at the same time as fiddling with the CD deck.
In the end however, I've been rather taken by this deck. The Kam has shown itself over the past year or so to be a steady performer, that happens to make good-sounding audio as well. Plus it looks great, in a minimalist sort of way. I've gotten pretty good with the circular motion for changing volume, even when driving. I just wish I didn't have to CLEAN IT so often.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Lied. Can't use it with an iPod Touch or iPhone.
by jatovi on November 4, 2009
Pros: Very flashy. Nice screen. Blue tooth works.
Cons: Claims it can work with the iPod Touch or the iPhone but the audio constantly drops out. Display has begun to turn off randomly. Poor remote setup.
Summary: Decent system that offers some good things. I am very disappointed in the iPod Touch situation. Also the remote is really only good for turning the volume up or down.
Summary: Decent system that offers some good things. I am very disappointed in the iPod Touch situation. Also the remote is really only good for turning the volume up or down.
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Impossible volume control !!!!
by YFcraZ on July 5, 2009
Pros: Bueatiful screen every option you could ever want Sounds quality is great
Cons: Volume control WAY to hard to operate while driving.
No sense of touch so you have to look at the controls while driving.
Touch screen controls are to compact. even tiny fingers will from time to time trip other functionsSummary: The touch screen volume is terrible. It's a struggle to turn down or up without activating another feature. Try adjusting volume while watching a DVD and your running in ...
Summary: The touch screen volume is terrible. It's a struggle to turn down or up without activating another feature. Try adjusting volume while watching a DVD and your running in fast forward or fast back.. If they would have used the up /down arrows it would have made the deck much simpler to operate. I'm concidering taking it back because it is so destracting to try and operate while driving.
If you have a copilot to operate the deck you will love it. My personal opinion is pulls your attention away from the road way to long to simply operate the volume control or hit the presets. If your planing on watching a full lenght DVD better have 2 good batterys or leave the car running. Parking brake has to be on to watch. At least my diesel was in my shop when I did the install. Batterys wouldnt start after watching part of a movie and working through some I-pod issues. -
Amazing Deck!! Very Suprising from JVC!!!
by loveallaudio on January 6, 2009
Pros: This deck is awesome! Plays so many formats, has a fantastic bluetooth capabilities that allows you to use your cellphone to make and accept calls but also stream music! Proximately light up works great. More importantly this deck sounds GREAT!!!!
Cons: Proximatey takes a bit of getting used too. Phone Book entry a little tedious.
Summary: Loaded, this deck is insainly loaded. ipod hook up via USB is great. I have heard it will not work on the older ipods. I have the deck hooked up ...
Summary: Loaded, this deck is insainly loaded. ipod hook up via USB is great. I have heard it will not work on the older ipods. I have the deck hooked up to an alternate screen and it will display a list of songs on the alternate screen.
It seems there is a bit of a bias to JVC mobile audio equipment on the reviews, I've owned Nakamichi, Denon and other top quality decks. The JVC does not sound as good as the Nak or Denon but it does sound very good! Highly Recommended!!!!!!!! -
Does what it says
by paintlegend on December 30, 2008
Pros: A2dp works with pearl flip. I pod control Good. Phone call quality good.
Cons: Screen delicate scratches easy. Phone book memory small 50 contacts.
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Pretty aesthetics, lots of options
by brizzam on November 3, 2008
Pros: This unit does it all. Particularly the Bluetooth calling capability was amazing. Best sound (people couldn't tell difference) and very easy to use. A lot of customizable options available. Very reasonable price for the amount of features.
Cons: -Searching for songs on the iPod is very slow.
-Still haven't figured out how to transfer my phonebook from my cell phone to the unit.
-Takes a little practice to get used to the touch controls.
Takes a minute to start playing iPod after starting carSummary: My last receiver was absolute garbage (Pioneer DEH-P4800MP). I got that unit to be able to hook up my Harman/Kardon Drive and Play. It was great until the Drive ...
Summary: My last receiver was absolute garbage (Pioneer DEH-P4800MP). I got that unit to be able to hook up my Harman/Kardon Drive and Play. It was great until the Drive And Play fried my battery and receiver. So, in the market for a receiver that would control my ipod as well as take phone calls I found this unit. I also looked at Parrot's new receiver, but delays on it's release forced my hand to buy the JVC. The phone call ability is phenomenal and the aesthetics of the unit are clean and elegant. While browsing your library on your iPod is very slow, this can be avoided be pre-creating playlists. The immense amount of features are yet to be fully explored by myself, but they all seem very interesting and functional. This is a keeper unit that I will take into my new car when I get a new car. I am glad I made the decision to purchase this unit, as I can now make calls (legally) and listen to my iPod again. All in all this is a solid unit with a ton of features. Weigh your options and the price tag. If you want an All-in-One, this has got it.
Changed my mind. This thing sucks!!! It has been impossible to get ANY kind of tech support. All I asked for was a firmware/software update which would make it easier and quicker to scan through my songs .... all JVC did was tell me they won't do it and then they discontinue this model and release a NEW MODEL. It is a total slap in the face and unacceptable. I will never buy a JVC again and I hope to go you don't either. Just awful support for a defective product.
Updated on Oct 14, 20090 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Youllnever see a competition vehicle wit a JVChead unit
by smoothintentions on December 27, 2008
Pros: Nice features
Cons: It's a JVC!!!!!!!!
Summary: Any person that has knowledge of car audio would laugh at you if you had this in your vehicle. The features are nice but I guarantee you it sounds like ...
Summary: Any person that has knowledge of car audio would laugh at you if you had this in your vehicle. The features are nice but I guarantee you it sounds like crap compared to ANY Eclipse, Pioneer Premier, or Alpine head unit. This is just bells and whistles coupled with a garbage receiver. I have been a car audio enthusiast since I was 13. At 25 I have installed in over a dozen car's and built professional systems. This is garbage and a waste of money. If you want features with absolutely no clear signal, go for it. I have never heard a good sounding JVC head unit and can almost guarantee I never will. Don't waste your time. Why don't you review some real head units c-net. This is a JOKE!
0 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: JVC
- Part number: KD-AVX44
- Description: Experience a new sensation in AV control. The motion sensor and touch pad offer a style of operation using finger strokes. You can play iPod audio / video and other multiple formats from USB devices. Built-in Bluetooth wireless technology enables hands-free calls or music streaming, while 5.1-channel DTS / Dolby Digital decoders offer realistic surround sound.
General
- Width 7.2 in
- Depth 6.3 in
- Height 2 in
- Weight 4.9 lbs
Audio System
- System Control Bus J-Link
- Audio system controls Fader, Volume, Balance, Attenuate
- Amplifier max output power / channel qty 50 Watts x 4
- Amplifier continuous power / channel qty 20 Watts x 4
- Crossover type Active crossover
- Button backlight color White
Equalizer
- Equalizer type Parametric
- Equalizer band qty 7 bands
- Equalizer factory presets Pop, R&B, Jazz, Dance, Reggae, Classic, Country, Hard Rock
- Equalizer user preset qty 8
Radio
- Type AM/FM
- Station preset qty 24
- AM station preset qty 6
- FM station preset qty 18
- Additional radio features Best stations memory, FM stereo/mono switch
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Digital player device type Digital player
- Digital player supported digital audio standards AAC, MP3, WAV, WMA
- Digital player additional features DivX playback, JPEG photo playback, USB flash drive playback
Connections
- Connector Type 5.1 channel audio line-out, USB, Composite video/audio input, Composite video/audio output, Composite video input, Navigation system input, System components control bus
Remote Control
- Remote control type Remote control
- Remote control technology Infrared
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
