LONG BEACH, CALIF., January 7th, 2020, At CES, KENWOOD USA is unveiling 8 new multimedia receivers for 2020 that will begin shipping in March. The DNX997XR (MSRP $1,499.95), DDX9907XR (MSRP $1,099.95), DMX957XR (MSRP $999.95), DMX907S (MSRP $849.95), DNX697S (MSRP $1,099.95), DDX9707S (MSRP $899.95), DMX9707S (MSRP $799.95), and DNX577S (MSRP $999.95). The 2020 top-end lineup focuses on enhanced driver safety, vehicle integration, and smartphone connection options, as well as further advanced premium sound quality.
Of the 8 new models, the KENWOOD eXcelon Reference DNX997XR, DDX9907XR, DMX957XR, KENWOOD eXcelon DMX907S, and KENWOOD DDX9707S and DMX9707S are compatible with Apple CarPlay™ wirelessly, and Android Auto™ wirelessly. The KENWOOD eXcelon DNX697S and KENWOOD DNX577S support both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto using a USB wired connection.
The KENWOOD eXcelon Reference models take sound and picture quality to the next level for 2020. New for KENWOOD is the introduction of Wireless Hi-Res Audio via LDAC™ on these models. LDAC is an audio coding technology that enables the transmission of High-Resolution Audio content over a Bluetooth® connection. It can transfer high quality sound from a compatible phone (which currently include select Android smartphones) at bit rates up to 990 Kbps. This Hi-Res Audio support further adds to all models continuing with support of Hi-Res Audio via USB. All 3 models also feature a 6.8” High Definition 1280 x 720 (720P) screen that includes the support for a new HD rear camera, the KENWOOD CMOS-740HD (MSRP $249.95). When viewing the HD rear camera on these screens, safety is further enhanced by incorporating High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, which improves the picture quality in dark or very bright conditions.
All 8 new models also receive two major technology enhancements, the first being an added camera input, for a total of 4 Camera Inputs. After 3 camera inputs were introduced last year, users could achieve a smarter and safer driving experience by incorporating various combinations of cameras, including the touch-screen controlled KENWOOD DRV-N520 integrated dash cam. With the addition of a 4th camera input, flexibility is further optimized for options like incorporating additional or OEM blind spot cameras, of which can be switched manually by the touchscreen controls, or automatically when an optional iDatalink® Maestro® RR is connected (supported vehicles only).
The second major technology enhancement includes support for USB smartphone mirroring for both iOS® and Android®. Prior to this, Android users had access to wireless screen mirroring, however iOS users did not. Now, when connected via Bluetooth and a hard-wired USB cable with the accompanying “Mirroring for KENWOOD” app installed on their phone, users can mirror their phone, displaying many popular streaming app services, with very few limitations. As safety is at the forefront of these products, the vehicle must be parked with the parking brake engaged to access this source.
For 2020, a standout enhancement to the Garmin® equipped DNX997XR, DNX697S, DNX577S, is the addition of 3 years of free Garmin map updates. Garmin mapping also receives performance updates with more precise positioning and expanded KENWOOD Traffic Powered by INRIX® services. With built-in Garmin mapping, not only will your navigation continue to work in areas with no or low GPS signal, such as tunnels and rural areas, but you will also receive the best overall experience, being able to retain features such as turn-by-turn lane guidance from your OEM cluster when coupled with an optional iDatalink Maestro RR on supported vehicles.
Additional built-in and connection options for select models includes HD Radio® and SiriusXM® compatibility. The DNX997XR, DDX9907XR, DMX957XR, DMX907S, and DNX697S all include built-in HD Radio tuners, offering users the convenience of up to three extra HD stations from each frequency that’s being broadcast in digital sound, all with no monthly fees. All 8 receivers are also SiriusXM-Ready® (SiriusXM Connect Vehicle Tuner and subscription sold separately), providing access to over 150 channels of the widest variety of ad-free music, plus entertainment, news, comedy and sports you won’t hear anywhere else.
More model additions are expected to be released later in the year. After the products have shipped, please view their respective product pages at www.kenwood.com/usa/car.
About JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation
JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation and is a leading developer of car entertainment products for the consumer market, two-way radio communications systems for public safety, private industry and amateur users, and video equipment for the broadcast and professional markets. For detailed information, call KENWOOD USA at 1-800-536-9663 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com, www.kenwood.com/usa and www.us.jvc.com/car.
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