Home > Consumer Reviews > Kenwood Excelon KVT 819DVD - DVD player with LCD and AM/FM tuner and digital player

I have had 4 in-dash DVD head units - 2 Jensens and an Audiovox - and this is the best an most flexible unit I have used. Quick loading of MP3s on large storage devices such as data DVDs and USB drives, and a large and vibrant screen with well-placed icons for quick access to source inputs and sound settings. The separate brainbox can be placed several feet away from the head unit, which allows for easier installation - a near impossibility with my previous units.

As far as sound quality, the unit functions well as a cross-over unit for all speakers and subwoofers. The 5V pre-amp output on each channel produces very clean input for amplifiers and leaves lots of room for fully adjusting the sound envelope in the vehicle.

The screen deployment feels solid, and the removable faceplate is securely fixed in-place during usage. The high-gloss finish does not smear easily, and the buttons provide firm feel.

Easily, the best head unit available.

This unit comes with a hide away unit. Finding a location for it took some thinking (as it is not very small). Also, it does take a little while to come on and actually play when you power it up. I guess the signal cables from the hide away unit and the actual head unit etc etc. So far it is a really great head unit to buy.

Tengo este autoestéreo desde el año pasado, y es excelente, tiene todas las funciones que uno espera tener: calidad de sonido, y video, conectividad con accesorios, múltiples funciones etc, el control remoto es muy bo

A favor:
Excelente calidad de imagen y sonido.
Multiples formatos: DVD, divx... aunque yo solo lo uso con el ipod, ni siquiera le pongo discos mp3.
Excelente calidad de materiales y acabados (es muy bonito).
Conectividad de accesorios: Tengo un ipod 80gb y teléfono bluetooth, y con los accesorios puedo ver música y vidos de mi ipod en el aparato, también puedo atender las llamadas del celular automáticamente sin presionar ningún botón.

En contra:
Interfaz de menús un poco lenta y aveces complicada de operar, el botón para hacer llamadas "tel" se demora un poco en responder
He tenido problemas con el display pequeño del frente extraible, pues a veces se apaga y no muestra la información, parece ser un problema de ajuste, o de suciedad entre los pines de contacto.

This is a excellent audiophile dvd player. Has 5volt preouts for clear power. Clear video quality. And it plays almost anything. I got it caus it plays DVD audio and SACD.

Pros: allows fast interaction with ipod. may be integrated with tons of optionals from kenwood. reasonable price. dual zone. excellent video quality. sound quality outstanding. full integration with ipod video using the right optional
cons: as the monitor is a mate lcd the sun may prevent you to see clearly the monitor. not free zone dvd. the optionals are quite expensive.
conclusion: a very good option specially if you have an ipod video