Home > Consumer Reviews > Pioneer AVH-P4100DVD 7-Inch In-Dash Double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver with Widescreen Display
Pioneer AVH-P4100DVD 7-Inch In-Dash Double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver with Widescreen Display
See it at Amazon.com for $550.00Average Customer Rating
(4.0 out of 5)
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First | + ShareCaveat Emptor: Nice features, but some cut corners!
(2 out of 5) by S. Boone on Aug 27, 2009I've been looking for a nice 7in touchscreen iPod compatible unit since I bought my double-din having Honda Accord in 2004. I had pretty much given up and started down the carputer road (oh, if I just could have found a nice double-din 7in VGA touchscreen!), planning on shoehorning a Mac mini into the glovebox. Then the AVH-P4100DVD came along.
I waited for a while before buying, trying in vain to find a local deal who had one so I could touch it first and try out the iPod controls. I was unfortunately unsuccessful. All the previous products I've used that offered "iPod integration" must have been designed by monkeys. This unit seemed to break the mold. Too bad for us that it was designed when the "click wheel" iPod was the thing, because they quite simply FAIL when compared to the iPod Touch/iPhone.
That being said:
*RADIO*
The radio works. The controls aren't too hard to deal with while driving. However they aren't going to win any design awards. The "targets" are simply too small to fat finger when trying to change stations while keeping your eyes on the road. One good example is that the programmed station list has -6- positions, but only -5- can be displayed at a time; you have to scroll to get the last one. Don't do that while driving. And there is no RDS, which seems very shortsighted for a device with a 7" screen. The tuner works well too. The Honda dealer told me that my rear-window antenna was "broken" after my factory head unit began to only pick up one local station. However the AVH picks up more stations than the factory unit EVER did.
*CD/DVD*
I haven't used a CD in the thing yet. With 20+ GB of music at my disposal I hope never to need to. The DVD works. The Parking Break thing is a PITA, but understandable. See other comments for how to "fix" it. On screen controls are tolerable, though Pioneer definitely needs to buy an iPod Touch to see how over-layed translucent video controls should be done. The display is crisp and -bright enough- to view from the rear seats even during the day.
*iPod INTEGRATION*
Where to start? Well, it works. Kinda. The interface is deeply rooted in the "click-wheel" paradigm, minus the scrolling capability. They seemed to miss the importance of that particular feature of the early iPods tho, and it shows badly. Scrolling through lists is slow, mostly because there is no easy page-at-a-time feature. It is as though Pioneer's engineers have never used a Mac or Windows, to gleen the accumulated human knowledge of how to scroll correctly. But at least the list -APPEARS- quickly, unlike some early Alpine units that were glacial. Also the engineers obviously haven't used iTunes or Front Row and learned how to nicely scroll long song titles and artist names. In short, the unit is just absolutely "Chinese knock-off" stupid. Which is so sad, given the thing interacts with one of the best designed human interfaces in the known universe: the iPod Touch/iPhone. I would call this unit less of a "touch screen device" than "a device that has a screen that you can touch".
I didn't buy the CD-IU200V cable initially, because I don't have a lot of vids on my iPhone yet, and I didn't want to mess with the parking brake issue. I called Pioneer support PRE-SALES and was told that the cable was NECESSARY even to play music; however upon receipt of the unit and reading the manual (and reviews here) I hooked my iPhone into the USB via a standard iPod data cable and all was great--it even played video! Or so it seemed. [The manual doesn't state that you HAVE to buy the CD-IU200V, it states: "When using an iPod, iPod Dock Connector to USB Cable is required. *Pioneer CD-IU50 interface cable is also available. For details, consult your dealer."]
But I have had three prevalent problems in two months of use:
#1 a short audio drop about a minute into some songs, mentioned in another review. Haven't tracked it down to a specific thing yet, but occasionally the audio blips out for about a second or so early into songs. My iPhone doesn't do it with any other audio device I own (that use the Dock connector), and it has done it on both my iPhone 1st gen and my 3GS.
#2 a worse problem though is an occasional situation where everything seems to be working but no audio comes out AT ALL. The unit shows seconds ticking off the timer, and the iPhone shows that it is "Playing". Just no audio. Unplugging and replugging -sometimes- fixes it. Sometimes a secret Nintendo-button-press-sequence of Play/Pause and "Ctrl iPod" and Play/Pause on the iPhone will. Usually you end up with an ERROR-02-66. Pioneer support says "buy the CD-IU200V and that goes away. You have to buy that cable." I call BS. [I am writing this review as I await the $50 cable bought moments ago from Amazon. I will update the review (and drop the rating to 1 star) when I receive it and it doesn't work.] The CD-IU200V is merely a standard USB connection with a separate cable with a 1/8" plug tied to the composite video out of the iPod port. The fact that video out WORKS through a standard data cable tells me enough. Pioneer support has been unable to explain to me what is special about the cable, they just keep telling me I need it. In fact the 1/8in plug on the CDIU doesn't plug into a CONTROL port on the AVH, only into a video input! It makes no sense. Further, the box for the AVH carries the "Made for iPod" certification, which means it is -supposed- to work with a dock connecter, per Apple's licensing terms (as opposed to the "Works with iPod" designation). [Again, referring to the manual: "*You can use this unit to control an iPod by using a cable (e.g., CD-IU50), which is sold separately. *If an iPod with VIDEO capabilities is connected to this unit via interface cable (e.g. CD-IU200V), which is sold separately, you can enjoy the VIDEO CONTENTS of the iPod as the iPod source. In this case, set the AUX1 to iPod. Refer to switching the auxiliary settings on page 50."]
#3 if you are on a call on the iPhone using a Bluetooth headset and you plug-in the iPhone to the AVH and then start the vehicle, the audio meant for the AVH plays through the headset. I believe this to be an Apple bug, as I've seen it mentioned on other Apple forums. The fact that the audio doesn't mute on the iPhone is indicative of that. However, the problem exists with iPhone software 3.0.1, be aware.
Given all that, it charges my iPhone fine and doesn't complain that it is an "unsupported device", wanting to put it in Airplane mode. Also I don't get any of the GSM crosstalk noise, even when I'm listening to the radio and talking using my handsfree with the iPhone plugged in/charging via the Dock connector.
*INSTALLATION*
Installation was a breeze. I used a Scosche wiring harness adapter and the PAC SWI-PS steering wheel interface. I also later tied in a relay to handle the Parking Brake limitation. The only install hiccup was with the flat plastic spacer bezel that Pioneer shipped. The hole in the center of the bezel is a bit larger up-and-down to accommodate the slide out face; however, side-to-side it fits over the face but NOT the thin plastic guide-arms the face slides inside/between. In my Honda installation, the "front" of the unit (before the protrusion of the face and guides) sits comfortably behind the Honda dash piece. But since the spacer bezel won't fit flush against the unit, instead sitting on front of the guide arms, I can't install it. Mechanically, you'd think you would not want the face's edges sliding against the inside edges of the spacer bezel, but that's what they're doing. I called Pioneer on it and they acted like I was from Mars. Although I haven't done it, a dremel would make short work of opening up the hole. Right now there is an unsightly 1/4" gap between the unit and my dash opening. [For the record, I measured an old double-din Pioneer unit I have and the spacer should fit where -I- expect it to fit.]
*AUDIO QUALITY*
The audio quality of the unit is great, and I'm pumping through my factory speakers. The Audio controls are adequate, and although the EQ isn't the greatest, I'm happy. If I wanted more I'd go with a DSP. But definitely an upgrade over the factory unit.
In conclusion, I'm happy that I can finally -integrate- my iPhone into my car. I can even deal with the less than stellar usability (tho for the price I do expect better from Pioneer). Ultimately what has destroyed my lust for this device is Pioneer itself. Perhaps I'm spoiled being an Apple guy (and no, I'm not a fanboy--I've worked for Apple, they can be a bunch of lying a-holes...but they also know how to make things work and their support is, on average, much better). Pioneer support for this unit is bad. The device has some problems with iPod/iPhone integration, no question. No one at Pioneer seems to be able to explain what pieces are required (CD-IU200V) for advertised features to work or why, they just keep pushing $50 add-ons. If the CD-IU200V is -REQUIRED- for iPod integration, it should be MUCH cheaper considering they market the AVH as "Ready for iPod". I fear that by the time I finally -FINALLY- discover that these are issues I'll have to live with, I'll be stuck with the piece of crap and something better will be on the market for the same price PLUS have built-in Nav and Bluetooth. Clearly, although Pioneer had a spark of genius compared to the rest of the car stereo market in this genre, they cut corners and made design assumptions that has hurt the overall usefulness of the product (see other review about playing music of a USB hard drive/flash drive and index waiting time). Be prepared to settle for inconsistent use and non-existent support. Caveat Emptor.
I waited for a while before buying, trying in vain to find a local deal who had one so I could touch it first and try out the iPod controls. I was unfortunately unsuccessful. All the previous products I've used that offered "iPod integration" must have been designed by monkeys. This unit seemed to break the mold. Too bad for us that it was designed when the "click wheel" iPod was the thing, because they quite simply FAIL when compared to the iPod Touch/iPhone.
That being said:
*RADIO*
The radio works. The controls aren't too hard to deal with while driving. However they aren't going to win any design awards. The "targets" are simply too small to fat finger when trying to change stations while keeping your eyes on the road. One good example is that the programmed station list has -6- positions, but only -5- can be displayed at a time; you have to scroll to get the last one. Don't do that while driving. And there is no RDS, which seems very shortsighted for a device with a 7" screen. The tuner works well too. The Honda dealer told me that my rear-window antenna was "broken" after my factory head unit began to only pick up one local station. However the AVH picks up more stations than the factory unit EVER did.
*CD/DVD*
I haven't used a CD in the thing yet. With 20+ GB of music at my disposal I hope never to need to. The DVD works. The Parking Break thing is a PITA, but understandable. See other comments for how to "fix" it. On screen controls are tolerable, though Pioneer definitely needs to buy an iPod Touch to see how over-layed translucent video controls should be done. The display is crisp and -bright enough- to view from the rear seats even during the day.
*iPod INTEGRATION*
Where to start? Well, it works. Kinda. The interface is deeply rooted in the "click-wheel" paradigm, minus the scrolling capability. They seemed to miss the importance of that particular feature of the early iPods tho, and it shows badly. Scrolling through lists is slow, mostly because there is no easy page-at-a-time feature. It is as though Pioneer's engineers have never used a Mac or Windows, to gleen the accumulated human knowledge of how to scroll correctly. But at least the list -APPEARS- quickly, unlike some early Alpine units that were glacial. Also the engineers obviously haven't used iTunes or Front Row and learned how to nicely scroll long song titles and artist names. In short, the unit is just absolutely "Chinese knock-off" stupid. Which is so sad, given the thing interacts with one of the best designed human interfaces in the known universe: the iPod Touch/iPhone. I would call this unit less of a "touch screen device" than "a device that has a screen that you can touch".
I didn't buy the CD-IU200V cable initially, because I don't have a lot of vids on my iPhone yet, and I didn't want to mess with the parking brake issue. I called Pioneer support PRE-SALES and was told that the cable was NECESSARY even to play music; however upon receipt of the unit and reading the manual (and reviews here) I hooked my iPhone into the USB via a standard iPod data cable and all was great--it even played video! Or so it seemed. [The manual doesn't state that you HAVE to buy the CD-IU200V, it states: "When using an iPod, iPod Dock Connector to USB Cable is required. *Pioneer CD-IU50 interface cable is also available. For details, consult your dealer."]
But I have had three prevalent problems in two months of use:
#1 a short audio drop about a minute into some songs, mentioned in another review. Haven't tracked it down to a specific thing yet, but occasionally the audio blips out for about a second or so early into songs. My iPhone doesn't do it with any other audio device I own (that use the Dock connector), and it has done it on both my iPhone 1st gen and my 3GS.
#2 a worse problem though is an occasional situation where everything seems to be working but no audio comes out AT ALL. The unit shows seconds ticking off the timer, and the iPhone shows that it is "Playing". Just no audio. Unplugging and replugging -sometimes- fixes it. Sometimes a secret Nintendo-button-press-sequence of Play/Pause and "Ctrl iPod" and Play/Pause on the iPhone will. Usually you end up with an ERROR-02-66. Pioneer support says "buy the CD-IU200V and that goes away. You have to buy that cable." I call BS. [I am writing this review as I await the $50 cable bought moments ago from Amazon. I will update the review (and drop the rating to 1 star) when I receive it and it doesn't work.] The CD-IU200V is merely a standard USB connection with a separate cable with a 1/8" plug tied to the composite video out of the iPod port. The fact that video out WORKS through a standard data cable tells me enough. Pioneer support has been unable to explain to me what is special about the cable, they just keep telling me I need it. In fact the 1/8in plug on the CDIU doesn't plug into a CONTROL port on the AVH, only into a video input! It makes no sense. Further, the box for the AVH carries the "Made for iPod" certification, which means it is -supposed- to work with a dock connecter, per Apple's licensing terms (as opposed to the "Works with iPod" designation). [Again, referring to the manual: "*You can use this unit to control an iPod by using a cable (e.g., CD-IU50), which is sold separately. *If an iPod with VIDEO capabilities is connected to this unit via interface cable (e.g. CD-IU200V), which is sold separately, you can enjoy the VIDEO CONTENTS of the iPod as the iPod source. In this case, set the AUX1 to iPod. Refer to switching the auxiliary settings on page 50."]
#3 if you are on a call on the iPhone using a Bluetooth headset and you plug-in the iPhone to the AVH and then start the vehicle, the audio meant for the AVH plays through the headset. I believe this to be an Apple bug, as I've seen it mentioned on other Apple forums. The fact that the audio doesn't mute on the iPhone is indicative of that. However, the problem exists with iPhone software 3.0.1, be aware.
Given all that, it charges my iPhone fine and doesn't complain that it is an "unsupported device", wanting to put it in Airplane mode. Also I don't get any of the GSM crosstalk noise, even when I'm listening to the radio and talking using my handsfree with the iPhone plugged in/charging via the Dock connector.
*INSTALLATION*
Installation was a breeze. I used a Scosche wiring harness adapter and the PAC SWI-PS steering wheel interface. I also later tied in a relay to handle the Parking Brake limitation. The only install hiccup was with the flat plastic spacer bezel that Pioneer shipped. The hole in the center of the bezel is a bit larger up-and-down to accommodate the slide out face; however, side-to-side it fits over the face but NOT the thin plastic guide-arms the face slides inside/between. In my Honda installation, the "front" of the unit (before the protrusion of the face and guides) sits comfortably behind the Honda dash piece. But since the spacer bezel won't fit flush against the unit, instead sitting on front of the guide arms, I can't install it. Mechanically, you'd think you would not want the face's edges sliding against the inside edges of the spacer bezel, but that's what they're doing. I called Pioneer on it and they acted like I was from Mars. Although I haven't done it, a dremel would make short work of opening up the hole. Right now there is an unsightly 1/4" gap between the unit and my dash opening. [For the record, I measured an old double-din Pioneer unit I have and the spacer should fit where -I- expect it to fit.]
*AUDIO QUALITY*
The audio quality of the unit is great, and I'm pumping through my factory speakers. The Audio controls are adequate, and although the EQ isn't the greatest, I'm happy. If I wanted more I'd go with a DSP. But definitely an upgrade over the factory unit.
In conclusion, I'm happy that I can finally -integrate- my iPhone into my car. I can even deal with the less than stellar usability (tho for the price I do expect better from Pioneer). Ultimately what has destroyed my lust for this device is Pioneer itself. Perhaps I'm spoiled being an Apple guy (and no, I'm not a fanboy--I've worked for Apple, they can be a bunch of lying a-holes...but they also know how to make things work and their support is, on average, much better). Pioneer support for this unit is bad. The device has some problems with iPod/iPhone integration, no question. No one at Pioneer seems to be able to explain what pieces are required (CD-IU200V) for advertised features to work or why, they just keep pushing $50 add-ons. If the CD-IU200V is -REQUIRED- for iPod integration, it should be MUCH cheaper considering they market the AVH as "Ready for iPod". I fear that by the time I finally -FINALLY- discover that these are issues I'll have to live with, I'll be stuck with the piece of crap and something better will be on the market for the same price PLUS have built-in Nav and Bluetooth. Clearly, although Pioneer had a spark of genius compared to the rest of the car stereo market in this genre, they cut corners and made design assumptions that has hurt the overall usefulness of the product (see other review about playing music of a USB hard drive/flash drive and index waiting time). Be prepared to settle for inconsistent use and non-existent support. Caveat Emptor.
finally settled with this one
(4 out of 5) by Sriram Sridhar on Aug 13, 2009 (massachusetts, USA)Adding only those comments that are not there in the the other reviews.
1. Plays Mp3'S via 16 GB SDHC card via USB connector. No need to burn MP3 CD's any more.
2. Compatible with PAC SWI-PS steering wheel control. ASIN: B000AXW7SA
3. Plays IPHONE 3G playlist via cheap 1 dollar USB cable. ASIN: B0007RV3IE
4. Compatible with rear view camera. ASIN: B001RFUN3G
5. Compatible with XO Vision GX9935 9.4-Inch TFT LCD Overhead Flip-Down Monitor. ASIN: B001P3NU5S
6. A 1 dollar switch connected to dimmer should do the trick for front view video.
1. Plays Mp3'S via 16 GB SDHC card via USB connector. No need to burn MP3 CD's any more.
2. Compatible with PAC SWI-PS steering wheel control. ASIN: B000AXW7SA
3. Plays IPHONE 3G playlist via cheap 1 dollar USB cable. ASIN: B0007RV3IE
4. Compatible with rear view camera. ASIN: B001RFUN3G
5. Compatible with XO Vision GX9935 9.4-Inch TFT LCD Overhead Flip-Down Monitor. ASIN: B001P3NU5S
6. A 1 dollar switch connected to dimmer should do the trick for front view video.
Clean Power
(5 out of 5) by Brandon on Aug 11, 2009Speakers: SL60 Fronts, SL80 Rears, Polk PA1100.5 amp.
Before I hooked this up to an amp I ran the speakers off the HU itself & it was very clear.
Hooked up the amp to the HU & man, crankin and clear. Was teetering on a 4 star because of the handbrake situation ticked me off, but I knew what I was in for. (has to be on to watch DVD's) Will go around that but haven't yet.
Some menu's are 3 or 4 deep so there is some adjusting while driving (as with almost any HU) so if your one of those, like me that want every song so sound perfect, be careful driving.
Don't get me wrong, I would rather have more options to fine tune than less, so this is a great unit, clean, customizable & defiantly not an eyesore.
Before I hooked this up to an amp I ran the speakers off the HU itself & it was very clear.
Hooked up the amp to the HU & man, crankin and clear. Was teetering on a 4 star because of the handbrake situation ticked me off, but I knew what I was in for. (has to be on to watch DVD's) Will go around that but haven't yet.
Some menu's are 3 or 4 deep so there is some adjusting while driving (as with almost any HU) so if your one of those, like me that want every song so sound perfect, be careful driving.
Don't get me wrong, I would rather have more options to fine tune than less, so this is a great unit, clean, customizable & defiantly not an eyesore.
4100dvd receiver
(4 out of 5) by M. Gutierrez on Jul 27, 2009 (Ft. Bragg, NC)I'm pretty pleased with this product.
PROS:
LOOKS GREAT!
Saves me from carrying CDs everywhere, which was my main goal.
Adaptable. It made my installation of all my stereo system easy and that much better.
CONS:
-I had to buy an IPOD. (still learning the whole IPOD thing)
-Video downloads from IPOD I can hear them but not see them. not sure why, and haven't had the time to look into it. so I carry a DVD or two, til I look into it, but it still Looks Great!
SUMMARY. Great Product! and a Great deal from Amazon!.
PROS:
LOOKS GREAT!
Saves me from carrying CDs everywhere, which was my main goal.
Adaptable. It made my installation of all my stereo system easy and that much better.
CONS:
-I had to buy an IPOD. (still learning the whole IPOD thing)
-Video downloads from IPOD I can hear them but not see them. not sure why, and haven't had the time to look into it. so I carry a DVD or two, til I look into it, but it still Looks Great!
SUMMARY. Great Product! and a Great deal from Amazon!.
DVD Receiver
(5 out of 5) by Good deals on Jul 8, 2009Good product at a reasonable price.
Works as described.
For easy installation, buy a harness, I bought mine off of Amazon http://www.amazon.com/SCOSCHE-TA02B-Wiring-Harness-Toyota/dp/B00009UHKW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247096289&sr=1-1
Works as described.
For easy installation, buy a harness, I bought mine off of Amazon http://www.amazon.com/SCOSCHE-TA02B-Wiring-Harness-Toyota/dp/B00009UHKW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1247096289&sr=1-1