It's a little slow today, so why not dream a bit? Alpine, known for high quality stereo components for the car, has designed a motorized display DVD player that is worthy of a spot on Blade-Runner. At ~1700 dollars US, it isn't cheap but it packs a lot of features into an attractive unit. The D900 features a low-temperature poly-silicone LCD video monitor that provides 400% more pixels than conventional LCD screens. The picture is brighter and more detailed, with higher contrast, more dramatic colors, and a wider viewing angle with it's 7 inch 1.15 million pixel display. Allowing you to view video even on a sunny day. When you consider the expansion capabilities that are also available, it certainly can capture ones imagination for a minute.
The screen folds out in approximately 5 seconds, delivers music in 10 seconds, and completely boots-up in 30 seconds. Just about the time it takes you to get your car started, buckle up and hit the road. When in the upright position, the IVA-D900 extends outward no more than 2 inches, so there are no worries about hitting it while shifting. However, you can't watch videos while the car is moving.
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The IVA-D900 plays CDs, CD-Rs-including ones recorded in MP3, CD-RWs and its MaxTune SQ tuner offers AM/FM reception. Quick Search allows you to select a menu, then use the rotary knob to scroll through its list of options '” a real bonus if you're looking for a particular MP3 song or XM Radio channel. A full-function wireless remote is included for your convenience.
The in dash portion of the unit is merely the
monitor and DVD player. The real work is done under the seat in the hideaway
box. Dedicated inputs include one for a compatible Alpine navigation system
with an RGB video output, an input for a backup camera, and an Ai-Net CD changer
or Alpine XM Satellite Radio receiver input. In addition, there
are three separate auxiliary audio/video inputs with RCA connections.
Giving you the ability to add components such as a mobile videocassette player
and video game system. You can watch vacation videos just by
plugging in to one of the auxiliary ports. The hide away box is
hard disc drive ready as well.
A little more about Ai-NET. This single cable connects power, control, and audio to any AI-Net controller. To add the 6 disc CD changer, simply plug in one cable. The player will be detected by the D900 and be ready to play music. The same goes when connecting the XM tuner for instance, eliminating a lot of wiring hassles.
A scenario mentioned in the review, was a configuration where one passenger is watching a DVD movie, another is playing a video game, while the front passengers were listening to XM satellite radio, all at the same time! A 5.1 surround system is also in the works.
Source: crutchfieldadvisor.com
