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In-vehicle audio/video systems are becoming more and more advanced, and one of the current hot trends is a blending of features that blurs the line between navigation and entertainment. One excellent example is the Pioneer AVIC-Z1, which combines a DVD/CD player, 7-inch LCD wide-format touchscreen display, and navigation system into a complete audio/video control center, with some unexpected surprises thrown in to boot.

One of the key features of the AVIC-Z1 is its integrated 30GB hard drive, which includes 10GB reserved for music storage. Music files stored in the 10GB reserve can be identified using the onboard updateable Gracenote CDDB music database, which identifies artist, song titles, and album names. The DVD/CD player is compatible with most current disc formats, including DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, audio CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3 files burned to disc. Using an optional adapter, the AVIC-Z1 can control an iPod via the touchscreen display. If this isn't enough, the AVIC-Z1 also has an input for a satellite radio receiver, and it has a digital AM/FM tuner.

On the navigation side, the AVIC-Z1 does not only offer voice guidance for navigating, it has voice recognition, meaning users can "talk" to the system, giving commands while keeping both hands on the wheel. The system even lets drivers use the voice recognition function to play a song stored in the music library. The navigation database contains almost 11 million points of interest, which are overlaid on the maps using well-known business and store icons for larger chains. The AVIC-Z1 stores roads that it knows drivers have preferred to take in the past, and it will employ previous driving patterns to plot future routes.

With an optional XM receiver, the AVIC-Z1 can obtain up-to-the-minute traffic updates, indicating directly on the map which roads ahead are backed up. The AVIC-Z1 is also compatible with Sirius Satellite Radio (optional receiver required). It has Bluetooth capabilities for cell phone users with the addition of a Bluetooth controller (component model NT-BD1). It uses a MOSFET amplifier to provide 50 watts (peak) into four channels, and there are three sets of RCA outputs, a two-way crossover, and a built-in equalizer. The AVIC-Z1 is a very impressive multimedia system, and its navigation abilities make it that much more appealing.

Warranty
1 year