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VIDEO AND SECURITY
From our first look, it’s a fact that Kenwood has developed a great Sirius Satellite Radio Ready, 7-inch fully-motorized monitor with touch-screen functions, AM / FM reception, and a wireless remote control. The Kenwood KVT-M700 single-DIN sized head unit produces 47 Watts x 4 channels, and includes RGB Navigation inputs, CD Changer Control, an RBDS Radio Data System, and 2-way illumination. To check it out, we started by reading the instruction manual and finished with and installation into a late-model Mazda pickup.
The KVT-M700 consists of the monitor unit, a hideaway receiver unit, signal, power, and control cables, a remote control, and all the installation hardware necessary to accommodate the majority of domestic and import vehicles. The Kenwood Monitor Unit features an automatic, fully-motorized 7-inch color LCD panel driven by a TFT active matrix system. The resolution is specified at 480 Horizontal x 234 Vertical x Red, Green, Blue (RGB). The in-dash monitor unit connects to the hideaway receiver unit with a multi-pin conductor cable. Kenwood supplies a specialized removal tool for the connectors, and we’re pleased to report that it worked perfectly.
Power connections to the monitor unit include +12 volts DC constant, chassis ground, and a green lead that connects to the switch side of the vehicle’s parking brake. When this green lead connects to ground, the monitor unit, and the 7-inch display become active. When the unit is open and the green lead senses +12 volts, the monitor unit goes into a safe mode because the parking brake is not set. Power connections to the receiver unit include the standard +12 volts constant, +12 volts accessory, chassis ground, and other provisions for amplifier turn-on/off, electric antenna triggering, and cell phone muting.
Speaker outputs are on the back of the receiver unit, and Kenwood supplies plenty of wire. The optional Sirius Satellite Radio and the Navigation and/or CD Changer connections are made to the rear side of the hideaway receiver unit. Outputs on the receiver unit include a non-fading stereo preamp output at a specified 4.5 volts, as well as front and rear stereo preamp outputs. These stereo outputs can be connected into aftermarket amplifiers, etc.
The back of the in-dash monitor unit of Kenwood’s KVT-M700 has three sets of audio/video connections. There are two sets of A/V inputs and one A/V output. The audio connections are stereo with a 22-kohm input impedance and the video connections are specified at 1 volt @ 75 ohms. The two inputs can be used to feed laptop computers, digital cameras, VCRs, DVD players, TV receivers, MP3 players, etc., into the system. Source selection is done via the wireless remote control or by accessing the monitor unit’s control screen. The audio/video outputs can be used to feed systems with additional monitors and/or high-powered audio systems. For our tests, we used a VCR and a laptop computer for the AV1 and AV2 inputs.
System Set-Up
After running the cabling over the test bench, we powered up the system by pressing the OPEN button on the front panel. With the parking brake set, the monitor slowly moves straight out from the DIN cavity and then flips up and activates. We found the action smooth and accurate, and the opening screen was sharp and bright. The first adjustments required are the Angle and Screen control functions. With most motorized monitors, these adjustments are handled through mechanical switches on the monitor or on the remote control, however, with Kenwood’s KVT-M700, we used the touch-screen controls. This is great!
Besides controlling the angle of the color monitor, the touch-screen menu permits changes in the "Slide" control which alters the distance from the dash. The monitor’s open and closing can also be automated via this menu. It takes but a few seconds to optimize the viewing angle and distance.
Next, we progressed to the "Screen Control" menu which permits more touch-screen control over functions such as brightness, tint, color, contrast, black level, and dimming. Adjustments are as easy as placing a finger on the screen until the display is optimized.
This is a really trick monitor and we enjoyed the intuitive set up menus. Additional menus permitted personal preference in "wall paper" — just as with the desktop of a home computer. Various patterns and colors can be quickly tested and locked into memory.
As we advanced through the Clock, Clock Sync, Security Code, and Touch-Screen adjustments, we noted that the on-screen menus were more than adequate. Also, the instruction manual was well written and organized. The Clock Sync works with a station broadcasting in the RBDS, so we had to connect a normal antenna to the back of the hideaway receiver unit (Kenwood supplies a long antenna extension that’s included with the system.) Before leaving the set-up, we activated the beep function for the Touch Screen. With the beep activated, Touch Screen adjustments seemed easier thanks to the audible feedback.
Summation
The Kenwood KVT-M700 system looks sharp and performed as well. We were impressed with the 4.5-volt preamp signal outputs. We were equally impressed with the precision design and operation of the motorized monitor. And our favorite feature has to be the Touch Screen functions on the display. This really makes the system a breeze to operate and a lot of fun to demonstrate. If you’re looking for a great in-dash Monitor/Receiver system, be sure to test drive a Kenwood.
Price & Contact: MSRP: $1400; 800-KENWOOD, www.kenwoodusa.com
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