LONG BEACH, CALIF., May 14, 2019 (MEDIAWIRE) – KENWOOD USA announced it is set to ship seven of its highly anticipated new multimedia receivers, all equipped with a 6.95-inch touch panel, introduced during the 2019 CES. All models feature wired compatibility with iPhone® and Android-powered smartphones through onboard Android Auto™ and Apple® CarPlay™, and five of the seven add wireless compatibility for both smartphone platforms. The announcement signals a conclusion to the product delay caused by the well-documented industrywide shortage of seven-inch panels, and enables KENWOOD and KENWOOD eXcelon retailers to stock up in time for summer selling season.
“We are extremely pleased to ship these multimedia receivers ahead of schedule,” said Scott Caswell, senior marketing manager for KENWOOD USA. “These seven models represent the entire gamut of consumer choice, from low-profile mech-less to full-featured onboard navigation. We are eager to get them on the shelves of our retailers so they can meet the heavy summer autosound demand.”
All seven models share a common feature set: screen viewing angle adjustment, onboard control of Spotify and Pandora® Radio apps on a connected smartphone, simultaneous connectivity of up to two smartphones via Bluetooth, audio processing features and compatibility with Maestro, the iDatalink interface module from Automotive Data Solutions (ADS). The multimedia receivers are also SiriusXM® Ready, bringing more than 200 channels of news, sports, talk and more to drivers with the connected SiriusXM tuner (sold separately; subscription required.)
Two models—the KENWOOD DMX7706S (MSRP$ 599.95) and eXcelon DMX706S ($649.95) are non-CD designs that feature the new, shorter chassis to fit a larger number of traditional and off-road vehicle applications. Both models connect to other devices with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, two camera inputs, 4.0-volt preamp outputs for connections to amplifiers, and a fast-charging USB port. The DMX706S adds an internal three-way crossover, gold-plated pre-outs and tuned audiophile-grade components.
The other three new models in the KENWOOD line add functionality with wireless compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connectivity and control over the KENWOOD DashCam, 3 camera inputs, the ability to “mirror” the screen of an Android-powered smartphone on the receiver’s screen, customizable screen widgets, and a second USB port. Each model fits driver tastes with its own unique feature: The DDX8706S ($899.95) includes a CD / DVD player and the DMX9706 ($799.95) adds HD Radio® and bolsters amplification with gold-plated 5.0-volt pre-outs. The DNR876S ($1399.95) also includes HD Radio and directs the driver with onboard Garmin® navigation.
The two full-size KENWOOD eXcelon multimedia receivers have enhanced screen quality with a capacitive touch panel, as well as providing all the features from the other models, excluding navigation. The eXcelon DMX906S ($849.95) sports a mechless design while its counterpart, the eXcelon DDX8906S ($949.95), includes CD and DVD playback. KENWOOD USA reps will provide exact dates as the models ship. All will be on display at the upcoming KnowledgeFest trade show and education conference, August 9-11 at the Dallas Convention Center. For more information on select models and features, visit www.kenwood.com/usa/car.
JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation and is a leading developer of imaging, home and car entertainment, and navigation products for the consumer market, two-way radio communications systems for public safety, private industry and amateur users, and video equipment for the broadcast and professional markets. For detailed information, call JVCKENWOOD USA at 1-800-950-5005 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com, www.kenwood.com/usa and www.jvc.com.
