Clarion NX409 6.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I debated buying this NX409 but couldn't resist the price/feature list. While it's loaded with about every feature you could want not all of them work or don't work the way they should.
Navigation:
The GPS doesn't update fast enough so that the vehicle position indicator is not correctly displayed on the map relative to the cross streets especially at speed. The turn by turn voice guidance sometimes says to turn right when you actually are turning left. Many of the POI's are not accurate both for location on the map and also that some don't exist. If you can get beyond the robotic tone and poor text to speech pronunciation...the voice guidance also truncates some road names. Two of the features listed in the GPS menu don't work at all (like the alert tone option when you are approaching your turn). This may be a software bug as they won't even stay selected.
Sirius Radio:
Mostly works well except way too often you'll power the unit up and all the presets you spent time getting just the way you want are gone. That gets old after about the 5th time.
Ipod:
I plugged in my Shuffle to the USB port and it says "unrecognized file format". So I thought I'd check that it's on the list of supported Ipods on the Clarion site. Click on Ipod compatability list and gee..."page not found". At least there's some synergy between their products and the web site.
Other:
The Bluetooth BLT 370 option is a waste of money. Way too often when you start the car it will lock up the radio with a "phone in use" displayed( even when there is no cell phone within a mile of the vehicle)...you then have to shut off the ignition and open the door to get it to power down then restart the car. It sync's up with the phone great but everyone says I sound like I'm calling from the Mariana trench.
The clock setting can only be set manually. When you select your correct time zone and DST to sync the time using the GPS it's off by two hours.
Last but not least Clarion's support both on the web site and by phone is a waste of time.
On a positive note the quality of the audio is very good as is the DVD display.

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Get there fast, and get there entertained with Clarion's NX409. Featuring built-in GPS navigation, a 6.5-inch touchscreen control, iPod direct control, and plenty more, it's the perfect hub for your mobile entertainment needs.

QVGA Color LCD Monitor The 6.5-inch touchscreen QVGA monitor is fully motorized, and offers a great picture whether you're using the GPS navigation or stopping to enjoy some video.
Enjoy Your Favorite Media Take in your favorite music and movies from DVD, DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, CD, CD-DA, HDCD, or CD-R/RW. You can also enjoy MP3 and WMA digital audio files from a data disc or USB thumb drive, for hours of music and ID3-TAG display of track information.
iPod Direct Control via USB Just connect the USB cable that's included with your iPod to the source unit's USB input to control your iPod. Using an optional CCA723 cable will even let you watch iPod Video on the screen. The same USB terminal can also be used to connect a USB memory device with digital music files stored on it.
AM/FM Radio Sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. Store your favorite radio stations on the 18 FM and six AM presets.
Front and Rear AV Input NX409 is equipped with AV inputs on the front as well as the rear, making it twice as easy to plug-in a portable audio device or portable satellite radio for instantaneous enjoyment.
24-bit D/A Converter for Superb Sound Reproduction Fully enjoy the sonic impact of DVD movie soundtracks or music videos. 24-bit technology actually oversamples the digital signal, providing excellent results that just weren't possible with older 16-bit systems.
Built-in Navigation System Nothing to add--it's all there from the get go. Count on GPS accuracy, an efficient navigation engine, and intuitive 2D/3D map screens to guide you to your destination. Navigation data is pre-stored on the internal flash memory for quick access and response.
2 GB flash memory map storage
Map Coverage: US 50 States and Canada
12 Million built-in POIs
TTS (Text to Speach) for Street Announcements

Sirius SSP Direct Connection Ready Connect to a Sirius Satellite Radio receiver without any need for a interface box--and enjoy over 130 channels of music, news, talk shows, sports and traffic information with digital quality sound throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Rear Vision Camera RCA Input This RCA input enables you to smoothly connect a rear camera to display the area behind your vehicle. The increased view encourages and facilitates safer driving.
Room to Grow The NX409 starts you out with a 40W x 4 built-in amplifier, but with 3 sets of RCA outputs, you are free to add external power amplifiers to create a more powerful, sophisticated audio system.
You can also connect an OEM steering wheel remote, or add Sirius satellite radio.
Bluetooth Ready Used with the optional BLT370 Bluetooth transceiver, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of hands-free calling as well as audio streaming of music you have stored on your mobile phone.
Remote Control Included Control the action with the included wireless remote.
What's in the Box Clarion NX409, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, installation hardware, owner's manual, installation guide.

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