vm9313

By Gideon V. – Sonic Electronix Editor

Did you know you can add an in-dash touchscreen unit to your car even if your vehicle does not have a double din opening? The new 2009 Jensen 13 series multimedia receivers are single din, in-dash stereos with 7” motorized, flip-out touchscreens. These Jensen models are all-in-one car stereos, as they play DVDs, MP3s, and CDs. The touchscreen makes it easy to navigate through your menu and options. Speaking of “navigate,” the 13 series receivers even carry built-in GPS navigation as an added bonus. Not to mention, you will be able to expand with Bluetooth using any of the new 13 series models. All of the units will allow you to keep your factory steering wheel controls. These models feature a plethora of inputs including USB, SD card, and aux inputs. Depending on the model, you may even be able to add satellite radio. Let’s discuss three of the best models in this outstanding lineup.

The Jensen VM9213 is an in-dash motorized touchscreen car stereo. The bright, full-color LCD screen clearly displays the stereo’s menu options, and the touchscreen controls make it simple to operate. DVD movies will come in bright and clear, and you can play media from your iPod or other digital media player through both the front aux input and the front USB input. At the price, you would be hard pressed to find a unit that can offer the same amount of options. You can expand with Bluetooth by adding on the Jensen BTM10 Bluetooth module. You will love how easy it is to make and receive calls by dialing on the touchscreen and communicating through your car speakers. Navigation is made easy with the touchscreen, just type in the address or pick from a saved location. You just need to add the Jensen NAV102 and you will have GPS navigation integrated in your vehicle. This motorized flip-out screen will bring life to your vehicle and the touchscreen controls make it so much easier to use than a standard stereo.If you think the VM9213 is impressive, imagine a stereo with all of the features listed in the previous paragraph, plus built-in HD radio, an iPod ready interface and satellite radio controls. The Jensen VM9313 delivers all of the above. This unit includes an iPod interface cable for iPod controls, charging and playback. The built-in HD radio gives you CD quality radio stations and exclusive programming. Finally, it also includes satellite radio controls, so all you need is a XM subscription and the Audiovox CNP2000UC+CNPJEN1 Jensen satellite antenna and tuner package.

To take it one step further, check out the Jensen VM9413 in-dash receiver. This unit has all the features, from built-in HD radio to iPod controls, navigation, satellite radio, and Bluetooth compatibility. The great thing about this unit is its fully functional 7-band equalizer with preset tone curves. This equalizer has two times as many bands as the previous models, giving you maximum control of your tunes.

If you are looking for something similar to these models but in a double din version, the Jensen VM9423 is a double din 6.5” touchscreen receiver with a built-in HD radio tuner and iPod cable. It is also compatible with expandability options such as navigation, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Just make sure your car is suited for a double din stereo.

No matter what model you choose, you are sure to come away satisfied with any of these multifaceted car stereos.