The AVIC-N1 offers no less than four types of map displays and three additional view modes for mapping your route. The Map View is the most generic, depicting a broad view of the immediate area surrounding your location (map size is adjustable). Next up is the Driver's View, offering a split-screen with a 3D look from the driver's viewpoint and map view. The remaining two supplementary displays, Guide View and Route View, combine variations of turn-by-turn instructions along side a map view. As mentioned, there are three additional view modes: AV Status, offering split-screen with information on the current audio source and a map view; a Rear View that displays live video from the optional rear view camera; and a Vehicle Dynamics Display. This last display function really sets the AVIC-N1 apart from its opponents. While not a navigation display, the Vehicle Dynamics Display offers a speedometer and two selectable displays from voltage, acceleration, angular velocity, slope, clock, side acceleration and direction (compass) available for viewing.
One of the nicer features and, to our knowledge only available on the AVIC-N1, is the navigation memory. Once the destination is entered and the route mapped, the nav disc can be ejected and a CD or DVD inserted. All of the nav information is stored in the built-in 64MB of RAM. The user can use as many as three zones of operation, such as radio, DVD (with the external output while the vehicle is in motion), and navigation.
Pioneer's AVIC-N1 not only delivers navigation, but entertainment, performance information and fun. For additional information on the Pioneer AVIC-N1 check out www.pioneerelectronics.com or www.avic-n1.com.
Eclipse AVN2454 MSRP: $2,299It's always nice when someone breaks the mold. That is exactly what Eclipse did with the AVN2454. Knowing there are millions of vehicles on the road that come from the factory with double-DIN head units, Eclipse decided to use that as a base. The AVN2454 is an advanced navigation unit that has both a built-in CD and DVD player and multi-source receiver. It also contains a 6.5-inch TFT touch-panel, widescreen display. For those of you who have used flip-out monitors, you know they often get in the way of items such as the climate controls. The AVN's display is prominent all of the time, assuming the position of the faceplate of the head unit; it does not flip out or up and makes for a clean, integrated look. Unfortunately, it will not fit every car. Bummer, since Eclipse did a wonderful job incorporating everything in one unit (there is no hideaway unit), making for a favorable installation.
The AVN's controls are easy to use and intuitive. There are a total of 12 buttons to the left and right of the screen that allow the user to access different sources or menus and operate the general controls of the unit. This includes the tilt button that, when pushed, tilts the display in 5-degree increments with a maximum of 30-degrees. The remaining menus and adjustments are done through touchscreen operations.
Navigation is launched using Denso mapping software that covers the United States and portions of Canada with over 11 million points of interest. Unlike the other units in this review, the AVN's software contains all of the mapping information on one disc, but a search area must be chosen before entering your destination. Destinations can be found by using one of the following search features: address search, POI (point of interest) name, map search, memory search, emergency, previous destinations, coordinates and home. Users can choose between three route options labeled Quick 1, Quick 2 and Short. Routes are limited to standard map viewing with the option of a split screen that zooms in on the vehicle's location. Once selected, there is also an option of displaying a turn list for route preview or viewed while driving. Eclipse also added a section where detours and route preferences are added and changed.
While driving, voice prompts keep you well informed of upcoming directions. The voice prompt has two welcome features: first, directions are prompted out of the driver's side front door only while audio continues to play through the remaining channels; second, along with voice level control for the prompts, there is also a choice for adaptive volume that self-adjusts while driving.