How to Choose an In-Dash Receiver
Features and Functions of Receivers
A new receiver can enhance functionality and play the latest digital media.
A new receiver can enhance functionality and play the latest digital media.
What Are the Benefits of Aftermarket Receivers?
Aftermarket Single-DIN and Double-DIN in-dash receivers include features that factory-installed stereos often lack. Plus, installation accessories are available to ensure a factory-like fit and easy connection to any vehicle wiring.
Multiple Media Source Formats
Receivers are capable of playing multiple media source formats. Below are some common features:
• Enhanced Analog AM/FM – Analog AM/FM tuners are standard in receivers; however, many also include diversity tuning that pulls in strong stations and ignores interference from weaker signals. Receivers often have multiple station presets and Radio Data Service (RDS) text for station identification.
• HD Radio – Digital AM/FM broadcasts, called HD Radio, offer enhanced sound quality over analog AM/FM. HD Radio also features multi-casting, or sub stations with alternate programming from the main radio channel. These sub stations expand available radio station content.
• Satellite Radio Ready – “SiriusXM Ready” or “SAT Ready” receivers connect to and control SiriusXM satellite radio tuners. Satellite Radio offers over 135 channels coast-to-coast. After installation, users activate a subscription with SiriusXM. See the Satellite Radio Buyer’s Guide for complete information about satellite radio features.
• CD, CD-R or DVD-Video Disc Playback – Most receivers play CDs and recordable CDs (CD-R discs), as well as DVD-Video or DVD-Audio discs. Many DVD receivers have second zone capability that lets rear seat passengers view content independent of what source is selected on the receiver’s screen.
• Compressed Media Playback – The ability to play MP3 files is standard on many receivers as well as AAC (Apple iTunes) and WMA (Windows Media) from a ‘burned’ CD-R disc or stored on a USB thumb drive or SD card. Most receivers display ID3 tag information with artist, title and album names.
• iPod/iPhone/iPad Connectivity and Control – Receivers that are iPod Ready can browse playlists and display iPod content on the receiver screen. Receivers connect to the portable device’s preamp level audio signals via a multi-pin docking port with a high-speed interface cable. Some receivers extract digital audio instead of analog audio and use the receiver’s internal DACs for improved audio quality. Many receivers display album art, artist, song and album information.
• Android Phone Connectivity and Control – Many receivers can connect to Android-based Smartphones through micro USB to A/V cables or headphone jacks. Users can display the phone’s video content on the receiver, screen share with navigation apps, or use the audio player through these connections as long as the phone supports analog A/V output.
• MirrorLink – MirrorLink (also called ‘Terminal Mode’) allows the receiver touch screen to act as a remote terminal for controlling Smartphone apps and features. The receiver screen emulates the phone’s screen in a ‘safe driver’ mode, minimizing unnecessary apps while driving. Receivers and phones both require MirrorLink capability to allow this feature.
• USB and AUX Input for Portable Devices – Many receivers play media stored on a USB drive or via auxiliary A/V Inputs.
o USB – Most receivers with USB connections recognize USB storage devices such as thumb drives and portable hard drives to play supported music and movie file formats.
o AUX A/V – Many receivers have auxiliary analog audio/video inputs for connecting game systems, tablets, video cameras or other devices that use an analog A/V output cable.
• Enhanced Analog AM/FM – Analog AM/FM tuners are standard in receivers; however, many also include diversity tuning that pulls in strong stations and ignores interference from weaker signals. Receivers often have multiple station presets and Radio Data Service (RDS) text for station identification.
• HD Radio – Digital AM/FM broadcasts, called HD Radio, offer enhanced sound quality over analog AM/FM. HD Radio also features multi-casting, or sub stations with alternate programming from the main radio channel. These sub stations expand available radio station content.
• Satellite Radio Ready – “SiriusXM Ready” or “SAT Ready” receivers connect to and control SiriusXM satellite radio tuners. Satellite Radio offers over 135 channels coast-to-coast. After installation, users activate a subscription with SiriusXM. See the Satellite Radio Buyer’s Guide for complete information about satellite radio features.
• CD, CD-R or DVD-Video Disc Playback – Most receivers play CDs and recordable CDs (CD-R discs), as well as DVD-Video or DVD-Audio discs. Many DVD receivers have second zone capability that lets rear seat passengers view content independent of what source is selected on the receiver’s screen.
• Compressed Media Playback – The ability to play MP3 files is standard on many receivers as well as AAC (Apple iTunes) and WMA (Windows Media) from a ‘burned’ CD-R disc or stored on a USB thumb drive or SD card. Most receivers display ID3 tag information with artist, title and album names.
• iPod/iPhone/iPad Connectivity and Control – Receivers that are iPod Ready can browse playlists and display iPod content on the receiver screen. Receivers connect to the portable device’s preamp level audio signals via a multi-pin docking port with a high-speed interface cable. Some receivers extract digital audio instead of analog audio and use the receiver’s internal DACs for improved audio quality. Many receivers display album art, artist, song and album information.
• Android Phone Connectivity and Control – Many receivers can connect to Android-based Smartphones through micro USB to A/V cables or headphone jacks. Users can display the phone’s video content on the receiver, screen share with navigation apps, or use the audio player through these connections as long as the phone supports analog A/V output.
• MirrorLink – MirrorLink (also called ‘Terminal Mode’) allows the receiver touch screen to act as a remote terminal for controlling Smartphone apps and features. The receiver screen emulates the phone’s screen in a ‘safe driver’ mode, minimizing unnecessary apps while driving. Receivers and phones both require MirrorLink capability to allow this feature.
• USB and AUX Input for Portable Devices – Many receivers play media stored on a USB drive or via auxiliary A/V Inputs.
o USB – Most receivers with USB connections recognize USB storage devices such as thumb drives and portable hard drives to play supported music and movie file formats.
o AUX A/V – Many receivers have auxiliary analog audio/video inputs for connecting game systems, tablets, video cameras or other devices that use an analog A/V output cable.
Added Safety Features
Many receivers include features that enhance driver safety.
In-Dash Navigation Buyer’s Guide • Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling - Most receivers with built-in Bluetooth connectivity allow hands-free calling, functionality which includes browsing contacts and dialing from the receiver screen. See the Bluetooth Device Profiles and Tips Buyer’s Guide for more information on hands-free calling profiles and functionality.
• Rear View Camera Inputs - Many video receivers have rear view camera inputs that activate when the vehicle is in reverse. Cameras are sold separately. See the Back-Up Camera Buyer’s Guide for more information on reverse cameras.
• GPS Navigation – Receivers with navigation route destinations and identify Points of Interest (POIs). The high-resolution maps are easy to read and many respond to voice commands. Maps and POIs are current and updateable at regular intervals. See the In-Dash Navigation Buyer’s Guide for more information on GPS navigation and mapping functions.
• Retain OnStar® (if equipped) –Installing a receiver with an optional vehicle-specific wiring harness adapter retains full function of the OnStar safety system.
In-Dash Navigation Buyer’s Guide • Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling - Most receivers with built-in Bluetooth connectivity allow hands-free calling, functionality which includes browsing contacts and dialing from the receiver screen. See the Bluetooth Device Profiles and Tips Buyer’s Guide for more information on hands-free calling profiles and functionality.
• Rear View Camera Inputs - Many video receivers have rear view camera inputs that activate when the vehicle is in reverse. Cameras are sold separately. See the Back-Up Camera Buyer’s Guide for more information on reverse cameras.
• GPS Navigation – Receivers with navigation route destinations and identify Points of Interest (POIs). The high-resolution maps are easy to read and many respond to voice commands. Maps and POIs are current and updateable at regular intervals. See the In-Dash Navigation Buyer’s Guide for more information on GPS navigation and mapping functions.
• Retain OnStar® (if equipped) –Installing a receiver with an optional vehicle-specific wiring harness adapter retains full function of the OnStar safety system.
Wireless Connectivity
Receivers allow even more content choices through Smartphones or Bluetooth-enabled portable devices like tablets.
• Streaming Bluetooth Audio (A2DP) - If a Smartphone and the receiver both have Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), the receiver can receive two channels of full range audio (20Hz-20KHz) wirelessly from a Smartphone. Most receivers also support play/pause, next/previous controls and metadata for artist, song and title information with the AVRCP profile. See the Bluetooth Device Profiles and Tips Buyer’s Guide for more information on Bluetooth streaming audio.
• Built-in Pandora Radio Control – With a Smartphone app, users can control Pandora Radio directly from a wired (iPhone/3G iPad) or wireless (Android and Blackberry) link through the phone’s wireless data connection.
• Internet Radio Services – Internet radio service apps on Smartphones can connect to the receiver via A2DP.
• Cloud Player Services – Users can listen to Amazon Cloud Player music with the iPhone or Android app, or via Kindle Fire HD connected to the receiver via A2DP Bluetooth. An iPod Touch or WiFi enabled tablet can connect to a receiver’s wired A/V inputs when using a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or ‘tethered’ Smartphone for data access in a car.
• Streaming Bluetooth Audio (A2DP) - If a Smartphone and the receiver both have Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), the receiver can receive two channels of full range audio (20Hz-20KHz) wirelessly from a Smartphone. Most receivers also support play/pause, next/previous controls and metadata for artist, song and title information with the AVRCP profile. See the Bluetooth Device Profiles and Tips Buyer’s Guide for more information on Bluetooth streaming audio.
• Built-in Pandora Radio Control – With a Smartphone app, users can control Pandora Radio directly from a wired (iPhone/3G iPad) or wireless (Android and Blackberry) link through the phone’s wireless data connection.
• Internet Radio Services – Internet radio service apps on Smartphones can connect to the receiver via A2DP.
• Cloud Player Services – Users can listen to Amazon Cloud Player music with the iPhone or Android app, or via Kindle Fire HD connected to the receiver via A2DP Bluetooth. An iPod Touch or WiFi enabled tablet can connect to a receiver’s wired A/V inputs when using a portable Wi-Fi hotspot or ‘tethered’ Smartphone for data access in a car.
Sound Enhancement Features
Receivers have built-in features that improve sound quality.
• RCA Preamp Outputs-Most receivers have RCA preamp outputs for outboard signal processors and amplifiers. High-voltage preamp outputs with 4 volts or more increase immunity to radiated noise. With high voltage preamp signals, residual ‘hiss’ from the amplifier during quiet musical passages is also reduced or eliminated.
• Built-in Equalization -Receivers with built-in equalization go beyond basic bass and treble adjustments. Built-in equalization is graphic (5-10 bands) and/or parametric (3-5 bands) and selectable by the user. Equalization allows a user to customize the sound of his/her music. See the Crossovers and Equalizers Buyer’s Guide for more information on equalization for sound enhancement.
• Built-in Crossovers -Built-in high and low pass crossovers route specific frequency bands to speakers for enhanced sound quality. See the Crossovers and Equalizers Buyer’s Guide for more information on use of crossovers.
• Built-in Time Correction -Time correction optimizes sound for off-center seating positions in a vehicle. The sound is delayed in one or more channels and arrives at the same time at a selected seating position. This makes the listener feel like he/she is sitting in the center of the music performance with true stereo effect.
• Built-in Dolby Digital/DTS Decoding -Video receivers with built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoding of DVD-Video discs deliver true 5.1 surround sound.
• Subwoofer Preamp Output -A dedicated preamp output for a subwoofer provides a separate subwoofer-level control independent the receiver’s volume control. This allows the subwoofer to blend with the system’s overall sound. Most subwoofer preamp outputs include on-screen user selectable 0-180 degree polarity and low pass crossover settings.
• RCA Preamp Outputs-Most receivers have RCA preamp outputs for outboard signal processors and amplifiers. High-voltage preamp outputs with 4 volts or more increase immunity to radiated noise. With high voltage preamp signals, residual ‘hiss’ from the amplifier during quiet musical passages is also reduced or eliminated.
• Built-in Equalization -Receivers with built-in equalization go beyond basic bass and treble adjustments. Built-in equalization is graphic (5-10 bands) and/or parametric (3-5 bands) and selectable by the user. Equalization allows a user to customize the sound of his/her music. See the Crossovers and Equalizers Buyer’s Guide for more information on equalization for sound enhancement.
• Built-in Crossovers -Built-in high and low pass crossovers route specific frequency bands to speakers for enhanced sound quality. See the Crossovers and Equalizers Buyer’s Guide for more information on use of crossovers.
• Built-in Time Correction -Time correction optimizes sound for off-center seating positions in a vehicle. The sound is delayed in one or more channels and arrives at the same time at a selected seating position. This makes the listener feel like he/she is sitting in the center of the music performance with true stereo effect.
• Built-in Dolby Digital/DTS Decoding -Video receivers with built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoding of DVD-Video discs deliver true 5.1 surround sound.
• Subwoofer Preamp Output -A dedicated preamp output for a subwoofer provides a separate subwoofer-level control independent the receiver’s volume control. This allows the subwoofer to blend with the system’s overall sound. Most subwoofer preamp outputs include on-screen user selectable 0-180 degree polarity and low pass crossover settings.
Added Convenience
Receivers have installation-friendly and user customizable features that increase ease of use.
• Built-In Power -Receivers with built-in power use a 15-20 watts RMS x 4 channels integrated circuit (IC) chip amplifier that connects directly to a pair of front and rear speakers by using a factory wiring harness adapter.
• Touch Screen Control - Touch screen controls minimize button clutter and allow for larger, easier-to-view screens. Most users find touch screen controls to be more intuitive and easier to use than hard buttons.
• Removable Front Panel - Many Single-DIN receivers have detachable face panels. Removing the face panel is a theft-deterrent feature. Most face panels are small enough to carry in a pocket or purse.
• Selectable Illumination Colors - Many receivers have illumination color choices that can match factory dash lighting.
• Customizable GUI Display - The Graphical User Interface (GUI) on some receivers is programmable for user preferences, and includes options such as displaying time, album art, or custom background color and screen saver graphics.
• Second Zone Capability -Second zone (or Zone 2) capability outputs video content to other screens independent of what source is selected on the receiver’s screen. This is useful for rear seat passenger viewing when the receiver’s safety features disable the main screen from displaying video because the car is moving. See the Introduction to Car Video Buyer’s Guide for more information on receivers with Zone 2 functions.
• Steering Wheel Control - Most receivers retain factory steering wheel controls with a Steering Wheel Control (SWC) adapter. These adapters connect to vehicle wiring for SWC functions and to the back of the receiver with a mini-jack plug to emulate the SWC commands from the adapter.
• Built-In Power -Receivers with built-in power use a 15-20 watts RMS x 4 channels integrated circuit (IC) chip amplifier that connects directly to a pair of front and rear speakers by using a factory wiring harness adapter.
• Touch Screen Control - Touch screen controls minimize button clutter and allow for larger, easier-to-view screens. Most users find touch screen controls to be more intuitive and easier to use than hard buttons.
• Removable Front Panel - Many Single-DIN receivers have detachable face panels. Removing the face panel is a theft-deterrent feature. Most face panels are small enough to carry in a pocket or purse.
• Selectable Illumination Colors - Many receivers have illumination color choices that can match factory dash lighting.
• Customizable GUI Display - The Graphical User Interface (GUI) on some receivers is programmable for user preferences, and includes options such as displaying time, album art, or custom background color and screen saver graphics.
• Second Zone Capability -Second zone (or Zone 2) capability outputs video content to other screens independent of what source is selected on the receiver’s screen. This is useful for rear seat passenger viewing when the receiver’s safety features disable the main screen from displaying video because the car is moving. See the Introduction to Car Video Buyer’s Guide for more information on receivers with Zone 2 functions.
• Steering Wheel Control - Most receivers retain factory steering wheel controls with a Steering Wheel Control (SWC) adapter. These adapters connect to vehicle wiring for SWC functions and to the back of the receiver with a mini-jack plug to emulate the SWC commands from the adapter.
When to Consider Professional Installation
Before attempting any DIY installation, assess your comfort level with the installation of electronics and mechanics of your vehicle.
Consider a professional installer if:
1. You are not comfortable disassembling vehicle interior panels.
2. You do not have a suitable work area available.
3. You do not have the recommended tools for the job.
4. You do not have the necessary installation accessories specific to your vehicle year/make/model.
Many independent retail installation shops welcome jobs with products purchased on Amazon.com. Professional installers can also provide many of the installation accessories you need for jobs that are covered in this guide. Always look for a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) installation technician to handle your most challenging installation needs.
Want to purchase installation now? Find an InstallerNet card on Amazon.com that corresponds to your job type.
Consider a professional installer if:
1. You are not comfortable disassembling vehicle interior panels.
2. You do not have a suitable work area available.
3. You do not have the recommended tools for the job.
4. You do not have the necessary installation accessories specific to your vehicle year/make/model.
Many independent retail installation shops welcome jobs with products purchased on Amazon.com. Professional installers can also provide many of the installation accessories you need for jobs that are covered in this guide. Always look for a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) installation technician to handle your most challenging installation needs.
Want to purchase installation now? Find an InstallerNet card on Amazon.com that corresponds to your job type.
THANKS: amazon.com