I just installed this new 2008 Kenwwod model DNX5120. I paid $779 for it. It has Garmin GPS, in my opinion the best available out there. The Interface is all new and is better laid out than previous Kenwood models like the DNX7100. I wanted the knob so that I could turn the volume down fast without having to look at the screen to touch it. My interface cable isnt available yet for my SAT radio but otherwise I have all the other bells and whistles. The Ipod interface is the best and fasteszt I have seen. Great thing is the Garmin Nav is all memory based and not DVD so it is very fast reacting and processing. It comes with a USB interface and you can just plug a thumbdrive into it with music files and it plays them. The great thing is even these new Kenwoods only take grounding the parking brake wire to bypass the safety modes.

How was the installation?

Do you have factory Bose?

Installation was easy. I do not have the factory bose, but the harness adapter that sonicelectronix sent works with bose or non bose. It took me about 2 hours to install and Kenwood you do not have to hook up a VSS wire. I grounded the parking brake lead, hooked up the reverse lead and the rest was wire to wire in the harness which I soldered and shrink tubed on my dining table the night before. I also have the Boyo VTL400 rear camera.

So everything was included for the install from sonicelectronix?

Is there 1 or 2. Drives for the nav and cd?
or just one

That is really cool. I am jealous.

I paid for the harness as their free harness wouldnt work. It still worked out cheaper than crutchfield.

Their is just on DVD drive. The Nav is run off of several gigs of internal memory. You cannot load songs into memory like you can on the Pioneer AVIC Z2. But with the included USB connector, which is about 2 feet long I can plug a thumdrive in. I personally use my Ipod which is an extra cable that plugs into the usb port and two other sockets as well. It would be as easy as unplugging a USB drive to switch between the Ipod and thumdrive. Biggest thing I like is the Garmin nav works out much better than what I have seen on the Pioneer systems. The CD/DVD also plays just about every file type of music out there. The dispaly colors can be adjusted to match any vehicles lighting scape. It is just a cool system.

I paid for the harness as their free harness wouldnt work. It still worked out cheaper than crutchfield.

Their is just on DVD drive. The Nav is run off of several gigs of internal memory. You cannot load songs into memory like you can on the Pioneer AVIC Z2. But with the included USB connector, which is about 2 feet long I can plug a thumdrive in. I personally use my Ipod which is an extra cable that plugs into the usb port and two other sockets as well. It would be as easy as unplugging a USB drive to switch between the Ipod and thumdrive. Biggest thing I like is the Garmin nav works out much better than what I have seen on the Pioneer systems. The CD/DVD also plays just about every file type of music out there. The dispaly colors can be adjusted to match any vehicles lighting scape. It is just a cool system.

so lets say... i live in NYC it would download the area around me NY NJ PA ETC and then i dont need to use the nav CD unless i go out the zone?

sorry for the "stupid questions" im just trying to pick the right unit for myself..

does it have av input for lets say a PS3?

No, the whole united states, canada, and Puerto Rico is already in the memory and is always available. It all comes pre-loaded. When Garmin comes out with new map loads, you purchase off Garmins website, download, or have them send it to you on a CD and then install in the stereo/nav unit. All the maps everything are alreaqdy there, so it is very fast. I can scroll my maps to canada from here in texas and then zoom in on montreal and look at the street names and points of interest.

It is just a great unit. The voice says all street names not just "turn right in 100 feet" it says "Turn right in 100 feet on Johnson street" not two seconds after passing the street it will give you a quick re route to get back on your route. Of course it says things like tenths of a mile before it gets down to feet.

Anyway I think the user interface looks much better than the pioneer and its Ipod interface is faster and easy to use, album art pops right up automatically also as long as it is in your ipod.

And yes there are inputs on the back for Playstation or Xbox. look at this webpage and then click on the view larger and other pictures.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_12026_Kenwood+DNX5120.html#

think you just sold me...
how many disc it hold?

my friend might have a hook up for me on the D3 if not, im going to buy this dnx5120

1 more Q.. is there a wire i can buy to relocate the av wires to maybe hidden in the glove box or something?

thanks man..
Zach

It only holds one disc at a time, but that disc can be a DVD with a butt load of MP3 files or WAV files or one of many other file formats that the kenwood will read. But I have almost all my music on my ipod. My Ipod wires and the USB cable go into my glovebox and are totally hidden. In fact that little 3 inch wide or so slot on the left side of the glovebox is where I have my ipod. I think you would like the Kenwood much better than the Pioneer D3, the menus are better, it looks better and the Navigation is way better.

Now the cables for Sirius and XM will be out by next month, actually I think the Sirius is out and the XM is due in May. This is a brand new head unit so it is taking time for the sat radio interfaces to catch up. Only a month away though so that isnt bad. I dont mind waiting.

thanks... but if i have to pay full price...im gunna opt for the kenwood..
if i can get this hookup on the D3 i going to buy that...

thanks agian

To solve my Sat radio issue I am adding this cable to my new Kenwood.
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=sirius+kenwwod&i=113CASR20V

It will plug directly into the new Kenwood bus connection on the back of the DNX5120 and allow me to control any compatible Sirius radio, either a universal tuner or a stand alone portable. I have chosen to go with the Sportster 5, a new color Sirius radio that automaticall records you previous 44 minutes of Sat radio so if you hear a great song you can rewind and play it again. Since it is a stand alone unit it can also with a home dock station be used in the house and my 5th wheel trailer, all with only one Sirius subscription. The cool thing is when in the truck the Sportster 5 will be hidden behind the glovebox in its docking station so it will appear to anyone using the Sirius radio thru my Kenwood tuner that I have a standard Sirius sat box under the seat or in the dash. I think for me this is best as it takes all of 5 seconds to pop my glove box open and flex the plastic "stop" that keeps the door from opening all the way to remove the Sortster 5 from its docking station. Now I only need one radio unit to operate in 3 different places with only one subscription.

Here are the other products required to make it all work. May seem like a lot to add, but in the long run I think I will save money.

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=sportster+5&i=607SP5TK1

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-fmy3PFeaA5L/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?I=607ScvDOC1

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-fmy3PFeaA5L/popups/accessory.asp?i=607SUPH1

will stearing wheel controls still work with this unit?

I believe so, you just have to have the correct adapter harness.

I just got the same unit installed in my 2005 GMC and the steering wheel controls work using the wired swi adapter. There sometimes seems to be some delay when I press a button. The nav works great, and the interface isn't confusing at all like I've read about with the 7100. I enjoy using my iPod and it plays video from my iPod as well. The album art seems to be a little blurry, but it's cool to show up. I enjoy it and it's helped out recently on my trips.

i have a sportser for that i took out my old truck with t he car cradle and wires i will sell if anywants ill sell best offer...
im still waiting to her on my friend with the deal on the d3

Been reading up on the DNX5120 and I'm seeing some comments that having MP3s on a CD or DVD causes some problems (can't read the disc). I believe the firmware they have is 1.3.0. Also, I think I saw the DNX5120 at BestBuy for $599. I'm gonna see if I can't confirm this tomorrow. :)

Been reading up on the DNX5120 and I'm seeing some comments that having MP3s on a CD or DVD causes some problems (can't read the disc). I believe the firmware they have is 1.3.0. Also, I think I saw the DNX5120 at BestBuy for $599. I'm gonna see if I can't confirm this tomorrow. :)

I think that's the DDX512. Same unit no Nav. I'll be installing one of these very soon.

bobd is right no NAV, but you can add the Nav unit I believe. Will end up more than just buying the DNX5120 though total. My sportster 5 works great with the connect cable. It is mounted in the glovebox so you would never know I am using a removeable Sirius unit. Easy to remove and bring in the 5th wheel.

hi guys im new to the board and to the kenwood 5120.

I am thinking of getting a 5120 off ebay (its either the 5120 or the d3) as for me its half the price.

but i live in the uk and if i get it shipped over it will have USA maps on it. where would i download and how would i put new UK maps onto the hard drive, is it possible? i've looked on garmin etc but i have no luck as yet.

please reply, many thanks

Peter

you would have to purchase them from Garmin.

To be more specific there is a joint Kenwood garmin website. The other issue may b e that they may not sell it to you to force you to buy the Euro version of the DNX5120 which is the DNX5220.

http://www8.garmin.com/products/kenwood/ you may just have to email them and ask.

well i emailed them and their response was:

The US model cannot be used here in the UK. It is different in many ways, not just mapping (which as far as we know cannot be changed – though I will have to look further into this particular issue...).

FM/AM tuner will not function (they use different channel steps in US)

DVD player will be set to region 1 (not 2)

Video input signal will be NTSC (not PAL as in UK)

And should there happen to be any problems under warranty, you would have to ship it back to the US as you would not be covered in UK.



So for these reasons I would advise not buying the US version.



Kind Regards,



so il have to go for the dnx5220 which ir approx 500 dollars more over here :(

thanks for your reply mate

Where in the UK are you hughesy88? My Son lives in Stoke-on-Trent.

liverpool :D greatest city there is!

stoke on trent is not far though....an hour or two drive away i think!

Sherr20,
Did you get any of the other available add ons like Blue tooth or HD radio? I'm just wondering ig there is room behind the dash for all those separate components? If I can find the right price on it The 5120 is the unit I'm going to get . All my other GPS units are Garmin (very happy with all of them from hand held to dash top) I also like the fact that is is the only double din GPS/ radio that displays RDS (Radio Data System) so that big old screen displays Station name , Artist , song title or any other info the radio station transmits. I read Kicker is making an adaptor with Microsoft to use on almost all aftermarket head units to plug in the Zune and have full use through the head unit (similar to the Ipod connection) Also do you know if Kenwood make a wireless steering wheel remote that will work with the 5120 head unit? (I have no controls on my LT's steering wheel now)
Thanks for the great input on the unit . If you feel like writing up details on removal of the stock head unit and install of the new one it would be greatly appreciated. Now to find a back up camera that will last through VT's winters.

So if I am understanding this correct. If you have a Bose in your truck it will work but I also have factory Xm in my truck and this will not work with yet as there is not a cable to patch the two together? I am looking at doing something like this and am just curious!!

Thanks

I only have Sirius radio, back-up camera, and my iPod connection right now. I will add the Bluetooth soon, and really dont know much about HD radio yet and how available it is. I will have to look into the HD more. I believe they do have a steering wheel remote but cannot be sure. There is actually room behind the glovebox. If you open your glovebox and just flex the stopper to the left the whole door will swing down. There in front on the right is your XM tuner, it is a big and old tuner. It is a bear to remove but once out frees up a bunch of room. That is where I will put Bluetooth, or anywhere under the dash. As far as room behind the unit, there is just enough for the wires. What makes install much easier is remove the climate control below, just take out the two 7mm bolts, squeeze the white prongs together and out it pops. This allows you to get your hand underneath your head unit and tuck the wires as you install.

As far as removing the old unit it takes a matter of minutes. I think I can get my unit out in less than 2 minutes now. Put the key in ignition, move gear selector all the way down, tilt wheel all the way down, grasp dash bezel trim above guage pod and pull out, it will start to pop off, go all the way around loosening it. Pull top out first flexing slighlty to get the fingers that stick out the back out from under the dash. Stop there, unplug the headlight switch connector, it is green, just squeeze the side tab and pull. Now pull the bezel up and out above the steering wheel. Now turn off your emergency flashers as it always bumps the switch and turns them on. Now take a 7mm socket, remove two bolts on left of radio, and one on the right, pull out radio, unplug antenna and connector. I can do all that in under 2 minutes, these would be easy pickins for a thief.

To install the 5120 or any double DIN aftermarket unit you will have to use a dremel and cut away the plastic in the back, the two angles corner supports, and the center radio support. Easy to do and wont affect anything. Here is a good thread to read to see pics. This is a Pioneer install but is basically the same except with Kenwood you do not have to connect a vehicle speed sensor wire. Just ground the parking brake wire to the collective ground in the harness, and hook up the reverse wire.

http://www.avic411.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3398&highlight=sierra

MWDHAND01, the factory XM tuner cannot be reused, you will have to buy an aftermarket XM tuner. The factory one will only work with the factory head unit. The cable is to connect to aftermarket XM units.

Hope all this helped.

Thanks for the help. I will just sell my setup as a complete setup and get a aftermarket unit then!!!

Where did you run the wires to the back up camera? Where and how do they enter the cab?

I enetered them through a grommet right behind and below the brake resevoir and master cylinder. It is about 1 1/2 in in diameter and you can push it in to the cab, run your cable through, and the pull the one 1/4" cable coming through it to re-seat the grommet. I then ran the wire along the upper frame rail with the other wire bundles zip tying it along the way.

How does the Boyo VTL400 rear camera do at night? I was worried mounting a camera to the licence plate would get false light feedback because of the two licence plate lights that illuminate the plate at night. Could you describe what soldering to the harness you were able to do at the Kitchen table ? and which harness # you ended up with . I'm probably going to order the 5120 today or tomorrow. Just want to make sure I have everything set up so the install does not run into any snags.
Thanks again for all the info.

Does the 5120 have adjustable sub outputs?

2-DIN Chassis: The DNX5120 has a 2-DIN chassis (also known as "Double DIN" or size DD), and will fit in many vehicles with a large dash opening. Unlike many in-dash monitors, there is no hideaway box; all the inputs and outputs are included within the unit's chassis. The unit can be ISO-mounted using factory brackets, or Euro-mounted using the supplied mounting sleeve. As always, please check the Crutchfield Vehicle Selector to verify fit with your vehicle.

Motorized Touchscreen Display: The Kenwood DNX5120 features a motorized 6.1" wide, 16:9 touchscreen display with a TFT active matrix system. The screen has a resolution of 480 x 234 with 336,960 total pixels (480H x 234V x RGB). This unit has touch screen controls with interactive video graphics, making menu navigation easy. The unit has a front-loading disc-slot to make loading your disc easier because there is not panel to slide or fold-down. The screen is non-glare and smudge-resistant.

Selectable Screen Viewing Modes: You can choose from the following screen modes for DVD, Video, iPod, USB and Rear-camera playback.

Normal: displays 16:9 widescreen format pictures that fill the entire screen width, and 4:3 (conventional TV) pictures display with black bars on either side
Full: expands 4:3 pictures horizontally to fill the entire width of the screen, distorting the picture slightly but retaining full image height
Justify: expands 4:3 pictures horizontally only at the edges
Zoom: expands 4:3 pictures both horizontally and vertically, filling the screen without distorting the picture but cutting off the top and bottom edges
Display Adjustment: You can adjust the unit's display brightness, contrast, and black level to suit your viewing needs.

Custom Backgrounds: You can download still images for use as the unit's background from a connected USB thumbdrive.

Front Panel Controls With Changeable Illumination: In addition to the touchscreen controls, the unit includes frequently used buttons and a rotary-dial along the left edge of the screen. You can adjust the headunit's button illumination from the following preset colors - Blue, Purple, Sky Blue, Aqua Blue, Yellow, Green, Amber, Red, Pink, White or Scan (Scans through all preset colors). You can also select three custom user colors that are adjusted between Red, Green, and Blue values from 0-31 each.

Security Code: You may program the unit with a 4 digit security code. Once the unit has been programmed with a security code, the code must be entered to use the unit after it has been disconnected from power.

Source Tone Memory: This feature allows you to store System Q-EX and bass, middle and treble tone settings for each source (DVD, CD, Aux, FM, AM).

Dual Zone Capability: The unit's dual zone control allows you to independently set the source for the front and rear channels. You can set the front channels to Tuner, Sirius, XM, DVD, Video, USB, iPod, Bluetooth, , Navigation or Standby. You can se the rear channels to DVD, Video, iPod, USB, or Off. You can adjust the volume of the 2nd Zone independently from 0 to 35.

Dimmer: The dimmer function will dim this unit's display automatically when the vehicle light switch is turned On when you connect orange/white Illumination wire of this player's harness.

Built-In Navigation
Navigation: With built-in Garmin navigation technology and NAVTEQ mapping software, the Kenwood DNX5120 features on-screen maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico which includes over 6 million Points of Interest. You can follow calculated on-screen routes to your destination using the headunit's built-in navigation software. As you travel, the DNX5120's navigation system guides you to your destination with voice prompts, arrows, and directions along the top of the map. If you happen to depart from your original route, the internal navigation system recalculates the route and provides new route instructions. Your route is marked with a highlighted line and an arrow, while your destination is marked with a checkered flag.

SiRF Star III: The SiRF Star III GPS chipset is so sensitive that it's forgiving of less than optimal antenna placement, giving you additional placement options.

GPS Antenna: The DNX5120 comes supplied with a GPS antenna that features a magnetic base and an attached 16.5' cable terminated by a proprietary plug which connects to GPS-ANT input on the back of the headunit. The unit also comes supplied with a self-adhesive magnetic base if you are having trouble finding a flat metal surface to mount the antenna.

Text-To-Speech Voice Prompts: The unit's text-to-speech voices "read and speak" the same words that are displayed on the unit's screens. The voices have an extensive vocabulary and they pronounce the street names as you approach turns. The DNX5120 also features pre-recorded voices, which have a limited vocabulary and do not speak names of locations or streets. Voice prompts are available in English, Spanish or French.

Map Detail: The DNX5120 allows you to adjust the amount of detail shown on the map. Displaying more detail cause the map to redraw your route slower. You can also choose to adjust the other following map settings.

Orientation: Changes the perspective of the map from 2D North-Up (displays the map in 2 dimensions with North at the top), 2D Track-Up (displays the map in 2 dimensions with your direction of travel at the top of the screen), 3D Track-Up (displays the map in 3 dimensions with your direction of travel at the top of screen).
Color Mode: Select between Day (for a bright background), Night (for a black background) or Auto (to automatically switch between the two.
Auto Zoom: Disables or enables automatic zooming on the map for optimal viewing; you can also specify a maximum Auto Zoom distance from 120 feet to 300 miles.
Route Color: Choose the color of the route line (Red, Green, Magenta, Blue, or Orange).
Dim Roads: Dims the roads that are not on your route; you can customize this setting to Never or While Driving.
Map Data Fields: Customizes the width and contents of the data fields displayed on the map page; you can choose from Normal, None, Thin or Wide.
Text Size: Adjusts the display size of the text on the Map from none, Small, Medium or Large.
Detail Maps: enables and disables the preloaded detailed maps.
Vehicle Select: choose between an arrow or car icon to represent yourself on the unit's on-screen map
POI Filter: you can choose to filter out certain points-of-interests from your GPS searches
Navigation Settings: The DNX5120 features the following Navigation Settings to help calculate your route.

Vehicle: Specifies what vehicle you are driving; you can choose a Car, Truck, Bus, Emergency, Taxi or Delivery.
Preference: Selects the preference for your calculation between Faster Time, Shorter Distance or Off Road.
Ask Preference: Choose to have the navigation system ask for your route preference each time it calculates a route.
Next Turn Pop-Up: Selects to active the Next Turn pop-up window as On, Off or Auto.
Off-Route Recalculation: Sets the way the navigation system responds when taken off the main route; you can silence the off-route recalculating or have the unit voice prompt you.
Continuous Auto Routing: This feature allows the navigation system to continually search for a better route to your destination. Continuous Auto Routing may be useful if a traffic accident occurs or there are time-restricted turns on the current route.
Avoidance Setup: This feature allows you to enter specific areas and roads to avoid in your routes. You can choose to avoid Major Roads, Medium Roads, Minor Roads, Traffic, Unpaved Roads, U-Turns, Toll Roads, Carpool Lanes, or Ferries. You can also enter in Custom Avoids which allows you select specific Roads or Areas to avoid.
Find Locations and Routes: The unit's "Where To?" menu screen offers the following features to help you find your destination.

Address: Input your destination address by house number, street, and city.
Food, Hotel...: Allows you to search for points of interest in the following categories: Food and Drink, Lodging, Fuel, ATM/Bank, Shopping, Attractions, Recreation, Entertainments, Transportation, Hospital, Auto Services, Community, Other or Search All. The "Spell Name" feature allows you to enter a point of interest by name. When searching for a point of interest, you can choose one of the following proximity settings: Near Here, Near Other City or Near Recent Finds
Streets and Cities: Allows you to search for a city, street, intersection or exit.
My Locations: Store a destination as a Favorite in advance, then easily select it as your new destination or insert it as point along your route.
Browse Map: Allows you to search for a destination by touching and dragging the map.
Recent Finds: Choose from one of your 50 most recent destinations or waypoints.
Go Home: Store one home location to allow you to calculate a route home from any current location
Search Modes: You can search for locations in a different areas, such as a different city, near your destination or near your current route. You can choose to the following search modes - Near Here, Near Other City, Near Current Route, Near Current Road, Near Destination, and Near Recent Finds.

Turn-List: The unit's Turn List displays a list of turn-by-turn instructions of your entire route as well a arrival information.

Multiple Destination Routing: You can add intermediate destination points to your routes as you create it. You can also add points to your route after its been created when you go to edit the route.

Trip Computer: The trip computer shows current speed, current direction, distance to destination, total distance traveled, average speed (including stopped time), average speed while moving, maximum speed, total trip time, total moving time, and stopped time. You can reset just the maximum speed or reset the entire trip computer at once.

Track Log: The track log creates a bread crumb trail (track log) of your movement. At any time the entire track log can be displayed on the map. You can also reset the track log whenever you like.

Mileage Log: There are four different mileage logs, each can be named, individually activated/deactivated, and reset at any time.

Custom POIs (Points of Interest): You can manually load custom points of interest (POI) databases, available from various companies on the Internet. Some custom POI databases contain alert information for points such as safety cameras and school zones. The navigation system can notify you when you approach one of these points (Proximity Alert). You can download the custom POIs onto a CD-R or DVD-/+R, which can then be loaded into the unit's disc-slot.

Traffic Information: Using an optional FM Traffic Receiver (150GTM12, sold separately), the navigation system can receive, use and display traffic information. When a traffic message is received, you can see the event on the map and change your route to avoid the traffic incident. TMC data is available in a fast-growing number of cities throughout North America and gives prompt, accurate notification of accidents, road construction, police, or emergency action, etc. - so you can visually monitor traffic flow and, if necessary, avoid traffic tie-ups. The on-screen map page of the DNX5120 displays a "diamond icon" when there is a traffic event of medium severity or high severity on your current route or on the road you are driving. If you press this icon, the DNX5120 will create a detour route for you (if applicable) so you can avoid the traffic event. The optional FM Traffic Receiver plugs into the unit's rear panel mini-USB input.

Note: Traffic services are available only in select cities where coverage exists. A subscription may be required to enable traffic capability. For participating FM subscription providers and covered cities, refer to www.garmin.com/fmtraffic.

Safe Mode: Safe Mode disables all navigation system functions when the vehicle's parking break is disengaged, that require significant operator attention and could become a distraction while driving.

Multi-Language Display: The DNX5120's on-screen menu supports 16 different languages to choose from, including - English, Spanish, French and German.

Software/Map Data Updates: To update this navigation system's software, you must have a CD or DVD writer, writable CD or DVD media and an internet connection. To update the unit's navigation software go to www.garmin.com/Kenwood. This navigation system will provide periodic notification at startup when the preloaded maps are considered out of date. You can purchase a DVD of updated map data from Garmin at www.garmin.com/Kenwood.

Disc Playback Features
Compatible Discs: The Kenwood DNX5120 supports playback of DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD-/+R DL, CD-Audio, CD-R/RW, CD-ROM, DTS-CD, and VCD discs.

AAC-LC/MP3/WMA Playback: This unit can play AAC-LC (.M4a), MP3 and WMA files recorded on CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW and DVD+/-R/W discs in ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet, Romeo and Long file name formats. Each disc should have a maximum of 8 directory levels, 254 folders per disc, and 255 files per folder. During MP3/WMA playback, the unit displays any recorded ID3 Tag information.

JPEG/MPEG Playback: In addition to MP3/WMA/AAC discs, this unit can play discs with JPEG still image files or MPEG video files. The unit supports MPEG1 and MPEG2 NTSC video formats.

CD Read Setting: If there is a problem with the CD player reading a disc with a special format, you can switch to a second CD Read setting which "forces" the player to read the disc. CD Read setting 1 is for normal CDs and MP3/WMA discs, while CD Read setting 2 cannot read MP3/WMA/AAC discs or VCD.

DVD Display Setup: You can setup the monitor to display a 16:9, 4:3 Letter-Box, or 4:3 Pan&Scan aspect ratio when viewing a DVD disc.

Control Screens: During DVD playback, you can control certain operations simply by touching an area of the screen. You can touch the left one-third of the screen to start the current chapter over, or the right one-third of the screen to skip to the next chapter. Pressing the top center of the screen activates the DVD Disc Menu control buttons, while pressing the bottom center briefly displays the information screen. For VCD playback, the top center is the Zoom control area.

Direct Search: By entering its number with the optional remote (sold separately), you can directly access title, chapter, time, track, channel, or frequency.

Video Display Adjustments: During playback of a video or still image you can reverse the picture horizontally and rotate the picture clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Zoom: The DNX5120 features a four level zoom when playing back video and still images. You can select from 4x, 3x, 2x, or Off.

Parental Control: Parental Control allows you to restrict DVD playback according to a predetermined level. You can select a parental control rating from 0-8, which is protected by a 4-digit password.

Tuner Features
CR-2 Tuner: The DNX5120 uses Kenwood's CR-2 tuner provides high signal strength for clear radio reception. The tuner features the Clean Reception System Circuit (CRSC) for improved rejection of distortion due to multi-path. You can choose one of three tuning modes: Auto 1 (seek tuning), Auto 2 (cycles through and tunes the selected band's preset stations only with each button press), or Manual.

Radio Data System (RDS): The unit's tuner features RDS (Radio Data System). RDS is a service used by some radio stations to transmit data outside of normal radio broadcast signals. When an RDS station is received, you can immediately find out what kind of data is being transmitted by looking at the program service name which appears in the display after the frequency. RDS features an emergency transmission function which interrupts regular programming to broadcast an emergency announcement (such as a tornado or severe storm). There is also a switchable Traffic Information function, which will automatically tune a traffic bulletin when it is broadcast, even when you're not listening to the radio.

Station Name Preset (SNPS): This feature allows you to assign names to radio stations. Up to 30 AM and FM stations can be named. Each name can be up to 16 characters in length. The Preset Select menu will display the six presets in each band either by name or frequency.

Audio Features
24-Bit D-A Converter: For superb quality audio playback from DVDs and CDs, the DNX5120 is equipped with a 24-bit digital-to-analog converter.

System Q EX Sound Control: Seven EQ curves are preset into memory, allowing you to recall the best preset EQ curve for different types of music. The preset curves are named "Natural", "Rock", "Pops", "Easy", "Top 40", and "Jazz". In addition, you may store your own settings under the "User Memory" EQ curve. Each preset has its own adjustment for the bass center frequency (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, or 150Hz), bass level (-8 to +8), bass Q factor (1.00, 1.25, 1.50 or 2.00), bass extension (On or Off), middle center frequency (500Hz, 1.0kHz, 1.5 or 2.0kHz), middle level (-8 to +8), middle Q factor (1.0 or 2.0), treble center frequency (10.0, 12.5, 15.0 or 17.5kHz), and treble level (-8 to +8). The System Q EX can be turned off in the menu, still allowing you to adjust the bass, middle and treble levels only.

Speaker Type Setting: This feature tailors the System Q EX Sound Control settings according to the type of front speakers in your vehicle. You may select Standard (for speakers with a general diameter), Narrow (for speakers with a small diameter), Middle (for speakers with a medium diameter), or Wide (for speakers with a large diameter).

Selectable Preamp Output: The DNX5120 features front and rear preamp outputs. The rear preamp output allows you to adjust from a full-range rear speaker preamp output to a low-pass non-fading subwoofer preamp output. System E's+ Advanced Crossover System: The System E's+ Advanced Crossover system allows you to tailor your system with selectable crossover points for all channels. For the front and rear channels (using either speaker level or preamp output), there is a high-pass filter with independently selectable crossover points of 40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz or Through (no filter). If you select the non-fading preamp output setting for the rear channel to use with subwoofer amplifiers, the unit features a low-pass filter with adjustable subwoofer output level control.

Dynamic Range: The dynamic range can be adjusted by selecting either Normal, Wide or Dialog. Dialog makes the total sound volume become larger as compared with Wide and Normal, allowing you to listen to the movie's dialogue more clearly. This is effective only on Dolby Digital software.

Loudness: The Loudness feature compensates for low and high tones during low volume. You can turn this feature either on or off. Only the low tone is compensated for when the tuner is selected as a source.

Volume Offset Control: The level of each source may be independently adjusted to prevent radical leaps in output volume when switching from one source to another. The available settings range from -15 to 0.

Setup Memory: Audio Setup and AV Interface settings can be memorized and recalled at any time. When the settings are cleared when the unit is disconnected from the battery, they can be restored

External Device Controls
USB Port: The Kenwood DNX5120 features a rear panel 2.0 USB type-A port that is attached to the chassis with a 36" cord to allow for various placement options during installation. The USB port enables playback of MP3, WMA, and ACC files as well as JPEG files from connected portable USB mass-storage players, USB thumb drives and portable digital audio players. The USB port is compatible with all USB mass storage class devices that support the FAT16 or FAT32 file system. Your USB device's rechargeable battery will recharged while it's connected to the USB port and the DNX5120 is turned on.

iPod High Speed Connection: The USB port and the rear panel 3.5mm A/V AUX inputs are compatible with iPod devices when used with the optional KCA-iP300V adapter (part # 113IP300V, sold separately). The USB Direct Connection enables high-speed iPod data communications of 12MB/bps via the optional KCA-iP300V (3-Wire) interface. One end of the cable plugs directly into your iPod's dock connector while the other end of the cable uses three connectors that plug into the back of the DNX5120. The USB type-A connector portion of the cable plugs into the receiver's USB port and handles the control and charging of your iPod, so you can navigate through your music and video files using the headunit's touchscreen controls and view song and movie info on its display. The two 3.5mm miniplug connectors of the cable plug into the unit's A/V 3.5mm inputs and transfer the music and video from your iPod to your Kenwood DVD/CD player. By using the Auxiliary input the music travels to the receiver as an analog signal, so you can even play the Digital-Rights-Protected files you've stored on your iPod. The controls of the DNX5120 are seamless when used with the optional KCA-iP300V and include metadata browsing and playback of DRM contents, as well as the ability to choose any iPod playback mode to suit your listening application. The KCA-iP300V is compatible with Fifth Generation iPods (iPod with video), iPod nano (1st, 2nd, 3rd generation), iPod classic, iPod touch and iPhone. Be sure to download the latest version software for iPod from Apple's website before connecting this cable to your compatible Kenwood multimedia headunit.

Note: Currently this interface does not support video playback for the iPod touch but will support audio from the iPod touch. The iPhone does not support video playback.

Satellite Radio Ready: There are several options for connecting an optional XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio tuner to this receiver:

XM: This unit supports the Audivox CNP-2000 MiniTuner via the optional Kenwood KCA-XM100V interface box which includes a vehicle dock and antenna. XM Satellite Radio programming offers 170 digital radio channels including 69 channels of commercial free music, plus news, sports, talk, comedy, and other entertainment programming from coast to coast. XM also offers instant traffic and weather alerts for 21 major US cities, as well as live sports broadcasts from Major League Baseball, NHL, the PGA tour, Indy car racing and several major college conferences.
Sirius: The unit is compatible with the Sirius SC-C1 SiriusConnect Universal Vehicle Tuner via the optional Kenwood CA-SR20V Sirius adapter cable. SIRIUS Satellite Radio features more than 120 streams of original programming beamed coast-to-coast, including 65 streams of commercial-free, digital-quality music, and news, talk, sports, entertainment, and children's programming.
Auxiliary Input: A portable satellite radio receiver, such as the Delphi SkyFi3 or SIRIUS Sportster, can be connected to the head unit via its rear-panel auxiliary input.

Note: A subscription is also required to receive satellite radio programming from SIRIUS or XM.

HD Radio Ready: The DNX5120 is HD Radio ready. With an optional Kenwood HD Radio tuner (item #113KTCHR20), you will be able to receive digital AM/FM broadcasts from local stations where available. This new technology will significantly improve audio quality and reception, as well as include information such as artist name and song titles or traffic news, viewable on the receiver's display.

Bluetooth Ready: The unit is Bluetooth compatible using the optional Kenwood KCA-BT200 Bluetooth adapter. Using KCA-BT200 and the adapter's supplied microphone you can make and answer phone calls from the Kenwood headunit as well as listen to audio files stored on a Bluetooth enabled audio player through your car audio system. You can make calls from your cell-phone using the DNX5120 by entering a phone number from the headunit's on-screen keypad, registering up to six phone number presets, from your downloaded Phonebook information or from an outgoing/incoming call list. This unit all supports Voice Recognition if your mobile-phone is Voice Recognition compatible. The headunit can support up to 35 voices and also supports Key Word Voice Recognition to select phone number category. In addition, the unit features SMS (Short Message Service) so you can send a small text message from your mobile phone using the DNX5120. When your cell-phone is called, the DNX5120 is paused and muted automatically (you need to hook-up Brown Mute-Wire of harness). You are able to register up to five compatible Bluetooth cell phones and have three compatible Bluetooth cell phone connected at the same time when using the KCA-BT200 adapter.

Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The DNX5120 has a "steering remote control" lead attached to the harness. When used with the optional SWI-JACK interface (item #127SWIJACK), you can retain the use of your steering wheel and/or rear seat radio controls when replacing the factory head unit in select vehicles. The SWI-JACK is compatible with over 95% of the vehicles made from 1986 to the present. Compatible vehicles include many Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen vehicles and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Please consult "What Fits My Car" to see if your vehicle is compatible.

Audio/Video Inputs and Outputs
Front Panel A/V Input: The unit features a front-panel 3.5mm audio/video input on the front panel of the headunit for connecting an external A/V source. The AV Input can be labeled AUX, TV, Video, DVD, VCD, VCR or Game.

Video/Camera Input: The DNX5120 is equipped with a built-in video/camera input with a composite video jack on the rear-chassis of the unit. This composite video terminal can be used to connect an external video source without audio. This input can also be used as a rear camera input for connecting an optional rear view camera, such as the Kenwood CCD-2000 (item # 113CCD2000, sold separately). The video from this connection can be set to display when switched to this input, or display the rear view camera video automatically when the vehicle is shifted into Reverse gear. You can also display the video of the rear view camera in a mirror image, if desired. The purple/white wire in the wiring harness must be connected to the vehicle's reverse lamp circuit for automatic video switching.

3.5mm A/V Input: The DNX5120 features a 3.5mm stereo audio input and 3.5mm video input on the rear chassis of the unit for portable MP3/Video players. These terminals are also compatible with your dock connector iPod using the optional KCA-iP300V, sold separately. The headunit comes supplied with a 43" male to female 3.5mm audio/video cable to connect to this input to make connection easier.

Parking Brake Detection: To prevent the displaying of video while the vehicle is in motion, the light green wire in the supplied 22-pin harness must be connected to the vehicle's parking brake detection circuit, as well as a constant power source and ground. While the vehicle is in motion (parking brake off), you can still view all of the other displays and menus.

A/V Output: The unit features a set of stereo RCA jacks and a composite video jack to output A/V signals to an optional monitor. You can choose AV-In, DVD, iPod, USB or Off as the source for the A/V output.

Digital Out: The DNX5120 supports playback of Dolby Digital and DTS 2.0 DVD discs and by connecting the headunit to an optional external surround sound decoder via the unit's optical digital output you can enjoy digital surround sound in your vehicle.

[quote=Tuf Toy;2625267]2-DIN

Selectable Preamp Output: The DNX5120 features front and rear preamp outputs. The rear preamp output allows you to adjust from a full-range rear speaker preamp output to a low-pass non-fading subwoofer preamp output. System E's+ Advanced Crossover System: The System E's+ Advanced Crossover system allows you to tailor your system with selectable crossover points for all channels. For the front and rear channels (using either speaker level or preamp output), there is a high-pass filter with independently selectable crossover points of 40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 150Hz, 180Hz, 220Hz or Through (no filter). If you select the non-fading preamp output setting for the rear channel to use with subwoofer amplifiers, the unit features a low-pass filter with adjustable subwoofer output level control.


great read!

I'm still a little unclear though. I have a 4 channel amp driving the door speakers and one amp for the sub. If you used the rear output for the sub how would you run all 4 doors and would you lose all fading capability w/ the doors?

The Boyo camera works very well at night, with back-up lights it is almost like daylight. I havn't noticed any problems from the license plate light.

As far as what harness I bought, I do not have the package anymore, it is made by scosche and will work with or without the Bose system. I bought it all from sonicelectronix.com I was able to solder all the wires at the table to the scosche harness from the Kenwood harness except the reverse sense wire. I soldered the parking brake wire right into the harness ground.

To solder the parking brake wire into the harness ground, do you just not attach it to the parking brake ? Just find the Kenwood light green (parking brake wire) from the head unit and solder it to the harness ground, without connecting it to the parking break at all ?

Bobd ,
I Don't know enough about car audio wiring to answer your question . might be best to find a high end installer in you area that deals in Kenwood and ask them or try calling Crutchfield.

Soldering the parking brake wire to the ground of the harness bypasses the Kenwood "safety" features. It allows to watch a DVD, your passenger, while the vehicle is moving and program the GPS on the go. Otherwise those features will only work if stopped with the parking brake on. At a minimum youll want to be able to change your destination on the GPS without pulling over.

Sherr20 ,
Did you keep the stock speakers? Although I bought the new head unit for all it's additional features (and not for better sound) I'm wondering if replacing the speakers would be a sensible move in getting the most out of the head unit.

Anyone know what the "uq3 enhanced audio speakers " are ? are they worth keeping ?

I paid for the harness as their free harness wouldnt work. It still worked out cheaper than crutchfield.

Their is just on DVD drive. The Nav is run off of several gigs of internal memory. You cannot load songs into memory like you can on the Pioneer AVIC Z2. But with the included USB connector, which is about 2 feet long I can plug a thumdrive in. I personally use my Ipod which is an extra cable that plugs into the usb port and two other sockets as well. It would be as easy as unplugging a USB drive to switch between the Ipod and thumdrive. Biggest thing I like is the Garmin nav works out much better than what I have seen on the Pioneer systems. The CD/DVD also plays just about every file type of music out there. The dispaly colors can be adjusted to match any vehicles lighting scape. It is just a cool system.


there free harness would if you wanted to not have chimes

Anyone know what the "uq3 enhanced audio speakers " are ? are they worth keeping ?


means they have a tweeter

Can anyone clue me to the easiest place to locate the proper reverse light wire under the dash?

Can you still use your steering wheel controls?

Cool unit, but i have to say that the Clarion has the best ipod interface which brings the exact screen that is shown on the ipod onto the screen.

The kenwood has what is advertised as the fastest ipod interface there is not only can you see and hear your ipod but you can controll what you see and hear from the head unit exactly as you do from the ipod unit so you can toss the ipod in the glove compartment and still have complete use of it. The only thing I found disappointing from all head units was none of the manufacturers make adaptors for the Zune , but I think Microsoft stands more to blame there than the head unit manufactures.

Yes exactly, that is what the Clarion does, accept the screen displays the exact screen as the ipod, yet it is controlled via touch or remote, and the ipod is wherever u want it. I have the 07.5, which has the hidden compartment in the dash above the glove box. I don't know how it could be any faster than what mine does.

If anyone installs the DNX5120 and also puts in the Kenwood CCD-2000 back up camera , when you are making your reverse wire connections only use the purple and white stripe reveres wire from the head unit to connect to the vehicles reveres wire. If you connect both camera and head units reveres signal wires the head unit will only display the back up camera when in reveres. If you leave the reveres wire from the camera unconnected you not only get reveres when you are backing up but when you hold the NAV button for more than 1 second in any gear. So if you are traveling down the highway and want to check on the trailer you are towing , all you do is press the NAV button. Very convenient. (but Kenwoods instructions tells you to use the cameras reverse wire, I'm assuming this is because the camera is designed for any and all monitors, not just Kenwoods. With the DNX 5120 it is redundant and as long as you connect the head units reveres wire the cameras connection it not needed.

Sweet post guys, I just ordered my Kenwood DNX8120 with all the bells and whistles already installed including bluetooth, Nav, Ipod and ipod video control, Sirius radio, DVD Dolby digital 5.1 surround. I will post pics of the install along with the 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000 and PDX-4.100 amps with JLAudio twin 10W3V3 subs in an enclosure under back seat. Kenwood has the best Double Din units on the market IMO. I am keeping the stock speakers for now but will eventually upgrade to Diamond Audio component sets and then add headrest monitors later.

The 8120 is a sweet unit, I like the fact that they built the bluetooth into it instead of making it an external ad on.

I too have an 8120 on order. Should have it this week for a weekend install. Just in time for a cross-country trip with the family.

are you guys keeping the OnStar system active? I for some reason feel if they put it there I want to keep it functional.

Onstar also diagnoses problems with your truck, but they can also tap in and listen to you any time they want. Your choice.

Onstar also diagnoses problems with your truck, but they can also tap in and listen to you any time they want. Your choice.

if they want to listen to my loud a$$ stereo blaring the latest new tunes then by all means go ahead, also if they want to listen to me talk dirty to my wife then go ahead.

I have heard this before and honestly don't believe that they would do this, unless of course directed by the courts for an investigation. I would bet that OnStar has a very strict and enforceable policy on listening without permission.

I understand your concerns but for me I do not worry about what big brother is doing. I am confident that I stay out of trouble and do nothing wrong so no concerns about if they are watching or not.

Can the factory XM antenna be used if you use a aftermarket xm reciever and radio?

I have heard rumors that you can use the factory antenna but not the receiver. I will know in a week or so if this is true. I prefer Sirius anyway.