Pioneer AVIC-F900BT In-Dash Navigation Audio/Video Receiver with DVD Playback and Advance Voice Controls

by Pioneer

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 7 x 4 inches ; 6.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001ATVITC
• Item model number: AVIC-F900BT
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,131 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description You've been holding out for something that links all of your devices together into one seamless experience. You love the idea of a system that can be operated by the sound of your voice. It's time to stop wishing for the next great thing because it's here. This is your life made easier. Introducing the Pioneer AVIC-F900BT In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver with DVD Playback and Built-In Bluetooth.

Pioneer AVIC-F900BT In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver with DVD Playback and Built-In Bluetooth. Click to enlarge.

A New Class of Navigation
No more hassling with map discs. Now you don't have to worry about discs being misplaced, damaged, lost, or stolen because we've done away with them for the F-Series navigation line. We've taken the entire TeleAtlas Database that was previously on the two-DVD set, compressed it down, and stored it internally on flash memory.

Freedom of Speech
The AVIC-F900BT offers a new generation of voice recognition capability for controlling iPod playback and making calls hands-free via connected Bluetooth-enabled cell phones. The technology accepts and recognizes conversational phrases and language, filters out superfluous sounds and phrases, and if the user doesn't give enough information in the command, the unit will ask additional questions to clarify the request.

With MSN Direct you can avoid construction delays, traffic, and expensive gas stations on the fly.

Back connections of the Pioneer AVIC-F900BT.

Approximately 12 million pre-programmed POIs make it easy to find gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, coffee and more.

Subscribe to a Better Solution
The AVIC-F900BT comes equipped with a built-in MSN Direct tuner. At a glance, see updated road conditions, search for movie times, find the best gas deals in your area, and get directions - all without leaving the car! See current conditions and the three-day forecast to better plan your day. The service is available through MSN Direct data subscription service.

Bluetooth Technology: In Touch, Hands-Free
The AVIC-F900BT comes with built-in Bluetooth. Now you never need to miss a call, even if your tunes are cranked up or your phone is buried in your bag.

Simplified Menus and 3D Landmarks
Simplified menus and intuitive icons shorten the learning curve, allowing you to quickly and efficiently start using the system. Quickly enter destinations, browse music libraries, or adjust settings. Enhances your map with 3D Landmarks. Our advanced iPod integration allows exclusive features like iPod album art overlaid on the navigation display.

Mobile Media
Pioneer has created a line of Navigation systems that make it easy to play various digital and audio formats like: DVD-R/RW and CD-R/RW discs, Portable Media Players like iPod, USB memory devices, and SD Cards. We can play a wide range of files types as well, such as MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC, and MPEG-4 video files.

Make It Personal
Personalize your drive. AVIC FEEDS freeware contains POI Creator, Driving Report, and Picture Editor Applications. You never know where the road will take you, but our POI Creator can help you get started on the right path.

Blending In
Like its predecessor, the AVIC-D3, the new AVIC-F900BT allows you to change the illumination color to match your car. Select from among 32,768 different colors to match car interior and dashboard lighting.

Seeing Is Believing
The old WQVGA displays that most Navigation units use are 480x234 pixels. However, our WVGA display is much higher quality at 800 x 480 pixels. Images become sharper and more defined, just like our maps and menus on these units. The display's enhanced GUI (Graphic User Interface) has also advanced, making system control and management effortless.

iPod Control Made Simple
With the new CD-IU230V cable, you can directly control your music and videos from your iPod. Fast and easy control through USB, the AVIC-F900BT also features iPod Album Art display, Alphabetical Speed Search, and much more. Click Here to see iPod compatibility chart.

Adding Another Set of Eyes
For safer parking, try using the ND-BC2 or ND-BC20PA backup cameras. The system automatically displays images shot from a connected camera as the vehicle shifts into reverse.

What's in the Box
Pioneer AVIC-F900BT, wiring harness, installation hardware, operation manual, installation guide, warranty sheet.

Product Description

In-dash navigation audio/video receiver with DVD playback and advance voice controls.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great after Update, August 13, 2008

By 

C. J. Roebuck (Atlanta) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pioneer AVIC-F900BT In-Dash Navigation Audio/Video Receiver with DVD Playback and Advance Voice Controls (Electronics)

I originally had the F700BT for 2 weeks and though I liked it I sent it back due to the following issues.

1. I had all the same issues as described on avic411 forum but I was not sure I wanted to wait for a firmware update. These problems are mentioned in other reviews.
2. There was no quick way to reroute/detour if you seen traffic ahead
3. MSN Direct could not be added later

So I returned it and ordered this F900BT. It was backordered for a long time because Pioneer was working on fixing the multiple issues. Now I have had it installed with the firmware update for about a week and went on a 17hr road trip to test it out fully. Now I am glad to say this stereo is meeting my expectations from the previews months ago.

Sound:
Better than my factory of course with the usual Pioneer EQs such as Powerful, Super Bass etc..

Screen:
Preupdate, the screen only looked good in the shade and washed out a lot in sunlight but after the update I can see it a lot better along with greyed out icons. The splash/startup screen can be customized with a jpg by SD card or usb drive. The button lighting can also be adjusted to match your car interior. The responsiveness is ok after startup. But sometimes it can be picky.

Nav:
The Nav is nice. I'm coming from a Garmin Nuvi 200 and a Kenwood 5120. Since the 900 comes with Bluetooth you can call the POIs in the device with a touch of a button. You can create a trip/route with stops/waypoints in it and manage them. You can preplan restroom and food breaks or site-see. There is a screen for progress and itinerary info. This screen can show you your progress along the trip whether its miles left or hours left or you can view the trip as turn by turn. Your map screen can show you a lot of info such as speed limit, your speed, next turn and second turn, time to destination/turn and estimated arrival. The only annoying them after the update is the green turn boxes stay on screen even if you have no route in. Another minor thing is the voice prompts happen to frequently, you'll notice this when entering/exiting a hwy or approaching a turn. There is also a button on the corner that shows what your currently listening to, that you can press and be sent to that screen. For instance, if its ipod, the current song will show on bottom along with album art. If you press the button it will take you to the main ipod screen with all the info. There are also tons of POIs in the unit, you can find them by: along route, near cursur, near destination, by current position. There is also a shortcut to POIs if you're just cruising around. Press the info button on right side of map, this will show you a zoomed out image of where you are. From here you can save your location or press "info" and it'll tell you all the POIs near you. You can also turn on speed warnings where it'll warn you when you're speeding. In the future Pioneer will introduce a POI creator. I'm not sure if this will enable proximity alerts such as Garmin's red light/speed cam warnings.

HD radio (add-on):
First, Pioneer does not tell you this but you need an antenna splitter or additional antenna for HD Radio Tuner to work. I got one off Ebay for $6 shipped. The antenna goes to HD and stereo, stereo needs it for MSN to work but if you're not using MSN then its fine. Pioneer told me this was aimed at the F700 since it doesn't have MSN, but anyway. Ok, I'm in Raleigh and we have about 12 HD channels and they sound GOOD. It was like night and day when I put my antenna back into stereo while waiting for the splitter. Plus with the $50 HD rebate this was a cheap upgrade. HD integrates into interface and takes control of FM/AM if no splitter is present. When you select the HD source you'll get 3 sets of FM presets and 1 set of AM presets. If you have a splitter this number is doubled because the FM source has its own 3 sets. Things work as expected but I have had two issues. One, when you press the next preset button (P. Ch > ) it tends to skip. For instance I'll be on P6 and it'll skip to P4 instead of P1. Two, preset info doesn't show up on the Preset list. You just have to remember whats there. In FM mode the presets are listed as 88.9, 97.5, 99.1 and so on but in HD mode its just blank. While in HD you can do HD Seek where it will find the next HD channel instead of static from standard FM. Yes you can still listen to standard FM while in HD source. At car startup music will begin in about 5 secs.

iPod:
iPod interface is great. I wouldn't say the manual searching is quick though but it has a huge shortcut, voice control. Just like Ford Sync, you can press a button and say "play artist..." and it will play that artist/album. You can tell it to show you artists, playlists and albums. It is really cool and is spot on. I was surprised by it getting Gnarls Barkley. Before the update the stereo had to catalogue the ipod at startup each time which was a pain but now you only need to do it once. Album art also shows up on the map as well. Videos look well also but I don't think videos work when you have a nav route on (dvds do though)(assuming you have the bypass connected, be safe and watch the road). Full startup time on mine is about 1:45 when ipod is left as default (left on when car turned off), but music begins after about 30 secs.

DVD:
DVDs look good to me not much to say here. You have a set of controls come up when the movie is playing such as pause and next, but you can also skip chapters by pressing the knob. On the main menu screen you get arrow controls and a enter button. When I put in my first dvd the unit became unresponsive to the controls and wouldn't eject but a reboot fixed that and it worked fine afterwards. If you're in route the voice prompts will mute the audio. You can either pause the movie or press `map' to see whats coming up and then return to movie. I only did this for my passengers so they wont annoy me.

MSN:
Depending on your area the info can be great. In Raleigh you get a lot of info but in Durham the signal is weak. Info comes through the FM antenna hence the need for a splitter for HD. If in a strong area, info comes in about 2 min. Traffic info will overlay on your map and if in route you will be guided around it. You can route to movie theatres or gas stations as well. Movie showtimes show up for the entire day and Gas prices may or may not be current but it tells you like this, $3.79 (+2 days) or $1.48 (today) wishful thinking I know.

Bluetooth:
Ok lets get the obvious out of the way, Blackberries are hit and miss with this. But I have a Samsung A900 and its works ok. Sounds good on my end and haven't had complaints on callers end. My friends Treo 755 works really well. You can transfer your phonebook, store 5 phones, call contacts by name (Call Mike) or number (call 919-771-7771). It says you can receive/view incoming txts as well but I have not got any while in car to test this. Others report it works though.
Overall I have to same I am very very satisfied with the unit. Glad I waited for it.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, March 18, 2009

By 

M. Dirnberger (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pioneer AVIC-F900BT In-Dash Navigation Audio/Video Receiver with DVD Playback and Advance Voice Controls (Electronics)

Well I looked at this thing in a real live store because I didn't want to make a mistake, and still I did. It has some pros and more annoying cons.

1. Sound quality
This is a pro, it sounds 10 times better than the six stacker CD player that came in my hi end automobile, clean clear bass and sharp uncoloured treble.

2. Playing off SD card
It takes forever (2-3 minutes) to start to the point where it will play music, and when playing off SD card it won't do volume levelling, yet it does off CD/DVD and iPod. Also if I turn on the ignition of the car, wait 1-2 seconds and then start the car it starts playing from track 1 on the SD instead of the next in it's random sequence. It also starts up on the main menu screen then instead of the list or item screen of the SD menu. Another annoying feature is when switching from CD to SD it enables a GPS route telling you to turn left/right or whatever to take you who knows where, and you have to stop the car to enable the route menu so you can turn the damned thing off. AND until you've read the entire directory of the SD card you don't seem to be able to switch music sources.

3. Music Randomiser
It has a very poor randomiser, often playing a song twice in a row and or after playing one other track. Obviously running my iPod this doesn't happen because the iPod takes care of it.

4. GPS
It has been giving me very misleading directions when getting on/off motorways and has maps that are 2-3 years out of date with regard to some features. It also has one of the clunkiest user interfaces for setting routes I've ever seen, not even letting me set the street number for a destination, only an intersecting street. I bought it in December of 2008 and even though map features in major cities are 2-3 years old, there's no update coming until August 2009. Seriously, if you need GPS get a stand alone GPS at least you will get more frequent updates. Also it takes you on long scenic drives around in circles rather than the direct route. last weekend I used it to go somewhere I had never been before and I thought hmm I should turn here of main road A into the suburb, but it said no, go another 1/2km make a dangerous right turn onto a divided highway and then make another right turn into the North end of the suburb, adding 2km and several additional chances of a serious accident to the trip. Another annoying thing is that in Victoria we have school speed limits some of which are at school times only, and others 24hours a day. The speed warning goes off anywhere near a school whether there's a speed limit or not. Also many of the speed limits are wrong.

5. Bluetooth
Address books won't transfer if there are any pictures in the address book, even 1!! syncing with my Nokia was very haphazard, and even now sometimes it won't let you here the caller when you answer a call even though it works when you make a call. Also, it takes 2-3 minutes before you can make or receive a call. On the surface that doesn't sound like an issue, but if you take off straight away as most people do, and you get a call then, you either have to pull over or hand the phone to a passenger. Then part of the way through the call it's finally woken up and it takes over this started call, except now the passenger can't even press the answer button on the phone he has to figure out what the hell happened and then switch to using the touch screen.

6. Touch screen
It is way to slow in response, sometimes you press a button (on screen) and 2 seconds later nothing has happened so you press it again and get double press executed. It's definitely uncommercial.

7. Start up time
This is bordering on the ridiculous. It takes 2-3 minutes from power on until it's fully functional. If it were the GPS only you could live with it, but the GPS only takes 1 minute to start tracking but you can't do anything until a minute later. It's almost like someone took a Windows computer and stuck it in a dash sized box.

8. Volume control
The volume knob is extremely difficult to operate while driving, it's too small and slippery (difficult to grip) and because it's also a 4-way toggle as you drive and if the road is uneven you find the switches being activated as you try to hold the knob and turn it
I looked at a number of other units from other manufacturers, and in the store I could only tell that they had worse touch screen response issues, so I would suggest that until Pioneer and others get serious about providing a properly designed product instead of a PC in the dash I would recommend buying a radio with separate GPS and Bluetooth.

I would have given this 5 stars fro the audio quality, but all these issues detract from that.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Awesome unit for the price...but far from perfect, December 21, 2008

By 

Chris Lee Mullins (Highlands Ranch, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pioneer AVIC-F900BT In-Dash Navigation Audio/Video Receiver with DVD Playback and Advance Voice Controls (Electronics)

I installed this unit into a 2008 Subaru WRX STI. Not the easiest install on the planet, but I managed to save myself [...] bucks in the process. Note that I received a 2.0 Firmware product from the get-go, so my opinion isn't colored by the firmware-of-old.

1) Interface - I find the interface to be cluttered and amateurish. Especially the display for the iPod interface. For whatever reason they decided to mimic the iPod "touch circle" for no functional reason whatsoever. The album art doesn't display at full resolution, either. It works, but its a drag to look at. The Nav and Phone interface is much better, but given the resolution of the display, the icons should be more...professional and colorful. Especially given the OS of the Unit(Windows CE Embedded). It works, but its uninspiring.

2) Boot Time - At 20 seconds, you can listen to music and skip tracks. At 35 seconds, you can begin interacting with the display. At one minute, you can being interacting with the Navigation interface. At one minute and 15 seconds, your Bluetooth phone will connect. These boot times don't bother me, but I can tell you....don't bother with a rear-view camera. Unless you want to wait 40 seconds to back out of your parking spot.

3) Audio Quality - has turned my almost unbearable Subaru speakers tolerable. I'm not using an external amp, so I can't give advice there. Except to say - if you want 4v pre-outs, get the Premier version of this unit.

4) Video Quality - Pretty good. The display is of a higher resolution than other systems at this price point and size. I watched several Battlestar Galactica downloads from iTunes on this display recently. I'm very happy with it. No, you can't play HD video on it. I think the resolution of the F900BT on par with 480p, which is standard.

5) iPod Integration - Good, but buggy. With my 60GB iPod Video (which technically is not completely compatible with the F900BT), I get occasional freezes and reboots. Still get some freezing with my wife's 16GB Nano. No biggie there. Just unhook and rehook the iPod to the Pioneer.

6) Voice Recognition (VR) - Sucks sucks sucks. Its a huge selling point for this device, but...and maybe I'm not making myself clear here. The voice recognition SUCKS! People complain about the VR Cataloging of the iPod everytime it gets hooked up. Heck, I have VR Cataloging turned off...because the VR sucks! This device can't recognize my wife's voice, my voice or my best friend's voice. Pretty sure that means it sucks. And the "conversational voice recognition" thing is BS. You need to press a button to queue up VR. At that point, I may as well navigate the device myself. I get it. They had to have a button to press. But at that point its hardly "conversational".

7) MSN Direct - this may depend on the area you live in. I'm in the Denver Metro area. In the Denver Metro area, MSN Direct **sucks**. It takes about 10 minutes for information regarding Gas Prices (which are often inaccurate) and Movie Times (which are missing the closest four theatres to my house) to populate. You get three months of free MSN Direct access with purchase of the F900BT, which you can link to your Hotmail/MSN/Passport account. Investigate MSN Direct during those three months closely. Then save your [...] bucks a year, especially if you live in Denver, Colorado Springs or therebouts.

8) Phone Integration - Not bad. Takes a while to sync contacts and you need to go through some rigamarole on **how** you have your contacts organized. You cannot **search** your contacts. Annoying. So if you have some contacts organized by first name, and others by last, prepare to just memorize those numbers and dial them into the keypad. Audio is good. The microphone provided has a very long cable and even picks up voices from the back of the car. Good stuff.

9) Navigation - also "not bad". 3D view is superior to other manufacturers, but 2D view does a poor job of choosing its scale. Hard to use while driving, so I usually have passengers mess with it...who then proceed to tell it "its too complicated!". Yeah, well, they are all complicated. Navigation is one of the only areas where MSN Direct comes in handy. Congested areas will show up on the Navigation display. It will even attempt to reroute you, but I've found that function to be a little stupid. At one point, it routed me 20 miles out of the way of a traffic jam....where there was no traffic jam. Another reason why I don't plan to continue using MSN Direct.

I know it sounds like I'm down on this unit. The individual pieces are somewhat frustrating, but over all, given the price, I'm very happy with it.