Customer Reviews

Pioneer AVIC-X930BT 6.1" In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver with iPod/iPhone Control, Bluetooth, Pandora

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I installed this in a car recently, and while its easy to be impressed with with what Pioneer has done in terms of interface, and look, the things they left out and what they want to charge extra for leave you scratching your head.

First of all, the screen is tremendous. It looks beautiful, it has nice touches, even to the point that when you turn your lights on, not only does the map turn dark, it puts stars in the sky of the map in 3-D view. As someone else previously mentioned, the iPod interface is superior. Just spectacular in terms of presentation, and ability to choose songs, artists, playlists, etc.

The functionality of the UI is rich and deep. The core of it was clearly designed by experts. But the details of this unit really let you down. Everything beyond base functionality is an option and a costly one at that. For example, HD Radio is an almost $100 dollar option. iPod? Yep, they deliberately crippled the unit so you need to pay $50 for a special cable (maddeningly, the iPod can be controlled with a generic ipod Cable, but no sound comes out unless you spring for the cable). Traffic information? Yep, you guessed it, another expensive option. This is not an inexpensive unit, most of this should be built in for the price.

The Bluetooth pairing process is the most unintuitive I've seen in any piece of electronics. But my biggest complaint is that for some reason, if you are moving, much of the options, including the ability to input a new destination disappear. I've heard of some older Ford and GM doing this, but every factory navigation unit made within the past 5 years doesn't limit this functionality (and yes, I've heard there are bypasses, but why should you have to bypass to get to functionality that is available in the stock head unit?).

The navigation is well designed for these types of head units. It gives you a fair amount of options, lets you import & edit POI's. It's not feature rich, but what it does have is good, solid fundamentals, and its directions in general are no worse than a Garmin's or other stand-along GPS.

The ECO system is gimmicky. If you like it, great, otherwise, you'll never really use it. The anti-theft feature is that 3 buttons on the lower left come off. I don't think it has any special circuitry and it appears likely the buttons can get lost. They do give you a screw to attach it more-or-less permanently.

My pro/con list:

PROS:
1) Beautiful screen
2) Well thought-out interface
3) Intuitive iPod controls
4) Bluetooth audio built-in
5) Good sound
6) Customizable

CONS:
1) Nav system that makes you pull over to add a new destination. Even if you have a passenger in the car.
2) Much of the options should be built in
3) I have to buy a special iPod cable?
4) Time zone must be set manually. This is so ridiculous that I called Pioneer to verify
5) The anti-theft feature seems silly. I don't think it will prevent any thefts
6) Frustrating BT pairing process

I had this installed in my 2011 Subaru WRX a week ago and have great things to say about it. There are endless good things about this nav unit. However, here is how I break it down.

1.One of the best ones is the mat finish display that does not hinder with the sun's glare.
2.The customizable home screen shortcuts is awesome and gives you a smartphone feel to you.
3.iPod interface and song/artist/album/album art display is brilliant. It is quite pleasing to the eye and readily readable.
4. Navigation has newest graphics and a host of information on the screen (also a borderline negative coz it is too many options on screen that can be turned off too).
5. POI search is not the most intuitive coming from an Acura owner, but one can get used to it.
6. Contacts syncing from your Bluetooth connected phone every time it is paired is a great feature, the contact list updated in the pioneer memory from any changes made on the phone.
7. A2DP profile for streaming Bluetooth music works well too, but with my BB it take a few steps, I have not tried with another phone.
8. I also tried to play music from the micro sd card which is a nice touch and plays well.
9. There are so many features in this car I have not tried after all this.

I have also not tried the Pandora or aha yet, sadly I am a Blackberry user and am hoping Pioneer will release updates to support this. I also have not tried to play Video from my iPod or DVD, which it supports.

Cons:
1. Way too customizable for an ordinary user, but one does not get this unit unless you want the level of customization and aftermarket creativity.
2. Does not support voice commands, I don't know why they did away from that since the earlier model had it. This means you have to either dial from the phone directly or use the dial pad / contacts on the screen, but its not difficult to do either at all.
3. Pioneer does not allow you to use your iPod cable to play music through USB, you have to purchase the additional iPod cable (http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-CD-IU50V-Interface-Cable-iPhone/dp/B001TINUF4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303164116&sr=8-1) that I paid $50 to buy from the installer. This is pretty lame, since the album art and song infor showed up, but no audio, they include a 3.5 mm pin for the audio alone.
4. Still not very pleased with the FM response compared to my Acura, but this is 1000 times better than my Subaru stock stereo's FM.
5. The mute level can be customized so it can be reduced by 10db or 20db or full mute. Funny enough that I get to choose this for Tel only or both Navi Guidance and Tel but and not separately. I like it to be full muted for calls and some music can play with guidance since it takes a while for the guidance to complete (distance/lane/highway #/direction) and don't want to have no music at that time. The other day I received a call and the caller could hear my music since it muted down only 10db. So I changed it to mute all, and both navi guidance and tel are muted down entirely. Finally I now have it to reduce by 20db for all, so now while on a call, I could have been listening to music at a reasonable volume and it muted down by 20db.

Overall, great unit, good value for the money you pay, and is firmware upgradable through micro-sd slot (should Pioneer release Blackberry compatibility ;-D)

It's an amazing deck hands down! I had the older unit avic-f900bt this one, one-ups that one its a really amazing deck w/ a really nice interface. My wife isin't too tech saavy and she picked it up pretty fast. Pioneer always has great sound quality so that goes w/o saying. Also I like that they extended the usb cord its really long, I have it ran in my glove box where the ipod hookup is. The bluetooth works seamless w/ my iphone4 pairs up and plays audio and makes calls perfectly. This is hands down the best navigation unit i've owned. I posted pitcures up on the review above

I swapped out my X910BT for the X930BT. I had just installed the 930 into a new vehicle for a friend who then decided to sell the vehicle. They called and offered to let me swap out my 910 for the 930 so I did. At first I was not happy overall with this unit and rated it 2 stars because Navigation was somewhat slow and inaccurate. Apparently the unit takes a few days to dail itself in or the Navigation Fairy flew in and fixed it for me one night. Anyway the main complaint I had is no longer a problem and NAV is working nicely.

Their are several things I like about this over the 910. Bluetooth streaming was added and works really well. Navigation looks better, gives more detail and NAV voices are significantly better. With your iPhone hooked up via the cable you gain the ability to watch things like Netflix, YouTube and other videos on the 930 from the iPhone. This is great as long as you have a good 3G connection to allow it. The addition of Pandora and aHa Radio are nice and also work well provided you have a good 3G connection. You cannot start these apps from the 930 and that is a CON in my opinion. You must pick up your phone and start the application and if Im not mistaken it must be running in the foreground. I do not expect Pioneer to release a firmware update that will allow you to start these apps from the 930. Pioneer is well known for coming out with new models that do what the previous model should have done.

Sound is good and I love the EQ that lets you adjust each frequency independantly. The 910 had linked frequency adjustment and it just sucked. It seems the 910 may have had more power. I could crack it up and not have to worry about distortion but on the 930 this is not possible. I am not running it through an external amp so this is a direct comparison of the units themselves. I did have the 910 running through an external amp at one time which brings me to another difference and that is the PREAMP Output. I think the 910 had 4volt output. The 930 has 2.2 volt.

The iPod interface is improved over the 910 IMO. You have actually gesture control to scroll through albums and artists. At first it can seem like it does not work well but once you realize what your doing and how its reacting, it works quite well.

So in conclusion I do recommend this head unit but still would obviously like to see the price down.

I did a lot of research when looking for the best in dash navigation unit for our 2006 Toyota Sequoia.

We have had it now for approximately 6 months, and I am very happy with our purchase.

For starters, this unit is inexpensive when compared to the remainder of Pioneer's lineup, as well as their competition. It contains what I would describe as the critical features: XM capable, bluetooth phone connection and mic included, navigation is excellent, plays DVD's, can be easily bypassed (see youtube), has connections included for reverse camera, and is easily adaptable to existing invehicle controls.

We used this in combination with a pioneer XM control unit, pioneer ipod cable, Axxess steering wheel control adapter, Axxess Toyota JBL amplifier adapter, and a no-name brand reverse camera.

I installed the unit, and all adapters myself -- and the unit is flawless. The included GPS antenna was simple to install on the dash. Be sure to adequately clean your dash prior to sticking the adhesive magnet pad down.

The navigation is excellent, and I find the interface to be more visually appealing than my factory ford navigation unit in our other vehicle.

XM is simple to control, and the pandora/ipod integration is killer, you'll really enjoy it.

One thing to note is that the separate purchase ipod cable is in my opinion, bulky and a scam. The pioneer unit includes a USB extension cable; however, a standard ipod cable will not allow you to use the unit on its own. You need their cable, which includes a 3.5mm audio cable that's heat shrinked on to their proprietary ipod cable. It's rather bulky, and I would have rather seen a front-mounted USB port that would allow you to use your own cable.

I read a lot of reviews before deciding to purchase thr Pioneer Avic X930BT. At first the GPS was terrible showing my location a good 50 yards plus off so I called Car Toys and they recommended do a full reset.That did the trick,,,, spot on ever since. I have a Zumo 660 that is a hands down amazing GPS unit but I bought it for my motorcycles and didn't like having it in my window. The Pioneer could be better in the GPS department but then again I am still getting used to it. It speaks main Highway names but does not speak surface city street names... WHY???? That is pretty lame but hopefully there will be an update to add this feature.So overall it will get you there but it has been my experience that it will not be the shortest route,,, again,,, WHY???? Maybe I don't have something setup right??? It has only been a couple of days so I will keep playing with it and hope it's a setting I am missing so far. I do wish it would voice commands that would be REALLY NICE.So at least the GPS will get you there and if I wasn't spoiled by a rock solid Zumo I would likely be more impressed with it. I Love the Pandora feature using my i-phone but would hope they come up with some Android support. I have an i-phone 4 and a Samsung Galaxy 2 Epic 4g and I LOVE my Android much more than I do the i-phone and fact is there are much more Android users than i-phone so come on Pioneer listen up!!!!The steroe side of the unit is really nice,,, a super nice upgrade to my previous Kenwood unit (non nav model)The screen looks really good and the touch screen works fantastically. I like the menus and Movies look super. Overall I would recommend this unit ( I paid 430 from Car Toys in Tukwilla WA,,, GREAT SHOP)I do think I should have gone with the upgraded model that has voice commands and traffic but for the price I am happy with my purchase,,, very nice product,,,, now let's get some Android support and make it a GREAT PRODUCT :-)

Installed this in my 03 infiniti with no trouble. I was going to either get this unit, the comparable Kenwood or the Sony. I am sure I made the right choice. The input options are excellent- SD card, USB that will control pretty much any device and the Bluetooth music are all flawless. The GPS and touch screen is very clear and the response time is as good as my Garmin Nuvi GPS. I have not opened the instructions but have managed to figure most of the features out- good indicator that this is designed logically. The Bluetooth phone is great, no complaints from any phone calls i have been on in the car. Dollar for Dollar I think this is the best Navi unit. I also did the parking brake mad so i can use the GPS/watch movies while in motion, not a hard mod to do and makes for much better usability.

I recently installed this head unit in my 2005 Honda Pilot to replace an ailing stock navigation unit/ stereo. What drew me to this unit was the customization, iPod/iPhone integration, customization of backlit buttons (I know, lame) and ease of use. This unit did not let me down in any of those areas. Upon first using after being installed, there is a period of time that you will have to spend customizing all of the settings. Many other reviews noted that the Bluetooth setup was un-intuitive; I agree as I found myself yelling at the Nav unit trying to sync Bluetooth. However, once synced, the unit digested all of the contacts and made crystal clear phone calls. While on the topic of Bluetooth, ensure you know that the setting for mute while on a phone call can be adjusted. By default it still plays a little music while on a call- you can completely mute the music while on a call.

The iPod/iPhone integration is great. The unit allows you to control your iDevice from the head unit or give control to the iDevice- a welcomed feature when many companies lock out the iDevice in favor of controlling the song selection through the head unit. Some people complain of not having voice control- get over it, I have it in my 2011 Infiniti G37 and it is un deniably one of the best in the business, yet entering by hand is just as fast. Ensure when you get this head unit installed you ask for the "bypass" which allows you to use navigation functions while driving. The screen is very fast, pressing buttons are quick and responsive. Everything is quite snappy. I kept my stock speakers so I cannot comment on the sound quality.... One of the best features of the unit is what many don't talk about. The image that is displayed with the "Destination, Phone and Settings" can also show shortcuts. You can choose what shortcuts you want on that page which makes navigating through menus a thing of the past! Very easy to edit and use! Some complain of poor radio reception, I too am experiencing that, I took it back to the installer and the reception is still sub-par. One other reason I bought this unit was because of the actual volume knob, just know that the knob is miniature and is a little tricky to use with big fingers. You might be just as well of with buttons.

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this unit. Its just great.

Pros: Easy to use, responsive, quick, great iDevice integration, excellent backup camera/ phone integration.

Cons: Sub-par radio reception.

UPDATE 1/19/12, The poor radio reception has me a bit upset. Its considerably worse than what it was before. I took it back to the shop that installed it and they verified that it is a result of the head unit and not my antenna (which is in-glass). I still like the head unit, but am not happy with the reception.

I went from from my stock 6 disc Mazda Sirius radio to a Kenwood ddx418 which I returned right away because it was slow and the connector cord on the front only was awkward.

Overall I'm extremely happy with the x930bt.

Plus
- Speed - menu/touch response is instant, start-up speed is very good, GPS very fast and microSD card access is instant
- GPS - Very accurate and interface is easy and on screen directions and voice are very clear. GPS uses gps signal, vehicle speed, direction(reverse/forward), accelerometer and compass. Installation is very important and if you don't connect the VSS and backup wires you'll be crying about inaccurate GPS on the internet :)
- Screen quality - picture is excellent very clear and good coloring. In comparison I found the ddx418 less clear and badly over colored even with it turn to lowest level.
- Touch - Good response and easy to use. I'd rate it below my iphone (expected as it's not capacitive multi-touch) but quite a bit better than my wifes Garmin nuvi 760.
- MicroSD - I've got a 32gb micro SDHC and access to the card is instant and I've filled it with a music and video. No Ipod like browser so your satisfaction with the interface will depend on your ability to organize the card. 2500 file limit comes into play with a 32gig card
- Iphone integration - cable connector, app mode, bluetooth audio all excellent
- BlueTooth - very good and much better sound quality than the ddx418 this replaces

Minus
- 2500 file limit on microSD
- I can pull an address and navigate to a picture I took on my iphone but can't pull a contact address from Iphone address book (odd)?
- No sort/search in memory card makes your organization ability important

I only have a couple complaints on this unit. One being it doesn't work with my Android OS phone. The only way I can listen to music is via blue tooth and I have to use the controls on my phone (I also can't use the built in Pandora controls). I just use a USB drive to avoid the hassle, but it was a disappointment. I also wish there were more options to customize the microphone settings like some other units in this price range. I still haven't gotten mine to work well enough to use, but Pioneer felt mine was defective and sent me a replacement so I am hoping that will do the trick.

There is away to get around the parking break wire issue to have it play video's and enter GPS information while you have a passenger in the front (when your car is moving). I wouldn't recommend it as it is illegal in many states and more then likely voids your warranty.

I installed it myself, it wasn't easy but if you have ever installed a stereo before it wasn't difficult either. It took me a couple hours total, mainly getting the wires connected into my wiring harness correctly.

Overall, I love it and would definitely recommend it.