JVC KD-R80BT car stereo paired with an iPhone 5

Summary

In this review, Mark from QuicksVenture.com showcases the JVC KD-R80BT car head unit, highlighting its Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming from iPhones and Android devices. He walks through the pairing process, showing the device's compatibility with various devices and audio apps like Slacker and Pandora. Key features include customizable display colors, metadata support, and seamless transition between audio sources. Mark also appreciates the unit's power-off pause feature for audiobooks. Despite some minor Bluetooth audio issues with iPhone, he finds the head unit a solid choice, especially for users looking for budget-friendly, reliable Bluetooth functionality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Quick review of the JVC KDR 80 BT head unit, which features Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
• 🎧 Bluetooth audio is functional with both iPhone and Android devices, but pausing and unpausing music works inconsistently on the iPhone 5.
• 📱 When plugged into a Lightning cable, the iPhone switches to iPod mode, offering better control over playback (pause, resume, skip, etc.).
• 💬 Hands-free calling works on both iPhone and Android devices when paired over Bluetooth, with automatic metadata display for apps like Slacker.
• 🚗 The head unit offers customizable illumination that adjusts according to the car’s headlights, allowing for a matching interior color setup.
• 📡 The KDR 80 BT supports FM radio with basic metadata display, but it lacks advanced features for AM radio.
• 🎧 Bluetooth audio control has a few quirks: iPhone users cannot pause music via the radio, but Android users can.
• 🔊 The audio quality is decent, but given the price point of $120, it’s likely not the main focus for most users of this unit.
• 📚 The unit is compatible with Audible audiobooks, offering seamless pause and resume functionality when turning the car on and off, which is a crucial feature for long drives.
• 🌍 Due to location restrictions (Canada), Pandora is not usable for Mark, but he mentions the ability to like or unlike tracks within the app when it works.
• 💡 The user can switch cables easily between devices, such as iPhones with Lightning connectors or older iPods with 30-pin connectors, providing great flexibility.

Q & A

What are the key features of the JVC KDR 80 BT head unit?

The JVC KDR 80 BT offers Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, customizable display colors, a USB input for iPhones and older devices, and support for audio services like Slacker Radio. It also has an auxiliary input, FM radio, and Audible audiobook integration.

How does Bluetooth pairing work with the JVC KDR 80 BT?

The head unit pairs quickly with Bluetooth-enabled devices like iPhones and Androids. Pairing takes about 20-30 seconds, and both hands-free calling and Bluetooth audio are supported. However, pairing with Android devices can be inconsistent at times.

What issue does Mark encounter with Bluetooth audio on the iPhone 5?

When using Bluetooth audio with an iPhone 5, the main issue is that the pause functionality does not work. If you press the menu button, it doesn't pause the audio, requiring the user to either mute the sound or turn off the radio to stop the music.

Does the JVC KDR 80 BT support iPhone integration beyond Bluetooth?

Yes, when an iPhone is connected via USB (using a lightning adapter), the unit automatically switches to the iPod input. This allows users to pause and unpause music, skip tracks, and display metadata such as song titles.

What is the experience of using the JVC KDR 80 BT with Android devices?

The JVC KDR 80 BT works with Android devices, but there are some limitations. While pause functionality works with Android, the pairing process was inconsistent during testing. Additionally, metadata from services like Slacker Radio doesn’t display on Android devices.

What is the unique display feature of the JVC KDR 80 BT?

The JVC KDR 80 BT allows users to customize the display colors, matching them to the car's interior lighting. The display color can change based on whether the car’s headlights are on or off, providing a customizable and functional aesthetic.

How does the JVC KDR 80 BT handle Audible audiobooks?

The unit has a notable feature for audiobook listeners: it pauses playback when the car turns off and resumes when the car powers back on. This is a key advantage for users who listen to Audible audiobooks during their commute.

What is the problem with using Pandora on the JVC KDR 80 BT in Canada?

Although the JVC KDR 80 BT supports Pandora, Mark cannot use Pandora in Canada due to regional restrictions. Instead, he demonstrates the unit's functionality with Slacker Radio.

How does the JVC KDR 80 BT's FM radio feature work?

The FM radio feature on the JVC KDR 80 BT displays basic metadata about the radio station, such as song titles and artist names, when available. However, the AM radio feature does not provide additional metadata.

Can the JVC KDR 80 BT be used with older devices like iPods?

Yes, the JVC KDR 80 BT is compatible with older iPods. You can switch between devices by unplugging the USB cable and plugging in an old-style iPod cable. The head unit works with both modern iPhones and older iPods seamlessly.