picking video head unit stick with ken

Hi all. This is my first post and I'm hoping I can get some advice on a good head unit. I used to be in the Car Audio scene but took a hiatus for about 10 yrs. Getting the itch now again and I'm hoping someone out there is an installer or has a knowledge of the different options I have available. First, I have a 2002 honda accord coupe with a double-DIN opening. I want a video display and full iPod control via touchscreen (w/video). I also want a unith I can ground or otherwise bypass the lock on the video playback (and nav if so equipped) while driving. If the unit doesn't include nav., I want the option to add it--the same hold true for Bluetooth. I had marked a refurb Kenwood DNX-5120 for my unit, but now I considering dropping built in nav (and installing my portable Garmin nuvi 200 in a custom-built console down in the large compartment under the radio) so I can get a higher-end unit for around the same pricepoint--I'm looking to be around $500. The DDX-812 (I think) is what I'm eyeing now. I like the fact it has an extra A/V input, USB input, tilting screen, and 5.0v outputs. I'm not clear though if it's 100 series Bluetooth adapter will lose features over the DNX's 200 series one. Is my thinking sound? Will the higher voltage outputs make a big difference? Am I giving up something I'm overlooking with the DDX? Will mounting a portable GPS be more trouble than it's worth? Is the add-on nav unit for the DDX as good? (It sure seems pricey enough... I may or may not add it later.) Are there any other contenders I should give a look to? (Refurbished is fine... I've been looking at Salelctronics... never had a problem with refurb.) Thanks very much for your time and help. I know there is a lot here!

...HondaSpeed...

The BT100 has limited features, The BT200 is using the top of the line Parrot Tech in it. You can add the BT200 to the DDX-812. As for navigation, thats a personel choice if you want on screen nav or a seperate unit. Video display can be bypassed by grounding the park brake switch wire.

For the ipod you need the KCA-IP300v cable, but you can't use the ITOUCH, IPHONE or the NEW CLASSIC.  Apple has rewired the "USB" and they will not play video through another companys units.

Terohc: Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure the DDX812 would work with the BT 200 unit. From Kenwood's site I thought it had more features than the 100. Good News! Also, thanks for the info on the iPod...bad news...I had planned on getting a 160gb iPod just to leave in the car but now I'll have to rethink it.. and rethink Kenwood. Hopefully a firmware update and/or adapter is in the works to ensure compatibility with all iPods. All in all I'm still leaning towards the 812. I've looked at new Jensen VM9022 and XO Vision XOD1740BT units from s, but I have to assume their quality suffers. Does anyone have any experience with them? Unfortunately I contacted salectronics and they don't have any refurbs of the DDX812... I swore I had seen some there but I've been looking at way too many units and my mind is going crazy

...HondaSpeed...

The IPHONE has a problem of losing it's settings. You can work around  it by going from  (handsfree-private-to handsfree )  for each call.  Wouldn't hold my breath that Apple releases an update ,since they just launched the new G3

Terohc: Good news on the iPhone... thanks. I haven't gotten one yet, but my father and I may switch oura plan over to AT&T. (Though I don't like their higher prices for g3 service.) Right now I'm using a Palm Centro and am "relatively" happy with it. Update on my head unit: I broke down and went with the Kenwood DDX812. I found a great deal on it through 6ave.com and I hope they are decent to work with. I'm hoping it'll ship tomorrow. I decided to go with a higher-end unit with Bluetooth built-in, then to add the nav. later--as I have a portable Garmin now I love. I almost went with a tempting Jensen that included everything (Bluetooth, Nav., lots of inputs) for around $550, but I took a deep gulp and charged the Kenwood. Update on iPod compatibility with Kenwoods (and other brand head units too??): I wrote Kenwood about whether an update to give support with newer Apple devices would be made available since I didn't see anything for the DDX812. They responded that it wasn't them but that Apple had "added a chip" to prevent the units from sending video.    I really hope that someone comes up with a workaround, but it looks like I may just need to hit Ebay to find a good, used older unit. I do hope the problem lies with a simple difference in USB wiring, because that sounds like it would be easier to find a fix for.

...HondaSpeed...