Thursday, January 06, 2011 -- During International CES 2011, Kenwood announced a number of new CD receivers, all with a range of multimedia and connectivity capabilities, for 2011. First up is Kenwood’s lineup of four new KDC receivers, the KDC-BT948HD, KDC-BT848U, KDC-BT648U and KDC-HD548U. In addition, the company introduced its three additional KDC models with USB inputs, the KDC-448U, KDC-348U and KDC-248U, which are designed to provide enhanced portable device connectivity. The company also introduced a new double-DIN-sized CD receiver, the DPX308U, with enhanced connectivity to external media devices, made possible by Kenwood’s advanced USB technology platform, the company stated. All of these models are covered by a limited one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The Kenwood KDC-BT948HD.

The KDC-BT948HD ($350.00 suggested retail price, available March 2011) has a built-in combination of Bluetooth, HD Radio and Pandora Internet radio link, which can now be controlled and viewed via the front panel of the KDC-BT948HD (or via iPhone, Internet access is required). The multilingual 5-line variable color LCD display allows for operation of external media devices such as USB, iPod, iTouch, iPhone and content from Satellite Radio or Pandora Internet radio (optional iPod or Satellite Radio accessories may be required). A master control center with volume knob duplicates many of the functions of the iPod for more intuitive operation, according to the company. The KDC-BT948HD can also integrate with existing steering wheel controls through a special wired interface (optional adapter might be required). The KDC-BT948HD has three 4.0 volt preamp outputs with low-pass and high-pass filtering on board.

The KDC-BT848U ($270.00 suggested retail price, available Feb. 2011) offers built-in Bluetooth and a dedicated front panel key that is reserved for wireless cell phone operation. This model uses an external Bluetooth microphone. This model’s three-line display can be switched to a larger font, two-line format for easier reading of phone numbers, music and source data. The unit features variable color illumination of the display and backlit keys allow. With front-panel-mounted USB and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs, the KDC-BT848U can connect to portable devices such as iPod, iTouch, iPhone, thumb drive and portable mass storage.

The KDC-BT648U ($230.00 suggested retail price, available Feb. 2011) has the functionality of the KDC-BT848U save for variable color illumination and is equipped with a built-in Bluetooth microphone and 13 segment, single-line display.

Kenwood’s integrated HD Radio solution for 2011 is the KDC-HD548U ($200.00 suggested retail price, available Feb. 2011). The KDC-HD548U is the successor to last year’s HD Radio model. With built-in HD Radio, the KDC-HD548U provides iTunes Tagging via a dedicated button near the volume control. A front-panel USB input and stereo mini-plug auxiliary input allows for the playback of external media. Also, a Mixed-Preset Memory gives the user one-touch direct access to selected AM, FM, HD Radio or iPod content.

In its line of receivers that are designed to provide connectivity to a range of portable devices via USB are the following models.

The Kenwood KDC-448U.

The KDC-448U ($200.00 suggested retail price, available Feb. 2011) is an iPod connectivity solution designed with a front-panel USB input. This receiver features a three-line variable color illumination LCD display that can show song, album title and artist simultaneously. The Satellite Radio-ready KDC-448U also has an iPod “direct access” button for quick source selection of an iPod. Three preamp outputs with high-pass and low-pass filtering allows for the addition of multiple amplifiers and more control over high and low frequencies. Finally, this receiver can integrate with steering wheel controls, although an extra interface adapter may be required.

The KDC-348U ($170.00 suggested retail price, available Feb. 2011) features front-panel USB and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs. This unit is Satellite Radio or HD Radio ready (optional satellite radio or HD Radio accessories are required to add these features). A 13-segment, single-line display will show full telephone numbers when equipped with a Bluetooth adapter and enabled cellular phone (optional Bluetooth accessory is required).

Kenwood’s base model with the USB technology platform is the KDC-248U ($150.00 suggested retail price, available Jan. 2011). This iPod/iPhone-compatible CD receiver has the same features and functionality as the KDC-348U but with an 11-segment single-line display and without the ability to add satellite radio, HD Radio or Bluetooth.

The Kenwood DPX-308U.

Finally, the DPX308U ($240.00 suggested retail price, available April 2011) is a factory radio-replacement solution compatible with iPod and iPhone. This unit features an oversized LCD display with large text, variable color illumination and backlit keys. A user can plug an iPod into the front-panel USB input. Two preamp outputs allow for audio system expansion. Finally, steering wheel interface capability allows the user to retain many steering wheel controls, improving safety and convenience (extra interface adapter is required).