- Enjoy robust multimedia features with AppRadio functionality
- Intuitive user interface and touchscreen controls
- Pandora Radio Ready for iPhone and Android
- 3 RCA Preouts (2V) and Navigation Ready
- 7-inch VGA touchscreen with 16 9 aspect ratio
I'm a software and firmware developer, so I'm pretty hard to please when it comes to user interfaces I know what they're capable of, and I want them to be intuitive enough that I never have to open a manual to find out how to do something; if I actually have to gasp read ink on paper, the programmer failed. Pioneer has pleased me a great deal with this product. I will tell you right off the bat that it would have been nice if they'd used a processor that was a little bit faster the scrolling doesn't glide as well as say an iThing or current Android phone and it does take a few seconds longer to bring up a media list than we've come to expect, but it's not so slow that it could even be called irritating, and the stereo is so much fun to use that you don't wind up thinking about it very often.
It's versatile. I have a Touch, an Android phone, a Sirius subscription, music on a USB drive that's always in the car, and, believe it or not, CDs in a visor holder (yeah, I know). This unit makes getting sound out of any and all of them a beautiful experience, and wow, it's got great sound, too better than the stereo it replaced, which was a pleasant surprise because sound quality was the one thing that wasn't annoying about it.
Practically everything they show you on the screen is active (performs a function). If you're listening to your iWhichever and you want to sort your library by artist, tap the artist name that's on the screen. Pick a different song on the album? Tap the artwork. Sort library by song? Tap the song title. It's elegant in its simplicity. You prefer to pick your sorting choice from a list? Pioneer groks you tap the magnifying glass on the right-hand side of the screen.
Sirius is finally seriously easy. I only listened to two comedy stations and two music stations on the previous stereo because the presets were implemented so poorly. The Pioneer has three banks of presets, six channels in each bank. The preset numbers are in a space-saving column on the left if you can remember what's in each one, tap the number, and if you haven't memorized them yet, tap the little drawer handle and the station names slide in to view. I'd thought that they could have made it a little easier to switch between preset banks (arrows only visible when the drawer is 'out'), then on the way home this evening noticed, center top, that it said "SXM 1" I'm on to these cats' game of everything needs to do something so I knew that "1" was significant. Tap. Holy bank busters, Batman, now we're on bank 2 and listening to the last station I'd listened to in that bank! In addition to the presets, I take great delight in being able to tap the channel number and type in a new channel using a numeric virtual keypad, and of course you can go up or down one station with thoughtful arrow keys on either side of the station number on the display. I may finally get my money's worth out that blasted service.
The first phone call I received actually startled me because, quite frankly, I'd forgotten that I'd paired the phone to the stereo (I'd done it to play with streaming Pandora). The music audio dropped out and I hear this unexpected ringing sound. I look at the stereo, and the telephone control pad has popped up. OH, that's what's going on! Yeah, I'm a bright one all right. The caller had no problem hearing me even though the mic was just loosely coiled around the gear shift waiting for me to get around to mounting it. I of course had no problem hearing him since it was coming through the high quality sound system. The people who call me are going to be very happy with my stereo purchase because I'll finally realize that my phone is ringing (traveling music has always had priority over a cheesy little ringtone!)
Pandora, oh you beautiful little trouble-maker you, I hope you people are getting royalties from the iTunes store because you've inspired so many music purchases. I tap the icon on the stereo, the stereo tells that belt-gadget to crank up the Pandora app and I've got my custom tunes going. I am just awash with music sources these days, how can it get any better?
Well, it can! Tap that EQ icon, come on, it's beckoning you. OH sweet baby! Virtual 8 band graphic equalizer, useful presets along the bottom and it even remembers two of your very own, that's pure eye candy for a techno-geek!! But wait! Once your vision clears, tap the speaker on the left side of the equalizer. MAMA I'm coming home, fader, loudness, something called sonic center control these people actually took the time to THINK and give me a function that I can instantly dial in the sound for whether I'm alone or have passengers. Tap the gears system settings right there, handy as can be.
Here's the thing. It's not that I'm so impressed that I can make the sound come out of the right side, or the left, or increase the thump thump. I expect those things from a stereo. It's supposed to make noise, it's supposed to be good sounding noise, and these days it should be able to select the noise from a virtually limitless array of sources.
What impresses me is that the team that developed this stereo put real THOUGHT into it. They decided, hey, we've got this 7 inch touch screen, let's take some time and make a big list of everything we can think of to make it do. They thought, well, we can put these settings in a menu called system settings, but it makes sense to ALSO put it ONE touch away from the more common sound controls, which are ONE touch from, uh, the SOUND! We've got room in the upper corner for a clock with date. Instead of burying the function to set the time in some impossible to remember location that will have the user scrambling for a manual, just let the person tap the clock itself and voila, change the time. Instead of setting up the fader and balance as numbers that are plus and minus, how about a little circle that the person can drag around visually to change the sound position.
All of this stuff is what makes up what the marketers call your "user experience". This stereo's noise quality is similar to the other stereos on the market in its class. It lets you connect up your other precious noise retrieval gadgets like all of the other stereos on the market in its price range. But at a level unmatched by any other stereo I've seen to date, this stereo's remarkable myriad of functions is laid out in a truly inspired, intuitive, and fun fashion making it a great user experience. They did it right.
Buy Pioneer AVH-X5500BHS Multimedia DVD Receiver Now
There is a known issue with this unit , when installed, having a direct conflict between the SiriusXM SXV200v1 and the Metra AXXESS AWSC steering wheel control interface. When you plug in both units into the Pioneer Head unit, the Sirius will not be a recognized Source. When you unplug the AXXESS AWSC, the SiriusXM tuner will appear? Consider an alternate Steering wheel interface if you intend to buy SiriusXM..Read Best Reviews of Pioneer AVH-X5500BHS Multimedia DVD Receiver Here
I've had very good luck with Pioneer products in the past, so when this was recently introduced; I purchased it for my car. I subscribe to SiriusXM, so I added that option as well. This is a phenomenal looking, as well as an exceptionally well performing receiver. It definitely adds some excitement to your driving experience and is far and away a major upgrade to the receiver found in most new cars. It comes with an intuitive app control, as well as an easy to understand touchscreen interface. The DVD screen resolution is superb. Here are some of its features:General features:
DVD/CD receiver with internal amp ~ 14 watts RMS CEA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels
7" motorized touchscreen with multiple angle adjustments
Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Built-in HD Radio tuner
MIXTRAX
Pandora Internet radio control
AppRadio Mode for smartphone integration
Five customizable display colors and 112 key panel illumination choices
Fits double-DIN dash openings
Remote control
Audio/video features:
Plays audio/video content from CDs, DVDs, and USB memory devices
8-band graphic equalizer with 7 preset EQ curves
High and low-pass filters
Advanced Sound Retriever
Auto-EQ equalizes for your car interior automatically (optional mic required)
Expandability:
Built-in audio iPod control ~ Pioneer's optional adapter required for viewing video content, Pandora control, and AppRadio mode
Playback and control of Android media files
Compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio tuner ~ Highly recommended
Inputs: rear A/V and USB inputs, rear-view camera input
Outputs: video output, 6-channel preamp outputs (4-volt front, rear, sub-woofer)
In AppRadio Mode; you can launch and control compatible iPhone apps from the face of the receiver, enabling you to receive a variety of music, navigation, social media, and other apps at your command. Pioneer's CD-201S cable is required.
Built-in Bluetooth: Hands-free calling with your compatible phone, plus the ability to wirelessly stream and control music from your phone or other Bluetooth devices.
Built-in HD Radio tuner: CD quality FM broadcasts and exceptional AM reception. You can tune into multiple channels on the same frequency, for more entertainment choices.
Optional Sirius/XM satellite radio
Advanced touchscreen controls: Touch Slide technology offers greater control of receiver functions.
The AVH-X5500BHS works perfectly with your smartphone
You can connect your iPod or iPhone to Pioneer's USB input and access your playlists with the receiver's controls, aided by tools like Alphabet Search and Link Search. Many Android phones support the Pioneer Connect app, which lets this receiver access music files when your device is plugged in via USB.
You can manage your Pandora account from the touchscreen by connecting your iPhone to the receiver with Pioneer's CD-201S cable. Android users can enjoy the same functionality through a Bluetooth connection. In addition; you can also play all your CDs, DVDs, discs full of MP3 or WMA music, and USB storage devices loaded with files.
The Pioneer MIXTRAX feature creates a DJ-like experience with content from your iPod, iPhone, or Android. Between songs it provides variable-color lighting pulses timed with the beat of the music.
The receiver's appearance can be changed to match your dash by choosing from five display colors and 112 key panel illumination options.
The receiver's 7" WVGA screen incorporates higher-resolution imaging capabilities than most mobile A/V receivers, so it plays DVDs and other video content with bright, clear detail when you're parked. You can keep your passengers entertained during long road trips by sending video from the receiver to a rear-seat screen. You'll be able to view video content from your iPod or iPhone (video playback not available with iPhone 5) with the addition of Pioneer's CD-IU201S cable. For safety, you can plug a rear-view camera into the receiver and it will show you what's behind you when you shift into reverse. Definitely a nice feature.
The receiver comes with an 8-band equalizer. It also comes with three pairs of 4-volt preamp outputs making it easier to connect external amplifiers.
In most vehicles, you can use an adapter to connect your vehicle's steering wheel controls to this Pioneer stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and the Pioneer, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls.
You also have the ability to add the Pioneer AVIC-U220 GPS navigation system to the receiver, however at $399; it's a costly option.
I would not recommend doing the installation yourself, unless you're experienced at this. I attempted to install my last receiver and ended up causing damage to both the receiver and the dashboard.
The clarity of the sound, the crispness of the screen and the multiple features of this unit are phenomenal. There are more expensive units for sale, but in my opinion; this one provides all of the features that you could possibly want in a high-end receiver.
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Okay, I am a huge car audio person so consider this: this is an incredible product. The 4Volt pre-outs are an amazing upgrade from 2V outs (since all my speakers and subs are run through separate amps) and this reproduces music beautifully.Most models with bluetooth capability will only stream the audio that's playing on the phone, this pioneer will actually let you control Pandora (thumbs up, thumbs down, skip, and choose your stations) without any wired connections. Probably the coolest feature in my opinion.
The iPod/USB connection works great and quickly browses through all the songs you have, I have not experienced any sort of lag with this system. Another cool feature I like is the MixTrax. It basically only plays songs while they are at their upbeat tempo (yes sometimes it will cut in during the middle of a line) and merges the songs with preset sounds like turn tables and other effects. It also has a light show playing in the background that goes along with the music.
As far as audio control, this thing will tune your music pretty much any way you want it. I have 400W speaker system and a 1,000W sub woofer setup and hardly had to do any tuning at all, this thing balanced it perfectly right out of the box.
Calls via bluetooth come in crystal clear, and I placed my microphone under the steering wheel and according to the callers, it doesn't sound like I am on speaker phone. I also like to play music very loudly but when a call comes in, it automatically lowers the volume so the person isn't screaming through your system, but you can simply hit the volume keys to change the volume during the call. you can also scroll through your contacts, dial numbers, and view missed calls through the screen.
My roommate has the AVH-P4400 model from Pioneer (the 2012 model) and I must say this is a huge upgrade. the background images are cooler and take up more of the screen and honestly the resolution is a lot better. Yes it is a lot more expensive but in my opinion totally worth it. I take pride in saying I probably have the best head unit on the market right now.
Negatives: I do miss having a knob for the volume, but I'll get used to the buttons. I wish the screen could tilt down to reduce glare. Sometimes the buttons on the screen are pretty small and is a pain to change the radio station or "like" a song while driving at the same time. Finally, the remote is way too big and the button layout wasn't really designed that well. I want big volume buttons right next to next and previous songs button so I don't have to look down at it every time, I had my old remote memorized in a day. Other than that, flawless product. Hope this helps.
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I've been playing with this unit for the past few days and I so far I love it. The unit does everything that I need it to do plus a few extra really cool tricks and features. I tend to replace my headunit much more frequently than most people do, I do it every spring so that I can have the latest unit going into the summer. My previous unit was the AVH-2400BT. I liked the unit in general but there were much too many compromises I had to deal with, mainly bluetooth complications. The 5500 is a great unit that sounds amazing and has equally amazing features.I paid for expedited shipping but I got it in a week, it may have something to do with the storm on the east cost.
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