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I think it is my turn to write a review on P-81ACRD unit.
First off, I was so excited to find out after 4 years that there is such a unit that can replace a monitor in non-navi accords and look like OEM, unlike any other great known brands as Pioneer, JVC, Kenwood, etc. I have learned about this unit with thanks to driveraccord forum. The only other thing I wish I learned about it earlier.
Let me go to details now:
I have 09 accord ex-l v6 and I have retained all features I had before: 6 disk changer works; controls on a wheel to adjust the sound level works (no need for adapter unlike in LX model), switching tracks and radio channels via wheel control works; changing radio from AM to FM, etc works via wheel control.
I have installed rear view camera to this unit the cheapest that is available on amazon, my friend who has OEM backup camera in his Honda Pilot was surprised that the quality was a way better that his one.
If interested, here is the camera Waterproof Car Rear Vehicle Backup View Camera High-definition Cmos 170 Degree Viewing Angle E363 and it is under $16. I also got a cable for POWER ACOUSTIK IP-5C Full Function iPod Connection Cable for all INGENIX Multimedia Source Units and OEM Upgades.
The only other thing that doesn't work via wheel control is control of your iPod/iPhone, only via touchscreen. No matter how you paired them: via cable or Bluetooth. FYI, I have iPhone 5 and there is no yet cables for it that works with any gadget including P-81ACRD, so the only way to play my music on this unit is through Bluetooth and to my surprise I can control my tracks on iPhone 5 via touchscreen simply by clicking next track or previous it works and that was a big surprise for me. I have iPod 2nd Gen and girlfriend uses iPhone 4s that works fine via USB cable.
Let me jump to negatives now.
First Power Acoustik is not planning any firmware or software updates for this unit it is developed once and that's it. This translates into no plans to produce cables for iPhone 5 once Apple starts issuing licenses on its chip in that cable and discloses how to pass commands via that cable, and the other things that some other happy owners call "72 degree" issue which is related to the fact that if you left air condition on when you turned off your car, no matter what temperature you have set it on it will show you 72 degrees. But this doesn't bother me as of now yet, I kinda can live with it. I have a bigger issue with this unit Bluetooth which was one of the main points I was looking for something like this unit. I have tired with my portable Bluetooth unit which I had to charge every 2 weeks and it became old so it won't auto-pair sometimes.
The major issue with this unit's Bluetooth set up is that the sound level is set to "05" and everytime you want source to be louder to your car speakers, you have to set that level to "10" in order for it work well, the second choice is to make volume on your car system louder but that would be a killing, because once your phone conversation ends and if you were listening to music the sound would be so loud because you increased it just to listen your caller which will leave you deaf. So, what I have to do is to reach out the touchscreen and press "+" sign 5 times to max out level of sound from the Bluetooth output. I called about this issue to Power Acoustik they told me that I have to learn how to live with it, even though I mentioned that it is a simple change to their firmware. To me, it is a big surprise because I can listen the music from my iPhone via Bluetooth and sound level is adequate, I don't have to increase it anywhere only in my car if needed, and when I keep the same level for my music and some calls me I have hard time to hear them, unless I'm not driving and have to increase sound level of Bluetooth system, because again if I'll increase volume on my car's system, once conversation is over my music that was streamed via Bluetooth will make me deaf.
The issue with Bluetooth is big for me, but still not that big so that I would go and install now Pioneer or JVC double DIN to my car. Will coupe with it and learn how to live as if I knew that there was a choice
Navi fair enough not the best, it uses TomTom software, POI to my surprise are good helped me to find Starbucks, but doesn't know about one of the ToysRUS stored in my neighborhood but that's not biggie to me since I can find anything I want on my iPhone. I need Navi sometimes just to get me home when I choose some routes due to the detours caused by closed roads or traffic which it does, Garmin still showed me better routes and 3D views are better on Garmin than on this unit but all in all it works fair and will take you where you need to, it is pretty fast to build a route and if you missed a turn to re-build a new route for you. Remember, it uses 700Mhz processor that is fast enough to do any of the calculations and very responsive. If I park my car outside it locks in satellites instantly, but when I park in underground garages and come out of them it is hunting for the satellites for 2-5 mins sometimes but it also depends on where are satellites are as well I think at that time. FYI: I called to Power Acoustik and asked them about map updates don't expect them even though TomTom releases newer map updates for 3rd party users (like us in that case); maps come on 4Gb SD card that you insert into card reader mine stays there, I have no plans to insert another SD card into it, unless I will learn how to make a copy of their protected SD card so it works with the unit and then may be will listen music and watch movies from SD card. If you want to buy SD Card with maps because something happened to your SD card it is $90.
All in all, I like that unit because:
1. It looks like OEM
2. I was able to plug a backup camera into it so no need to upgrade to 2013 accord where they come standard on any model (saved at least $12.5K if traded in)
3. Unit has navi with POI
4. It has Bluetooth that I don't need to recharge and it does pairs automatically with my iPhone.
5. Can stream my music via BT or plug into iPod
That was my review from my point of view, I hope it helps. I really like the unit, though I bought it cheaper from ebay new for $520, with SquareTrade warranty it is transferable, which is a big plus if you will be selling your car you can transfer your warranty to the new owner mine is for 4 years, though no plans to sell it. You can learn more by checking out some folks reviews on youtube, by looking for F-81ACRD maybe, or the great source of info were driveaccord.net. I had this unit for 2 weeks, and that's what I have observed as of now. I will post updates if something else comes up.
Good luck.
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Perfect stock replacement for non-NAV enabled accords. Does everything stock does and more, fully integrated into radio and AC controls with minimal wire cutting (you have to E-Brake for the reverse camera).
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EDIT:
Customer support is non-existant. I got a vertical line down my screen and Power Acoustic simply does not respond to any attempts of communication. Docking one point for this. Power Acoustic, hire some PR representatives and some customer support representatives. It does not reflect well on a still-in-business company when this is allowed to happen. Based on this, I will be looking for other brands for my future car audio purchases.
Original Review:
I bought this after looking into different alternatives to improve the entertainment system on my 2009 Accord. I really like the car, the main complaint that I had was that there was no bluetooth which should have been standard at the point the car was made. Long story short, I decided on this unit after doing loads of research and catching a sale on Amazon.
First impression about this product: Make no mistake, this is no technological breakthrough like some other reviewers make it out to seem. Even at the price that I paid for it, it is overpriced for what it actually is. This is not a headunit, it does not have an amp, it does not have a radio tuner or any optical drives. The premium that you pay for this is simply for the integration into the default accord layout. All unit is comprised of is a windows CE tablet with connections to the Accord.
This is not necessarily a bad thing as stock looks is worth quite a bit of money to certain crowds. Just keep in mind the limitations of this unit as it does not have a true connection to the stereo unit. It acts as the screen for the stereo and climate control in the car, there is no two way communication there. This means that any output from this unit, be it bluetooth, video, GPS will not be able to default itself as the current output. The user will always have to change the input to aux manually to hear anything from the car speakers. This is really not a huge deal but it takes a bit away from the stock integration aspect of this unit. Bluetooth also cannot be controlled by the steering wheel as once again, all this unit does is act as a display and audio output.
72 degrees F. You will be familiar with this if you buy the unit. This unit will set your temperature to 72 degrees every time you start the car. It bothers me a bit as I have to reset my temperature every time I start the car. It's not really a dealbreaker though. I am hoping that this device will gain a small community of hackers to tackle this problem but it does not seem likely.
The GPS works well but is dated. It does not have many of the fancy features of the newer units such as lane detection, pronunciation of streets, regular updates.
The other major con is that I have not been able to get USB to work. I tried FAT, FAT32, avi, divx, mp4, wma, etc you name it. No combination of format and encoding has yielded a drive that can be detected.
Having said that, it still does drastically improve the looks and functions of the car. The screen looks great and the trip screen does make the car look more expensive than it is. The bluetooth works well and it looks almost stock. (The only give away is the interface on certain menus)
Certain tips I have for anyone looking to buy this unit:
1) Take your time and really wire this thing well, you do not want to ever remove all that trim again to change anything. Double check all your work.
2) Zip Ties They come in handy for managing the wires as well as attaching the speaker, antenna, control box to the inside of the dash.
3) If you don't know where to put the microphone, there is a small empty compartment the exact size of the microphone between the sunroof controls and the light controls. This will take effort to get to though.
4) If you have thoughts of getting a back up camera, buy it at the same time, once again, it is a pain to get access to the dash.
5) Install the speaker that is included with this unit. It is worth it to be able to hear GPS even when you are tuned to radio.
6) Do not cut into the stock aux cable. Either splice into it with T splicers or drill a small hole in the center compartment where the aux is. (I drilled since I got too much noise when splicing)
In the end, despite all the small problems that it has and the pricepoint, it is a functional unit that you put a smile on your face when you get it working for the first time. It's worth the price even if I do have complaints. It certainly beats having an ugly head unit sticking out of your dash.
Honest reviews on PowerAcoustik P-81ACRD OEM Upgrade Multimedia Navigation System
I put this in about 6 months ago and it was really easy to install. Came with almost everything except the I-pod cord and backup camera. Never had an issue with it and it fits perfectly in the stock factory location. Also the price is much lower than competitors products. You wont be disappointed.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for PowerAcoustik P-81ACRD OEM Upgrade Multimedia Navigation System
I bought this unit after reading several reviews and waiting for the price to go down under $500. What a nice unit for a great price! Looks factory the way it integrates into your dash. My husband installed it in about 1 1/2 hours with help of You Tube video to show how to take the trim off. I think it would be a lot easier to install if the directions were a little better (they didn't provide much detail at all). I did not have any "extra" components installed like a back up camera but it does have that option. The unit itself seems very nice and sturdy and when powered on for the first time looked very sharp with the large 8 inch screen.
I am very pleased with this unit and here are some of the good features:
Integrates Bluetooth very nicely so you can have it paired with your phone and when you get in car it connects very quickly. I especially like the fact that I can stream my music from the phone to the unit wirelessly from online radio stations. Only con with this is that the track name and info you are streaming doesn't show up on unit (even tracks played from your phone storage). This was not a huge deal for me but it might be for some people. The Bluetooth for phone calls seems to work well and the unit comes with an external microphone and speaker. My speaker was installed behind the head unit in the dead space and I can hear it fine. The external microphone seems to work fine and people on the other end say they can hear me. The interface for phone calls is nice as once paired your contacts show up on the screen and you can even dial from the screen. Bluetooth calling uses the external speaker and mike but listening to streaming music comes through your factory speakers. All in all it works very well.
There is a control box that comes from the head unit and I had it installed in my glove box. It has the power switch and SD card reader, USB port and aux port. I have yet to do so but I think I am going to use some double sided velcro to have it sit flush against the side wall of the glove box so it doesn't move. Right now I have the SD card with the preloaded maps for the GPS unit installed. It seems that will have to stay put to use GPS so all of my other files I just put on a USB drive and it has worked well so far. On a side note my videos played well and look very good on the large screen. I am new however to video on head units and didn't realize that there is a parking brake safety feature that works to disable the video unless the parking brake is on. Most people probably knew this but I didn't and just wanted to mention it so other people would know. It makes sense I suppose so you don't watch video and drive but sucks if you passengers want to watch.
The GPS unit seems to work fine but isn't quite as nice as my standalone Garmin. The screen looks good and the unit works fine but is a little slower to reroute and the interface is not quite as nice. It does have plenty of options for points of interest, 2D and 3D views, etc. All in all works fine and is a nice addition so I don't have to lug around my standalone unit.
The steering wheel controls still work for your factory cd player, radio, etc. When you stream Bluetooth music the volume button on the steering wheel still works but you can't switch tracks. This also applies for music played from the control box USB drive. If you want to be able to switch tracks and use volume both with USB, you can use your factory USB drive in the center console and it still works fine. This was not a deal breaker for me at all.
All in all this is a very nice unit and has a lot of room for me to expand (back up camera, digital tv tuner, etc.) For the price it can't be beat and I have had many compliments on how seemlessly it integrates into the factory dash. Also wanted to advise this review was for installation into a 2011 Honda Accord EX.
