With the lifespan of the Z-series coming towards its 4th version, I was curious what options you think is needed that we haven't seen yet from the update DVD's. Given that we are restricted to updates that can be done via firmware only, I have some things I would like to see. Whats yours?
As there have been NO features added with previous updates, don't expect there to be any new features with the Z4 update DVD (if it even exists).
Thanks for your reply, feel free to vote as well on which feature you might find helpful.
iPod artwork to show
UPdated maps (a MUST)
Bluetooth update (add in echo cancel, seemed to work well on the D)
i'd say maybe update the GUI a bit, since it seems to be the same in all models. but not as important
iPod faster control
ablility to transfer songs from say ipod to HD? or an SD Slot to transfer the music over?
BTW i voted 'other'
Voted other several features i'd like to see actually. !st i would definitely see a full speed ipod interface with video playback like every other freaking radio on the market. Also would to see scrolling on display not just on xm like the sirius display). Also would like to see support for HD Tuner (not that i would use it but i might if it had it). Spectrum analyzer like the avh-6600dvd (6 disc in-dash don't know if they still make it). Upgraded audio section (i.e. 4 volt preouts) if not 4 volt at least full support for the add on 5.1 processor without the use of a seperate wired display. RDS would be nice pioneer use to have it then they got rid of it they again if they added hd tuner wouldn't need it. Searching by intersection on the map. Bluetooth with music streaming and echo cancelling. Ability to rip mp3's to the hard drive. Ohh and last but not least a redesigned gui i mean we have 7" but i get limited information when im on xm or sirius. I know i'll probably get noe of that but if it was just one thing it'd be the ipod thing. ahh well, one can wish!!!
Only thing I really WANT is a full-speed iPod interface with functional scrollbars.
Things I would like are 800x480 (WVGA) resolution screen, HD Radio built-in or full compatibility with the HD Radio add-on, iPod video support would be nice, USB port so maybe we don't HAVE to use an Apple iPod, and all the entertainment screensavers the AVH-P6800DVD has.
If the navigation of my AVIC-9DVD were as good as the Z3, then I would say the AVH-P6800DVD and 9DVD combo are far superior. Unfortunately, the navi unit is only as good as a D-series.
The slowness of the iPod interface is killing me.
And it is completely unnecessary and fixable.
I know 'cause I have seen other head units do it faster
Definitely unnecessary and fixable, even without hardware changes. My AVH-P6800DVD uses the same CD-IB100 and it is much, much faster. 10x or more faster.
It may be some planned obsolescence on Pioneer's part.
These are all great fixes: Faster IPOD Interface, etc.
I would love to provide some feedback to pioneer, is there an effective way to do that besides calling the Pioneer and talking to a rep?
1) Choice of:
(a) send back your current Z and have Pioneer upgrade the CD/DVD hardware for read speed to something more capable when loading CD's into the Z
OR
(
Supply a piece of software that can be run on your home PC that reads your audio CD's and/or converts pre-existing MP3's, contacts CDDB real-time and creates audio files that the Z can play AND a way for you to write a disc that the Z can load fast!
I would still keep the existing auto-load feature as part of the Z, just give us the addition of being able to use our high powered PC's to create audio files and structure for fast import into the Z
OR
© All the above
===========================
2) Better use of "right hand turns" when creating routes and optimization to exclude/minimize traffic-light junctions for prime drive-time (allowing you to define what prime-time is for your locality) ie exclude certain roads based on time maybe?
maybe a way to "mark" a junction/route as being BAD at certain times of the day
better bt it currently lack's on windows mobile......
Would like to be able to have the Zip (Postal Code)
as part of the input to find a location
Would like to be able to have the Zip (Postal Code)as part of the input to find a location
IF ONLY . . .
postcode in Canada gets you to within 6 physical addresses... a USA zipcode gets you to "somewhere within" probably about 10 square miles
NICE IDEA, pretty unpractical for USA though unless you know the ZIP+4
One thing our legacy's OEM Navi system has that is kinda nice is a section for the car. You can set a date or millage that counts down to the next oil change, tire pressure inspection, battery inspection, belts etc. It is nice not to have to keep a book for that stuff and it flashes a reminder when it is due when you start up the system. I assume that would be a pretty simple addition of code and only use a small amount of memory.
One other thing I thought would be cool is the ability to set speed warnings. You place markers on the map that have a speed value. If you are close and moving towards to those markers at a speed higher then the assigned value it flashes a warning. It would be nice reminder for areas that have the speeding cameras.
Would like to be able to have the Zip (Postal Code)as part of the input to find a location
IF ONLY . . .
postcode in Canada gets you to within 6 physical addresses... a USA zipcode gets you to "somewhere within" probably about 10 square miles
NICE IDEA, pretty unpractical for USA though unless you know the ZIP+4
Ya but it would be a nice addition to help narrow down the search. For example for some reason you know a zip and not the city.
^^ I agree, plus its faster to type in the zip code as opposed to a city with many letters.
But knowing Pioneer track record, I'm thinking we won't see the Z-series anymore.
I guess we'll find out at CES 2009.
I'd like to see the screen auto dimming as well, too bright at night. Also with all the technology out there...Pioneer, how about an add-on for the weather with weather maps to integrate with the traffic. How about better maps, like Google with the capability to see the buildings, etc. How about red light cameras and photo camera locations, speed traps.
XM weather would be nice without buying an additional reciever.
As for the auto dimming feature, I would be just happy with an option to set the dimming based on time of day.
For example, Where I can just have it so that between 7am to 5pm, it stays full bright no matter if I have my head lights on or not.
Its a problem for me when I use my headlights during the day because it rains, and the unit dims. (some members on the forum solved this by adding a bypass switch for the illumination wire).
The navigation radio from the Pontiac Vibe had the service reminders and also a calendar with simple PDA functions in it as well. That would be pretty handy.
I think it would be nice if like the JVC navigation, it would display the speed limit on the screen.
It is kind of strange the Z doesn't have auto dimming. The D1/D2 had auto-dimming with a photocell sensor on the front panel. It's always a shame when a newer unit loses a feature that was found on an older one.
^^ Really? I was unaware the older D units had photocell sensors for auto dimming!
I'm thinking either the Z series is going to be scraped by Pioneer.
I have not heard any rumors or any sneak/spy shots of a new revised Z4 unit so I'm thinking that the Z series is going to be done by 2009.
Or knowing pioneer, they'll probably include a map update and call it Z4 
Not only related to the z series but a digital tv tuner.And a spectrum analyser like on my avh 7500; I hate looking at a static image.
Is it just me or do new head unit keep loosing feature found on older models.No tv tuner, no spectrum analyser, no dolby digital/dts surround ,no ability to play dvd audio disc(not coverting to 2.0 surround)(I have over 50 dvd audio discs.)and I'm certain I forgetting other stuff.
But it has navigation and a hard drive for music storage for less money than the 7500 was new! Gotta lose something or it would be like 5 grand
Not only related to the z series but a digital tv tuner.And a spectrum analyser like on my avh 7500; I hate looking at a static image.
Is it just me or do new head unit keep loosing feature found on older models.No tv tuner, no spectrum analyser, no dolby digital/dts surround ,no ability to play dvd audio disc(not coverting to 2.0 surround)(I have over 50 dvd audio discs.)and I'm certain I forgetting other stuff.
I don't know about anyone else, but I consider the hard drive music storage to be a pretty useless feature. I mean, who uses CD's anymore? Everyone either has an iPod or MP3 player these days.
Better, Accurate maps.
better xm/sirius interface