Can You Put a Touch Screen in Any Car

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When it comes to putting together a banging sound system for your ride, most people focus on speakers and subwoofers. Those components are definitely key in creating an envious, crisp, high-quality sound. However, let's not overlook another high-tech must-have: a touch screen stereo receiver. A good-quality touch screen stereo will take your car's sound system to the next level. They're also super versatile, allowing you to control numerous car systems from the same screen. Some even come with rearview cameras and DVD players. Due to rapid advances in technology, touch screen stereos are getting more affordable and multifunctional. You don't need to buy or lease a high-end foreign automobile to have a touch screen stereo. Check out our buyer's guide below to find the perfect touch screen stereo.

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Benefits of Touch Screen Car Stereos

• Stream music and play movies. You can control various aspects of your entertainment system with just your fingertips, such as changing a CD or playing a DVD or MP3 player. You can also stream music from a USB drive.
• Use Bluetooth. In addition to using your fingers to access the controls, many of the best touch screen radios have Bluetooth capability. This enables you to play music from digital devices, make phone calls, and perform other tasks.
• Operate it hands-free. If you frequently talk on your phone while driving, a touch screen stereo will enable you to do so hands-free. It's much safer to make or take phone calls without fumbling for the buttons on your electronic device.
• Appease all passengers. The best touch screen stereo will allow you to play one type of media or program in the front of your vehicle and another type in the back. For example, you may prefer to listen to classic rock while your kids watch a Disney movie. Atouch screen car radiowith dual-zone listening will enable you to do both.
• See a big and bright display. Many older model stereos feature small digital numbers on a dimly lit screen. They are much harder to read compared to a modern touch screen car stereo. The best touch screen car stereo has a bright and colorful display that easily allows you to see and use the controls.
• Drive safely. Touch screens are the safest and easiest way to operate a car stereo. Dials and push-button controls take a bit more concentration to operate, forcing your eyes off the road. Using a touch screen is much less distracting. Some brands even feature backup cameras.
  Listen to HD radio. Atouch screen radio will enable you to connect to local HD radio stations. These channels have better signals and better sound quality compared to regular radio stations.
• Get more power. An aftermarket touch screen car radio usually packs more power than the stereo that comes standard with your vehicle. You don't need to change your entire audio system to get a better sound.
• Control your phone. Thebest touch screen stereo will allow you to download an app so you can control your phone through the stereo's touch screen. The apps vary according to the manufacturer.

Types of Touch Screen Car Stereos

Single vs. Double DIN

The German standards body Deutsches Institut für Normung created the term DIN. It refers to the height and width of a vehicle's stereo head unit. This standard is used by most automakers and manufacturers, which makes it easy for you to replace an OEM stereo with an aftermarket unit. Radios that are around 2 inches tall are typically single DIN, while devices that are twice as tall are double DIN. Touch screen stereos are usually double DIN; however, there are some single DIN head units with slide-out touch screens.

Top Brands

JVC & Kenwood

Kenwood Corporation was founded in Japan in 1946. Following a merger with JVC, the Tokyo-based company further cemented its role as a leader in consumer electronics. It manufactures both car audio and home audio products. One popular product is the JVC KWR930BT Car Stereo - Double Din, Bluetooth, CD,MP3/USB AM/FM Radio, Multi Color Illumination.

Pioneer

Pioneer started as an audio products manufacturer in 1938 when Nozomu Matsumoto made speakers in his garage. The multinational corporation has since designed and distributed various digital entertainment products in addition to car audio equipment. One top product is the Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX In Dash Multimedia Receiver with 7" WVGA Clear Resistive Touchscreen Display.

Boss Audio

BOSS Audio has been manufacturing audio and video products for over 30 years. Based in Oxnard, Calif., with offices in Shenzhen, China, the company sells hundreds of car, marine, and Powersports products in 130 countries. One recommended product is the BOSS Audio Systems BV9358B Car Multifunctional Stereo Receiver.

Touch Screen Car Stereo Pricing

• Under $100: It is possible to find a touch screen car stereo in this price range. However, keep in mind that acheap touch screen car stereo will likely be less durable and have fewer features.
• $100-$300: Many good-quality touch screen stereos are available at this price point. They offer a wide range of options, so it's important you choose the key options you require to find the right unit for your vehicle.
• $300 and up: Premium touch screen car stereos can cost several hundred dollars. They generally have larger displays, numerous features, and may be geared towards specific makes and models.

Key Features

Display Size

Choose a touch screen stereo that's good in quality and has a decent-sized display. If you don't want to strain your eyes to see the screen, consider a bigger display with larger icons and easy-to-read graphics. Displays with information such as an album's name, artist, and song are helpful, as are those with split-screen capability. On the flip side, be mindful of the amount of space you have in your vehicle to accommodate a display Don't get one that will be distracting or overly large.

Connectivity Options

A touch screen stereo will typically have several connection options. This may include Bluetooth receivers, CD/DVD readers, USB ports, flash card readers, and AUX jacks. Decide which of these features are most important. For example, you may want a USB port to play music but also to recharge a device.

Other Considerations

• Compatibility. Make sure your iPhone and/or Android devices are compatible with a touch screen car deck before you make a purchase. Don't forget to consider the types of devices other members in your household use. The best touch screen head unit should function with both types of operating systems, but some are only compatible with one or the other.
• Voice Activation. The best touch screen car radio will allow you to control the system using voice commands. This hands-free feature allows you to keep your eyes on the road yet still take a phone call, change a CD, or carry out other functions. It's a convenient and safe option.
• Steering Wheel Controls. Many new cars feature controls on the steering wheel to operate the audio system. This allows you to quickly and easily turn up or down the volume, change the station, or take a call without taking your hands off the wheel. Note: make sure you select a touch screen stereo that is capable of connecting to the steering wheel controls before making a purchase.
• Backup Camera. A rearview camera is a great addition to anytouch screen car deck. It is particularly helpful when you're parking. Some brands have sensors that alert you to obstacles that are in close proximity to your bumper. Others feature tips to help you park. These cameras are useful and have dropped in price in recent years.
• Equalizer. If you are an audiophile, you may want to purchase a touch screen car stereo that has a built-in equalizer. This allows you to control various frequencies to get the best sound out of your audio system. For example, if you want more bass and less treble on a song, an equalizer will help you make the right adjustments.
• Wi-Fi Antenna. Atouch screen car audio system with a Wi-Fi antenna will help you locate Wi-Fi connections. This will allow you to do many things, such as download maps for GPS or download apps. It is a convenient feature that can be particularly useful if you don't want to drain your data usage.
• Storage. Some touch screen car stereos have more storage capability than others, so it's important to check how much expandable storage a particular model contains. The more storage it has, the more music and videos you can keep directly on the stereo. This is useful if you don't want to pair a device with the unit and just want to play audio and video files directly from it.
• Wireless Remote. This feature is convenient if you want a system that can play DVDs and other videos. Passengers can watch a movie without having to touch the screen in order to control features such as volume. A wireless remote can be used to control other functions as well.

Best Touch Screen Car Stereos Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Best Overall

The BOSS Audio Systems Car Multifunctional Stereo Receiver is so much more than just a touch screen car stereo. The reason it's our top pick for the best overall touch screen stereo is because it's also an easy-to-use DVD, CD, USB, and MP3 player with Bluetooth calling capability. This touch screen can control all your car's electronics without any issues.

This unit features a built-in microphone that allows for crystal clear, hands-free calling via Bluetooth technology. You can also play and control your favorite music apps. For those long car trips, passengers will also love being able to watch a DVD, or play their favorite playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts via MP3 or USB capabilities.

Of course, you can tune into your favorite AM/FM radio stations. This receiver gives you 80 watts x 4 max power for your speakers. Add an amplifier and really pound out the sound.

A couple of drawbacks to this model: installing can be very time-consuming and frustrating, as the instructions aren't very clear. Also, if you have it hooked up to a backup camera, the music stops playing while you're in reverse. That's a safety precaution, but annoying nonetheless.

Best Value

Just because you're a budget-savvy buyer doesn't mean you can't get a high-quality, user-friendly touch screen car audio system. The aboutBit Bluetooth Double Din Car Stereo is an excellent example. It features a sizable 7-inch HD 1024 x 600 LCD display and a responsive smart touch screen that puts all your controls at your fingertips. This unit supports both iOS and Android smartphones. However, it only links to your iPhone via a one-way control, which requires the use of your USB charging cable. It does connect wirelessly with two-way control to Android devices, though.

This model is compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Unlike most models, this touch screen stereo also comes equipped with an included waterproof HD rearview camera. You get HD night vision and 170 degrees of ultra-wide viewing range with that. You also get AM/FM radio with 30-station programmable memory, as well as SD/USB/AUX support.

The biggest drawback to this ultra budget-friendly touch screen stereo is that you don't get a CD or a DVD player with it. We can understand not getting a DVD player, but you may miss not having a CD player. However, with the capability to stream all your favorite music apps, many people don't miss it at all.

Easiest To Set Up

Another excellent multifunctional choice when it comes to touch screen car stereos is the Corehan Double DIN Stereo Car Audio Receiver. This model is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to use your smartphone to make calls, get directions, send and receive messages, and listen to music, all hands-free.

This 7-inch stereo receiver is also capable of running USB, microSD, AUX, and Bluetooth devices, giving you plenty of options for listening to music, podcasts, and much more. The AM/FM receiver allows you to access up-to-the-minute news, weather, and local happenings.

This unit is also capable of showing your back-up camera feed and feeding video to backseat-mounted displays for movie watching. Users appreciate the affordability of getting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but there are some complaints about a few system glitches when using the Bluetooth calling feature and trouble installing it on certain vehicle makes.

Premium Pick

If you're looking for a more compact touch screen stereo receiver that still packs a punch with excellent sound quality and decent graphics, consider the Pioneer 6.2" VGA Touch Screen Digital Receiver. This model is a 6.2-inch WVGA clear-resistive touch screen display that is also backup camera ready.

It offers a super rich 7-band graphic equalizer to give you crystal clear and powerful sound quality. It's fully compatible with your smartphone and Bluetooth devices to give you hands-free access to making and receiving phone calls, audio playback, music streaming, and more.

With a screen resolution of 800 x 480, this isn't the clearest or sharpest picture on the market, but it's still easy to read, given its compact size. Also be sure to check your wiring requirements, as most consumers have had to purchase a new wiring harness in order to properly install the unit.

Honorable Mention

One of the few touch screen stereos on our list with built-in navigation is the Jensen CMN86 6.8 inch LED Multimedia Touch Screen Car Stereo. It features a decent-sized 6.8-inch LED high resolution screen that makes it easy to see where you're going and what your options are. The maps are large, and you get 11 million points of interest with voice prompted directions.

This model also comes equipped with Siri and Google voice assist capabilities so you can speak commands to play music, podcasts, pull up navigation, and more. The Bluetooth pairs directly with your car's speakers to provide a high-quality, easy-to-hear sound that's great for making and receiving calls. This unit also comes equipped with a front and a rear back-up camera. The front camera is video only, while the rear camera is equipped with video and sound.

This unit doesn't come with CD or DVD capabilities, but you do get AM/FM radio with up to 30 preset stations, as well as the ability to stream music through your USB port or Bluetooth. A one-year warranty is a nice touch.

Honorable Mention

If you're in the market for an affordable, high-quality touch screen car stereo receiver that comes with all the parts and pieces necessary for an easy install, the Pyle CD/DVD Player SB/MP3/AUX/AM/FM Radio Stereo Receiver just the thing. No more guessing and numerous trips to the store to pick up necessary parts you don't have.

This high-resolution, 7-inch touch screen stereo receiver is a single DIN head unit that's compatible with most smaller radio inputs. You can stream music, make and take phone calls hands-free, and watch video with a user-friendly digital control interface. This unit is also backup camera compatible, and as an added bonus, it comes with the necessary mounting bracket and wiring.

This receiver comes with a handy remote control and is able to stream or play music and other audio files from multiple formats, making it a versatile option. It even offers GPS capability. Be sure to double check your vehicle compatibility prior to purchase, though, as this unit is more limited than some in terms of which vehicles it will work with. Another concern is that the AM/FM antenna is not as strong on this model as on some others.

Honorable Mention

The JVC KWR930BT Car Stereo gets a nod for being a straightforward, easy-to-use touch screen, double DIN, multi-color illumination car stereo receiver. We like this unit because it doesn't offer any distracting video display, but has a fun feature in which you can change the front panel illumination to different colors, or match it to your vehicle's interior lighting.

Like most other touch screen car stereos on our list, this one is Bluetooth compatible and it can be paired with two different Bluetooth equipped devices, making it a great option for drivers who share a vehicle. It also offers multiple media playback formats, including CD, USB, MP3, WMA, AM/FM, SiriusXM, streaming from your smartphone, and more.

Unlike some stereos on our list, this model also offers high-output USB capability for quick charging of your smartphone and mobile devices. It has an impressive 13-band graphic equalizer, 6-channel preamp outputs, and a built-in MOSFET amp for superior sound quality. The biggest drawback to this stereo is that it doesn't support or playback as many MP3 or USB formatted files as some other models on the market.

Honorable Mention

This stereo features an AM/FM radio, built-in GPS navigation module, aux audio/video input, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio control, a Toshiba pre-amplifier, and a nine-band equalizer. It has a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with a 1000cd/m2 TFT-LCD display screen that's designed for optimal viewing in the daytime. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity and a hands gesture recognition sensor.

The sound quality is great, and it features standalone subwoofer control. The stereo boots up quickly, and the screen is clear and bright even on sunny days. Overall, the user interface is fast and smooth, the touchscreen is very responsive, and you can transition from screen to screen rather quickly. Installation is fast and easy, and the company provides good customer support.

One problem is that the receiver doesn't always automatically connect with your smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled device. Also, you need a separate adapter for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the user manual is poorly written.

Tips

• Before purchasing a touch screen car stereo, measure your vehicle's head unit to determine if it is a single- or double-DIN unit. Single-DIN units will require a new dash kit.
• When changing your dash kit to install a touch screen stereo, be careful not to scratch the original one or the new one during installation. Consider consulting a professional if you are not confident in installing it by yourself.
• The best touch screen stereo will produce good-quality audio. Consider one with EQ presets, adaptable fine-tuning, enhanced processors, and amplifiers to get the best sound out of your system.
• If you have problems with Bluetooth connectivity, the firmware may need an update. Check the manufacturer's website to fix connection issues. The update process is usually simple and shouldn't take much time to complete.

FAQs

Q: Do touch screen car stereos come with GPS?

A: Some touch screen stereos come equipped with GPS, although many users are increasingly relying on their smartphones for GPS navigation, as opposed to their car stereo.

Q: What other items do I need to install a touch screen car stereo in my vehicle?

A: If your vehicle currently has a single-DIN unit, you will require a double-DIN dash installation kit. You may also need a wiring harness during installation and aux cables for connectivity. Depending on the strength and capability of your car's speakers, you may also need an external amplifier.

Q: Can you use the DVD player in a touch screen car stereo while the car is in motion?

A: Many aftermarket touch screen stereos will only work if the parking brake is applied. There are ways to work around this function, but it's not recommended due to safety concerns.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the best overall pick for a touch screen car stereo in terms of performance, reliability, and price, it's tough to beat the BOSS Audio Systems BV9358B Car Multifunctional Stereo Receiver. It's an easy-to-use DVD, CD, USB, and MP3 player with Bluetooth calling capability.

For a high-quality, budget-friendly option that will still impress, try the aboutBit Bluetooth 7 inch HD Touchscreen Car Audio Receiver. It has an impressive HD 1024 x 600 LCD display that offers more resolution than many higher priced units on the market.

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Can You Put a Touch Screen in Any Car

Source: https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/28218/best-touch-screen-car-stereos

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