Pioneer AVH-P4200DVD In-Dash Double-DIN DVD Multimedia AV Receiver

OK here is my review of the Pioneer AVH-P4200DVD. I bought it a few weeks ago and had it professionally installed in my 2009 Yukon XL. I wanted to give it some use before I wrote a review so I could give it an honest review. I know many people including myself use these reviews to make the deciding decision if they are undecided between a few different choices. I am not going to go into much detail around the interface options because the internet has plenty of info and videos already on that. I am going to tell more about how each of the modules work. So here we go.

Obviously I got the head unit, but I also got The Bluetooth module (CD-BTB200), the HD Radio Module (GEX-P20HD), The Sirius Satellite Radio module (CD-SB10 & SC-C1), Backup Camera (ND-BC4) and the IPod Touch/IPhone cable (CD-IU200V). Basically I got every possible add-on module, minus the navigation (AVIC-U220) which is not even out yet. I will go into each of the modules and explain.

Bluetooth:
Connecting your phone to the unit is pretty painless. Turn discovery mode on the phone and the unit immediately picks it up. Once the phone has been set up the first time, it is a breeze. The only thing that is needed, is the Bluetooth needs to be turned on, on the phone. The head unit automatically picks it up when it is close. It connects very fast, usually within a second or two. The factory Bluetooth would take around 30 seconds. The module comes with a microphone that I had mounted by my rear view mirror. The sound from the call comes out the cars speakers. Voice quality sounds great on both ends I have been told. Better than the one that came with the vehicle. The Bluetooth interaction between the unit and your phone is nothing special. You can press a button on the unit to register you phone so you can see missed call(s), incoming, outgoing and that's about it. The caveat to that is that the phone has to be paired to the unit when the call actually came, or it shows nothing. So in my mind, it is kind of pointless for almost $200. If you have a stock one with your vehicle (both units still work the stock and the Pioneer one, I can pick which to pair with), keep it, if you don't then buy it because driving while holding a phone sucks. Second part of this module is it does do streaming audio via Bluetooth. I have a Motorola Droid, so when it is paired I switch it to Bluetooth audio, open up my Pandora app and let it rip. Sound is good, but this is fully dependent of your phone signal.

HD Radio:
If you listen to radio this is a must. The sound quality is so crisp and so clear, even the AM stations. I have heard some misconceptions about HD radios not being able to broadcast a station that has not converted to HD. False and untrue. The stations that don't have an HD channel sounds like it does in your vehicle today. You can really hear the difference between the HD and regular. When you select a channel it comes out standard as it does today, then after a second or two, you see on the screen the signal changes to HD and the sound is night and day on the same station.

Sirius Satellite:
I have had a Sirius subscription for 4-5 years now and could not think of life without it. If you don't have satellite radio, I recommend you go the XM route. Yes they are two in the same now that they merged when it comes to what you get in regards to programming but not when it comes to your wallet. If you go the XM route, you only have to buy one module, the GEX-P920XM. If you go the Sirius route you have to buy the Pioneer module (CD-SB10) and the Sirius Connect module (SC-C1). I went the Sirius route because I signed a long contract years ago so I had to stick with them. The unit, when connected to Sirius, shows station, artist & etc. This is the thing on the radio that gets listened to the most. I feel it is a must have if you buy this radio.

Backup Camera:
Well......it's a backup camera. Nothing special here in terms of what it does. The picture is great on the units screen in any light conditions. Pioneer sells another backup camera (ND-BC20PA) that is almost double the price that is supposed to have better resolution, better at night, parking assist and yada, yada, yada . I am backing up out of my driveway or into a spot. I don't need assistance with that and if I did, I should probably not be driving backwards. I can't compare the two because I never used the other one, but I can pick out a leaf on the ground at night behind my vehicle, in great detail, so I can't imagine needing any more detail than that. I am glad I got this with such a big vehicle because it is good to see behind you at a lower level. If I had a car I would not have gotten this because I don't see the point.

IPod Touch/IPhone cable:
I did some homework before I got this one by downloading the head unit's manual off the Pioneer web site. Pioneers web site says the one to buy with this unit is the CD-IU50V but the manual says the CD-IU200V. I went with the CD-IU200V and it works just fine. I did mine a little different. I have an extension on the unit then plugged the cable (CD-IU200V) into that, then wired it to the inside of my center console. The reason I did that is for USB thumb drives. This way I can unplug the CD-IU200V USB part and plug in a thumb drive. I tried with a 16 gig thumb drive with mp3's, pictures and videos on it and they all played as expected. Using this cable with an IPod/IPhone is great. I have an IPod Touch and I plug it in and put it in my center console. Everything is controlled from the head unit. The touch on the unit is very responsive. The only point of this cable is to play videos. If you have zero intentions in playing videos, don't buy this. Just use the one that comes with the unit. That will play all of your music without the need to buy anything else. The video playback is great. It depends on the quality of the video save on your IPod of course. A few goofy things about this cable, or maybe it has to do with the software? Sometimes when I connect my IPod it charges it.....sometimes it doesn't. Occasionally it shows the message saying that this part is not compatible with the unit. Once in a while the menus lag from screen to screen when the IPod is attached and I am trying to go into playlists or search artists, and sometimes it is so quick and snappy.

SD Card:
The manual says it only supports SD cards that are maximum of 2 gb in size. I tried a 16 gb SDHC card at it worked flawlessly. Same with the thumb drive, that was 16 gb also. So this is another option if you don't have an IPod or want to keep DVD's in the car. It's just another way to keep additional media handy.

DVD:
It acts pretty much like todays DVD players at home allowing one to adjust angle, language and subtitles (if available on the DVD). The picture is amazingly clear. Sound coming out the speakers sound great. I put the Nine Inch Nails Beside You In Time DVD in and I felt like I was at the concert again. It is a great part of this unit.

CD:
No idea. The manual says it plays them but I can't remember the last time I actually went out and bought one.


A few things that someone would need to know before buying. If you want to keep your steering wheel controls, you need to buy a module for that. If you have OnStar or want to keep the car chimes (blinker, door open etc.), you need to buy an additional module for that but it is not as cut and dry as that. If you have a Bose system, you need a different type of module. While this unit does provide dual zone functionality (i.e. video screens in the backseat), you will need to buy an add-on module for that too.

The sound is just what you would expect to come from Pioneer.....great. A few things I have run into that cause a little concern. About a week after I had the unit installed, it started rebooting constantly. I mean it rebooted for two days straight. I was unable to listen to the radio, watch a video, play my IPod, or use the Bluetooth for two days. I did a factory reset and that did nothing. It did that for two days then just stopped. I called the place that installed it and told them what was going on. They said to bring it in so they could take a look at it. Took it out, rewired everything, looked at the unit, said it did not seem like anything was loose or broken. The installed does not believe it is the actual head unit that is the problem. He thinks it is because so many modules are in play, that one might be causing the problem or the combination of all of them is the problem. About 3 weeks after it started up again and stopped. I am going to have to chalk this up as this thing needs a software upgrade if/when that becomes available to get out the bugs. No reason this should be happening within the first two weeks of owning it. While his diagnoses was clearly just an assumption after years of installations, I ask if this is the case why make something that needs all these modules if they don't play nice with each other? One other thing I would love to see in a software refresh would be station labeling on your presets. Now it just says Preset 1,2 ,3 etc. It does this for Sirius & the HD radio. When I search my presets, I have no idea when it shows them in a list which is which so I just end up cycling them which defeats the purpose.

Conclusion:
This unit is great for both sound and video. One of the best I have seen and heard. The low price tag of around $500 probably has gotten most people's attention. The great thing about this unit is, if you want to pick and choose this module or that module, you can verses getting everything and not using half of it. The reality is if you want it all, you are going to pay and then some. We have not even talked about the navigation module for this unit because it has not been released yet, but the rumors are it will be around $400-$500 more. If you go with every module, this will cost you around $1300, this is not including steering wheel controls (approx. $85) or other interfaces (OnStar, Bose, dual zone etc. approx. $190) So for around (retail) $1600 without navigation or $2000 with, before instillation. I think it is a great head unit with great sound and a ton of features. I would expect if I spend this kind of money that the unit would not reboot for days at a time and then stop. If this was not happening I would recommend this unit with a disclaimer that it is expensive, but you do get every penny's worth........when it's not rebooting days on end ;-) It truly is an amazing sounding system. I have an amp and sub connected. It sounds like heaven.

This deck hands down is FANTANSTIC!!! I bought the AVH-P4100DVD last year and loved it! When I saw that this deck was gonna be released, I had to buy it! I just installed it and it's AWESOME! The iPod functions are better than the previous model. I like the finger scrolling as well. Video play back is phenomenal! On the AVH-P4100DVD, the color contrast and quality wasn't all there. It was still a great deck, but on the AVH-P4200DVD, the picture quality, brightness, and contrast is PERFECT! This deck has so many options for you to expand as well. They even have the navigation expansion for it, where as the previous model didn't. Also with the iPod control, you have the option to watch video off of it. The picture quality on that as well has improved and is perfect. If I could rate this deck higher than a 5 star rating, I would. Only problem this has (AVH-P4100DVD had the same problem) is if the name of the file playing is too long, it cuts it off. It doesn't scroll it so you can read the whole thing. Also it doesn't allow you dual zone on just the deck. This means you can't listen to your iPod music while a DVD video is playing on the screen. If you have screens in the back of your car, then it will work. Other than those two minor things, this deck is a must! Pioneers AVH series are incredible. I have no doubt in my mind that they next decks coming out in the AVH line will be more incredible. As for the AVH-P4200DVD, GET IT if you can afford it. You won't be disappointed and you will find driving in your car more enjoyable with all the different functions you have at your fingertips.

I just bought this thing and Im very impressed. It makes my stereo sound so much louder and better than before and I didnt even hook up my subs yet. I touch screen works amazing, interface is perfect unlike my old touchscreen which looked cheap. The quality is amazing. I recommend this stereo to everyone. The only thing wrong is I have to buy a trim kit which is sold on here for $31 to fill in the left over space on my dash.

I have wanted an in-dash receiver for the longest but i needed to ensure i got one to meet all of my needs. I had purchased one a few months back from Wal-Mart which was a DUAL. BIG MISTAKE. i didnt have any options for ipod or satellite radio only really feature was the dvd playback. I then bought a dvd player called a SAVANT. another mistake because the ipod controls were horrible and make the overall experience not worth it. This time i made sure i did my research to get the one i wanted. I believe that is the main thing. to shop around, go to different websites even go to best buy or your local car audio store to make sure you get what you want. Whether it's built-in bluetooth or navigation, ipod controls, satellite watever. For me i wanted something that worked well with my ipod and was satellite ready. not only satellite ready but ready for XM because some receivers are ONLY sirius or XM so that's something i had to mindful of. I wasnt really set on navigation or bluetooth but this unit is capable of managing both so if i ever wanted either i could get it. As for this receiver is just a great unit. Ipod controls are simple and very easy to use as if ur controlling it from the ipod itself. (another plus is if you feel more comfortable using your ipod this unit gives you the option of using your ipod or iphone) DVD playback is great. picture quality is nice and you have every option of the dvd as you would with a dvd player at home. i purchased a XM tuner and it integrates satellite radio well. I have a system in my car (2 twelves) and it gives me tons of options for my speakers whether it's the level of my subs, or customzing the equalizer it gives you wide array of options. Its just a awesome unit and would recommend it for anyone. I bought it off of Discount Jungle (via Amazon) for around $380 along with the XM tuner, paid in total $500 (including shipping) I'm very satisfied!! For a detail description of the options for this receiver or any other go to [..] it helps the buying decision way easier. Good Luck

I have had this head unit for about a month and here are my reviews.

FM/AM Tuner

It works good, pulls in the stations real good. With the optional HD radio tuner box, u can add HD (Digital Radio) capabilities which sounds incredible, very crisp and no static. Only bad thing is on the presets, when you store a station on a preset, it doesn't display the station frequency or name on it, jus says PRESET 1

Ipod

The ipod feature works incredible with this unit. Very easy to navigate thru your music collection thru it. You do have to purchase the optional Pioneer Ipod cable to watch videos off your iPod. A neat thing if you have an iphone/ipod touch is that you can watch youtube videos on the radio while you are in ipod source mode. I didn't like that the title of the songs or artist can get easily chopped off if its too long. You would think that they would provide a feature to scroll the text if it didn't fit.

SD card

This is a nice feature. I have a 32GB SDHC with thousands of songs in there and it reads it no problem. Very easy to navigate thru the content as well. Movies and music videos can also be watched via the SDHD card.

XM radio

I have the optional XM tuner and it works really good. Very easy to navigate through the XM channels. I didn't like that it chops off the title of the songs or artist when there's a bit of characters on it.

Bluetooth Cellphone

I have the optional CD-BTB200 unit connected to this unit. First off, this module is like 3+ years old so it does not use the same Bluetooth Profiles that most modern phones use. The hands free cellphone use on this radio is very basic and limited, which is not what I would expect for a 2010 model. It only allows you to answer/hang up calls and that's about it. Why didn't they allow to transfer over and your contacts or even have a keypad to dial out on the radio, it just puzzles me. It is kind of ridiculous that the bluetooth module has the capabilities to store phone contacts but this unit does not have this feature.

I have been an avid car audio enthusiast for 20 years and have always had the latest and greatest, but have never considered a Pioneer product for much of anything. I recently needed a double sized unit for a new Jeep Wrangler at the beach and initially went with the Alpine ix404 because it has the big knob which is great in a bouncy Jeep. But the interface with the ipod was VERY slow, it frequently would lose track of where it was in a song/playlist, sometimes would not charge the phone, etc. all the while not even having a CD player, EQ, or sub crossover!

This pioneer makes it sound like I put in a few amps and new sub just by the head unit alone with the excellent EQ, sub crossover, easy setup, super fast ipod access which can be controlled both from the ipod and the head unit touch screen (something the big brands don't offer) not to mention playing cds, dvds, sds!

I bought this product for an uncle of mine, I did not know what to expect from this product because I had never had a Pioneer A/V headunits. But this product is spectacular. All its functions work perfectly and faster than I expect. The Ipod is the one that my uncle loves the most, is fast and has an easy handle menu. This is the best one to buy and the price is fair.

Great looking HU, very easy to use, all controls are where you expect them, had it installed in my 2005 Ford Expedition in less than 30 minutes. The ONLY reason I gave it 4 stars was because of the following three reasons:

1) It only plays back DIVX. My only reason for buying this HU was to take all of my Music Video DVDs and throw them on a USB HD. The problem is this HU does not playback MKV, MP4, or even AVI. So basically it does not recognize any of the most popular formats in use today. Instead it will only play DIVX which means I had to get the DivX Plus converter. The end result was really lousy quality music videos which are nowhere near as clear as the original DVDs.

Ironically the much more expensive AVIC model line plays back a much wider variety of formats. The H.264 codec handles compression way better than DivX and I have no idea why they chose such a non mainstream format.

2) While playing back videos there is no way to easily fast forward. It does not have an option to say jump forward 15 or 20 seconds, you can touch the slider and pick a place in the video that way, but when you are in traffic that's a little difficult.

3) The HU will only play up to a certain resolution. I'm not sure yet what it is, but I do know it will not play 720p or 1080p even when using the DivX codec. So even if my source video is HD, it has to be downsampled to play on this HU.

Overall though this is a great unit, it is also very easy to bypass the built in screen lockout so you can watch movies while you are driving, its not quite as easy as simply grounding the ebrake cable but it as simple as using a relay. A quick Google Search will show you how, there's even a YouTube video on it.

Also, if you are planning on using a USB hard drive it has to be formatted as FAT32, or else the HU will not be able to read the hard drive. I used guiformat.exe to format it in Windows 7 since Windows 7 would only format the 1TB drive I bought as exFAT.

Spent months researching for the right head unit for my car. Bought the Alpine IXA-404... what a mistake. Alpine has a good rep on its expensive units, this one was horrible, bad sound, not user friendly at all. NOW the Pioneer 4200 DVD is a great unit, it enhances the Radio & iPod sound... great processor. Artwork looks great... LOVE the EQ... DVD looks great as well. FYI this unit starts up immediately, unlike the old NAV units. Ordered the Bluetooth and I am sure it will work great.

I've owned tons of touchscreen headunits, about 5 so far, and in the $300-500 range with 7" of screen, this one is the best I've experienced so far. Storing movies in a harddrive and playing them via the USB input is the best. No need for an ipod anymore since you can load movies/mp3s in the SD card and put into the headunit.

The ONLY reason this review is 4 stars and the one flaw i'm talking about is the video input/outputs. There's only one of each. That means if you decide to go for an aftermarket rear-view camera (the one made for this headunit is ridiculous at $100+), you're stuck with only that input unless you change it to something else. Also only one video output meaning you can only really hook up 1 or 2 monitors for the rear before you start splitting the outputs and sacrificing quality on your screens.

Other than that little detail, this headunit is awesome and highly recommended if you're not running some ridiculous 10 monitor setup in your car!