How to Change Kenwood Stereo Start Up Screen

[@shawnsparks6092]

It's 2021 and this video still helps folks like me. Just installed an older Excelon in my 1999 Subaru. Finishing the factory touches like this add to the fun of putting modern electronics in a vintage car. Rolling in a classic with modern interface, onboard Spotify, navigation and reverse camera makes me happy.

[@larag4646]

2023 and this worked for my new Kenwood. Thanks bud!

[@morganmclennan5593]

Can I ask which model Kenwood? Looking to do the same just want to make sure I get the right one

[@JrSmilez]

Mine kinda works. It starts with a scrambled mess then it gets the image right. Can't figure out what I'm doing wrong

[@nmarineau10]

@@JrSmilezthis is an old comment but I’m running into this issue. Did you ever get it figured out?

[@JrSmilez]

@@nmarineau10 I lowered the quality of the picture and it seemed to help. The picture does show up but I still have scrambled lines at the beginning. Only thing I can figure is maybe it's the colors in the picture.

[@dangerfoxgaming110]

June, 2018 in a US Kenwood ddx9703s this still works great! You need to follow the instructions exactly, including image format. EXACTLY. I also updated to the current firmware prior to the start screen update process. Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video!

[@Jeepers1984]

Awesome that you posted this!!! Easy step by step, worked for my 2019 JVC KW-M750BT. THANKS!!!!!

[@Soccerdude7330Official]

Worked perfectly for me on my brand new Kenwood Excelon DMX706S! Thanks for this tip, now my startup/splash screen is less boring :)

[@adrianopery]

Hey Charlie good to know you could do it for DMX-706. Could you confirm what reference file did you used to determine the picture size?

[@cytherians]

Thanks for the tip! It took me about a dozen tries on the double-double + single-single tap. Seems the unit is very sensitive about precise placement of touches. So glad to be rid of that stock splash screen. Cheers!

[@cup_and_cone]

Entire procedure worked perfectly on DDX9704S head unit. Hardest part was tapping the corners correctly.

[@magyar77]

Is there a way to remove the album art and to decrease the font size? So much for a 7" screen when you only get 5" or so size for text like artist and track name.

[@patrickgroll2046]

I have a DNR476S and this worked perfectly. Thank you for the heads-up!

[@DanielJM76]

In my case, I have a Kenwood DDX6905S with the last firmware, however customization menus are disable. Do you know how to enable them?

[@deannutz8102]

Is there a way to delete that “agree” button every time you turn the car on?

[@Bjd79]

That would be nice! I find it annoying.

[@thanasislim]

Thanks for the video. Any chance you have tried the same procedure on a DMX-5020 BTS? It appears on this particular model the bottom left corner does not provide enough "free space" from icons for the command. The 9 tile icon activates and takes you to a different tab. Thanks for your time

[@CosChallengers]

I'm in the same boat on this one. And can find no information online.

[@matthewcowle5137]

Can somebody please explain the secret menu sequence for a dmx7522? The one in this video doesn’t work because I have a pop up menu from the standby button every time

[@scottsorensen239]

Thanks so much for showing this first off. I just did it and for some reason at first it gives a slightly scrambled version of my bmp file for 4 secs before showing the correct image for 2 secs. Is there a way to fix this? I also noticed the wallpaper customizer in the menu is there a video for how to change that?

[@AL2216WLF]

I´ve got the same problem!

[@floydian4evr]

@@AL2216WLF me too any fix for this?

[@AL2216WLF]

@@floydian4evr hey! In my case I used photoshop and found out that I had the wrong bit depth ( not 16bit) After I didn’t get it with PS I used an online web site to get exactly the format that is shown in the link! Hopefully helped

[@floydian4evr]

@@AL2216WLF Hey bro thanks for your input. I just figured it out using GIMP worked flawlessly!! I had to change the RGB to 5,6,5 i used the first option.

[@ricoxm]

Is there a way to disable the warning message on startup? Its kinda annoying to press agree everytime.

[@cup_and_cone]

Nope unfortunately... Required by law.

[@daveborn1971]

I think if you wAit it goes by itself

[@morrisdabin2244]

Awesome video. Thanks. Did it easy. Is it the same principle to change the wall paper

[@arthurcarson7833]

Hi. I know this is an old video - but I hoped it would work on a current model Kenwood DMX7522S. It doesn’t at all. I can’t get that secret screen up. Any ideas how I might change the boot / start screen image.

[@siwulas71]

awesome video my Australian Brothers !!! I am about to change my JDM Kenwood head unit and came across this, superb, I will be installing new DMX- 7017DABS unit on my Forester with the subaru logo yasssssssss !!!!!! cheeers !!!!!!!!!!

[@BobG_1987]

Hey. Any idea how to get this to work on a JVC KW-560BT - I have to tap top left and top right to access menu. Followed this to the T and get a blue screen with NG. Do the newer models have a different text file requirement?

[@gustavogomez1001]

This is awesome guys, thank you. Do you know the steps for the Kenwood DDX371?

[@Rist_Shot]

I’m getting that deck for my car, can’t wait to set this

[@raphaelbird8165]

I’m following the steps for my dmx7704s but the customize screen doesn’t come up

[@endlessmountainsecurity6670]

did you ever figure it out?

[@GianPaoloVecchi]

I finally managed entering the setup screen, it was a pain in the ***. Many thanks! What's the "wallpaper customize" function?

[@johnwalker1821]

What size is the start up picture

[@GianPaoloVecchi]

@@johnwalker1821 800x480

[@DukeDeRichleau]

Before I watch this video- which I hope I’m going to find useful, I had emailed Kenwood to ask about this and the reply I received was: Dear Sir, This is a procedure which is reserved for motor manufacturers and is done at the factory. It is not something that we can explain for end users, sorry. Alex Kenwood Customer Support Team But that told me there actually was a procedure. That’s lead me here, let’s hope I understand it lol

[@Ziogref]

If anyone has any troubles try using GIMP for your images. I was using paint on Windows 10, and my headunit was doing weird thing with the image. Used GIMP and it just worked. In gimp you need to export as BMP, choose location and click export. that will open a new window where you can set your options, under 16bit BMP select "R5 G6 B5" as the type. Gimp did a better jobs with the colours than paint.

[@iainwickens502]

GIMP did the trick for me too. Definitely an easy fix if your image shows distorted or with crazy colours.

[@Ziogref]

Yeah paint did crazy colours for me aswell, Subaru logo went green

[@R0gersism]

This worked perfectly.

[@keithk691]

Did this on a DNX576S; same procedures and worked! I'm curious why the screen shows for a few seconds, then goes black, then I see the 'agree and continue' screen. Any thoughts on how to retain the customized image from boot up until the agree page? Some people have been asking about "NG" while loading. I saw this when I attempted to use a JPG and not a BMP. I went back in and modified the image from JPG to the proper dimension BMP and it gave me the blue OK screen. I've seen a number of other posts asking how to get the factory kenwood screen back. I thought I'd share in case someone is looking here. Change the version number from 9876 to 0000 and your kenwood image will return. MODIFIED IMAGE SCREEN Opening Customize [FILE]image1.bmp [VERSION]9876 ~END RETURN TO FACTORY KENWOOD SCREEN Opening Customize [FILE]image1.bmp [VERSION]0000 ~END

[@anydiything]

i have kenwood ddx 4033, I am unable to do that. can you please tell me how to do it ? i have suzuki swift but I bought the player from a NISSAN owner, so every time I turn on the car it shows NISSAN logo. which is so weird. please reply if you can. Thank you.

[@sevselimoski9661]

hi is this still the same process for the dmx8520dabs?

[@TonySambell]

This is great, thanks for the upload!

[@AutoChimp]

No problem mate!

[@bigdanwess]

Hi, I know i'm late to the party but a question, if you will... Does this work also for series 8 ? (DNX892) If not, is it possible and how could I do it, if it's not too much to ask... Thanks in advance for your answer...

[@jamesb1412]

Thanks for the video! I have a kenwood dmx8018s and no joy! Everything works but i get a red screen and not the blue ok screen. Any advice?

[@jamesb1412]

All done. As said in the video the USB has to be in before you turn the key/stereo on! Thanks

[@AREMPEE]

After pressing the corners in order, all the options were grayed out except Initialize Factory Default and R-CAM Guideline Parameter.

[@NoFlyZonee]

If you rename the code in the txt. File to 0000 and run the process again, you can actually change it back to the original logo.

[@1234bellamy]

Do I change the "[FILE]image1.bmp" part to 0000.bmp or do I change the "[VERSION]9876" part to [VERSION]000?

[@Created_by_Thomas]

How do I load a screen to change splash screen on DDX5707S

[@sethhackleman5398]

Is there a way to include a noise with the startup image?

[@krzysztofkielczyk7060]

Hello, I have everything, but I don't know how to get to the point of uploading the photo in the KENWOOD DMX5020BTS model. How to enter in this model OPENING CUSTOMIZE?

[@brunom1280]

Can't get this to work on dmx7706s. Any thoughts?

[@michaelwelsh5113]

Trying to change the start screen on kenwood ddx9020dab although once I plug into unit & follow the steps I get red screen

[@Stacksmusic]

I know this is an old video, I just wanted to provide a little info for others. I have the DDX 9905s and basically follow the instructions here. The ONLY different is to change the pixels to 1280x720. I used GIMP for this process. It’s so easy to use

[@GamerBears]

Thanks for this tip, I just got this unit today and was going to use my old splash screen for my older Kenwood. The resolution was smaller than the 720, I just went into Photoshop, raised it to 1280x720. Saved the BMP using the same settings. Added the Android Auto and Carplay logos and it looks AMAZING! Did have trouble touching the corners because I have fat fingers. lol

[@junglerider165]

thank you!

[@hasitha2010]

Do you know how to reverse it, once done?

[@siwulas71]

You can't do it ,You can upload a new one but You can't go back

[@ewok-farmer]

I know this is an old video, but I'm trying to do this and every time I attempt it, I get the NG error along with a red screen. I have the file set to 16 bit, 5,6,5. 1280x720. Not sure what I'm missing at this point.

[@posmasiahaan76]

HI, I'm using the DDX9018S and able to display the Customise Menu by using the 2-2-1-1 tap. The only thing is that I'm not able to proceed since all the button is grey except the initialize factory default button. Pls help.

[@jonschlaich3067]

Do you have any idea if this works on the DDX374BT? I'd like to do the same to that headunit.

[@mababr1977]

at 3:22: do you know what for the other options are? I did not dare to press :-). Are there any interesting hidden features? What I'd like to do is, switch off unused inputs, so that they do not show up on the menu and also eliminate the 10s startup disclaimer. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[@bennyhedman5703]

hi I have a kenwood DDX9717BTS, I get a red picture when they cut ng in the middle where they say ok for you in the video, what am I doing wrong.. have added the txt file-the usb stick is formatted FAT32 the images must be the correct format, also tested your subaru image, they were the same, the image is named image1.bmp.... please help me

[@gibbyrp]

My DMX 7705 loads a distorted version of my wallpaper and then it clears up. Any ideas?

[@floydian4evr]

my ddx9707s does same thing any fix?

[@raomonteiro]

I done it, and works. Thanks.

[@schnoufav_pro]

Hi help me i have a last question when i try it with my key usb the screen is orange why because i dont understand , I followed all the manipulation should it be formatted my key usb under windows or cmd.exe? thnaks for help

[@q80aziz]

Unfortunately this won’t work on the DMX7017DABS

[@JuniorDoug1982]

It does, I've just done it

[@q80aziz]

JuniorDoug1982 Well good for you 👍 the DMX7017DABS is not a US model may I ask where are you located ? Thanks

[@kaisamagone]

Same with 8019 ?

[@cwoollett100]

Just tried this on DMX-7017DABS and using the settings shown on website I just get a small line of coloured pixels along the bottom and then a small logo in centre of screen not full screen image as expected Help

[@putranazrul9819]

Hi there, nice video. I would like to try on my DDX9017S but before that what if things screw up? how am i be able to restore things back? Or how to restore the original kenwood boot up logo back?

[@AutoChimp]

email us at [e-mail] we can send you return instructions.

[@putranazrul9819]

CarbonCarSystems ok sent.

[@dcowley32]

Hi. Everytime I try this I always get a pixelated image. I've tried so many different ways. Do you have a way to get the original Kenwood start up image back please??

[@jasonlee1685]

Can I check if I restart the unit after changing the startup image, will all my settings(time zone, language, cam, display etc.) be reset to factory settings as well?

[@AutoChimp]

If you completely unplug the unit yes it will.

[@rodnymh]

I got the image loaded into the unit but before the image comes on, the screen is scrambled for about 3 seconds then the image shows, what has happened here?.

[@allysonshepherd6764]

My unit will not boot up now after changing the splash screen image. Any ideas?

[@gregcrouch4127]

you need to format the usb using cmd, not the right-mouse Format under windows: Step 1. In Windows 10, for example, type cmd in the search box, you can get the best match called Command Prompt. Right-click on it and choose Run as administrator. Step 2. On the Command Prompt window, type diskpart and press Enter. Step 3. Type list disk and press Enter. According to the list disk information, check which disk is your USB flash drive. For example, disk 2. Step 4. Now type select disk 2 and press Enter. Step 5. Type clean. Wait some time for disk erasing. Step 6. Type create partition primary and press Enter. Step 7. After diskpart successfully created the specified partition, type format fs=ntfs and press enter. If you prefer other file system formats, change the command ntfs to the desired one such as fat32, exfat, etc. Step 8. Type assign to create a drive letter to the flash drive.

[@Moontimez]

What is your patch for the original screen?

[@sentrajgg87]

Hi I have a dnx574s n I'm having a hard time changing my start screen it's all black with blurred image on the bottom side need help ,I even used GIMP n dont work

[@alfonsomarquez5188]

What about 2019 versions? Followed same instructions but I'm not getting the "OK" in the "open customize."

[@RYTHMICRIOT]

I just upgraded to a DDX9906XR and will be looking to do this. I currently had a DDX9903S which I had for a few years and I changed the startup screen on that. It is important that you use the proper USB input as only one of them will work for this.

[@Mitsubeasty1]

RYTHMIC RIOT I have the same unit. Using Gimp I’m getting the distorted image upon start up followed by the correct image. I originally did it in paint and it was displaying 4 smaller images across the bottom before the image loaded correctly. I’ve since reverted back to the stock Excelon image.

[@pcking2008]

Does this work for the Kenwood DMX1057xr? Anyone know?

[@Dacoco2000]

Does this also work with the DMX8019DABS?

[@AutoChimp]

Yes can be done, see link in the description for the files.

[@siwulas71]

HI guys ! is it possible to this with every file jpeg, png size 800x480 etc? I am trying to do this with different image and its not working

[@Cerbus666]

Anyone know how to access the Customize Menu on the DDX276BT ?

[@JuanLopez-sz4px]

How do i change it back to factory? Im selling my stereo and wanna put it back to factory

[@nicevacs]

I have DDX6904S after about 15 hours of solid trial and error I found the one that works picture is 1440x900

[@merlin2890]

hey . I the DDX6706S can you add a sound to the start up or just a pic?

[@laszlolorantfeher1957]

Hi Merlin, did you manage to replace the boot image as it was shown in the video? My DDX6706S is not reacting to the tapping of the screen corners in Standby mode. 🤔🙁

[@WhenINDoubtCallME]

Anyone know how to do this with a ddx375bt?

[@rcytowski]

Hi mate red screen appear with en any tips

[@Richardgottrolled]

My image turned out mirrored and upside down, I fixed it with photoshop, however the top left has small colored pixelation. How do you fix that? It's also not centered

[@thejhkful1]

Did you guys figure out how to centre the image?

[@GianPaoloVecchi]

DDX917WS with latest firmware. The setup menu doesn’t appear. Any hint, please?

[@AutoChimp]

keep trying it does work!

[@imprensaguaruja]

How can do it in the DNX7700bt ?

[@alexandertanto]

What about ddx717wbt it's same?

[@ianaintsaying1625]

Got a procedure for doing this on the DDX594?

[@AutoChimp]

Sorry not sure on that unit.

[@ianaintsaying1625]

Damn! Oh well, thanks.

[@adammcpherson4525]

I can't even get to the customize menu on my brand new DDX794. Any ideas why?

[@AutoChimp]

No sure sorry. Best to email Kenwood.

[@q80aziz]

Good on ya mate 👍

[@em1T4]

the only file name accepted is "sample_wallpaper", others don't work

[@fomo24..7]

Does anyone know how to get rid of the clock on a kenwood dmx 7018

[@AntoineFinch]

800 480 right? or 800 x 600

[@dimaskurniawan1365]

do you know how to access ss mode in kenwood ddx418bt?

[@panfoe]

dah ketemu blm bang caranya 🙏🏻

[@panfoe]

dah ketemu, tombol menu sama eject

[@thejhkful1]

Tried this on the Ddx4018bt, followed every step and always get the same message 'insert usb and try again' someone help please

[@reksa9]

sorry if JVC KW V11 How to use it

[@schnoufav_pro]

Hi why the number is 9876 version? because other tutorial use the number 9999 how find this number? thanks

[@AutoChimp]

There is other numbers used for reseting the image.

[@schnoufav_pro]

ok but how can i know the number

[@brazelton74]

Resurrecting an old thread, i follow these instructions and get to the menu with usb plugged in but u get a red screen with the letters NG in the middle. Any ideas what I'm doing wrong? Ddx6904s

[@azpeoriafreak]

Make sure the image is named image1

[@reggiexp69]

wil this work on jvc kw330?

[@AutoChimp]

Possible as JVC and Kenwood are the same company but I have not tried it sorry.

[@hasitha2010]

How to reverse it?

[@derekathey4616]

Has anyone done this on the ddx23bt? I so how do you do it?

[@Wovel117]

rip the website is different now or something

[@bobkarakas4930]

this is not exist in your website anymore 2020

[@bassb450]

How about a disclaimer saying you can't help in changing the screen back to original!

[@AutoChimp]

Added. Thank you.

[@wprengaman]

He said that in the video

[@andreasbiemel4682]

Hi, bei meinem Kenwood DMX 8019 komme ich ins Menü, er zeigt aber einen roten Bildschirm, wenn ich auf opening customize drücke. Hab einen Reset gemacht alles. Keine Chance. Hat jemand eine Idee? Komme nicht weiter,,,,? Hab image.bmp und das Format stimmt auch. ? Oder geht auch .jpg? Andere Bezeichnung? Am weißen oder schwarzen USB Kabel? LG und danke! Andreas

[@ksn1150]

I have followed your instructions but not sure why I get NG error when plugged my USB to port image on Kenwood 994s unit? Any help would be much appreciated. I'm using windows 10 laptop

[@cole9392]

Leo K I have the same issue. The screen is red and has NG. Displayed

[@kellyfoster3862]

I struggled for a while to find a way to create the proper format .bmp for my recent Kenwood DMX9706S. Windows 10 based, and the default .bmp's coming out of the typical photo editors caused the distorted "static" image described by others. Solution: 1) Download free open source image editor imagemagick from imagemagick.org/ 2) In it’s install directory is a utility “convert”. Create a link to that utility and move link into your Kenwood directory. 3) In a Windows cmd shell, convert the desired image into the 16 bit BMP format (5,6,5) as follows: convert your_image.bmp -define bmp:subtype=RGB565 image1.bmp where ”your_image.bmp” is the desired image that isn’t in the right format for Kenwood 4) Install the image as describe by the rest of the Carbon Car instructions

[@junglerider165]

anyone tried this on a ddx918ws/ddx9018s?

[@davidbethune2235]

somerandomstuff I would like to know also

[@hasitha2010]

Yes, but got a problem..

[@hasitha2010]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5usmpijd82olbs

[@stevecooke8376]

Image quality not legible

[@imranakhtar100]

I have the DNX893S. Is there any way to get rid of the agree screen that needs to be accepted every time? What a brain-dead design. I find it hard to believe someone thinks this prompt needs to be accepted every time?? Kendwoood guys, how about an agree screen for every time you take a breath--will that make you feel secure? Unbelievable.

[@rodnymh]

These guys are useless, they never reply to any comments as you can see, My unite is stuck with a scrambled image like this companies' service.

[@Ziogref]

So I looked this up online and it looks like this a setting that is available on a lot of Kenwood units for year. I tried it on my DDX916WS and this happened. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaPNpnV8qNeAjZI Any ideas, I tried with 2 different images same issue. Followed the steps exactly. 800x480 16bit image1.bmp

[@AutoChimp]

I haven't tried the DDX916WS as thats last years model but I tried the new one not a problem. Try making the image at 921 x 480 pixels and then crush it down to 800x480 That should fix it. If you need we can always restore to original Kenwood image I have a patch to do that also :D

[@Ziogref]

I went to try the Subaru file you provided on your website but it's just a small white square

[@AutoChimp]

We have tried it on all new models it works fine. You can restore to original kenwood image if you need, we haven't tested older models like the DDX916WS so not sure on those.

[@garysimmons326]

i am having all sorts of issues can someone do a video of the process as they are doing it so others that are not so technical can follow step by step either on photo shop or gimp

[@cwoollett100]

How do you get th original image back on the DMX-7017DABS please? @@AutoChimp

[@Beyblade_Genki]

How do i access tge secret menu on Dmx9720xs kenwood ? I tried the taps but doesnt work

[@keithk691]

Did this on a DNX576S; same procedures and worked! I'm curious why the screen shows for a few seconds, then goes black, then I see the 'agree and continue' screen. Any thoughts on how to retain the customized image from boot up until the agree page? Some people have been asking about "NG" while loading. I saw this when I attempted to use a JPG and not a BMP. I went back in and modified the image from JPG to the proper dimension BMP and it gave me the blue OK screen. I've seen a number of other posts asking how to get the factory kenwood screen back. I thought I'd share in case someone is looking here. Change the version number from 9876 to 0000 and your kenwood image will return. MODIFIED IMAGE SCREEN Opening Customize [FILE]image1.bmp [VERSION]9876 ~END RETURN TO FACTORY KENWOOD SCREEN Opening Customize [FILE]image1.bmp [VERSION]0000 ~END

[@ryanwalker397]

Keith K TYSM

[@bhajj94]

Is there any way to do this with a dmx9706s?

[@hendrixkalloo5363]

Does anyone knows how to change the start up screen logo on the ANX7150 HEAD UNIT