KENWOOD eXcelon DNX994S 2017 Flagship Navigation Multimedia Receiver Unboxing & Feature Highlights

[@paulgrimm7842]

I figured out the gauges . I now have gauges I never knew I had !

[@paulgrimm7842]

My outside temperature is not showing on my new Kenwood . Where did it go?

[@KenwoodUSA]

This receiver does not have an outside temperature sensor in it. You may have noticed some weather integration with the KENWOOD Traffic Powered by Inrix app when using your smartphone...make sure that you still have that app on your phone and that it is connecting to the receiver.

[@chrisUSA]

I purchased this unit, the DNX994S, from Amazon. It shipped quickly. I had it installed at Fry's Electronics in December, 2017. The install went perfectly into my Mercedes SL 550. So far, as of today, I have had NO PROBLEMS with this unit. It works fine. Now I have come across something I am not familiar with - extending the subscription. Yes, I know what a subscription is and how to pay, but with that it says for $19.95 you get Weather, Real-time traffic, fuel prices, dynamic parking, traffic cameras, movie times and media search on the navigation system. Really? Give me some help here. I don't get that now. By upgrading and/or paying for the subscription, I get all these add-on's? Update: 12/01/23: Unit is still working perfectly with no problems.

[@KenwoodUSA]

The KENWOOD Traffic Powered by Inrix app is free for the first user for 2 years, after that, you have the choice to pay to continue to receive these features within the Garmin navigation system.

[@budfox2337]

Is there a Firmware or other update available, so Waze can be used on an Iphone ?

[@KenwoodUSA]

There have been a couple of updates since the release of this receiver, and some to improve Apple CarPlay functionality. Waze is an app that is available to access from the Apple CarPlay source.

[@budfox2337]

@@KenwoodUSA , Thanks for the info

[@justindavis3418]

Hey Kenwood! So I can plug in an external hard drive with movies on it and play that on the head units screen? And with that isimple cable that gives me an hdmi input, I can hook my phone up with the Apple hdmi to lighting cable and display my phone screen on the head unit screen correct?

[@KenwoodUSA]

Correct, keeping in mind that the vehicle must be parked with the parking brake engaged to enable video display on the receiver.

[@StrokedGT]

Will this read a 3TB Western Digital Elements portable hard drive?

[@KenwoodUSA]

Yes, just ensure it is in NTFS format. Thanks!

[@periziv2346]

Hello, what radar detector model is working with the maestro Rr module?

[@SunCityGamer]

If your car already had a rear camera installed. Would this receiver support it? It's a 2012 Nissan Sentra SER.

[@KenwoodUSA]

The receiver has a universal composite RCA style camera input. This means that to retain the factory camera, you would need to have the wiring/integration parts from a 3rd party company to integrate this.

[@rickmarks7685]

Does the Daily weather forecast work on this unit Couse on the dnx693s does not work anymore on it @kenwoodusa

[@KenwoodUSA]

Can you please clarify what specific feature you are referring to? The weather within the KENWOOD Traffic Powered by Inrix app function? If so, yes, it works on both.

[@rickmarks7685]

Yes I’m referring to the INRIX weather app on the dnx994s @kenwoodusa

[@Nash72]

Hi, I saw that kenwood systems have a built in interface to support mapping the steering wheel controls to the head unit {saw it on a KZbin video}. Can you confirm if the dnx m994s or 995s have this feature? If they don't support it which is the latest model unit which does?

[@WChrisbell]

Could you put links in the description for the two cameras you talked about? On the Kenwood webpage or videos if you have them for more details. Thanks.

[@KenwoodUSA]

Links have been added. Thanks!

[@38jkv56io-u0lt]

I was hoping to see music timing settings, but I could not find it in this video. How do you adjust vehicle specific music timing/delay functions for speakers?

[@KenwoodUSA]

We do have a video on a prior generation receiver that gives a brief overview of the time correction feature: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2qcoWlvrMhgaNk You can also download and reference page 82 of the owners manual here: manual.kenwood.com/en_contents/search/

[@JaysRPGAdventures]

On the 9904s the website states the USB supply 1.5 amps of charging. Do phones get the full 1.5 amps of charging while using android auto at the same time?

[@KenwoodUSA]

Yes, the receiver supports rapid charging when plugged in for Android Auto as well. Thanks!

[@djtoo7]

How do u update the maps? For the Mac?

[@KenwoodUSA]

To purchase the Garmin map updates, click here: kenwood.garmin.com/kenwood/site

[@nblevins81]

Can you hook up satellite radio to this item

[@KenwoodUSA]

Yes.

[@terryahearn7167]

Is there a way to turn off the Navigation Voice assist? I have the volume turned down but would like to turn it off.

[@KenwoodUSA]

Yes. If you select the Garmin Navigation screen, then settings, you can turn off "Audible Voice Alerts" in the menu by un-checking the box next to it.

[@trum1077]

PLEASE tell me this can be accomplished with a 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe(US version) 2.0T with factory Nav Head unit? I cannot find anybody that has done it! Only on the "Non-Nav" models.

[@KenwoodUSA]

Please contact one of our authorized dealers from the "Find a Dealer" link at www.kenwood.com/usa/car/support/ They will be able to help you in researching a solution to allow for this double din receiver to fit your vehicle if possible. Thanks!

[@TheRenegade2.]

I can’t get the vehicle information to show in my 2013 Nissan 370Z. Do you know of any issues or will it not work on that particular car ? It’s one of the main reasons for buying this model thanks.

[@KenwoodUSA]

Are you using the receiver with an iDataLink Maestro RR? This would be required to enable the display of a compatible's vehicle information on the receiver.

[@TheRenegade2.]

KENWOODUSA yes I am. It shows the gauges and other features. The vehicle information icon is there but not highlighted like the other icons that work.

[@kensacdalan4748]

What accessories do I need to have my Android Air mirrored on the screen?

[@djtoo7]

when are you coming out with the new software for this radio, with more options better backgrounds just more fun, something that moves or more alive would be nice... thx dan

[@101carguru2]

Here is the recent Firmware ( Firmware Update v 1.4.0008.1400 Released October 2017) www.kenwood.com/cs/ce/mm/firmware/2017/2017g/eng.html

[@hvac526]

Is this the best one on the market

[@KenwoodUSA]

Yes, this is our flagship receiver. Thanks!

[@RafaelRodriguez1]

DNX893S is better as far as It seems to me.

[@Gt_Rickshow]

Can you connect more cameras besides front and rear?

[@101carguru2]

This Unit carries 3 input sources: Front view cam/dash cam (composite), Rear view cam (composite), and AV-IN (3.5 mm). You will need an optional cable: Kenwood CA-C3AV (which converts 3.5mm to composite)

[@Ganzonx1]

On the home screen the background is black. I know how to do that. But where your now playing scroll area is all black. How is that? Mine is blue with an animation. I'd like it black. There's also a stock blue photo on the very left where yours is completely black. How can I do that?

[@KenwoodUSA]

The Now Playing section is not user changeable. That section displays the dominant color of the album artwork and has a moving graphic during a music source. The reason that is black in the video, is that the current source is Standby. Thanks!

[@Gino20202]

What does the traffic service cost after the first two years of it being free are up?

[@KenwoodUSA]

Currently, you can extend your Inrix service for about $1.39 per month when pre-paying $49.99 for a 3 year subscription, or about $1.66 per month when pre-paying $19.99 for a 1 year subscription.

[@erickzelaya9372]

What happens if you don’t pay can you still use nav

[@troyraneri8156]

What do I look for if my phone's hooked up and I can hear the other party but they can't hear me

[@KenwoodUSA]

Check the Mic for loose or damaged wire in the installation. Thanks

[@jr2201]

Does this unit offer text message reading and reply?

[@KenwoodUSA]

Yes! Very easy to use with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto!

[@rodbecool]

Hello how do you display Cd text info?

[@KenwoodUSA]

You can display text information from any other current media sources, but CD text is no longer supported.

[@hvac526]

Would it be capable factory camera

[@KenwoodUSA]

The receiver has a backup camera input. In many cases, you will be able to retain your factory camera with the appropriate cables/interfaces. Any of our authorized dealers would be able to advise you on the third-party products needed to integrate your factory camera with this receiver. Thanks!

[@paulgrimm7842]

No gauges or outside temp on my excelon 994s!

[@KenwoodUSA]

The gauges available when you have the receiver connected to an iDataLink Maestro RR with a supported vehicle. Please make sure that you have this product installed with the receiver to gain access to this feature. The outside temp is not supported with the Maestro RR, but if the vehicle provides it's temperature over data, that will be displayed as well. You can select the temperature option to be displayed on the Garmin map display by touching one of the 4 displayed modes while on an active route, such as time of arrival, time to destination, etc.

[@marklengal9990]

Can we use Waze yet?

[@KenwoodUSA]

Great News...Waze was just released for Android Auto today! The answer is YES for Android Auto users, as the DNX994S is Android Auto ready!

[@marklengal9990]

KENWOODUSA So is that a no on the Apple? Sorry I should have more specific

[@KenwoodUSA]

Waze is only supported on Android Auto.

[@marklengal9990]

KENWOODUSA thanks for the quick responses Sethe

[@Ganzonx1]

I just recently got this model. Is there a way to confirm this was what was installed?

[@hhiser6206]

does this unit suport SSD drives? Can other dash cams be used with this unit? ThX

[@KenwoodUSA]

As long as the SSD drive is in NTFS format, yes! Only the DRV-N520 can be directly integrated with this receiver. Thanks!

[@RafaelRodriguez1]

Looks like a step back from the DNX893S. It actually has less features and no HDMI. The DNX893S seems to be a superior model.

[@KenwoodUSA]

HDMI is rarely used by most, but we do offer solutions in the video if you need to connect via HDMI. As for the differences, the sound quality is dramatically improved with audiophile grade components and support of DSD files. The DNX994S also supports the DRV-N520 Dashboard camera and the CMOS-320 camera with touchscreen control, which the DNX893S did not.

[@Nash72]

This is a link that shows kenwood head unit mapping a steering wheel kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYCwaoxmarqjiqM My question is does the 994s or 995s offer this feature.

[@KenwoodUSA]

This is only available on select non-USA models. USA models require using a third party steering wheel control interface from companies like iDatalink, PAC-Audio, Axxess, Scosche etc.

[@xzaviar1965]

57 Channels (And Nothin' On) - Bruce Springsteen: It does everything "Okay" but nothing real well. JMO

[@AllAboutBeatsnLyrics]

The #1 thing I want that this receiver does not have, a front USB port. The last thing I want to do is to drill more holes than needed into my car. As a result, the $1,200 price tag is not worth it. Front USB port is nice and simple!

[@101carguru2]

That is true AllAboutBeatsnLyrics. But I rather have a larger screen than a front USB jack consuming all that real estate.. I have my USB jack in the glove compartment so not to have drills in my dashboard.

[@scottlane4921]

AllAboutBeatsnLyrics . n

[@sweetbrandigirl]

Whoa you pay extra to get a radio with NAV only to find out that after two years you have to PAY a monthly fee for the NAV to work...NOT COOL NOT COOL AT ALL KENWOOD !

[@erickzelaya9372]

sweetbrandigirl really ?

[@erickzelaya9372]

sweetbrandigirl did not know that

[@erickzelaya9372]

Is there a link with that info

[@KenwoodUSA]

Good news... the nav will absolutely work after 2 years. The only sub-part of the nav system that you have the option to renew is the KENWOOD Traffic Powered by Inrix service. We only pay for 2 years of this service for you, after 2 years, you can renew if it is something you choose to use. Currently, the renewal price averages less than $2 per month.

[@Madvillian]

I got a kenwood unit from 2012 with garmin navigation, I don't pay a cent to use it.