What’s New for 2012 – Kenwood DDX419

posted in: Events | 67

One of our favorites this year at C.A.R. Audio & Security is the Kenwood DDX419.  It is not your typical yearly replacement that looks and mostly acts like its predecessor.  It does pretty much look just like the DDX418 but it acts differently.  This is a great DVD Receiver.  It has AM/FM/CD/DVD/USB/Aux/Bluetooth.  It had that last year, too.  What’s new?

This year Kenwood decided to add a few welcoming features.  Last year’s model wouldn’t allow for adding satellite radio.  If you wanted to listen to Satellite radio you had to have a smartphone with an app.  Not such a bad idea except, what if you want your live sports channels or other feature channels?  Wake Forest is in the middle of football county.  So, those who want it all will have all their satellite radio channels as long as they add the appropriate tuner.

Last year, in order to have navigation, the KNA-G610 navigation system had to be added to the DDX418.  This year, you can no longer add on navigation with a KNA-G610.  Now with an iPhone plugged into the DDX419 and using a Kenwood specific iPod cable like KCAIP22F, navigation is possible with a Garmin navigation app and have full, up to date navigation without the expense of the add on Kenwood item.  Not only will the DDX419 allow the Garmin app to be used through your iPhone but other apps as well can be controlled and viewed on the 6.1” touchscreen such as Pandora radio.  This is what’s mostly brilliant about this unit.  So many people were buying units like the DDX418 and using their phone’s navigation app anyway.  Now, they can put the thing down and see it on a larger screen.

The Bluetooth feature isn’t just for phone calls anymore.  It will allow for audio streaming, too.   This is great for those people who refuse to put their phone down or like Chris, who feel like they can do it all faster with the phone and don’t want to spend the time to learn another product.  (Nail meet head)

This is a great unit packed with a lot of features.  Looks great, easy to use software and it is adapting to the “there’s an app for that” age beautifully.

UPDATE 5/14/2012 – We just attended Kenwood training last week and found out that the Street Pilot app does not work, according to Kenwood.  Apparently when searching Kenwood Garmin apps on the iPhone, 4 appear.  Two are green and two are blue.  The green are Street Pilot and should not be used although this is still currently the advised app to use.  You should choose the blue app called “Garmin USA” it costs around $50; the price fluctuates.  Then you will also have to pay for a “Vehicle Integration” fee of another $50.  Sorry about the confusion and misinformation but we can only know what we are told.

Another tip: We were told by Kenwood the GPS Drive app should not be chosen due to quality and rates.  GPS Drive costs $.99 to download and the buyer assumes that is the only fee.  According to Kenwood, after the first month the customer is charged an additional $6.99 every month.  Chris and I quizzically looked at each other when this was said because he has personally had the app for 6 months and has never been charged a dime since the initial download of $.99.  Now the app itself is not something a traveling salesperson would want or anyone else who relies consistently on good navigation, however, for those who need it only a few times a year it works great.  We tested it on the way home from the training in fact and found the only complaint is that it isn’t very fast on updating the graphics as you travel therefore although your route is highlighted the graphics around it may not be.  Half of the map could be correct and the other half is a grid waiting on the new information.  This is worse the faster you travel.  It also didn’t offer a re-routing when we purposefully took a wrong turn but the correct route remained highlighted so we could find our way back.

With all this said, you will have to make your own informed decision.  Good luck to you all and thanks for reading!

67 Responses

  1. Troy R

    i have this unit and the street pilot app on my iPhone but it says it can’t be viewed on the screen what do i do

    • crhoades

      Are you using Kenwood’s KCA-IP22F iPod cable? This is needed to view video and have audio at the same time.

  2. Tammy

    Hi
    I bought this yesterday… LOVE it!!! I can’t figure out which garmin app I need to purchase on my iphone to work with my deck? Any idea? Ive looked through the manual, web site, etc…
    Thanks!

    • crhoades

      You have to use Garmin’s Streetpilot app made for iPhone. I’m glad you enjoy it. If you run across any neat features or even oddities please update us.

  3. Rich

    I bought this unit and the cable and the StreetPilot app. I can’t figure out how to listen to the tuner or to SiriusXM while viewing the navigation app. Is it possible to do so?

    • crhoades

      It is possible. First when you mention SiriusXM I assume you also bought the SiriusXM tuner. It is an extra part. Kenwood only sells their units as “ready” for satellite radio. It needs SXV100V1 to play satellite radio. Once you program your route and you are ready to go and want to go back to your AV source I believe you either press the menu icon on the bottom left of your touchscreen or the menu button on left side of unitl. It is late Sunday night and I am not actually at the store to confirm but I believe that is correct. I’ll check tomorrow to confirm. In the meantime I hope this helps.

  4. Trey Newton

    I purchased all three, the garmin app the 419 and the kenwood cable. Everything works good except the garmin nav. I get the warning screen and audio but once I hit accept on warning screen everything goes black. Still have voice but a map has never shown up on my unit. Any suggestions?

    • crhoades

      If you installed this yourself the best I can tell you is there is a fix however to cover all bases (and my liable rear end) my best advice is to tell you to find a reputable 12 volt shop. All of these DVD/NAV products come from the manufacturer to not display video while driving. You might be able to find out more information on this on a forum as well but I would spend the extra bucks and go to a car audio shop to be safe.

  5. Chris

    Just got the Kenwood 419 installed in my car. I have the garmin street pilot app and the proper cables. When I run the app, the stereo tells me it is unable to mirror the app but from what I am told this app should work. Any suggestions?

    • crhoades

      I have heard from a few people. Without being able to talk you through a few questions I can only hope I am guiding you correctly. There appears to be 2 different things you need to do when obtaining the streetpilot app. Straight from kenwoodusa.com are the following directions. 1. Purchase the Garmin On-Board App from iTunes (U.S.A or N.America map versions) 2. ADD the Vehicle Display Integration option and you will now be able to view the map and hear directions through the DDX receiver. As an on-board App, you will use minimal GPS data for navigating. If you did both of these then quite honestly I would delete the app, power off your phone and try again. If you want control over all of this while in motion you will have to have someone, usually a car audio shop, perform a bypass to allow that.

  6. Chris

    Thanks for the information. Apparently there is 2 different garmin apps available throught he app store. I had the wrong one.

  7. Marco

    When u add the KNA-G610 to the ddx419
    Is there a nav icon that appears on the screen?

    • crhoades

      Yes there is a Nav icon…in fact it is there regardless of adding navigation. You can in fact program which 3 most commonly used icons you want displayed primarily and all the others follow as you drag your finger across the screen to scroll through them. Is your navigation working?

  8. Julien

    Hi guys,
    I need your help. I have a DDX719 and I have bought the Garmin App, bought the vehicule integration add-on, have the kenwood wire connected to my iPhone 4S but CAN’T put my gps on the unit. I can see it on my iPhone screen, but no clue how to project it on my DDX719 !! There is no ” NAV ” button. How do you guys manage to have it on your screen ?? Let me know, i’m desperate !!
    Thanks.

    • crhoades

      Ok, after you have the app working on your iPhone look on the screen of the DDX719 and you’ll see an icon that looks like an iPod. Tap that and the image should appear.

  9. Jacky

    My question is exactly the same as Rich on March 11, 2012. I purchased everything we needed, however I am trying to figure out how to listen to music while the navigation is going? I just installed the app and connected it to my DDX 419, haven’t actually gone anywhere to test but once I connected the app to the unit the music turned off. I went to menu and pressed tuner and nothing. Does the car need to be in motion?

    • crhoades

      So you:
      1. Have an iPhone?
      2. Purchased the navigation app? The Garmin USA (blue)
      3. Purchased the vehicle integration?
      I think #3 is probably what you are missing. You will have 2 purchases through your phone to make each around $50. After that all should be good.

  10. David

    Hi ~ I’m thinking of purchasing this unit to put in a golf cart.
    I’m very interested in being able to use the unit for Satellite Radio.

    You commented, “So, those who want it all will have all their satellite radio channels as long as they add the appropriate tuner.”

    So I will need to add a tuner for this to function? Can you tell me which tuner would be best to add?

    Thanks,
    David

    • crhoades

      SiriusXM tuner SXV200. You should be able to get it anywhere that sells Kenwood Electronics. Then you will have to subscribe to siriusxm as well. You could add the SiriusXM app to your phone and receive satellite radio that way. It will be limited to music channels only but if that’s all you want it for then it could save you a lot of money.

  11. Austin

    I brought the kenwood DDX419, and it’s great, I am just wondering how do I put the garmin app so it would show onto the kenwood DDX419?

    • crhoades

      With an iPhone, and using the appropriate iPod adapter, (Kenwood KCAiP22F), download 2 apps. First, buy the Garmin USA (blue) app around $50. Second, buy the vehicle integration app (software) to use with the Garmin app. You will need both for it to work. The second one is the same price.

  12. MartyOneSWE

    I’ve just bought a DDX4021BT in sweden.
    My question is does the Garmin Western Europe App work as the US version work on DDX719 etc. ??

    • crhoades

      I have searched for some information on your DDX4021BT but I have no luck finding anything. If by comparing it to the DDX719 you mean they are the same unit but one is European then I would assume it would work. I do know for the DDX719/419 you must use an iPhone, download the Garmin USA app as well as one other that is listed with it. The two together cost $100 USD. You also must use the specific Kenwood ipod adpater for this to work. So, if your unit is indeed meant to behave as our DDX719/419 then hopefully the information I have given you will be of some assistance.

  13. Travis

    i Just bought the ddx419 and had it installed by an expert, pandora bluetooth works but when i plug it in to the iphone 4s i see pandora how i should see it on the radio, but i have no sound, are the settings wrong. im getting the display, but not the audio. also i was told netfilx worked but im not getting it as well. please help

    • crhoades

      Here’s everything you need to know based on what you have asked. I realize some you may know already but need to cover all bases. First, you need the Kenwood ipod adapter KCAiP22F and have your iPhone plugged in. You also have to open the pandora app on the phone before choosing the pandora icon on the ddx419. If you have done these then you’ll have to go back to the expert. You cannot use just the typical ipod adapter you got with your phone. You’ll also need that same kenwood ipod adapter to use the garmin navigation if you need to. To use netflix, you need to be in app mode which is the indicator on the ddx419 screen that forces you to use the iphone instead of the screen. You should be able to find those directions in the owner’s manual. There are more specific instructions online on kenwoodusa.com. Just look up the model number once in the site.

  14. frank

    hey guys!! i just installed the ddx419 in my wifes car!! great unit so far!! the problem is that when a dvd is played, i get audio but no video!! the screen says parking switch?? i dunno!! i have been installing for years and never came across this!! i even had a pioneer unit in my own car and didnt have isuues with the video playing!! any help would be greatly appreciated!!

    • crhoades

      Frank
      All of these DVD units typically come from the manufacturer “locked”. This means you cannot watch video while driving and some only can be viewed while in PARK. This is true with the Kenwood. The Pioneer should have been as well but if you had it installed professionally then they may have “unlocked” it for you. As a business, I cannot advise you how to do this. There are probably forum entries on the net advising you how to do this. You might be able to find this info searching “bypass DDX419”. If not, I would advise contacting a local car audio shop and pay them to do it.

  15. Gene

    Hello, I have purchased the DDX419 and had the iphone plugged in with the regular usb cable, the Pandora and the iPod functions worked fine for about 10 minutes, and after that the front USB shot down and i was unable to use it again. I have a refurbished unit so i’m not sure if my unit is defective.
    So do we need the Kenwood adapter to connect the iPhone and use it for Pandora and Ipod ?

    P.S. I have seen countless reviews from the youtube where people use regular USB cable on their iPhone without any issues.

    • crhoades

      You can use your regular ipod cable if all you are wanting is to play itunes. But to have album art, video, pandora and any other apps display you need to use the Kenwood ipod adapter. You can use the KCA-iP22F; it is the shorter one (F is for Front) or the KCA-iP202 and it is much longer. These cable have the additional aux input plug for video/app/nav audio which you’ll find necessary. There may be some hack or function we are aware of that allows the regular ipod adapter to work but we honestly don’t see how it would without the aux input as well.

  16. Mike

    I literally spent 70 on the street pilot app already and have been racking my brain for 24hrs on why the thing ain’t workin on my 419. Now I know. So Basicly I am screwed outta that 70 and then have to spend another 100 to get what I really need? Is there a way to get a refund from apple since I’ve only had the app for 3 days and just wanna switch to a different one.

    • crhoades

      Mike
      I am afraid I do not know the answer to that. I would assume there is a way to do that, it may be through Garmin, not Apple. To be safe and prevent any other issues, you did get the specific ipod adapter and not just trying to use the adapter you got with your phone? If you buy the Kenwood one, it is KCAiP22F. You can buy other brands as long as the pins on the ipod part match and as long as the aux input part has the 3 rings on the male end.

    • crhoades

      Not until the adapters come out. The “lightning to 20/30 pin” adapter that should make the iPhone 5 work with everything. I haven’t been able to get one to test yet. We are told they will work then but until I see it for myself I cannot say for sure.

  17. Dana

    On the DDX419 unit can you use an android phone for navigation or just the I phone?

  18. Sid

    Is there any way to get the FM to work in European countries? I have purchased one from US, and I know there would be issues due to different standards used in US and European countries. I know it is possible to do stepping in older Kenwood models, however I could not find anything in regards to that. A few of the sellers actually do change the setting before shipping out from US, however I was too late to check with them before I purchased from elsewhere.

    • crhoades

      I have no idea what to tell you other than try calling 1-800-KENWOOD. Hopefully they will either know what to tell you or can at least direct you.

  19. Faedra

    I have the DDX419 – the manual shows using the KCA-iP22F and plugging my iPod in to the front of the unit, but I want to wire it (plug it in) to the back so that I can keep wires tucked away in my glovebox and control my iPod from the display, or front of the stereo. Is the KCA-iP202 compatible with the DDX419?

  20. Chris Shaffer

    I have an iPhone 5 and I have to new adapter. I have the ddx419. My music and information will play but my Netflix will not work nor my iPhone videos. Compatibility issue?

    • crhoades

      With the iPhone 5 no video will work, including navigation. That is part of the iPhone 5 itself. What I’ve read is iPhone 5 has digital video instead of analog which changes how all these parts work together. I have no idea if a future firmware update or another harness will change that or not.

  21. Bryan Suarez

    I recently purchased the ddx419 and it’s great except when I link the Bluetooth it’s streams great but my sub seems to be off but when I run an aux cable an play the same track the sub hits, is my unit defective or does the system not do that ?

    • crhoades

      You need to go to your bluetooth audio settings under bluetooth. You should see speaker settings under bluetooth audio and you will see only the front are on. Choose “ALL” to receive audio from all of your speakers. You may have to do this if you ever change your car battery as well or do a reset to the unit. I hope this helps!

  22. Don Garcia

    The Iphone adaptor cable is nutty using the Head Phone jack and the Power Jack. Beyond that, only the Ipod/Iphone 4/4s cable is available.

    The Blue tooth works fine, but it’s a bunch of radio for just a bluetooth app.

  23. dak kota

    I have the kenwood ddx 419, do i have to have the kac-202 or ipaf to watch netflix and can i stream other apps through this? i have tried plugging in a regular usb cable and als the auxillary cable to the top. and what are the av input setting for( the one with the yellow,red and white cables).

    • crhoades

      You have to have either the KAC-ip202 or ip22F or a cable like it. Other brands make them but it has to be like those. If you use just your ipod cable and an aux cable you will have itunes control of your iphone and get audio but no video and maybe no Pandora control. With the KAC cables and the like you can then view anything from your iphone on the DDX screen. If you are choosing a video app like Netflix you will need to enter Netflix on your phone (with it plugged up), choose the APP Mode icon on the bottom left of your DDX screen. It will still be black. From your phone back out of Netflix to the main screen of your phone and choose the MUSIC app at the bottom of your phone. This allows viewing of video apps. Then go back to Netflix and play around.

  24. Dustin Mills

    Just got the ddx719 I can view video that’s stored on my iphone using kca-ip202. However video from Netflix or YouTube won’t display, only the audio, kenwood doesn’t know why. I have an iPhone 4S with iOS 6.0.1, anybody else have this issue?

    • crhoades

      When you want to play video from an app like Netflix, start playing whatever video you want after choosing APP mode on the bottom left hand side of the DDX screen. The screen will be black when the video is playing. From your iPhone (assuming it’s 4 or 4s), you will have to back out of Netflix and choose the MUSIC icon (for itunes). Doing that will for whatever reason allow app video to appear. Then go back to Netflix if you choose to change selections etc.

  25. eddie

    i have a kenwood ddx419. everything was working great till i got my car serviced and had unhooked the battery for my car to service. when i got the car back i reset all the presets. the bluetooth works fine streaming with my iphone 4 as well as the pandora streaming. the only thing hats wrong is i connect the iphone 4 to the stereo through my iphone usb connecter i see the stereo is playing the music but i get no sound with the ipod and pandora features. i do get the album art work just no sound. can you please tell me what the problem is?

    • crhoades

      Were you able to use the iPhone’s USB connector with the DDX before and have volume? You shouldn’t have been able to. With this particular unit you need a iPod to USB/AUX and it does need to be specific to video and audio. Kenwood sells one called a KCA-iP22f for $29.99. You can buy one that’s not Kenwood but again you’ll need to make sure it’s for video and audio. You need to have the 30 pin adapter side plugged into your iPhone and the USB and AUX plugged into the front of the DDX. This is the only way to get audio as far as I know.

  26. Stacy

    I tried several nav. Apps on my iPhone,the app called WAZE is one of the best works grate with the DDX419 with the cable

  27. Rolland

    Hi, read a few of youre comments and noticed that some of you dont know that connecting the cable from the ddx419 marked as “brake sensor”, to any ground will anable video viewing without any bypass device or stepping on the brake peddle, have a ddx419, am just getting used to it, am learning how to operate it, love it, did the installation my self, all I need now is just how to get Netflix to work on it, got required cable, will mess with it some more till it works.

    • crhoades

      If you are choosing a video app like Netflix you will need to enter Netflix on your phone (with it plugged up), choose the APP Mode icon on the bottom left of your DDX screen. It will still be black. From your phone back out of Netflix to the main screen of your phone and choose the MUSIC app at the bottom of your phone. This allows viewing of video apps. Then go back to Netflix and play around.

  28. Sam

    Is there anyway we can use iphone 5 for the App mode in Kenwood DDX419? Also for navigation using street pilot app.

    • crhoades

      As of right now this is not compatible. The grapevine says there will be a cable out this summer, not very specific, for around $100 that will allow the video apps and navigation apps on these DVD units but I cannot be absolutely sure until I see it for myself.

  29. Dianna

    I have the ddx419 and connected everything. The only problem I’m having is that I can’t get my sub to work. Both the sub and amp work because they were working with my other deck. What did I do wrong?

    • crhoades

      I hate to ask what might be an annoying question but have you confirmed the subwoofer is set to “ON” in the audio settings of the Kenwood? Need to check that. Also, if you are using bluetooth while doing this and your subwoofer is on and you still hear no subwoofer then go into your bluetooth audio settings and choose “ALL”. I believe the default setting is front speakers only.

  30. Abdul

    I have the DDX419 and it displays something g about video display is restricted any suggestions

    • crhoades

      Is this while you are driving or even while parked? If while parked, then what kind of video source are you using. If it’s while you are driving then you will have to “bypass” Kenwood’s “lock” on that function while in motion. You will need to get an Audio shop to do that for you if you don’t know how.

  31. Cody

    I have the Kenwood DDX419, just bought the new iphone, and there is lightning to 30 pin adapters out there. its been over a half year since anyone has mentioned if they work or not. Any idea?

    • crhoades

      The adapter will work for your iTunes files and pandora. However, you will not be able to use any video or navigation apps and Kenwood has NO plans to make anything that would allow for that either.

  32. joey

    I have a ddx770 and the iphone 4 running on ios 5 somethin, the one before iso 6. I see some people have got WAZE app to work on their kenwoods. When i open the WAZE app and app mode on the kenwood the black app screen turns blue, I can hear WAZE in my speakers but only get blue screen. Any suggestions? Everything else works fine (youtube, netflix). Could it be my old iso or new WAZE update?

    • crhoades

      Honestly the only thing it can be is the software. WHich? Not sure. Obviously the radio feature is working but something in either ios or Waze is causing the issue. I apologize for the delay.

  33. Jared

    As for the Kenwood DDX and the “Waze” not showing on the screen.. or any other application that others are reporting to show (WITHOUT using a Cydia app like TVout) — Is not so much an issue with the Waze application, but with the lack of the Kenwood KCA iP-202 cable That allows Video to be transmitted from the Phone properly.

    Yeah, it’s a bit lame you have to essentially buy a $20-$29 cable (depending on where you get it) that’s nothing more than a proprietary USB (Input) to the USB out female cord from the headunit and a 3.5mm input to the female auxillary 3.5mm input marked (ipod) (both of these coming from back of headunit).

    That said,.. When I added this cord my apps worked fine, with video.

    The “best” solution is using this cord,.. + the “Blue Icon” Garmin Streetpilot application $50 — then ALSO buying the Navigation Integration “upgrade” in the Garmin Streetpilot App for another $40-$50 (Yes it’s $100 for an app) —

    but,.. it turns your Headunit and speakers into a bluetooth driven , and touchscreen operated (via headunit face) Garmin Navigation unit via your Iphone. Is it worth it? Well this is how I see it.

    If you use your navigation more than 3-4 times a year.. yes. If you ever get lost somewhere and need some directions.. you’d gladly pay $100 in some situations.

    On the OTHER hand,.. if you don’t use Navigation much, but like to have it as an OPTION.. just get Waze for free and it will show on the Navigation unit AND come through your speakers just fine (just need that KCA – iP202 Cable).

    You can buy the KCA iP-202 cable from Crutchfield, Amazon, Ebay (I’ d be careful on Ebay).. and any other reputable “dealer” … It IS a different cable than just plugging in your Iphone charging cable to the USB cable and a male to male 3.5m — (Trust me.. I tried EVERYTHING before realizing I needed that cable.)

    I also have NOT bought the Garmin App yet (but have trialed it, and it works just as if you had navigation built into the headunit.) — I have my 30pin cable (and the USB cable as well) in a Compartment that opens and closes.. So I can switch in and out the phone or a USB stick.

    So that serves two functions:

    1) If you install yourself (or another installs) you or they may plug in the KCA ip202 cable in behind the headunit.. and just run the 30 pin end and 3.5mm end to where you can access.. This eliminates the ability to switch in a USB flash drive for music, adding pictures to headunit background, upgrading headunit firmware,.. and so on. (To me, using a Flashdrive for music is huge.. So just remember to route that USB cable on the back of the headunit up and out to an accessible location (it’s plenty long enough). — So when I plug in my Iphone 4 to the Cable.. I just unhook my USB drive.. plug in the KCA USB end, plug in 30pin to Iphone ,.. and 3.5mm to Iphone audio out (headphone out). Then I shut the compartment.

    It’s out of sight,.. and I can control everything from the headunit.

    2) I basically said it all in (1) — but the two functions are Phone for navigation (Pandora) and other apps. ie: Waze.. and if you use a Video/TvOut App (very easy to install on phone) you can have anything that shows on your iphone output to your headunit via this cable.. very handy.. Youtube and other built in apps already output without any extra help.

    The second function is obviously Using the USB input for a flashdrive — I’ve used personally a 32GB drive without a problem on this headunit.. Most headunits I’ve used in the past won’t read a 32GB Drive.. and anything larger than this , frankly, becomes WAY too many songs to sort through anyways.. So I keep it on random.

    TLDR:

    Buy a KCA-iP202 cable (under $29) — When you hook it to headunit backend.. make sure you route the USB female connector from back of headunit OUT to an accessible area in the car (even if just above or below the headunit itself). — If you are interested in what this cable does.. read above. 🙂

    Otherwise, it’s a great headunit with it’s 4V pre-outs, DVD quality, Rear view/Reverse camera (don’t buy the $200-$300 Kenwood camera.. buy one of the $25 Ebay cameras.. they look great and work fine.) — It’s MUCH more durable than the Pioneer units.. Many people have their Pioneer touchscreens die on them with potholes, and random “bumps” .. the Pioneers are great, but they don’t like being bumped around. 🙁

    Plus the price.. I use a DDX470 — and I got it for $269.. can’t really complain about Built in Bluetooth, DVD, Touchscreen, USB, CD, MP3, WMA, (and tons of other movie and music formats), Pandora built in with headunit USB and Bluetooth, Garmin Streetpilot built into headunit,.. Fantastic EQ and other sound options, durability,.. and really I could obviously go on forever about this.

    Still amazes me it runs under $500 to be honest.. It’s a $500+ headunit for less than $300.. Kenwood makes a good product with their Headunit, and DACS.

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