DVD Phonocar VM015 Test

In its multimedia range, Phonocar offers several original products (hard disk media, overhead monitor with VGA input, ...) that are not found often in competition. We chose to test a DVD ½, the VM015, which has many advantages and a reasonable price!

A DVD player and integrated multifunction!

Several automobile manufacturers offer optional headrests with video screens for rear passengers (eg on the Peugeot 5008). But these screens have no video source. Certainly, a video / audio input for connecting a source of choice (digital tuner, game console, DVD, ...). If we adopt a double-DIN aftermarket car stereo with DVD player and dual zone function is perfect. But what to choose as a DVD player, if you already have an original car radio does not offer this feature and you do not wish to change the radio. Several readers have asked this question on our forum. We have therefore chosen to test this DVD Phonocar, which we adapted particularly well to complete home video screens!

Benefits: USB port and SD slot built in!

Very simple in design, the VM015 adopts a ½ DIN format, allowing easy integration into a cabin DVD player. Glove box under a seat in the center console or even in the trunk, the locations are not lacking in a car. And more so, than this player can run horizontally or vertically and has a memory bump. Even better, Phonocar provides a remote receiver for IR remote control. Thus, the device can be locked in a glove box, this gene does not control the DVD player during playback. This player has of course an OSD, to know what you do. The menus are in French. The interface is simplistic, but shows all the essential data.

The VM015 has a remote control with IR remote receiver

The DVD player is compatible with major formats, including MP3, WMA, JPEG and MPEG4. But that's not all, to meet the expectations of young consumers, Phonocar player has a SD slot and a USB port on the front. The USB port is compatible with USB drives up to 4 GB, which can store MP3 music and no video clips. In front, it also has an audio / video as a mini-jacks: handy if you want to connect a digital camera or camcorder.

A second audio / video input for connecting a digital tuner

Often the screens audio / video have only one entry. Phonocar are designed and integrated a second A / V input on the rear panel of the VM015. This will connect a digital tuner or other video source. For ease of use, several book Phonocar Audio / video cable with the camera, and of course everything needed to install the drive into the car.

Discover and use: a beautiful image!

Visually speaking, this well-VM015: plastics are not "cheap" and several silver front panel buttons provide access to basic functions. This allows to use the drive even if the battery is exhausted into the remote. The OSD interface is simple and classic for this type of product. We would have liked a more modern and fun, but it has the merit of being simple and intuitive. The titles of MP3 songs appear on a shortened (damage) in the right column, but the title of the song read scrolls up the screen. We found it so easily into playlists, if you use a stand with several MP3. Whether for DVD, SD card reader or USB port, the player also handles very well the photos and video files.

The OSD lack of fun, but it is intuitive

When you plug a USB stick 4 GB on the device, the drive takes little time to load and find audio files and video. And, even in our key work which included many other files! The DVD has proved quite resistant to impact on bad roads. Reading provides a good listener and a very beautiful image. For our test, we also connected to an LCD display for show, and the VM015 has always provided a mixed picture, bright and colorful. In short, whether for a concert DVD or a movie, it is certain to have some fun. In audio quality, it does not reach the performance of high-end double DIN, but the musicianship is compelling and enjoyable.

The VM15 offers very good image quality

For mobile carriers, no worries, the camera also shows performance on reading. This of course assumes that one has put quality files in the USB cradle or SD. We also appreciate the remote receiver on the remote handy if the drive is hidden. Of course, the VM015 also includes a remote control receiver in the front for mounting in the dashboard. Finally, finally, all the functions inherent in the DVD player (subtitles, menu, ...) are of course present on this drive Phonocar!

The notice

Due to the development of double-DIN multimedia handsets, DVD players have become more autonomous in short supply. ½ DIN models (more easily be housed in a glove box, are even more so. Phonocar is one of the few brands to offer one, and she made it big. The VM015 is not a simple DVD player but a multifunction device that meets the rear passengers. USB port, SD slot, remote control with remote receiver, consistent with the main drive formats, the VM015 offers very nice amenities.

The VM015 of carefree Phonocar fits in a glove box

It was even used as video hub with two A / V inputs: handy when the screen has only one audio / video. In addition, this drive offers good performance, whether in terms of image or sound. Add to this, it is easily integrated into the car. In short, very positive. He criticized mainly a GUI too modern and lack of a second A / V output to feed two displays. A 249 Euros, the VM015 has a very good value for money!

The VM015 is ideal for complete screens without the original video source