Well known for its wide range of car audio, Caliber continues to expand its offering in-car entertainment. For smaller budgets, the Dutch brand unveils new multimedia station at very attractive price: the RDD570BT. Benefits, scalability, pricing, this handset has something to appeal to young consumers!
A benefit ratio attractive price!
After the double DIN that we presented earlier this year, Caliber returns on a combined DIN motorized screen. While most cars have a double DIN slot, there are still many small cars, with only a 1 DIN slot. These vehicles are popular with young consumers, their Caliber offers a functional and accessible multimedia station financially. This handset can compete with top models, but it is very nice for a first home entertainment setup!
Benefits: Compatible with leading digital files!
Its facade is black and silver, its blue light, so its aluminum knob, the multimedia handset looks great. Behind a small hatch on the bottom of the front, it has an SD slot and a USB port. Also note the presence of an audio / video input jack. Apart from the iPod, the RDD570BT may therefore receive the bulk of mobile sources. Pressing the button "open" release a 7 inch touch screen 16:9 format. A host interface allows to choose different media sources. The USB port and SD card reader can read the key files, including DivX and JPEG photos. The main source is a DVD player, compatible with the primary files used by young consumers.
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| In front, it has a USB port and an SD slot |
Management functions of its sources are conventional, and can easily manage playlists. If done correctly Tag MP3 files on the RDD570BT displays album covers (quite nice and rare car radios at a low price). It's not all, RDD570BT as its reference suggests, includes Bluetooth. Hands-free download of the phonebook, external sensor, A2DP to play MP3 music from a mobile phone, the function is relatively complete. Caliber has not forgotten scalability. A digital bus used to add a GPS as an option. This is a black box controllable through the touch screen handset (Navi Box: 310 Euros). We can also add a backup camera.
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| The RDD570BT has a complete Bluetooth |
Of course, these are two video outputs for connecting deported screens for passengers. To the traditional functions, this position is equipped with an RDS tuner with 18 FM memories, a 4x75 watt amplifier and 2 line outputs for connecting power amplifiers. For sound settings, the settings are standard: low / mid / treble separate balance / fader, loudness. In addition to IR, the RDD570BT is compatible with the original steering wheel controls, via an optional interface. Finally, protection is provided by a front removable partial. Too bad that Caliber does not provide a case to protect it.
Discover and use: functional interface, but "boring again!
The GUI is really simplistic. Orange icons on black background, this lack of cheerfulness in relation to Japanese sources. It's not very serious, but on the other hand, it is unfortunate that the interface is in English. That said, the handset features and is relatively intuitive, it's not too embarrassing. Compared to previous media sources Caliber, the interface has made significant progress in the management of MP3 playlists. Browse directories, display headlines, and even the sleeves, use a mobile source is very easy on the RDD570BT. The Bluetooth function works fine and we really enjoy having her repertoire in the receiver. The external microphone requires a little extra work to install, but it provides a better quality of communication.
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| The screen offers a beautiful image |
Without reaching the performance of the tenors of the class, the DVD offers a good read, whether for sound or image. In use MP3 or DivX, no worries, but the playback quality of course depend on the quality of files per disk. Note also strong resistance to road shock. The FM tuner provides its role and requires no special comment. In areas with very bad reception, it is sometimes a bit limited, but it does a lot of radio.
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| The DVD player is DivX compatible |
Finally, the integrated amplifier is a bit optimistic with its 4x75 watts, but power is still sufficient to lead a small facility to 4 HP. However, we prefer to use the line outputs to power amplifiers and offer the great sound of a concert DVD. And more so that the car has an output for subwoofer channel with adjustable volume. Finally, the sound settings are standard, but they will adapt the play to his taste. Overall, this handset has no flaws and shows good functionality.
The notice
In the end, RDD570BT presents a fairly positive. This is certainly not the handset's multimedia dreams, but much less than 400 Euros, it offers a good level of performance and is scalable. We like to be able to add navigation on for a reasonable price. On the other hand, it is compatible with the universal mobile sources (SD and USB) and can play most digital files. Bluetooth is complete and allows you to call safely drive. Our reviews will focus on the GUI is simplistic and that the OSD is in English. It would also have liked Caliber provide a case for the detachable faceplate. Interesting and fairly rare on car audio multimedia this price level, the RDD570BT is compatible with steering wheel controls. The performances are generally good and the young find budgets to have fun without breaking the bank!
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| The RDD570BT is protected by a removable front panel |
