The Dual XDVD8182 delivers 200 watts of power (50Wx4 channels), has touchscreen controls, and will play/connect to pretty much anything currently out there in gadget-land.  We'll have a lot more on all this head unit soon.

Just how much stuff can be attached to this head unit?  Click on the images above to see connectors up close.  If you want a more detailed description, check out the wiring diagram :-)

Our plan this Fall is to have a series of "How To" articles on the installation of this head unit into our Porsche Boxster project car.  The follow-on series for the Winter will be to see how we can max out the possible connections with all kinds of cool gear.  This should be a fun project :-)

Car stereo tuners have advanced by leaps and bounds in the past few years.  It wasn't long ago when units with retractable screens costed over $1000.  The folks in the RainyDayGarage installed a unit last year for around $500.  That unit still required all of the supporting gear (amp, tuner, DVD player, etc...) for it to be functional. 

On September 19, Dual announced an amazing new piece of in-car audio/video entertainment gear... the XDVD8182.   This new unit is powerful, jam-packed with features, and designed with connectivity in mind.  If you are thinking of upgrading the entertainment capabilities of your vehicle, start with the Dual XDVD8182 as the nerve center and build around it.

Reviews:

1. FirstLook

2. BenchTest

3. TouchScreenTest

4. iPod + Videocam Test

5. DVDTest

6. Installation

7. FirstUse

8. InTheWild

NOTE: Click on the images for a closer look.

Review Summary:

Initial Impression- Tons of I/O options

Usability- Plays all CD/DVD formats

Durability- TBD

Price- $600