What is double DIN Bluetooth?

What is Double DIN?

Double DIN is a standard size for car audio head units, specifying a height of 100mm or roughly 4 inches. The Double DIN name comes from the DIN standard for in-car entertainment systems established by the Deutsche Institut für Normung in the 1980s. DIN stands for Deutsches Institut für Normung, which translates to “German Institute for Standardization.”

The first car radios emerged in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the DIN standard established specific dimensions for car stereo units. The Double DIN size was designed to accommodate cassette players and early CD players which required more vertical space. Early Double DIN units were pioneered by brands like Pioneer, Alpine, and Kenwood.

Today, the majority of modern factory-installed car stereos use the Double DIN form factor. Aftermarket Double DIN head units have also grown in popularity due to the extra space for large touchscreens and added features. Many new cars still utilize Double DIN slots, making them ideal for aftermarket upgrades. The abundance of Double DIN pockets makes it easy to find head units that seamlessly integrate into the dash.

Double DIN Bluetooth Capabilities

One of the main capabilities of double DIN head units with Bluetooth is the ability to stream audio from your smartphone or another Bluetooth device. This allows you to play music, podcasts, audiobooks and more wirelessly through your car’s speaker system with high quality sound.

Double DIN units with Bluetooth also enable hands-free calling so you can safely take calls while driving without needing to hold your phone. The head unit displays caller ID information and you can answer calls using controls on the unit or steering wheel.

In addition to streaming audio and taking calls, many double DIN Bluetooth head units allow you to control music playback from apps on your smartphone using buttons on the unit or steering wheel. This makes it easy to skip tracks, adjust volume, play/pause and more without taking your hands off the wheel.

Popular Double DIN Bluetooth Models

A number of top car audio brands offer popular double DIN head units with Bluetooth capabilities. Some of the most recognized models come from leading manufacturers like Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, and JVC.

The Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX is one of Pioneer’s flagship double DIN receivers. It features a large 7″ touchscreen display, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and hi-res audio playback. Pioneer’s ARC app allows for advanced audio tuning as well.

From Kenwood, the Kenwood DDX9907XR is a top choice. It has a 6.8″ touchscreen with HD Radio tuning, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth phone and audio features, and video playback capability. This Kenwood unit is SiriusXM ready as well.

For those seeking a high-end Alpine head unit, the Alpine iLX-F309 is a prime double DIN option. It comes with a 9″ floating touch display, Bluetooth wireless calls and music streaming, a built-in HD Radio tuner, personalized user profiles, and compatibility with Alpine’s tuner smartphone app.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Pairing

Connecting a smartphone to a double DIN stereo via Bluetooth is a convenient way to stream music, make hands-free calls, and access phone features directly through the car’s interface. The pairing process is relatively straightforward, allowing the phone and stereo to establish a wireless link and communicate with each other.

Most double DIN stereos allow pairing with multiple Bluetooth devices, usually up to 5 phones or devices at a time. To initiate pairing, enable Bluetooth on the smartphone and put the stereo unit into pairing mode by accessing the Bluetooth settings menu (steps vary by model). The stereo will become visible to nearby devices and selecting it on the phone will prompt for a PIN or passcode, usually 0000 or 1234, to complete the pairing process. Some stereos automatically reconnect with previously paired devices when in range.

Once paired, the stereo can tap into key functions of the connected phone. This allows answering calls through the stereo as well as playing podcasts, streaming music apps, and accessing contacts/call logs. For compatible apps like Spotify or Pandora, the stereo may be able to browse and select tracks directly. The stereo essentially acts as an external speaker and microphone for the phone.

The pairing range varies by model but can exceed 30 feet indoors and up to 45 feet outdoors. Connectivity and quality may decline at longer distances. Up to two phones can actively stream to the stereo at once, with the stereo able to maintain connections with other paired devices in standby mode. Overall, Bluetooth pairing provides a simple way to integrate smartphone capabilities into the in-car audio experience.

(Source: https://xtrons.com/blog/connect-phone-to-cars-bluetooth/)

Bluetooth Audio Quality

When it comes to Bluetooth audio quality, most modern double DIN head units support advanced Bluetooth audio codecs like AAC and aptX for near CD-quality streaming. These codecs allow for higher bitrates than the default SBC codec Bluetooth uses, resulting in better reproduction of the full frequency range, especially for bass and treble. While Bluetooth can’t quite match the quality of a direct auxiliary input, AAC and aptX get very close, making Bluetooth a seamless way to stream music.

There are several factors that impact Bluetooth streaming quality in a double DIN receiver. The range from your mobile device can affect signal strength and introduce artifacts or skipping. Interference from other wireless signals in your car can also be a factor. Additionally, the quality of the DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and amplifier built into the head unit makes a difference in realizing the full potential of AAC or aptX audio. High-end double DIN models tend to have audiophile-grade components to deliver full CD-quality reproduction over Bluetooth.

Hands-Free Calling

One of the most useful features of double DIN Bluetooth head units is the ability to use your car stereo as a hands-free calling device. This allows drivers to place and receive phone calls without having to handle their smartphone while driving.

Double DIN head units with Bluetooth will have an external microphone built into the front panel. This picks up your voice clearly when making calls. Some models may even have noise cancellation features to reduce background noise for improved call clarity.

You can control calls directly from the head unit – accepting incoming calls, hanging up, dialing contacts, etc. Many double DIN units also allow you to sync your phonebook so you can call contacts directly from the stereo. For added convenience, calls can often be controlled from buttons on your steering wheel if your vehicle supports steering wheel audio controls.

Overall, the hands-free calling functionality of double DIN Bluetooth stereos allows for safe, convenient phone use while driving without distraction or the need to pick up your smartphone. The microphone and steering wheel controls make it easy to place and manage calls using just your voice and fingertips (Clasf, Galaxy).

Controlling Music

One of the key features of Double DIN Bluetooth head units is the ability to control your music playback right from the stereo. Most models allow you to manage your music library and playlists directly on the head unit’s touchscreen display. You can typically browse playlists, select tracks, and view album art and track info.

Playback controls like play/pause, skip track, volume etc. are readily available on the stereo faceplate. Many Double DIN head units also have physical buttons or knobs for basic controls like volume. This allows you to easily manage music playback without looking away from the road.

In addition, most stereos can be controlled via buttons on your steering wheel or dashboard. This gives you convenient access to playback functions while keeping your hands on the wheel. Some stereos even support voice commands, allowing you to change tracks, playlists etc. hands-free.

Overall, the Bluetooth connectivity and touchscreen interface of Double DIN stereos makes controlling music playback safe and intuitive while driving. Key information is displayed right on the stereo screen, while physical and steering wheel controls ensure you can manage your tunes without distraction.

Advanced Bluetooth Features

Modern double DIN Bluetooth head units include advanced connectivity features that go beyond basic calling and audio streaming. One popular advanced feature is NFC pairing, which allows Android devices to pair instantly just by tapping them to the head unit. This makes pairing devices much faster and easier compared to the traditional Bluetooth pairing process.

Many double DIN head units also support dual pairing, which allows two phones to connect to the head unit simultaneously. This allows drivers and passengers to easily switch between their playlists and streaming services without having to repair a device each time.

Other advanced Bluetooth features found in some double DIN head units include WiFi connectivity for wireless media streaming and firmware updates, HD audio support like aptX for improved sound quality, and voice commands that allow you to control music and calling with your voice. High-end models may even integrate emerging wireless technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

These advanced connectivity technologies make modern double DIN Bluetooth head units much more capable and convenient than earlier models. With rich media streaming, multi-device pairing, voice control and more, they provide a highly integrated in-car technology experience.

Installation Considerations

Installing a double DIN Bluetooth head unit requires care and proper equipment for a professional-looking result. Even experienced DIY installers should be prepared for some challenges.

Most vehicles do not have an opening already sized for a double DIN unit, so a dash kit is usually required to adapt the factory opening. Metra and Scosche are two popular brands for dash kits. You’ll also need a wiring harness adapter to connect the new head unit to the existing car wiring and antennas. Crutchfield and Metra both offer vehicle-specific wiring harnesses to simplify the installation.

Retaining steering wheel audio controls is another consideration, which requires an additional interface module. The PAC SWI-RC is a common choice that retains controls for models from Acura to Volvo. Professional installation helps ensure clean wiring behind the dash and a seamless integration of the new double DIN radio.

For more on professional installation, see this Facebook post showing the install of a double DIN radio in a Corsa Utility van.

The Future of Double DIN Bluetooth

As Bluetooth technology continues to evolve, double DIN head units will be able to take advantage of new capabilities and features. The next major version of Bluetooth, 5.0, will bring improvements like 2x faster data transfer speeds compared to Bluetooth 4.2 and significantly increased range. Bluetooth 5.0 is also expected to consume less power, which is beneficial in automotive applications.

One highly anticipated new Bluetooth feature is LE Audio, which promises a new audio encoding standard that will allow for much higher quality streaming over Bluetooth. This could allow double DIN head units to wirelessly stream lossless CD-quality audio in the future.

Integration with digital assistants like Siri and Google Assistant is also likely to improve over time. Users will be able to access these assistants hands-free through their double DIN systems for help with directions, controlling music playback, and more. Digital assistants may even be able to provide personalized recommendations and contextual information based on past driving history and habits.

Over-the-air software updates are another exciting innovation that will come to more double DIN Bluetooth systems. This allows new software, apps, features and bug fixes to be delivered wirelessly rather than having to bring the vehicle into the shop. Tesla vehicles have demonstrated the powerful potential of over-the-air updates in the auto industry.

As cited from this article, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group foresees steady evolution and expansion of Bluetooth technology in automotive infotainment systems. Double DIN head units will be able to take full advantage of these advances to stay on the cutting edge and deliver an ever-improving connected driving experience.