Ok, cruzing down PCH, the sun is out and the tunes are blasting out from the speakers and it is a good day to be in So-Cal.  I got to check out one of the newest multimedia combo unit’s from Soundstream, the VIR-4344 NRB.

The Good
The front face is a sweet looking gloss black with controls to the left, and a small, but good looking, 4.3” full-color TFT Touch Screen to the right. Spaced around the perimeter are additional buttons that control secondary functions of the unit.

For low-level signal, the VIR-4344NRB has Front, Rear & Variable Subwoofer Pre-Amp Output w/ LPF (80, 120, 160Hz).  It also has RCA video/audio inputs and outputs to be used for external monitors, devices and cameras. The Soundstream VIR-4344 NRB also has front and rear powered speaker outputs rated to deliver high power 50 x 4 channels (mosfet power). In additional to having USB mini input AND SD card slot for MP-3 Music or MP-4 Movies controls, the VIR-4344 NRB also has a multi-function wireless remote that controls completes the impressive set of features included in the Soundstream VIR-4344 NRB.

Bluetooth
No worries Officer, This unit also features built-in Bluetooth® capability that lets you make and receive calls through your compatible cell phone, while it stays safely stored away.  Caller ID Shows Name and Number from Contacts List and your Contacts are easily transferred for easy access dialing.  

Video
Even thought the screen is somewhat small at 4.3 inches, it does display nice color. The menu system with the Touch Screen very easy to control, CD text, radio station naming and MP3 menu systems are easily readable. To optimize the viewing angle, the VIR-4344 NRB has four selectable viewing angles. Also, the brightness controls and color of the unit can be fine-tuned.

The VIR-4344 NRB includes an input for a backup camera. When you put the car in reverse, the VIR-4344 NRB will display the output of the camera on the screen. That is very cool.

The DVD performance was stunning on an external monitor.

Sound
Tweaking the sound quality on the Soundstream VIR-4344NRB is performed with the Bass and Treble, fader, and balance controls. The sound quality and performance of the Soundstream VIR-4344 NRB was impressive. The VIR-4344 NRB delivered smooth sound range through all the test tracks.

iPod
Got an iPod in your pocket? Then you'll be happy to know you can play it through your receiver with the optional iPod cable. Connect a thumb drive full of tunes to the Mini USB input, or slide an SD card into the slot. Plug your Zune or any other MP3 player into the front panel auxiliary input.
 
Ease of Use
Despite the lack of a conventional radio knob, the Soundstream VIR-4344NRB is a very intuitive device with a very cool User Interface. In a couple of minutes of fiddling with it, I was able to access and control a majority of its functions. This is a direct result of the menu-driven system and its Touch Screen Face.

Navigation Ready
Add GPS navigation to your VIR-4344NRB with the optional module; you'll get over 12 million points of interest, plus preloaded maps of the U.S. and Canada. Voice-guided turn-by-turn directions get you everywhere you need to go. An area information search feature helps you find restaurants and other attractions in your vicinity, and a voice guides you there gently with pinpoint precision.

Installation
The installation of the VIR-4344NRB is straightforward — the VIR-4344NRB will fit into any standard DIN configuration. The chassis of the unit contains the bolt holes that fit most standard Asian vehicles.

The VIR-4344NRB audio and video connections and made via a “pigtail” connector off the back of the radio. Even though the basic installation of the SOUNDSTREAM VIR-4344NRB is simple, setting the system up and connecting it to the rest of your system warrants the use of trained professionals at your nearest authorized SOUNDSTREAM dealer.

Manuals/Support
VIR-4344 NRB came with an installation manual and a user/operation manual. Both manuals were well written and gave you enough information to properly install the unit. The installation manual provides all of the connections needed and basic locations where to get them. 

The Bad
Ok, not much bad here, the screen is a little small, but hey it is the biggest screen for single din unit that fits without an oversize face, and if your using the optional Navigation unit you will probably like it better then one of those portable navigation units you stick to your windshield.     
Summary

Drum Beat Maestro… The Soundstream VIR-4344NRB is an impressive unit. This unit is perfect for a single in-dash solution where a full-size front monitor is not required. If you’re looking for a reasonably-priced DVD solution with lots of features and the ability to add Navigation, the Soundstream VIR-4344NRB deserves serious consideration.

Strengths: Packed full of useful features, easy to understand menus, sounds great, Bluetooth and Navigation Ready makes this a winner!  
Weaknesses: Small screen
Best Use: Perfect do-it-all player when you don’t need a huge video screen in front of the vehicle.
All Around Value 4 Stars out of 5:  * * * *

SOUNDSTREAM VIR-4344NRB

Price & Contact: $429.95 (MSRP); 800-724-1377; www.Soundstream.com

• Motorized TFT-LCD w/ 4 Pre-Set Angles & Last Angle Memory
• Front Panel Feather Touch Sensor Controls
• Theft Deterrent Detachable Faceplate
• Accepts Add-On GPS Navigation Module, NAVIBOX-1
• Accepts Add-On Digital TV Tuner Module, DTV-1
• Car-Spec DVD Transport for Extreme Temperature Exposure
• Playback from DVDR/RW & CDR/RW Including VCD, MP3, MP4 & DiviX
• Recall Memory for Last DVD Position
• I-Pod Connection Input (requires IC-1)
• Mini-USB Connection for MP3 & MP4 Playback From 4gb Flash Drive
• 4 gb SD Card Reader for MP3, MP4, DiviX & Xvid Playback
• 1 gb Internal Memory for Background & Screen Saver Images
• 18 FM / 12 AM Station Memory
• 50w x 4 MOSFET Powered Speaker Level Outputs
• Front & Rear Pre-Amp Outputs
• Variable Subwoofer Pre-Amp Output w/ LPF (80, 120, 160Hz)
• A/V Outputs for Multiple Components
• A/V Inputs for Secondary Source
• Front Panel 3.5mm Auxiliary A/V Input
• Reverse Camera Input w/ Trigger
• Custom & Pre-Set EQ Settings
• Audio Staging Controls
• 12/24 Hour Clock
• USA/European Frequency Stepping
• NTSC/PAL Auto Selection
• 432 x 242 Screen Resolution
• 400 NIT Backlight Brightness
• Bluetooth Functions:
• Work with Most Bluetooth V2.0 Enabled Phones
• Noise & Echo Cancellation
• Contacts List Transferred for Easy Access Dialing
• Caller ID Shows Name and Number from Contacts List
• Recent Calls & Talk Time Logs
• A2DP for MP3 Playback