With an add-on cable, the Jensen VM9312 can play audio and video from iPods.
As with other devices we have seen, however, the VM9312 falls short in its iPod navigation functionality. Pulling up menus is all very well, but if you want to get to a favorite individual track, then it could take a while, as there is no easy means of scrolling through lists of songs. Using a scroll bar, users can skip tracks one at a time (not much use for a 2000-song library) or six at a time (ditto). In addition to iPod audio, the system can be used to display photos and video from fifth-generation iPods. For the latter, all playback controls are handled through the iPod itself, which must have its options for TV Out and Widescreen turned on.
For digital audio disc playback, the system shows folder and track information in an easily digestible format. ID3-tag information for individual tracks is displayed in a list on the left-hand side of the screen, while folder (or directory) information is shown on the title bar. When playing disc-based audio, the Jensen VM9312 displays an adapted version of the iPod wheel control, providing a straightforward means of playing and pausing tracks as well as skipping through tracks either one or six at a time. However, as with the iPod, there is no one-touch scroll feature available, meaning that discs containing lots of tracks have to be navigated with multiple button pushes.
We do like the VM9312's ability to bring up the source menu with a touch of the upper left-hand corner of the screen, but the system takes too long to switch between sources. Drivers who are looking to adjust the media source in those precious 10 seconds at the stoplight may find themselves frustrated with the Jensen VM9312, as it can take up to 15 seconds after selecting a source from the main menu for it to show up on the screen and start playing.
The VM9312's 7-inch screen delivers crisp video playback.
In video mode, the Jensen VM9312's screen is bright and delivers crisp reproductions of DVDs and VCDs. For safety purposes, the car's parking brake must be on in order to watch video. Controlling video playback via the touch screen is very straightforward, thanks to a menu that pops up in response to a touch of the bottom of the screen. Options include Play, Pause, Fast Search, Subtitles, and a touch screen keypad to enable DVD chapter selection. From the menu, there is also a one-touch option to get back to the DVD's title menu, which is also controllable by touch--a nice feature that manufacturers don't always build into the touch screens.
In sum
The Jensen VM9312 is an attractive package for those wanting basic media playback for digital audio and video. For a budget device, it offers a good range of features and customization options.
