Kenwood Excelon DDX790 Manual

The Kenwood Excelon DDX790 is a 6.8-inch multimedia receiver with DVD playback, built-in Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, HD Radio, SiriusXM readiness, dual camera inputs, 13-band EQ, and 4V preamp outputs. Features capacitive touchscreen display, customizable home screen, and advanced audio controls. Below are key sections for installation, features, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Playing Media 8. Smartphone Integration 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 6.8-inch capacitive touchscreen, Bluetooth wireless technology, DVD/CD player, USB port, AUX input, camera inputs, steering wheel control compatibility.

Feature	Description
Display	6.8-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen
Bluetooth	Hands-free calling and audio streaming
Smartphone Integration	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible
Audio Output	4V preamp outputs (Front/Rear/Subwoofer)
EQ & DSP	13-band equalizer with time alignment
Radio	HD Radio with iTunes Tagging
Camera Inputs	Dual camera capability (rear/front)
Media Playback	DVD, CD, USB, SD Card, AUX
Steering Wheel Controls	Compatible with most vehicle interfaces
Power	MOSFET 50W x 4 amplifier

Installation

Professional installation recommended. Ensure vehicle is parked with parking brake engaged.

Disconnect negative battery terminal before beginning installation.
Remove factory radio using appropriate removal tools.
Connect wiring harness following color-coded wiring diagram.
Connect antenna adapter and all input/output cables.
Secure unit in dash and test all functions before final assembly.

WARNING! Always disconnect vehicle battery before installation. Ensure proper grounding and fuse protection.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup wizard.

Language selection: Choose preferred language (default ENGLISH).
Bluetooth pairing: Access Bluetooth menu to pair smartphone.
Radio presets: Auto-scan and save favorite stations.
Display settings: Adjust brightness, contrast, and color settings.
Audio settings: Configure EQ, crossover, and time alignment.

CAUTION! Do not operate video functions while driving. Park vehicle for initial setup.

Specifications

Display: 6.8-inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen
Power Output: MOSFET 50W x 4 (max)
Preamp Outputs: 4V (Front/Rear/Subwoofer)
EQ: 13-band graphic equalizer
Compatibility: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Radio: AM/FM with HD Radio, SiriusXM ready
Media Formats: DVD, CD, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, WAV
Inputs: USB, AUX, Camera (2), Microphone
Operating Voltage: 12V DC (negative ground)

Controls and Settings

Access settings via touchscreen or physical buttons. Home Button: Returns to main screen. Volume Knob: Push for power on/off, rotate for volume.

Touchscreen Controls: Source selection, menu navigation, phone controls, audio adjustments.

Audio Settings: 13-band EQ, crossover settings, time alignment, loudness, fader/balance. Display: Brightness, contrast, wallpaper, button illumination. System: Bluetooth, camera settings, steering wheel controls, reset options.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect smartphones or storage devices. AUX: 3.5mm audio input. Bluetooth: Wireless connection for phones and audio.

Ensure unit is powered on and in appropriate source mode.
Connect USB cable for direct smartphone integration.
Pair Bluetooth devices through settings menu.
Connect backup camera to designated input.

Tip: Use high-quality cables for best audio/video performance.

Playing Media

Supports DVD, CD, USB, SD Card, and Bluetooth audio.

Insert media: Load DVD/CD into slot or connect USB device.
Select source: Touch source icon and choose media type.
Navigation: Use touchscreen to browse folders and files.
Playback controls: Play, pause, skip, repeat, shuffle.
Video playback: Only available when parking brake is engaged.
Audio settings: Adjust EQ and sound settings during playback.

WARNING! Do not watch video while driving. Park vehicle for DVD viewing.

Smartphone Integration

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide smartphone mirroring.

Connect compatible smartphone via USB cable.
Follow on-screen prompts to enable CarPlay or Android Auto.
Access navigation, music, messages, and phone functions.
Voice control: Use Siri or Google Assistant for hands-free operation.

Bluetooth pairing for wireless calling and audio streaming.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning screen. Avoid chemical cleaners or abrasive materials.

CAUTION! Do not use excessive pressure on touchscreen. Keep liquids away from unit.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse and wiring connections; verify battery connection.
No sound	Settings/connections	Check volume settings; verify speaker connections; check mute.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode/distance	Ensure phone in pairing mode; delete old pairing; reduce distance.
Screen not responding	Calibration	Perform touchscreen calibration in system settings.
CarPlay/Android Auto not working	Cable/phone settings	Use certified cable; check phone permissions; restart phone.

Reset: System Settings > Factory Reset (will erase all settings)

Service: 1-800-536-9663; www.kenwood.com/usa