Car Audio Video - Car Audio Systems Information

Bluetooth Car Kits

2008-08-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

Are Your Ready To Go Hands-Free?
It's obvious that drivers aren't just going to hang up and drive in California and Washington come July 1, but there are many bluetooth hands-free options available for talking legally and driving. The simplest and cheapest option is to use a speakerphone if your phone has one, or a wired earpiece. But both of these options have some disadvantages. With a speakerphone, it might be hard for the person on the other end to hear you over road and wind noise, and wired earpieces can be disturbing while driving. Below are more options to consider.

Bluetooth Stereos
Aftermarket car audio manufacturers started providing add-on Bluetooth adapters for their head units a few years back, but many now sell radios with the technology built in. So if you are upgrading your car stereo, consider one with built-in Bluetooth capability. The Pioneer's DEH-P700BT, which can pair with up to three different phones, is a great example of that.

See also: MTX

Tom Tom Navigation Systems

2008-04-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

The new products from Tom Tom GPS system include all-in-one navigation devices which allow users plan a route right from the box, switch it on and go. Included are the Tom Tom GO family, the Tom Tom ONE range and the Tom Tom RIDER (for motorcycles).

Tom Tom also offers navigation software products which assimilate with third-party devices, the Tom Tom Navigator software for PDAs and smart phones. Tom Tom's award-winning software allows for up-to-the-minute new technology for the best possible driving experience.

Furthermore, Tom Tom GO has an intuitive approach to inserting addresses. Usually, you only need to type a few characters of the city or street name and Tom Tom GO will bring up the right alternative from which to choose. The Tom Tom ONE XL supplies everything you desire to make your trip safer, more relaxed and more fun. The new 4.3 touch screen and access to real-time traffic services make traversing the road even easier. The Tom Tom GPS system keeps things easy. There are no buttons or other gizmos on the front of the device, just a large, bright, widescreen (480 x 272 pixels) display that is controlled by touch. There is even a microphone for hands-free phone calls just above the display.

Features include a large 4.3" color widescreen display and 4GB of memory with door-to-door maps of the US, Canada and Europe pre-loaded with a number of features not found on other GPS devices, including a hands free Bluetooth car kit.

The system includes a Tom Tom GPS, the HOME software, a Quick Start guide, remote control, a windshield mount, car charger, and more. The device can be supplied with a docking station for use in your home that allows you to charge your Tom Tom Go easily and manage the contents. This includes your Points of Interest and safety camera locations. The driver will find the way with clearly spoken turn-by-turn directions.. Also, system maps are presented on the screen in a crystal-clear 3D view.

You can share you map improvements and benefit from all other user improvements easily via Tom Tom's free desktop application known as HOME. Users will also appreciate the dynamic status bar, which they can customize to improve utility, and the useful onscreen tips that pop up when needed. Because there are millions of points of interest in the system, you'll be able to find restaurants, hotels, parking lots, gas stations, and more in just about any city in the country.

With true out-of-the-box functionality, the user-friendly Tom Tom GPS coordinated systems will help make taking a trip of any length an easy task. The bright, full-color touch screen displays large icons and clear 3-D graphics.

Users can customize and update this great tool anytime with the free Tom Tom HOME software, which allows you to store, manage and transfer contents from your computer to your Tom Tom GPS system. For added fun, celebrity or character voices can be downloaded simply and made the voice of the system. Once you have the new Tom Tom GPS System, you will wonder how you ever did without it. Check it out today!

2008 JVC Arsenal Series Amplifiers Review

2008-04-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

A number of companies now have tried going down the compact-design route when it comes to amplifier construction. Companies such as Alpine, Pioneer, and even Kicker have their versions of compact amplification design.

As technology progresses, things get smaller. It’s the nature of the beast, and there’s nothing stopping the industry from continuing on this development. JVC’s 2008 Arsenal amplifier line is simply brilliant. They utilized advanced technology, engineering, and styling all in one small package—the KS-AR8 Digital Amplifier.
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.mobi Domains for Mobile Users

2008-04-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

According to a recent eMarketer report, there will be a projected 844.9 million worldwide mobile-search users in 2011¹, up from 219.2 million in 2006. Mobile ad revenue worldwide is projected to grow to $2.4 billion in 2011, from $6.8 million in 2006. With this kind of opportunity, many of our clients are looking to get into mobile search optimization now, while others are already experiencing the benefits of an optimized mobile site. Unfortunately for marketers, the mobile web is still in its infancy, and very little is known or shared about the process of optimizing web sites for mobile search. In order to contribute to the conversation and to help companies and individuals understand the complex process involved in developing and promoting simple web sites for mobile searchers, Resolution Media presents this white paper on optimizing for the mobile searcher.
car audio

Dual XDVD8181

2008-03-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

Dual (car audio company) brings you an in dash multimedia DVD player with high performance and options galore. The XDVD8181 features a 7" LCD screen with touch controls on its motorized face. You can check out your favorite movies on DVD when the car is parked, or you can keep your passengers in back happy with additional video monitors connected to the two composite video outputs. When the screen's retracted, you can keep track of what's playing with the secondary dot matrix display.

Dual XDVD8181 - Car Head Unit Reviews

Bazooka ELA100.2 Amplifier

2008-02-27T16:07:00.001-08:00

The Bazooka ELA100.2 is arguably one of the most popular entry-level amplifiers available on the market today. First debuting in mid 2007, the ELA100.2 has become the backbone of Bazooka's affordable high-performance amplifier series.

The ELA100.2 is solid performing with 115 watts through 2 channels at 4 ohms, 165 watts through 2 channels at 2 ohms, and 330 watts through bridged single channel at 4 ohms. It also features tri-mode capable outputs, allowing you to connect speakers in stereo mode and an additional subwoofer in mono. It could even be daisy-chained to any other compatible Bazooka audio component such as a Class D amplifier or a Bazooka amplified bass tube.

This 2-channel amplifier is protected by its built-in thermal, short circuit, and overload protection circuitry. If you're worried about cooling, you could connect Bazooka CHIL liquid cooling accessory to its built-in compatible design. In addition, it has a port for an optional remote bass remote control, giving you control of its bass from the driver seat.

This amplifier presents itself easily to be a high-quality, high-performing, and highly affordable amplifier. There are plenty of reviews out there confirming these facts, and especially priced at around $100, you can't possibly go wrong with your decision!

Custom Subwoofer Boxes (sealed Vs Ported)

2008-01-30T11:24:00.000-08:00

When selecting a subowofer box (custom subwoofer box), the decision between sealed and ported will decide how the final install will sound. The universal rule for this choice is quite easy.

Sealed subwoofer boxes usually are much smaller than ported boxes. If you have a limited space in your car, it would most likely be a good idea to go with a sealed enclosure. Not only is there a size distinction, but there is also a difference in sound between the two boxes. Sealed enclosures tend to produce tight, precise bass and have a flat frequency response curve. They are also usually the enclosure of choice when looking for a Sound Quality oriented setup.

Custom Subwoofer Boxes include:
Dodge Subwoofer box - Ford Subwoofer Enclosures - Toyota Subwoofer box

911 cellular phone program

2007-12-28T18:03:00.001-08:00

SimplySellular has successfully relieved the operational burden of managing a so-called 911 cellular phone program. You should be aware of the fact that by donating your cell phone you can do more than just provide emergency communications for people who are in need. When you donate your old cell phone, you help to provide funds that support the law enforcement activities as well as victim services organizations in the United States.

Simply Sellular is dedicated to helping the environment by finding new homes for cell phones that would otherwise end up in landfills. There are currently over 100 million surplus cell phones in the U.S. with that number expected to exceed 150 million by 2006. Your "useless" cell phone can also be of great use to disadvantaged people and those who may need one only for emergency 911 purposes.

A Simplysellular.com cell phones fundraiser is a great way to help out your school, church, or favorite organization at absolutely NO COST TO YOU! There are over 100 million old cell phones lying around houses in America . You probably have some in your own home!

www.SimplySellular.com

Modern vehicles’ electronics systems:

2007-12-20T14:17:00.000-08:00

As we advance through the decades with progression in electronics, science and technology we must not forget the basis of our modern day sources of transportation. I would like to explicate a system in which I am fairly familiar with and have been the highlights of my interests. This is the recent power developments and characteristics of a four-cycle engine. Also known as the Otto cycle engine, the four-stroke engine works of off many mechanical components that simply derive power on the basic mixture of air and fuel. Hence the name “four cycle” such an engine consists of four complete strokes or cycles to consume and make power. With the completion of four cycles, intake, compression, power and exhaust, such a machine can thoroughly and consistently make power.

Today, manufacturers are concerned with meeting emissions standards, which is why many changes have been made to the four-cycle engine. Some changes may consist of variable valve timing (VVT); programmable fuel injection (Pgm-Fi) with electronically controlled fuel mapping, and turbochargers. Those all can increase power output, and some, efficiency.
Many parts and components have taken over such standards and exclusively expresses the advantages, due to more intake and less fuel. One device is called a turbocharger system. Most cars with engines are naturally aspirated, which means the engine sucks air through the intake manifold and completes the intake stroke through means of normal atmospheric pressures. Optimum barometric pressure readings of NA engines are about 1.0. The NA engine is restricted to produce it’s maximum power output due to the loss of volumetric efficiency (air forced into the cylinders with a mixture of gasoline). The ratio of air to fuel is very important in determining horsepower. The turbocharger can do all this and much more. Here is a brief background.

The turbocharger is a device mounted to the intake manifold. It is a circular air pump operated by exhaust gases. It consists of a compressor on the intake side, shaft in the middle and turbine on the exhaust side. It is used to improve engine performance through means of a higher air compression status and the same or less amount of fuel to the cylinders. The turbocharger’s compressor can spin up to 100,000 revolutions per minute. One disadvantage of such a turbo-charged engine application is the stress of mechanical parts due to heat. I may suggest an inter-cooler to provide cooling efficiency of exhaust gases inside the turbocharger. This is mostly important because high temperatures of gases contain less oxygen than normal cool temperatures. Thus, this may result in a loss of performance and throttle acceleration.

The turbocharger can be very useful for dramatic horsepower gains and engine performance, although installing such an application may sacrifice reliability and engine longevity, with the addition of changes in electronics and ECU’s. Many who own import cars are buying such systems because of overall 30-60% horsepower gains.

Another example is the expanded technology of intake and exhaust valves. Valves work off of the rotation of an engine’s camshaft. These newly designed valves actuate by electronics inside of the engine. Variable Valve Timing also known as (VVT) is definitely a huge change in the advancement of gas mileage, efficiency, and power. If a car with VVT has sixteen intake valves, and sixteen exhausts valves, only sixteen of the thirty-two valves work, not thirty-two. Due to the electronic shutdown of the valves, only all thirty- two valves will work at a specified rpm range. Thus, reducing fuel consumption and more air intake, making plenty more lb. of Ft. torque.
I would also like to explain the programmable fuel injection system (Pgm-Fi). Many engines today have been developed with electronic fuel injection. Every engine is either carbuerated, or fed fuel through an injector of each cylinder by electronics. The newly revamped EFI engine is the result of electronic injectors. Controlled electronically, these injectors can account for finer fuel atomization. The finer fuel atomization causes the fuel to be dispersed evenly, and even finer inside the cylinder before the power stroke. This causes less fuel to burn longer, decrease rapid combustion, and the result, more power!

We can conclude that cars today have undergone extensive changes and developments in four-stroke technology. I feel that efficiency of automobiles and power is one in the same. I really like cars with excellent performance and gas mileage. Take for an example Honda’s automobiles. Their cars from the factory can be fast, but most of all, they are very efficient. This is the new age of automobiles. This is only the very basis of engineering excellence, and the ongoing determination to research and develop the world’s most powerful and efficient automobiles.
Visit: Pioneer GM Amps - Pioneer PRS Amps

Remote Car Starters

2007-12-13T15:59:00.000-08:00

Cars have always been a natural target for thieves, as they can be smoothly sold at a good price. Today, car thefts are rising at an alarming rate, and it is said that a car is stolen every 20 seconds. In order to curtail the rising trend in car thefts, alarm companies are making highly improved and new alarm systems for cars. They are proving to be very handy and effective and are recommended by most car dealers.
Remote start car alarms (remote car starters) are the latest improvement and have amazing high tech features. These systems are outfitted with the latest technology of antiscan and antigrab. The multiple programmable features of the remote start car alarms, makes them very practical for car users. These alarms are also operational in cold weather. The exclusively designed remote is set with a LCD display that provides the user with a car/alarm status.

The remote start works in all automatic, manual and diesel cars. The anti-carjacking feature makes this alarm system highly reliable. These alarms provide maximum security to a car because of the built in vibrating sensors that are fitted in the door, boot, and bonnet. They also have a silent arm, disarm and alert feature. They provide, additional optional features like total closure and remote boot release, and come with smart LED indicators, backlights and automatically activated interior lighting. The remotes are very user friendly, as they have an inbuilt query function, real-time clock and an alarm clock.

Remote start car alarms are often expensive, but if a person owns an expensive car, then a remote car alarm is a sensible investment. Keyless Car Starters

Home Speakers - Tips

2007-12-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

Clear sound is considered to be one of the most important elements of a great home theater experience. Quality sound really brings film to life and that fact spurs many home theater aficionados to select their home speakers and sound equipment with great care.

Too often, though, the speakers that sounded great in the listening room don’t pack the same punch when installed at home. The issue is usually related to speaker positioning.

There are a few factors anyone should consider when installing home speakers. One should be aware of proper distancing, height and angling (also referred to as toe-in). Sometimes the perfect set-up is outlined in the owner’s manuals and documentation that come with the speakers. In other cases, it’s necessary to evaluate proper positioning with a “trial and error” technique.

If your speakers aren’t bringing the movies to life for your home theater system, don’t give up and go purchase a new sound system until you first double-check the positioning of your speakers. Even small adjustments can have a huge impact.

By finding the optimal positioning for your speakers, you can breathe new life in what you may have believed to be an inferior speaker. You can also begin to enjoy the movies the way you had hoped to when you first decided to invest in a home theater system.

See also: Outdoor Speakers

Subwoofer Sizes

2007-11-23T15:08:00.000-08:00

Subwoofers have been used widely in cars to enhance the sound quality and make the driving experience more enjoyable. There are 4 main sizes of car subwoofers:
8 inch subwoofers: They are considered to be the smallest subwoofers for pumping out bass without sacrificing trunk space.
10 inch subwoofers: They are commonly used subwoofers for installations where space is at a premium.
12 inch Subwoofers: They are the most common subwoofer size; 12" subs provide good response at low frequencies.
15 Subwoofers: They are larger car subwoofers that hit harder and even deeper than 12 inch subwoofers.

Before you buy your next subwoofer, it’s really important to check out which subwoofers fits your needs the most. This way, you will eliminate any future problems when it comes to installing you sub.

Amp Wiring Kits Sizes

2007-11-21T18:05:00.000-08:00

Be sure to select the wiring kit that's appropriate for your amplifier. Kits come in a variety of sizes: 10-gauge, 8-gauge, 4-gauge:

- 2 Gauge amp wiring kits: Mainly used for high powered systems and you need to buy a capacitor as well.

- 4 Gauge amp wiring kits: Generally for systems 400 to 1000 watts.

- 8 Gauge amp wiring kits: Is used for systems 100-200 watts.

Car Electronics Articles

2007-11-08T17:15:00.001-08:00

The most common and familiar piece of Car audio equipment is the radio/tape player/CD player/DVD Player which is generically called as a Head unit, which also can be called a head deck, after older tape decks. It is also the most likely component to be upgraded with an aftermarket item. A recent development in head unit technology has been the addition of CD players with MP3, Ogg, WMA, AAC, and USB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support. Even with the rampant ubiquity of solid state MP3 players, car audio systems with line-in jacks and other standards are only in their infancy, and that since tape adaptors are often used with tape players, people are now viewing car radios with built-in CD players as "misfeatures" of the audio system since people now often "rip" their CDs onto their computers.Most modern cars include at least a CD player/ CD recorder, and some have the option for a CD changer, which holds multiple disks either in the head unit itself or in a separate unit usually located in a trunk or console.More recent is the addition of DVD players and LCD screens. Depending on the head unit, the LCD screen is either integrated such that it slides out and folds up, or integrated into the instrument console. Otherwise, the DVD head unit feeds video output into separately mounted displays, either folding down from the roof, or mounted into the headrest for viewing by rear seat passengers.

The video screen may also show video output of an integrated component such as a navigation system 3G cell phone or parking cameras that could be automatically activated when the car is put into reverse.

Advances in electronics allowed additions to the basic radio and Motorola offered 45 rpm disc players fitted to some Chryslers from as early as 1956. Tape players using reel to reel equipment followed but their bulk ensured popularity was limited but this changed in 1964 when Philips launched the Compact Cassette. Other early manufacturers and car enthusiasts started building extra car audio amplifiers to run on 12 volts (the standard voltage in automotive electrical systems). Jim Fosgate, later to become the founder of Rockford Fosgate subwoofers, was one such pioneer. The company a/d/s also brought an amplifier to market in 1978.At first, speakers from the home audio and professional markets were simply installed into vehicles. However, they were not well suited to the extremes of temperature and vibration which are a normal part of the environment of an automobile. Modified drivers were developed to cope with these factors.Today, advances in acoustic technology mean that even two 10-inch car speakers in a well-designed efficient enclosure can produce more than 100 decibels SPL (sound pressure level) within the cabin.

Car audio competitions started in the early 1980s in a quest to find the loudest and/or most outrageous installations. For example, in 1985, Wayne Harris famously modified a 1960 Cadillac Hearse to feature three 24-inch subwoofers as well as eight 12 inch car subwoofers. Little consideration was given to sound quality early on, but in the early 1990s, several organizations, including IASCA, began car audio competitions focusing on sound quality. The two styles -- SPL vs. sound quality -- have become almost mutually exclusive. The loudness competitions have become known as dB drag racing.

Below are important car audio companies:

Car Audio Blog

Pioneer Car Audio
Kicker Car Audio
JVC Car Audio
Kenwood Car Audio
Alpine Car Audio

Cool Cars

2007-11-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

What is at the heart of cool cars everywhere? Is it the speed they can travel at? Is it the thought of the wind brushing your hair? If it's the latter, then you have a soft top (convertible), or someone's pinched your roof!

Details or Sample:
What is at the heart of cool cars everywhere? Is it the speed they can travel at? Is it the thought of the wind brushing your hair? If it's the latter, then you have a soft top (convertible), or someone's pinched your roof!

Well, it could be either of these things. Or perhaps cool cars mean something else to you entirely. But to me, it is the shape of the car. Not so much cool cars but cool curves ... Sexist? Perhaps, but true none the less. I think I classic car is defined by it's architecture.

Look at any sports models over the years. What has defined them, made them stand out? Ok, the price is one thing, but take a step back and really think about what makes a hot car so cool?

There is something else that makes a car cool, at least as far as I am concerned. And that is the interior. Or to be more precise, what the interior is made of. My first car lives in my memory to this day, and surely that is the mark of a cool car. I can remember the smell of the leather seats and look of the wooden dash surround. Plastic just doesn't cut it, especially not in more mass produced models.

And it had curves!

So what else puts the cool into a car for you?

For me personally, low is cool. The closer I am to the ground, the better I feel. Some people like to have a high vantage point, and perhaps that is cool to them. It certainly helps to have a better view of the road from a practical point of view.

For many, the colour of a car defines its 'cool'. Red is often the colour to fuel associated with the hottest cars around (not surprisingly really). But what about black? There is something mystical about jet black automobiles, don't you think? To some, an unusual colour is the height of chic as far as a car is concerned. You might not like bright yellow or lime green, but your will always notice them, won't you. And to some folk, that is all that is required from a cool car.

2007-10-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

Wholesale Car audio and video components have been increasing in cars recently due to the vast technology in car electronics to provide a high level of comfort and luxury. Every car (especially new) is equipped with 6 speakers and a head unit with CD/DVD player and GPS navigation system. Some car fans even upgrade their sound system with after the market subwoofer and amplifier for better sound quality. I’ll explain the main components of any car audio system below:
- Car speakers:
Car speakers actually reproduce the sound from electrical energy. Basically, there are two types of speaker "systems" that exist.
1. "Coaxial", "three way", "full-range", etc.
These speaker systems are designed to fit into the factory speaker located in your vehicle. They are often called a "speaker", but have more than one speaker, and will also contain a crossover.
2. "Components", "Seperates"
These speaker systems basically take everything from the above speaker system, and break it up into parts.
- Car subwoofers:
Car Subwoofers are loudspeakers made to generate the lowest frequencies, or bass end of the audible sound range. Car Subwoofers range from 4 inches in diameter all the way up to 36" meant for highly specialized scientific purposes. Subwoofer cones must move in and out with the longest possible extension because sound waves get longer as they get lower in frequency.
- Car GPS navigation systems:
Car navigation systems is an inexpensive upgrade to any vehicle. Aftermarket navigation systems use the newest technology and mapping software to get you from point “A” to point “B” without error. GPS navigation systems come with different types including Portable GPS and In Dash Navigation systems which usually include a Touch-Screen Monitor.
- Car amplifiers:
Car amplifiers are devices that take a small audio signal from a pre-amp, some power from your battery, and pass it on as a big audio signal to drive speakers. Audio amplifier power is measured in watts. The higher the watts, the more power the amplifier has. How much power you need depends on what you want out of your system. Amplifiers comes with different types such as Class D Amplifiers and Multi-channel Amplifiers.
Other car audio and video resources: Pioneer Avic - Marine Audio.
Car Blog

Kicker 07S10X2

2007-09-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Kicker 07S10X2 Info:

THE HYPE Last year, the news spread like wildfire about the mammoth 18-inch subwoofer, nearly 100 pounds and 10,000 peak watts of pure pounding fury that uses a field-replaceable cone/coil assembly. Now enters the next chapter in the SoloX saga – the supersized smackdown is now available in a 10 and 12 too! KICKER’s most advanced subwoofers ever, the SoloX has been engineered with serious autosound competitors in mind. The SPL levels can get brutal in the lanes (many interiors have buckled under SoloX pressure), but the SoloX has already earned its sound-quality stripes too, winning IASCA and USACi SQ world championships. That means they sound good… really good. In its first year, the S18X set the industry on its ears (probably for protection!) with its heavy introduction, and it remains the centerpiece in the KICKER lineup with unimaginable power handling (5,000 watts RMS; 10,000 watts peak) and freakish size. All three use a field-replaceable, stamped-steel cone/coil assembly called a SPAIR. When it gets that loud, subs sometimes blow up, and we know you guys will give it a shot. That’s what the SPAIR is for – leave the BAM™ (Basket And Motor assembly) in the install and bring in the cone/coil piece for replacement.

Kicker 07S10X2

10" Solo X Series Subwoofer

Titanium Deposit Impregnated Cone

Stitched Rubber Surround

Simple Pull Apart Insertable Replacement

Stamped steel basket

Strain relief boots on tinsel lead wires

UniPlate V.2™ extended pole/backplate assembly

S4 Quad Spider Array

3.5" Dual 2 ohm Voice Coil

Car Audio Blog

Alpine IVA-D310

2007-08-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Alpine IVA-D310 Head Unit Features:

DVD/CD receiver with built-in amplifier (18 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels; CEA-2006 compliant)

Motorized, retractable 7" LCD monitor with PulseTouch controls

Detachable control panel

Audio/video input

Backup camera input

Navigation input

White LED secondary display for use when monitor is retracted

Plays DVDs, DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, and MP3/WMA discs

Direct-touch DVD menu control

Bass Engine Plus

4-channel time correction

3-position high-/low-pass crossover

Bass and treble center frequency control

Subwoofer level and phase control

MediaXpander

iPersonalize lets you create and download custom Bass Engine settings at Alpine's website, then upload them into the system

controls XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio

CD changer/TV tuner controls

Compatible with Alpine iPod interface adapter

Audio/video output

DVD/CD signal-to-noise ratio: 105 dB

FM sensitivity: 9.3 dBf

Front, rear, and subwoofer preamp outputs

Digital output for optional surround-sound processor

MaxTune SQ AM/FM tuner

18 FM/6 AM presets

Wireless remote

DVD/CD frequency response: 5-20,000 Hz

Clarion N.I.C.E 430 Navigation System

2007-08-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Clarion N.I.C.E 430 is just the latest stop on my winding journey to find the portable GPS unit that meets all my needs.

The trade-off on this one was Text-to-Speech, which it doesn't have. My thinking was that it wasn't a deal-breaker, as the GPS will announce turns, so who cares if it reads the street names or not.

But, after using other GPS units with this feature, I feel now that it IS a deal-breaker. Hearing the street name helps keep your eyes on the road, instead of reading the screen. It may not seem like much, but after continued use you REALLY start to miss it.

The other problem, that really IS a deal-breaker, is the sluggish response from the unit, surprising since it sports a pretty hefty 400Mhz processor. Route calculation is slow, but more importantly, on-the-fly route correction if you miss a turn is REALLY slow, so much so that you'll regularly miss a quick turn after re-calculation. This, partnered with very slow satellite aquisition sealed the deal for me, and I returned the Clarion.

Strike three was the Bluetooth function, which is spotty at best. It lost the connection to my Blackberry numerous times, and the worst is that THERE IS NO PHONE DIRECTORY. A fatal omission, I thought the idea of handsfree was to avoid fumbling for phone numbers?

A shame really, because of all the GPS units that have come before, the Clarion definitely has the most robust software. You have complete control over editing the route, and the turn-by-turn itinerary is great, and even includes major streets you'll pass to your next turn. The screen is also easy on the eyes, clear and vibrant. Unfortunately, the map screen renders the text very small, making it hard to read street names on it.

Pioneer AVIC-D3 Navigation System

2007-08-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

A great navigation system should be simple to use, provide intelligent routing with rich data, and feature entertainment options that make driving more enjoyable and convenient. And you shouldn't have to break the bank to get it all. Today, that navigation system is here: the Pioneer AVIC-D3. Commutes, traffic, and road trips have met their match.

Pioneer AVIC-D3 Navigation System Features:

- Fast and powerful DVD navigation platform
- DVD Video playback for your favorite movies
- Match your dash with customizable illumination

JVC KD-hdr1 Head Unit

2007-08-15T11:17:00.000-07:00

JVC KD HDR1 is one of the few in-car stereos on the market that comes with a built-in HD (hybrid digital) radio tuner. HD radio works by sending out a traditional analog signal as well as digital signal, which can be used to transmit text data such as song and artist details. Radios with a built-in HD receiver sort through the multiple signals and reproduce the original broadcast without the multipath distortion associated with standard analog FM and AM reception. The KD HDR1 can also play MP3 and WMA discs and can be connected to iPods and satellite radio via add-on modules.

JVC KD HDR1 Head Unit Features:
- Power Output: 200W Max. (50W X 4),20X 4 (RMS)
- Built-In HD Radio Tuner with Multi-Cast Capability
- Ready For Ipod*
- Sat Radio Ready
- MP3/WMA Compatible with ID3/WMA Tag

Car electronics

2007-07-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Car electronics (audio and video) are considered to be an essential part of any car. Electronics components of a car have been rising every year. But getting to know how much content is in the average vehicle now and how much will be there in the future is not as simple as we can imagine. Studies have shown that the use of electronics in cars is growing every year. However, this data enlightens and confuses at the same time. It has been estimated that the number of microprocessors found in our cars are increasing. The intent is to demonstrate an astounding amount of computing power. I’ve seen estimates ranging from a few dozen microprocessors up to a hundred microprocessors per vehicle in some luxury models.

The main reason of the increasing number of car audio and video electronics is due to the massive addition of car accessories and functions especially in luxury car. Now you can make phone calls right from your car without having to use your actual phone. More car speakers and sound power have been implemented in new cars.

Well known car manufactures such as pioneer, kenwood, Sony, Kicker audio have even introduced new car audio and video technology for those who are looking to upgrade their car sound capabilities. Kenwood for example, has introduced their P-NAV6019 navigation system where they combined the high-end mobile DVD Receiver and Navigation system into an aggressively priced product. Moreover, Pioneer has presented the new TS-SW3041D subwoofer with multiple patent-pending features to deliver the big bass performance of a full-size subwoofer, but in a compact design that can be installed either behind or under seats depending on the type of vehicle. Sony has introduced the new CDX-GT110 CD receiver that features aux-in and a removable faceplate with a blue 13-segment LED display.
Car audio and video electronics plays an important role in car technology and electronic components are increasing yearly to provide comfort and luxury to our cars.

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The New Alpine PLV-7 Car subwoofer

2007-07-17T16:21:00.001-07:00

Alpine is revolutionizing the car-audio market with the introduction of the industry's first car sub woofers systems based on Linear Array Transducer (LAT) technology. Introducing one of the two new Powered LAT Subwoofer Systems, the PLV-7. The PLV-7 integrates Alpine's new advanced digital switching amplifier with a radically new form factor loudspeaker, all housed within a cutting-edge enclosure.The LAT subwoofers, paired with Alpine's new PDX digital amplifiers, have been engineered with a patent-pending Ultra Reflex enclosure design. Each individual component of the PLV-7 was specifically designed from the ground up to achieve optimum performance for the car audio market. The resulting systems deliver ground-pounding, tight bass with no mechanical vibration and clean, accurate control for an exceptionally powerful and uncompromised sound experience.You no longer have to sacrifice car storage space, thanks to the system's exclusive compact design. The PLV-7 has a built-in 500-watt RMS digital switching mono amplifier and features six 7-inch cones that produce the same output as two 12-inch subs while using 30 percent less space.