Becker Traffic Assist 7928

With the new Traffic Assist 7928, Becker presents a mobile navigation unit with a 4.8-inch LCD touchscreen and Bluetooth Handsfree Profile 1.5, offering excellent multimedia qualities. The main memory was doubled compared to its predecessor models, from 64 MB to 128 MB. Audio sources such as MP3 and voice output can be transmitted wirelessly to the in-car sound system. The high-gloss black front shell reveals illuminated red sensor keys, which take you to the main functions by a fingertip. Also, the unit is multilingual and offers navigation directions in any one of 22 different languages.

Even in its standard function, which is navigation, the Becker Traffic Assist 7928 is packed with intelligent innovations. “Reality View”, for instance, displays almost 4,000 road directions on European motorways in realistic images. This creates clarity and makes for easier orientation when having to change lanes or directions at motorway junctions. “Lane Info” offers general assistance on multilane roads or complex motorway exit systems. The Lane Assistant provides the driver with early and reliable information about the road layout and helps to complete any turnings.

The “POIs along the route” (points of interests) is another useful and practical feature for every driver. This function shows special destinations displayed as lists of symbols and plain text with distance information. For instance, the nearest gas station, fast-food outlet or gourmet restaurant can be adopted, by a fingertip, as an intermediate destination from a selection of over one million POIs including hotels, restaurants and sightseeing attractions.

For general navigation, the Becker Traffic Assist 7928 offers up-to-date, high-resolution roadmaps for 37 European countries, readily stored on a 2-Gigabyte SD card, which allow navigation across national borders. In this, the handy route guide turns out to be an excellently informed travel companion. At border crossings it provides important information about national road traffic rules. For instance, a pop-up window informs the driver if a road toll vignette is required and informs about applicable speed limits, daytime running lights rules and blood alcohol limits.

Another add-on as stylish as it is useful is the Landmarks function, presenting characteristic sights in three-dimensional display, such as distinctive houses, churches or towers – a great help for spatial orientation.

Becker’s innovative user interface allows quick entry of destinations via the full-screen Smartspeller. Traffic news can be accessed, free of charge, through the integrated TMC (Traffic Message Channel) tuner. Any traffic delays on the route are displayed as symbols on the map or in plain text. Here the 16:9 widescreen format of the large, high-contrast display screen is of great advantage. Signs, e.g. warning of speed limits are shown clearly and prominently. TMC messages are received through the new bow antenna developed by Becker, which fits perfectly and unobtrusively in every car interior, finally getting rid of the unattractive optics of the common cable dipole antenna.

When driving through tunnels, the “Tunnel Fake” faction ensures that the display brightness is automatically adjusted to the actual light conditions, for a glare-free driving experience. A high-quality handsfree module is integrated in the unit as standard equipment. With the Bluetooth Handsfree Profile 1.5 the Becker Traffic Assist 7928 connects to equally equipped mobile phones. This allows the driver to keep their eyes safely on the road while using the phone. Phone numbers can be dialed directly via the 4.8-inch touchscreen or selected from the phonebook.

The elegant shell also contains an MP3 and video player, as well as a picture viewer. Music and video fans can create their own playlists with their favorite songs and store them on an SD card or a USB stick for non-stop playback on the Becker Traffic Assist 7928. Two low-distortion speakers provide the best-possible sound for such a small device. The volume can be easily adjusted through the jog wheel at the side of the unit. The automatic On/Off function allows switching the unit on and off with the car ignition.

The standard accessories supplied with the product include a car mount with suction cup, a Becker Spezial TMC antenna, a 12V/24V connecting cable for the cigar lighter, a USB cable, a mains adapter and a feature cradle for optimal integration in the car and improved connectivity. The Becker Traffic Assist 7928 will be available through specialist dealers from October 2007, at a retail price of about € 550,-. Protective pouches and a battery cradle to extend the battery power-on time are offered as optional accessories.

Clarion VRX578RUSB 1-DIN Multi-Format-Media-Station

The VRX578RUSB brings high-end multimedia to the car. The 1-DIN Multi-Format Media Station with a 7" touch control panel is equipped with Clarions iPod® user interface including video playback, a USB port, and two-zone entertainment. It is also compatible with the BLT373 Bluetooth® interface from Clarion. With all of this, it enables an undreamt-of functionality. The VRX578RUSB achieves perfect multimedia and the highest comfort and, for the first time, waives all compromises in the equipment!

To ensure that the sound is convincing even without an additional power amplifier, there are already four powerful MOSFET power amplifiers with 50 watts integrated into the device. A 24 bit D/A converter provides first-class sound quality, as do the integrated active crossovers, whose high-pass filters even protect the speakers connected to the integrated power amplifiers from energetic bass frequencies. The VRX578RUSB sets new standards in functionality and performance with the H.M.I. interface from Clarion. In keeping with this, the VRX578RUSB is controlled with a control panel that works intuitively and simply so that the driver can always keep his eyes on the road.

The iPod has revolutionised the market for portable media like no other device, and Clarion has achieved an exemplary integration of the iPod. This allows for audio controls as well as video playback to take place via the iPod.

The multimedia station also plays back DivX files. DivX is the most common video compression format worldwide, allowing you to watch videos any place at any time.

If you connect any given USB storage medium to the VRX578RUSB, you can access up to 15,000 songs in MP3, WMA, or AAC format from iTunes®. Furthermore, the ID3 tag data are shown on the display, revealing information about the current album, the artist, and the song. The system can support a maximum of 255 folders, with up to 15,000 songs per folder.

2-zone entertainment serves to entertain all of the car’s occupants: The driver can listen to his favourite radio station, for example, while the passengers on the rear seat can enjoy a DVD movie using, for instance, one of Clarion’s top entertainment devices.

It is definitely worth stopping by the Clarion booth at the IFA Consumer Electronics Convention 2007 in Berlin in Hall 8.1, Stand 108 + 109.

iPod® and iTunes® are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. in the USA and other countries.
DivX®, DivX Ultra® Certified as well as the corresponding logos are trademarks of DivX, Inc. and are used in licence.
The brand name Bluetooth® as well as the corresponding logos are property of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Facts
- Multi format media station with 7 inch touch screen
- High end design with top-quality display
- Reads all formats including DivX (officially certified), MP3, WMA iTunes, AAC (from USB only)
- Playback of all compressed media from CD or DVD
- USB connector for external storage media
- 24-bit D/A converter
- High-pass and low-pass filter
- Direct iPod ready (optional cable CCA691)

Helix Power Station XXL Competition

As a state-of-the-art power stabiliser, the Helix Power Station XXL Competition enables the computerised stabilisation of the power amplifier input voltage with a digital display for the input and output voltage. The car battery thus becomes the world’s best power supply for the car hi-fi equipment and is even clearly superior to the electricity system at home.

Aside from a perfect voltage stabilisation, that can, by the way, be simply adjusted by turning a potentiometer, the Helix Power Station offers a series of significant key features: The car battery is reliably protected from undervoltage – if the battery voltage drops below 10V for more than one minute, the Power Station switches off automatically. Due to its charge and discharge function, the outputs can be de-energized for maintenance. The integrated temperature monitoring provides additional safety during operations.

The function of connected equipment is monitored with IMS technology (Integrated Managing Software). The separate voltage sensor input acts to eliminate voltage drops in the power supply line between the Power Station and the power amplifier. A delayed remote output protects the car hi-fi system from switching noise.

The BUS system connector makes it possible to control the Power Station as well as the connected Helix power amplifiers via an external display. Using a master/slave control, several Helix Power Stations can be connected in parallel. The temperature-optimised cooler guarantees the best-possible power development. Components with a component tolerance below 1% provide the perfectly harmonical sound and maximal powerr.

The SMD (Surface Mounted Device) components and the double-sided copper-plated circuit board stand for constant production quality. In addition to the best-possible power supply and signal transmission, the solid setup of the circuit board enables reliable protection against vibrations. The 24 carat gold-plated power connectors and the double-printed Plexiglas cover also bear witness to the excellent product quality despite the affordable price: This is what distinguishes Audiotec Fischer and its Helix products from all the others.

Features

- Computer controlled switch-mode power supply
- Max. 100 / 200 A (RMS/pulse)
- Adjustable output voltage 12 - 15 V
- Undervoltage protection (10 V) for car battery
- Monitoring of input and output current
- Temperature monitoring
- Voltage-free system maintenance
- Connection of Power Caps possible
- Multiple Power Stations can be connected in parallel
- BUS system connector for displays
- Delayed remote output
- Monitoring of connected units
- Monitoring of amplifier’s input voltage possible
- High-quality circuit design with selected components
- Available in black or silver

Clarion CMD5 CD-Tuner

Clarion, the originator and market leader of marine audio, offers an audio control device especially designed for the wet elements, its excellent features including a splash water protected enclosure and excellent sound. Thanks to its IPX5 certification, the splash water protected CD tuner Clarion CMD5 is just as suitable for land vehicles that are exposed to extreme weather conditions as it is for yachts or motorboats, where the radio can easily come into contact with water. With its attractive design, it can, of course, also be installed into other vehicles.

The CD player plays all common formats including MP3 and WMA files. The included ID3 tags are shown on the concise 2-line display during playback. The CD drive is behind the flip-down front cover, protected from moisture. With its 24 station memory (18 UKW, 6 MW), the tuner offers sufficient room for all your favourite stations. Additionally, the tuner can be easily switched from the European network to the American network, which proves to be a useful feature on long-distance yacht trips.

The integrated MOS-FET power amplifier with 4x 50 watts are responsible for the powerful sound; when used with additional power amplifiers, for example in a car hi-fi system, these can also be switched off. The 6-channel pre-out with subwoofer volume control is a true innovation in the marine segment! In addition to controlling a TV tuner, a CD changer, or an iPod via the CeNET, various adapters can be connected to the waterproof Clarion radio. This includes the Bluetooth adapter BL T373 and the iPod adapter EA 1276. Further signal sources can also be connected using the AUX input.

The sealed chassis is made of stainless steel, making it resistant to salt water; the circuit board is also protected from moisture thanks to its silicone coating. Compatible with the CMD5, the waterproof remote control M301RCE is available. There are further water (car) hi-fi components in the Clarion Marine Series, such as the speaker systems CM1682A and CM1680A.

Clarion DXZ778USB

With the DXZ778 USB, Clarion is introducing a high-end CD receiver with phase correction for a perfect spaciousness with precise sound localisation, with six-channel 6 volt pre-amplifier outputs, and intuitive Slidetrack control. A 24 bit D/A converter, high-quality active crossovers, and a parametric 3-band equaliser round off the strong sounding equipment; The comfortable USB port serves for the additional playback of music files. The actual sensation is that this musically convincing high-end device is available for prices starting below 400 Euros!

The integrated CD drive can play all common CD formats and, of course, MP3, WMA and ACC files for a small collection of your favourite tunes, in case you forget your MP3 player or flash drive. The CD text and the iD3 tags increase the clarity when operating and the comfortable title search function makes the music collection is ergonomically selectable.

A 24 bit D/A converter provides first-class detail resolution. The flexibility of the integrated active crossovers allows all speaker chassis to be adapted to the particular installation positions. A parametric equaliser adjusts the speakers to the vehicle acoustics and a delay time correction makes it possible to adjust the staging, for example, to the driver’s seat. To ensure that the sound is still strong even without additional power amplifiers, there are already strong MOS-FET power amplifiers with 4x 53 watts integrated.



The USB port stays hidden on the back side of the device for a harmonious and elegant front design and for maximal accident safety. It is compatible with classical flash drives, MP3 players, and mobile hard disc storage units, amongst others. Up to 255 folders with maximum 65,025 files are possible here. Using the 1 metre cable, the USB port can be ideally accessible into the glove box, allowing the MP3 player or hard drive to always be safely stowed away in the car.

The DXZ778USB is optically captivating with its premium front panel with few operating elements. Additionally, the colour of the buttons and display can be individually matched to the vehicle’s interior, with a choice of 728 colours. The DXZ778USB is compatible with most OEM steering wheel remote controls. Furthermore, the Bluetooth interface BLT373 can be connected for hands-free calls (compatible with HFP, HSP, and also A2DP, AVRCP).

The innovative Slidetrack Operating Concept
With the introduction of Slidetrak, Clarion is going a step further with its H.M.I. interfaces as an ergonomic interface between man and machine. Slidetrak makes it possible to precisely control the key functions of the control device. With a simple movement of your fingertip, you have all key functions under control. Additionally, the Slidetrak maximises the available space on the front of the control device, which makes a large and easily legible display possible. With Slidetrak use, the button size is maximised allowing the driver to keep his eyes on the road while making selections on the device. This makes driving even safe.

Test Summary
The sound quality was confirmed by a test in the autohifi magazine (03/07 issue). Autohifi’s summary: “If we had seven stars to award for the price-performance ratio, this radio would have done a clean sweep. So much equipment and sound for this price – this is a direct challenge to the competition!”

Facts
- CD drive
- RDS DSP tuner (FM/MW/LW) with PTY
- BLT373 Bluetooth compatible
- Slidetrack control (level/skip/search)
- Active crossover with DSP / delay time correction
- 6-channel pre-out (max. 6 volts)
- 24-Bit D/A-Wandler
- Parametric three-band equaliser
- 4x 53 watts MOS-FET power amplifier
- CeNET control
- USB connector for portable players and hard disk drives
- OEM steering wheel remote control input (phone jack)
- 728 variable colours for buttons and display
- Motor driven front panel

Clarion + Jamiroquai Campaign Website

Clarion, specialist for sophisticated car infotainment, began its “Clarion Global Brand Campaign 2007” in February to tell the world about new “Clarion Human Mobile Music Media Interface” H.M.I. The focal point of the campaign is the Clarion + Jamiroquai campaign website with many attractive features at http://hmi.clarion.com.

Visitors of the new Clarion + Jamiroquai campaign website sit down on the driver’s seat: since mid-February, surfers here have been controlling a virtual premium-class automobile and enjoying the music of the British acid-jazz band Jamiroquai while doing so. On the road, an abundance of information is provided – of course about Clarion products and more, customised to the nationality of the particular visitor.

For the greeting, the blue Clarion H.M.I. Maoray concept car drives up, created by the world-famous Italian designer Giugiaro and driven by Jamiroquai’s front man Jay Kay, Clarions Face of the Year 2007.

The visitors at the website get the control of the virtual designer bolide and enter the four portals “concept, product, gallery, and special” as they wish. Using the virtual car navigation system monitor, the visitor gets to his selected destination by clicking a button. The appropriate background music is provided by a selection of three original Clarion H.M.I. slogan sounds.

The website can be accessed – or, better said, driven – in English, Japanese, German, French, Italian, or Spanish. In the “product” portal, surfers can find the Clarion website from their home country, with product presentations and other information in their own language.

It is no coincidence that Jamiroquai was selected to represent the image of Clarion: as an internationally admired icon of the music world, Jamiroquai ideally represents Clarion’s vision of integrating music, information, and mobility, which has already become reality in the Clarion H.M.I.

ACR: Newly-developed speaker series for 2007

The tuning of the completely re-developed Rodek speaker series for 2007 is homogenous and linear, as usual, and the high load capacity of the systems satisfies the demands of even the most dynamic-enthused listeners. The product line includes four completely new components, one triaxial and two coaxial systems.

The highlights of the Rodek speaker series are certainly the two-way systems RNC13 and RNC165 with powerful ferrite magnets as well as RNC13 NEO and RNC165 NEO with high-performance compact neodymium magnets. The low-mid-range speakers of the Compos have stable aluminium die cast baskets with Euro/DIN dimensions and efficient centring spider ventilation. As a tweeter, a new compact 19 mm titanium dome comes into operation; it is brilliant with its excellent omnidirectional performance, its linear frequency response, and its minimal distortions. The premium crossover with 3-step level reduction for the tweeter is also equipped with a special feature making it possible to bypass the low-pass of the low-mid-range speaker when it is, for example, hidden behind a sound-swallowing original opening.

Like the Compo systems, the 13 and 16 coaxial systems and the 6x9” triaxial system were completely re-developed and, like the Compos, are equipped with back-vented die-cast baskets – a novelty in this price class. They are based on almost the same ingredients as the Compos. Rodek’s new 6x9” three-way speaker is also equipped with a back-vented aluminium die-cast basket and a Nomex spider. The 19 mm titanium dome and an additional 38 mm cone mid-range speaker provide for transparent sound and high efficiency, the 6x9“ low-mid-range speaker, in contrast, for crisp bass.

Facts
- Back-vented aluminium die cast baskets with Euro/DIN dimensions
- Large strontium-ferrite and powerful ultra-compact neodymium magnets for the NEO systems
- Extremely stiff PP cones
- Fully synthetic long-excursion centring spiders
- Butyl rubber surrounds with high damping
- Premium connecting terminals with mechanical strain relief
- In the high range, 19 mm titanium domes with neodymium driver
- High-quality crossovers with 3-step HF level adjustment and bypass switch for the low/mid-range speaker
- 12 dB slope for the low pass in the Compo systems and 6dB for Coax and Triax

Helix Dark Blue

The powerful and aggressive label always lets it on: huge power and the great deep bass experience are the special strength of this line. The components of this category are developing into a spectacular and forceful package of Helix-power in a typical design of Audiotec Fischer.

All amplifiers were technically revised, adapted to the distinctive Audiotec Fischer look and captivate with many generous adjustment options. The DB Five is a new five-channel amplifier, where the conscious decision was made to do without the digitally designed subwoofer channel in order to achieve an unbeatable price-performance ratio! The Dark Blue speakers were upgraded by their new design and captivate with their excellent sound quality. The specially produced basket is distinctive with its integrated Helix logo; the individual impression is completed by a specially developed speaker grille.

Aside from the existing subwoofers, the new band pass is already enthusing insiders with its noble look provided by the diamond cut and blue illumination.

Facts
- even better sound by higher dynamic
- advanced amplifier technology
- enhanced electronic protection
- new cone and new speaker grille in Helix design
- individual Helix basket
- subwoofer with noble diamond cut

Amplifiers: 159.00 - 289.00 Euro / piece
Koaxes: 39.00 - 74.00 Euro / pair
Compos: 79.00 - 89.00 Euro / pair
Subwoofer: 79.00 - 230.00 Euro / piece

CAR+SOUND with Highlights for Eyes and Ears

208 exhibitors from 20 countries presented a fireworks display of new products and innovations at CAR+SOUND in Sinsheim. The exhibitors’
expectations were fulfilled.

Entertainment, information, navigation – there’s nothing more that drivers could wish for. 208 exhibitors from 20 countries offered everything which is currently available in the field of car entertainment at the 14th
CAR+SOUND in Sinsheim from the 19th through the 22nd of April. Car
entertainment, the central topic of CAR+SOUND, provides passengers with world class movie viewing in the automobile in addition to music playback.
Multimedia is the future, and unlimited availability of music and films is now possible on the road – anywhere. The car radio is being transformed into a multimedia server which can be used for navigation as well. The industry is profiting from this boom and presented new CD tuners with USB interface and navigation equipment at CAR + SOUND, the leading international trade fair for mobile electronics. As a control centre, the car radio is user-friendly and convenient with its ergonomic menus.


Very Good Event Kick-Off with Two Expert Visitor Days

3.5% more domestic and foreign expert visitors attended the event on the two expert visitor days, underscoring the significance of CAR+SOUND as an ordering trade fair and a platform for innovations for the international market. The upward trend with regard to the number of expert visitors was not matched by end user numbers, and last year’s total number of visitors was thus not reached. “We’re satisfied with the more than 30,000 visitors, even though we were unable to achieve last year’s level of 35,000. We surely lost visitors to the opening of the DTM season (German touring car
masters) in nearby Hockenheim and the good weather”, sums up Andreas Wittur, authorised signatory at Messe Sinsheim, regarding the event’s results.

The exhibitors were very satisfied with the visitors’ interest in their products. The who’s who of the mobile electronics industry exhibited in Sinsheim, and expressed full satisfaction with feedback regarding their products from specialised dealers and purchasing agents from inside and outside of Germany. More visitors from specialised dealerships registered for the expert visitor days at CAR+SOUND in 2007 than has been the case in previous years, and placed orders for wholesale and retail sales outlets.
Uwe Keuchel from Alpine Electronics experienced “extremely good ordering performance”. Rene Pintilie from Harman Becker reported a significant increase in the number of received orders.

The general public listened to new products on the weekend to their heart’s desire. Great interest was expressed above all in car audio, navigation and telematics. Shows and demonstrations at the booths and radio broadcasters bigFM and sunshine live provided outstanding entertainment. The visitors demonstrated equal interest for the show programme offered by EMMA (European Mobile Media Association) including the EMMA Sound OFF, EMMA ESPL and EMMA Racing, the Racing Girl 2007 beauty contest and the dB-Drag Racing European Springbreak.

The 15th CAR+SOUND will take place in Sinsheim from the 10th through the 13th of April, 2008.

Car Stereo IPod Transmitter

You have just found out that you need to go cross country, and you most definitely aren't flying there. This means that you will need to be taking a very long drive, which if you plan it just right, could become your vacation from work. The only things that you will need to make this an enjoyable trip will be your iPod, and your car stereo iPod FM transmitter.

With one of these, you will find that you have no need of taking along your iPod car kit with you. Everything that you need will be in this one little gadget. That is of course, if you buy the car stereo iPod transmitter which also functions as an iPod charger. Otherwise you might also want to think about taking along your iPod charger as well!

You will only need to take along a separate iPod charger if you have the wireless car stereo iPod FM transmitter. If you get one of the car stereo iPod transmitters complete with wires and therefore with a charger as well, you will find that life has became a whole lot easier.

Now, instead of having to take along your iPod, your speakers, your entire iPod car accessory kit, as well as your iPod charger, you have the luxury of taking with you only your iPod, the car stereo iPod transmitting device, and the iPod car holder as well to keep the iPod in one place. No extra cables are needed other than the one which come attached to your transmitter and which goes into the slot of your car's cigarette lighter socket.

With this you will now be able to listen to your personal brand of taste in songs without having to listen to an impersonal and disembodied voice coming across the airwaves to keep you company on your long drive cross country.

Your car stereo iPod transmitter will also be able to get you through the long hours of the night when you might be unable to sleep. This is because your car stereo iPod transmitter can also be used with other FM receiving devices such as normal FM radios. This means that you can while away the long hours of the night, or lull yourself to sleep with the familiar sounds of your favorite music, using this device.

Although a car stereo iPod FM transmitting device isn't expensive, it isn't exactly cheap either so you might want to look around to see what you can get for your money's worth. And since you will also have to buy an iPod car holder at the same time as well, you might even be able to get a bargain when you buy these two items at the same time!

About the Author

If you want to get more infomation about iPods or other gadgets, please visist my blog at http://gadgetgoblin.blogspot.com

Becker Vision Pro

The mobile multimedia system Becker Vision Pro, which had its debut at the CeBIT, unites all entertainment media into one handy enclosure. It is well-suited to be an entertainer in the car, at home, and, thanks to its integrated rechargeable battery, anywhere you happen to be.

The Vision Pro is equipped with a high-contrast and quick-reacting 7” touch screen in 16:9 widescreen format. The screen is used to play back films in the various compatible formats and also serves as the control panel. Using the clearly set-up control panel that appears on the touch screen if desired, the film and picture as well as the music playback can be managed.

The integrated DVD drive with its side slot plays the current DVD and CD formats. For movies, the formats MPEG1 through MPEG4, DIV-X, XVID, and AVI formats are viewable; and pictures in JPEG, Kodak-Picture-CD, TIFF, RAW, and BMP formats can be viewed.

The Vision Pro is not just suited to play movies, but is also a music star! Aside from the possibilities to play CDs and DVDs, the Vision Pro also offers a USB port for MP3 files and an SD/MMC card reader. With these, it is a fully-fledged MP3 player that can deal with all prevalent media.

There are four high-quality integrated harman/kardon speakers supporting the music playback. Alternately, up to two headsets can be connected using the headset output and the A/V-Out.

A TV tuner for compact TV enjoyment is optionally available. The tuner enables the Vision Pro to receive the freely available TV programme digitally or analogue at home, thus making it ideal as a second television at home.

A special installation set is available for vehicles head rests.

Facts
- 7“ TFT touch screen in 16:9 format
- resolution: 800x480 pixels
- integrated DVD drive
- USB 2.0 connector for stick, player, camera
- SD-/MMC card reader
- video formats: MPEG-1 to MPEG-4, DIV-X, XVID, AVI
- picture formats: JPEG, Kodak Picture CD, TIFF, RAW, BMP
- music formats: stereo, MP3, WMA, WAV
- 4 integrated harman/kardon speakers
- integrated Lithium Polymer batteries for up to four hours operating time
- TV tuner (analog/DVB-T) FM receiver optionally available
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 226x160x36 mm

Vision Pro: approx. 550.00 Euro
opt. TV-Tuner: approx. 150.00 Euro

Tips On Choosing A Car Audio System

Car audio has moved a long way from the old standard AM/FM Radio/Tape Deck combo. Today, in-vehicle multimedia systems include DVD video, television and navigation systems with local hotspot news. Common to all systems is the sound quality.

The quality of sound in a car audio system depends upon a number of factors; the type and quality of the media player system, the type of speakers used, the acoustics of the vehicle and interference from other devices.

Type and Quality of Media Player System

Before we look at the different types of in-vehicle media players it pays to have a basic understanding of audio quality. When deciding what type of audio system to install, and also when comparing one make and model to another, there are two key specifications to consider:

Signal-to-noise ratio [SNR] - a measure of signal strength compared to background noise in the signal or equipment. Measured in decibels. The higher the dB, the better. A car CD player has an SNR of 90 or 100 dB.

Frequency response [FR] - a measure of how much of the audio spectrum, from bass to treble, gets reproduced. It's measured as a range in Hertz, and the wider the range, the better. Look for a CD player with a range of at least 10-20k Hz.

An FM radio, cassette player, and CD player all have different measurements for these specs. To help understand these two specifications, let's compare a car tape cassette player and a car CD player.

Cassette player has an SNR of 50-70 dB. This is much lower than a CD player, so the sound quality degrades at each end of the spectrum. The FR is around 30-18k Hz for a cassette player, so does not contribute as much to sound quality as the SNR.
That's why overall, a car CD player gives a much better sound than a cassette tape player.

Media players in vehicles today are either radio tuner, CD player/changer, or Digital Audio player.

CD Players & Changers

There are a number of options when it comes to playing CD's in a vehicle:

1. An in-dash CD Player - often combined with radio tuner, WMA/MP3 player

2. An in-dash CD Receiver - with a multiple CD cassette / changer located elsewhere in the vehicle

3. Connect a portable CD player to an existing in-dash audio unit using either a cable and adapter or a bluetooth wireless connection.

When choosing a car CD player the first two things to consider are:

1. Will it physically fit into the vehicle?

2. Will it integrate cosmetically with the dash and other electronics?

Most decks have standardized form factors; so fit most cars, but there are exceptions, so make sure that the deck is suited for your car. You are usually pretty safe is the car stereo is made for the same market as the source of your car.

Cosmetic integration is a little more complex, but in many cases easily resolved through customisation features. For instance, many decks allow you to change the faceplates and color of the display.

Digital Audio Car Systems

With most home audio systems and portable players giving crisp quality sound using digital audio, we are no longer satisfied with the flat, bland analog sound from older car audio systems.

If you normally store your digital music files on CD, a compatible stereo or changer is a good option. Up to 10 hours of music [250 songs] can be stored on a single disc and allows use of random shuffling and repeat options. This disadvantage is ease of use, having to load and unload from cassettes located in the boot or under seats, and the limited file formats that your stereo can play back.

So now you have the media player selected, what about the speaker system.

Car Speaker System

The speaker system can be thought of in two parts: the channel amplifier and the physical speaker units.

Car amplifiers power the speakers in your car stereo system to provide crisp sound quality at high volumes. Each speaker requires one channel of amplification. This means a 4-channel amplifier, will support four speakers. And choice of speakers is not limited either. With a range of options for your basic stereo speakers [2-channel], you can supplement the high note quality using a tweeter and the low bass notes with a sub-woofer. This gives you a standard 4-channel sound system that will rival your home audio system.

Adding to a basic car stereo option typically involves adding subwoofers, amplifiers and crossovers to tailor the output sound to personal tastes. This does not mean the result is the boorish, obnoxious bass boom boxing that invades the entire neighbourhood. A subwoofer adds quality and purity to music.

For details of specifications on each part of your system, see Go-Reviews.com - Car Electronics Section
The main factors in selecting car speakers are:

- Design or Speaker Type

- Technical Specifications

- Fitting & Mounting

Speaker design is about the combination of sound drivers for midrange, subwoofer and tweeter. Depending upon the combination, the set is known as a two-way, three-way or four-way speaker system.

Car speaker specifications are similar to home audio speakers; the main difference in technical specification to compensate for the lower power outputs of car stereo receivers. Speaker technical specifications include: sensitivity, frequency response, signal to noise ratio, power handling and impedance. We will look at these specification in more detail in subsequent articles.

The fittings and mountings are selected depending upon where you choose to position the speakers. Car audio speakers are either: top mounted or bottom mounted. Clearance depth is most important when installing new speakers in a non-factory speaker location. So check all of your components carefully before purchase.

With such a range of combinations available the Internet provides a valuable resource in car electronics reviews. Sites like Go-Reviews.com seek out reviews and consolidate the recommendations to give you a quick reference buying guide.

about the author:

Nicola is the product reviewer for Go-Reviews.com. For reviews on consumer and business technology, the latest technology news, product releases and recalls and useful hints on getting the best from your technology.

What Is A Car Subwoofer?

What Is A Car Sub Woofer?

Do you know what a car subwoofer is? Would you like to find out? In essence it is a speaker not in a box enclosure ( although they can and are often put in boxes ) with extra power running to it courtesy of an amplifier. The purpose of a car sub woofer is to deliver low frequency bass sounds in the music being played. Usually the octaves consistently delivered by sub woofers are missing from normal range car audio systems with speakers. Some music is specially created specifically for bass and are commonly known as bass tracks.

Not All Car Subwoofers Are The Same:

Basically subwoofers are of either a passive or powered type. A passive subwoofer setup will get its' power from the car audio system. A powered type of setup will get its power delivered independently of the car audio system being used. Car subwoofers are commonly put into box enclosures that they are mounted on and then placed into a suitable place in the car which is usually the boot area. Car subs vary significantly in size with usual ranges being from 8 inches to 60 inches. These days you can pick them up relatively cheap online from places such as ebay.

Car Subwoofer Setup Arrangement:

So far we know most subs are mounted in boxes but they can also come in a tube mounted format. Typically a sub will have an amplifier connected to deliver the power required. The power delivery requirements are significant so for that reason an amp is pretty much a necessity. They also typically take up a lot of space so be prepared to give up that room in order to accommodate your car subwoofer. You can find more info on subs at http://www.subwoofersinformation.com

Buying Your Own Car Subwoofer

Go for the best one that your budget can withstand. If you can't quite afford the good ones in retail outlets then have a look at online auction sites such as ebay. There are some real bargains on there. Remember, buying a used car subwoofer in great condition and decent quality could be better than buying a new one that isn't very good. Even though car subwoofers are considered a luxury item, many car audiophiles would not go without this piece of kit in their setup.


About the Author
Article by Richard Davies at Subwoofers Information => More free information and advice on everything you need to know about subwoofers and picking a car subwoofer at => Subwoofers Information

Exclusive collaboration reveals exciting audio entertainment innovations

Jaguar’s new C-XF concept car, unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, features next generation audio solutions from renowned sound expert Bowers & Wilkins. Emphasising the company’s reputation for audio excellence and innovation, Bowers & Wilkins’ first foray into the automotive entertainment arena reveals a range of technologies, materials and techniques, many of which make their debut.

Applying over 40 years of experience to the challenges of achieving great sound in the automotive environment, Bowers & Wilkins’ engineers have developed a unique in-car audio system, featuring Micro-Matrix speaker panels, ‘Bass Beam’ low-frequency driver technology, Kevlar® cone midrange speakers, diamond-dome tweeters, selective-directivity arrays in the rear passenger compartment, and a rear deck panel featuring a full complement of bass and wide-dispersion drivers.

Within the C-XF concept car, Bowers & Wilkins demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenges in reproducing sound effectively in-car, combining high-performance materials and technologies and integrating them into the Jaguar’s luxury interior. “The in-car environment is very complex,” says Martin Lindsay, Senior Business Development Manager at Bowers & Wilkins Automotive. “Restricted space, differing materials, and the need to satisfy multiple entertainment needs pose unique and often conflicting requirements.” Bowers & Wilkins has been involved in the concept car’s development from the start, and each element of the system has been devised using technologically-advanced concepts aimed at ensuring the best possible sound experience throughout.

This collaboration marks the beginning of Bowers and Wilkins’ relationship with Jaguar and selected partners to develop and deliver next-generation premium audio solutions. The system created for the Jaguar C-XF attests to Bowers & Wilkins’ acoustic expertise and signals the company’s commitment to bringing audio innovations to the car. “We recognise that consumers demand high-quality sound reproduction in their cars as well as in their homes,” continues Lindsay. “Achieving great sound in the car is viewed as the latest technological challenge for us, and we look forward to realising next-generation sound systems that set new standards for in-car entertainment.”

Bowers & Wilkins’ custom ‘audio concept’ system includes:
Jewel-like front and rear speaker panels utilising patented Micro-Matrix material, designed to deliver improved stiffness and damping properties. The material adds strength, avoids vibration and makes good use of the limited space typically available in the interior of the car.
‘Bass Beam’ low-frequency driver components, mounted in the doors, promoting structural integrity and superior audio imaging. Finding an ideal space for subwoofers in the car has always been problematic. This innovative design makes incorporation within the car’s doors possible and provides an optimal implementation for the achievement of forward stereo imaging and concentrated ‘up front’ bass.

Incorporation of Kevlar® cone drivers in the dashboard and doors, designed to achieve smoother response throughout its frequency range. The end result is that these speakers deliver more fine detail to the listener and eliminate off-axis tonal-balance problems.
Diamond-dome tweeters combined with award-winning Nautilus technology deliver unmatched high-frequency performance. The elements in the C-XF are taken from Bowers & Wilkins critically-acclaimed 800 Diamond Series loudspeakers. The tapered NautilusTM tube is now replaced by a compact, spiral version which damps unwanted reflections from the rear side of the tweeter element.

Selective-Directivity arrays under DSP control accurately direct full-range audio, creating improved clarity for back seat passengers while avoiding driver distraction. These components help achieve the goal of soundstage optimisation in response to changing passenger entertainment needs. These can be used to cover all listening conditions. For multichannel surround entertainment, these drivers help to deliver a seamless presentation front to rear.
Rear deck panel designed to create an even sound experience with a central-mounted bass driver and two flanking wide-dispersion drivers.