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