MotoDash - Head Units

Azentek Wins International Telematics Award for Best Aftermarket Device

Chris Johnson — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:01:19 GMT

Wednesday, 21 May 2008 Azentek, today announced it has won the "Best Aftermarket Device" award for its Atlas CPC-1000, the industry's first all-in-one fully integrated in-car multimedia PC. At an exclusive gala dinner in Detroit, Michigan, Telematics Update Magazine revealed the winners of the sixth annual Telematics Awards on the evening of May 20th. Every year the Telematics Awards, organized by the telematics industry's only global print publication - Telematics Update - recognizes and celebrates the key companies that are driving the industry forward and pushing the boundaries in automotive and GPS technology. The nominated entries were judged by a selection of independent consultants and industry experts. The award categories include Best Embedded Telematics Service; Best Embedded Telematics Navigation Product; Best Portable Telematics Solution; Best Portable Navigation System; Best Aftermarket Device; Best Telematics Component Solution; Best Use of Telematics Technology for the Public Sector; Best Telematics Service & Application for Commercial Vehicles; Global Car Manufacturer Innovation; and the 2007-2008 Industry Newcomer Award. Several of the companies nominated for awards include Microsoft, Clear Channel, BMW, Hyundai Autonet, Magnetti Marelli, Ford Motor Company, OnStar, Nissan, XM Satellite Radio, T-Mobile, Garmin, Audi, and LoJack. At an MSRP of $2,799, Azentek's Atlas CPC-1000 is...

Planet Audio P255BA Headunit

Chris Johnson — Sat, 03 May 2008 21:37:01 GMT

Bluetooth enabled-MP3 compatible-CD receiver with a drop-down fully detachable face plate and front panel USB and auxiliary inputs. The future is now at PLANET AUDIO. This Bluetooth wireless interface system with outboard keypad enables a vehicle operator to take incoming calls via their Bluetooth headset while muting your radio, CD option, I Pod or MP3 and activating the units built-in microphone, all the while keeping your hands on the steering wheel. Performance, safety, and convenience... at PLANET AUDIO, the future is NOW! For more information concerning this and other fine products from PLANET AUDIO please call (888) 990.1236.

JVC Mobile Introduces Five New 2008 CD Receivers

Chris Johnson — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 02:23:10 GMT

Cypress, Calif. - JVC Mobile Entertainment has added five CD receivers with enhanced connectivity to its product line for 2008. The KD-BT11 features built-in Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and is updatable for pairing with new cell phones. The unit is equipped for readiness with CD changer, HD radio, Satellite radio, and is MP3/WMA compatible. The KD-BT11 also features a 3-Band Parametric iEQ, MOS-FET 50W x 4, variable color display, and front AUX Input. A wireless remote is included. The receiver is available in February with an MSRP of $219.95. The KD-PDR80 CD Receiver features a direct USB 2.0 connection for iPod providing high speed song selection, charging, and digital audio transfer. The unit is also equipped for readiness with Bluetooth, HD Radio, Satellite Radio, and CD changer. The receiver is MP3/WMA compatible and has a front auxiliary input, loudness control, dual color illumination, variable color display, and wireless remote. The KD-PDR80 also features MOS-FET 50W x 4 and 3-band iEQ. The receiver is available in February with an MSRP of $209.95. The KD-PDR40 CD receiver features front auxiliary input and 2-way iPod control - enabling users to make iPod song selections from either the stereo...

Oxygen launches its range of source units!

Chris Johnson — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:17:30 GMT

Published on 08/17/2007 Oxygen launches its range of source units! After 10 years of designing and commercializing of speakers, amplifiers and cables, we challenged ourselves with the realization of a range of source units. With always the same willingness to succeed, we use the most recent technologies which can reproduce all types of format. All our models are not only capable to reproduce MP3, but they can also reproduce the file/sub files arborescence of a CD or a USB. (From MP 201) For example, on your support, a precise outline of your favorite records will allows you to choose a album, and in this album, to choose a track. This guarantees a huge gain of time but also a simplified use. Our model "MP601" permits also to use this procedure on a DVD support, which guarantees a minimum of storage 5 times superior to a CD. The "MP601" model is at the same time equipped to read DVD (simple and double layers). It also offers the reading of DIVX files recorded on a CD, USB, or even a DVD. A 4.7 GB DVD will offer you the possibility to store an average of six films in the DIVX format. Our...

Achieving Superior Sound Is A Snap With New Head Unit Add-On Imprint Audio

Chris Johnson — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:27:46 GMT

ACHIEVING SUPERIOR SOUND IS A SNAP WITH NEW HEAD UNIT ADD-ON IMPRINT AUDIO PROCESSOR FROM ALPINE ELECTRONICS Breakthrough Sound-Processing Architecture Available Via Easy Head Unit Upgrade TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 7, 2008 - The car's interior is not meant for listeners to hear music the way the artist intended. The odd shapes and variety of materials significantly distort sound, making the listening experience less than ideal. Last year, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., introduced IMPRINT TM , a revolutionary sound processing architecture that automatically overcomes the inherent acoustical challenges found inside the vehicle, resulting in a rich, enveloping listening experience. This year, Alpine breaks fresh ground with the introduction of the PXA-H100 IMPRINT Audio Processor. This new solution enables music enthusiasts to add superior IMPRINT sound to almost any 2008 Alpine Ai-NET head unit via a small, easy-to-install module. The IMPRINT Sound Engine processor is powered by Alpine's proprietary automotive implementation of Audyssey MultEQ® XT, an automated frequency equalization and time domain adjustment technology that minimizes acoustical distortion, resulting in vastly improved soundstage imaging, tonal balance and definition of music. The new PXA-H100 IMPRINT audio processor utilizes MultEQ XT to automatically tune the response in the vehicle to the user's selection...

Pioneer Car Stereos Keep Drivers on the Go with Enhanced Bluetooth Functionality

Chris Johnson — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:42:49 GMT

Pioneer Car Stereos Keep Drivers on the Go with Enhanced Bluetooth Functionality, iPod and USB Connectivitiy and Excellent Sound Quality LAS VEGAS - CES Booth #9827 1/6/2008 Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today introduced twelve new single CD players that meet the growing consumers demand for on-the-go connectivity, fluid design and excellence in sound quality. The new line of Pioneer and Premier branded single CD players includes a mix of models with enhanced connectivity options as well as a revamped look and feel. The majority of players also boast Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR), a patented technology that restores musical detail lost when compressed music files (MP3, WMA and AAC) are created. The result is a fuller, richer and more enjoyable listening experience during playback. "Today's consumers feel the need to stay connected, engaged and entertained with great quality audio. We've designed our new line of car stereos for just that - giving consumers various options to integrate portable devices with our products, whether it's a Bluetooth cell phone, iPod or another music player, or even a USB storage device," said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for the mobile business group of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "In...

Playing Portable MP3 Music in the Car Using Wireless FM Transmitters

Steven Jones — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 05:21:29 GMT

Playing music from a portable MP3 player in the car has always seemed obvious but for early adopters, it's been a struggle until recently. One increasingly popular alternative is using FM transmitters that broadcast the music signal from your player to an unused frequency on your car's radio. I have tried three different gadgets that are all supposed to achieve the same result but have discovered that there are quite a few things to consider when shopping for a FM transmitter solution. Three Different Approaches I have had the chance to use the following products with varying degrees of success and satisfaction: irock! Beamit 300W Belkin Portable Music TuneCast II DLO TransPodFM As I will explain below, there is a lot more to this seemingly straightforward mobile solution than you might think. Power: Batteries vs. Cigarette Adapter There are two primary sources of power in the car - the built-in lighter and plain old batteries. Batteries are fine for some devices like Gameboys or flashlights but for extended use, you need to step up to car chargers. The iRock only offers a battery option which is what makes it a really cheap option - if you don't count all the...

What Brand of Head Unit Should You Choose?

Jexx — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 05:18:41 GMT

Maybe you're at Best Buy... Maybe you're surfing the internet... Maybe you're browsing through a Crutchfield magazine... ...all in hopes of finding a head unit that fits you. I find that the major reason one head unit brand is more expensive than another is: build quality. I am going to be focusing around that, and plan to expand on each brand - right now I have a skeleton. You might think features have something to do with it (they do play a small part, indeed), but they really don't. For example, some of the best head units such as McIntosh and Nakamichi that can cost almost a grand don't play MP3 discs, yet you can find a Pioneer or Alpine that will for less than $300. Here's a list of my thoughts regarding popular head units, along with a build quality AVERAGE rating of 1-10 (10 being the best): Alpine - Great head units that have some extremely nice build characteristics. Whether it's a low to high grade unit, it's going to be a great head unit. Build quality=9 Pioneer - My favorite head unit brand built. All of their offerings are extremely competitive with other head units in their...