The all-in-one solution for car audio systems
The latest vehicle audio systems are merging technologies into an integrated entertainment system for active drivers. At the center of the revolution is the smart phone, the ubiquitous device that has turned vehicles into mobile communication center.
“Smart phones and vehicle sound systems are delivering a wide variety of applications relevant to driving,” said Jacob Hardin, national product supervisor for JVC Electronics.
Integrated systems, also known as “all-in-one” navigation systems, package a variety of capabilities. Among them: news feeds, streaming audio, GPS mapping, satellite radio, HD radio, streaming video and mobile phone applications.
“All-in-one systems can update drivers on traffic conditions, news and sports scores,” Hardin said. “Passengers can watch streaming Netflix videos.”
How is this possible?
Smart phones have turned the mobile audio industry on its head. Bluetooth wireless support is a de facto standard. Data packages sold alongside smart phones continually stream music and news.
Moreover, platforms such as the iPhone and Android give drivers a wide selection of driver-specific applications. Music and entertainment companies such as JVC are bridging smart phone technology with vehicle audio systems. Large, inexpensive display screens have replaced slender panels and turned traditional stereo system into a communications command center.
For instance, drivers can connect smart phones directly to the vehicle sound system. By using a mobile phone application such as MotionX-GPS Drive, drivers can display traffic pattern and road hazard information on the vehicle dashboard.
The same is true for mobile music applications. All-in-one- stereo systems integrate with mobile phones to deliver streaming audio from subscription services such as XM Radio or free Internet radio services like Slacker Music Radio. In effect, the smart phone acts as a radio receiver.
“New mobile phone applications are relevant to driving,” Hardin said. “All-in-one stereo systems integrate these applications into the dashboard of your vehicle.”
Moreover, HD Radio is becoming a de facto standard on most vehicle radio systems. HD, or high definition, radio is analogous to digital television. It sends audio over digital rather than analog signals, and that provides higher sound clarity.
Digital signals provide higher sound clarity and the ability to transmit data such as sports scores and news. HD Radio is public radio and the signals are transmitted at no cost to listeners. Some stations are dedicated to specialty music; other stations provide data such as traffic. As a result, listeners have a wealth of new stations they can tune into while driving—without a subscription fee.
“All-in-one entertainment systems give drivers control over all their various media from a single source,” Hardin said.
Hardin had several suggestions for drivers who want to investigate all-in-one news and audio systems:
- Check to see if the all-in-one system supports Internet music, HD Radio and smart phone applications such as Trapster traffic data and Netflix movie streaming.
- Ask if the system can integrate with GPS mapping services on your mobile phone. “Some applications can show you 50 to 100 miles where there are sticky traffic problems,” Hardin said.
- Look for head units that incorporate streaming data and streaming video. Units that offer these features eliminate the need for separate devices and can connect to services offered through your mobile phone carrier.
- Make sure the controls are easy-to-use and intuitive. Complicated menu structures make it harder to keep your eyes on the road.
- Ask about service fees, if any, for programs supported by the all-in-one system. For instance, video services such as Netflix, XM Radio, or real-time may require a monthly subscription.
“All-in-one systems are basically computers,” Hardin said. “They contain fast processors and large amounts of memory needed to store data and operate applications.”