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Übergizmo: Harman has rolled out its latest JBL MS-8 integration digital processor that will see action in vehicles, and will target those who already have some kind of in-car entertainment system built-in, although this one will introduce a more modern form factor. The new processor is said to boost the audio capabilities of the existing set up by some distance, making this an essential add-on component if you are always on the lookout to improve your in-car audio capability when traveling. Features of the JBL MS-8 include a graphic equalizer with 31 bands which can also override automatic equalization to suit personal taste, memory that holds calibration settings for up to four seating positions, a digital crossover function allows precise, user-selectable crossover points and crossover slopes for up to eight separate outputs, Logic 7 technology for creating the ideal 5.1- or 7.1-channel surround-sound experience from two-channel source material, a preamplifier controls manage system volume, subwoofer volume, left/right balance, front/rear fader and bass/mid/treble tone controls, and override DSP equalization, time correction and Logic 7 processing. It can be readily purchased from an in-car audio specialist near you for $799.

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GPS Business News: Nokia and CE4A (Consumer Electronics for Automotive) working group have released the Terminal Mode technology specification as a proposed industry standard for the integration of mobile applications into the car environment. The German CE4A group includes Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen.

Developed in co-operation with Nokia Research Center in Palo Alto and CE4A, Terminal Mode integrates smartphones into an in-vehicle infotainment system. Once connected, the full range of smartphone features, services and applications, such as navigation and music from Ovi by Nokia can be made available through screens and audio systems embedded in the car. It also enables information exchange between the smartphone and the car systems.

In addition to the CE4A participants, Nokia has also established collaborations with Alpine Electronics, Continental, Fiat, Harman Becker and Magneti Marelli to use this technology.

A “Terminal Mode Summit” is expected to take place in June 2010, but no more information was made available by Nokia on this topic at this stage.

The specification documents (Terminal Mode v0.9) are available here:
http://www.nokia.com/terminalmode

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SlashGear: Panasonic are withdrawing from the European satnav business, after drastically falling prices have made it economically unfeasible. 

While no official release has been made, UK site The Register is reporting that Panasonic will now instead focus on in-car entertainment hardware that will be marketed at car manufacturers rather than individual end-users.

The standalone satnav business has been highly competitive in Europe, particularly over the past twelve months, with some highstreet retailers halving prices of their entire range in the run-up to the holidays. The proliferation of OEM devices, plus the absence of key differentiation features between models, has resulted in an unstoppable race to the bottom line.

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WhatCar?: The Modular ICE system features two seven-inch screens that fit to the back of the front headrests.

The master screen has a side-loading DVD slot and USB port, and can play MP3, MP4 and DivX files.

You can tilt and adjust both screens, and play videos or connect games consoles and cameras.

They can be used separately, too, with the master screen showing a DVD and the other linked to a games console.

Alternatively, buyers can pay to have two master screens, which can then show two films independently.

The screens are removable, and can be used indoors using mains power. Two sets of infra-red headphones and a remote control are also provided.

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Duemotori: Previously something to be tackled with trepidation, an In-Car Entertainment (ICE) ‘install’ is no longer reserved for the audio expert, thanks to Clarion – the world’s largest manufacturer of in-car audio, entertainment and satellite navigation solutions – who’s launch of the DXZ388RUSB audio head unit finally makes customising your in-car experience, easy and affordable.

Stacked with features, including CD/CD-R/CD-RW and MP3/WMA/AAC playback, the DXZ388RUSB delivers direct iPod control (no additional leads needed) via the front facing USB slot, whilst the inclusion of Clarion’s own connectivity system – CeNet – allows for the optional add-on of a CD changer or the BLT583 Bluetooth receiver for full mobile phone integration.

Playback spec aside however, the DXZ388RUSB proves itself an ideal starting point for any system build thanks to the addition of 6 channel RCA line-out – previously a feature reserved for top of the range units – that allow greater flexibility with amp additions and speaker set-ups.

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Product-reviews: In-car entertainment is nothing new, but Lexus has raised the standard with their new ICE package for the RX-range SUVs. The premium ICE comes rocking two eight-inch widescreen WVGA monitors. These monitors are securely mounted on the back of the front seats and come with an integrated slot-loading DVD, RCA inputs, USB ports and SD card slots.

These gorgeous units are jitter resistant – so no need to avoid those rough country roads! The screens can either operate independently or simultaneously and two pairs of infrared headphones are supplied. The units are operated with a manual control panel or a remote control unit.

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AVReview: Despite its critical success in the home entertainment market, Pioneer hasn’t neglected its in-car entertainment division with the release of eight new head units.

To sum up then:

• The DEH-1000E is entry-level with front aux-in connector for MP3 hook-up, rotary volume control and red or green (DEH-1020E) colour codes.
• The DEH-2000MP/DEH-2020MP/DEH-2000MPB offer MP3/WMA/WAV playback from ripped CDs, sports a front aux input for MP3 hook-up, on-screen CD text and OEM remote control input so you can control the unit from an existing steering wheel remote. Available in red, blue or green button display.
• The DEH-3000MP features an RCA pre-out so users can add an amplifier, additional speakers or subwoofer.
• The DEH-4000UB is exclusive to Argos and sports a front-mounted USB socket for external MP3 hook-up.
• The DEH-5000UB arrives in a choice of ten colours and comes with rear-mounted USB and aux inputs keeping the front clutter free for the more style conscious.
• The DEH-50UB is the first model from the range to allow iPod Direct Audio Control so you can control your iPod through the stereo with the option of an extra remote control. There are also rear-mounted USB and direct sub inputs.

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Easier motoring: Having recently grabbed Europe’s top gong in the in-car, audio-visual stakes – In-Car A/V Head Unit of the Year – Clarion is showing no signs of let-up in the development of cutting edge in-car entertainment, with the launch of its intuitive VRX578RUSB multi-media masterpiece.

Featuring DVD R/DVD RW, CD R/CD RW, MP3, WMA and AAC file playback, as well as USB and optional iPod control, the new VRX578RUSB is the easy-to-use answer for getting the most out of multi-media in-car.

A fully motorised 7” touch panel control glides effortlessly upon command from the elegant single DIN housing. Once open, a sensibly styled ergonomic control panel, makes speedy navigation of the range of audio and multimedia functions on offer a breeze, whilst Bluetooth connectivity makes it safer than ever to stream voice calls via a mobile phone on the move.

The VRX578RUSB’s hideaway USB terminal allows for the link-up of portable MP3 players and subsequent access to 255 folders, each supporting 15,000 tracks, whether they’re MP3, WMA or the iTunes-friendly AAC files.

Equipped with the industry’s latest method of video compression, “DivX”, the VRX578RUSB is more than capable when it comes to video playback.

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