Car Audio Blog » MP3

Digital Music In Your Car

Car Audio Blogger — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 08:16:05 +0000

There are a few different things that digital music in your car can stand for. Depending on the type of CD player you have in your car will determine what your car can do with digital music. First of all, there are MP3 players that can hook up to your car. These give you a form of digital music that you can play right through your car speaker system. This gives you the upper hand, because you can put more music on a MP3 player than you can on a disc. The other type of digital music would come from digital radio. Both these things are very good in their own ways.

iPod Connector Honda Element

First of all, it’s very important to point out that both forms of digital music are good in their own way. No matter what kind of digital music your car can play, you should just be happy it can play one of these two types. Now that we have the basics out of the way, we need to talk about what the difference is between the two. One form you will have is a digital MP3 player hooked up to your car. The only kind of music you can listen to with this thing is the music that you download onto it. With that being said, you are only going to have music that you like. After all, you are not going to download music that you do not like to have on your MP3 player. Next is the digital radio. This is where you can listen to different stations, and pick what kind of music you want to hear. No matter which one you go with, you are going to have great music that sounds amazing.

First, we will talk a little bit more about the MP3 players. There are different types of CD players that you can get in your car that will hook up with MP3 players. This is great, because then you do not have to carry around so many different CDs. All you have to do is load all your music up to your MP3 player, and then you can listen to all your music off the MP3 player. This will save a lot of room in your car, because you are not going to have to worry about finding a spot to put all your different music CDs. Although, it’s important to remember that you are only suppose to upload music that you own to your MP3 player. It’s a copy right fraction if you do not own the rights to that song. To do that you must of bought the CD first.

iPod in Honda Fit

Next, is the great and powerful digital radio. If you like listening to tons of different music, this is the way to go. After all, with this bad boy you can choose from thousands of stations, and choose the one that is right for you. This means that if you like all types of hip-hop, you can just put it on a hip-hop station and listen to nothing except all kinds of hip-hop. They have tons of stations so you will always be able to find what you are looking for. Although it can cost a lot of money to have one of these radios, you will be happy at how much music and play time you are going to get out of it. This is the perfect top off for any car that you might own.

Sony MEX-BT5000 + Bluetooth + MP3/WMA playback

Car Audio Blogger — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:59:52 +0000

The MEX-BT5000 is Sony’s first car CD player with built-in Bluetooth technology, and it’s all about making your life simpler. No more searching for the ringing cell phone while you’re driving down a busy street, or trying to talk on your phone while it’s connected to the charger’s too-short cord.

Instead, when the phone rings, you just push a button on the stereo to answer it. The music mutes and the call comes over your car’s front speakers. And your phone remains in your pocket, purse, or under the seat.

The Sony MEX-BT5000 is packed with useful entertainment and communications features, although it suffers from some fiddly controls. Advanced Bluetooth audio streaming may be its star feature, but its built-in sound optimization for digital audio playback means that it is more than a one-trick pony…

Sony MEX-BT5000 General features:

Car CD player with built-in amplifier (17 watts RMS/52 peak x 4 channels)
Bluetooth wireless connectivity works with compatible cell phones, music players, and more
full range of Bluetooth features вЂ” hands-free calling, phone book transfer, high-quality audio transfer, and control of compatible equipment
Sony MEX-BT5000 plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs
Rotary Encoder Joystick makes menu navigation easy
flip-down faceplate with fluorescent display
Sony remote control

Sony MEX-BT5000 Audio features:

EQ3 3-band equalizer with preset sound curves
BBE MP processing
Dynamic Soundstage Organizer enhances the sound
Burr-Brown 24-bit digital-to-analog converter
subwoofer level controls and low-pass filter

Sony MEX-BT5000 Expandability:

compatible with Sony’s optional iPod adapter, HD Radio tuner, and satellite radio
inputs: Aux Lite rear-mounted auxiliary input
outputs: three sets of 4-volt preamp outputs

The good: The Sony MEX-BT5000 provides drivers with a stylish and easy-to-use interface for streaming wireless audio and making calls via Bluetooth, as well as a robust receiver for a range of digital audio playback. Integrated phone controls and the ability to copy cell-phone address books are also in its favor.

The bad: The absence of an On button had us puzzled for a while, and the dislocation of the start- and end-call controls makes placing calls more cumbersome than it needs to be…

JVC Introduces 5 New 2008 CD Receivers

Car Audio Blogger — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:22:09 +0000

JVC Mobile Entertainment has added five CD receivers with enhanced connectivity to its product line for 2008: JVC KD-G140 / JVC KD-G340 / JVC KD-PDR80 / JVC KD-BT11 / JVC KD-PDR40

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 JVC 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 JVC 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 вЂ“ enabling users to make iPod song selections from either the stereo or iPod itself using the included cable while keeping the iPodвЂ™s internal battery charged. Also included is a wireless remote control and MP3/WMA playback capability. The JVC KD-PDR40 also features MOS-FET 50 watts x 4, and front and rear preouts with switchable rear subwoofer out. The receiver is available for shipping in January and has a MSRP of $149.95.

Also new for 2008 is the JVC KD-G340, a Ready for Bluetooth CD receiver that features front auxiliary input, wireless remote, and MP3/WMA playback. Expandability options also include Satellite radio, HD radio, and iPod capability. The KD- KD-G340 also features MOS-FET 50 watts x 4, 3-band iEQ, and front and rear preouts with switchable rear subwoofer out. The receiver has an MSRP of $119.95 and is also now shipping.

The companyвЂ™s JVC KD-G140 receiver features front auxiliary input, wireless remote, MOSFET 50 watts x 4, 3-band IEQ, HS tuner, rear/subwoofer switch, and subwoofer level/frequency control. The JVC KD-G140 is offered at a list price of $99.95 and is now shipping.

About JVC Mobile Entertainment: JVC Mobile Entertainment products are marketed by JVC Mobile Company of America, a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan, Limited. JVC is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated mobile, audio and video products that use superior technologies to deliver high quality sound and images.

News source: jvc.com/press

Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go – Portable Speaker System

Car Audio Blogger — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:09:51 +0000

Blaupunkt Debuts World’s First Portable Speaker System that Doubles as a Powered Car Subwoofer

Blaupunkt has introduced Velocity 2Go, the world’s first headphone-jack portable stereo speaker systems that can also be quickly converted into car audio subwoofers. Ideal for active music lovers, Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go powered speakers generate room-filling full-range sound when connected to any device with headphone output jacks. When used in a car, it delivers deep, clean bass to add weight to the sound of a basic four-speaker car stereo system.

Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go is available in two sizes, each with powerful high-efficiency amplifiers, two long-throw polypropylene woofers and two silk-dome tweeters in a sturdy, attractive ported aluminum enclosure. Power for the four bi-amp configured amplifiers and active crossovers is supplied by a car’s 12-volt electrical system, an AC adapter, or rechargeable AA batteries sustained by a built-in charger. A defeatable auto-turn-on function activates whenever an audio signal is detected.

The Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go 5 features dual 5-1/4-inch woofers, and a pair of 3вЃ„4-inch tweeters in an 8 liter enclosure, and is capable of linear frequency response from 50 Hz to 25000 kHz. The larger Velocity 2Go 6 employs 6-1/2-inch woofers and 1-inch tweeters in a 15-liter enclosure, making it capable of higher output, and linear response down to 40 Hz…

In addition to the 3.5mm headphone jack input, there are also rear-panel RCA inputs for use with variable line-level outputs from a home, preamplifier, TV set, or other audio device. The unit’s built-in amplifiers are capable of delivering a combined output up to 160 watts of power (80 watts RMS) when connected to either an AC or 12-volt DC source, and 60 Watts max (30 watts RMS) when powered by eight standard rechargeable AA batteries.

When used as a powered car subwoofer, the Velocity 2Go’s low pass active filter network comes into play, limiting reproduction to frequencies below 120 Hz and removing the tweeters as an audio source. There are a complete range of subwoofer controls, including gain, low-pass frequency, and signal phase adjustments to ensure seamless integration with existing car stereo gear. A rear-panel multi-port input can be used with the included cable to instantly connect the Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go to 12 V DC power, speaker-level or RCA audio inputs, making it remarkably fast and simple to hook up to nearly any car audio system. An optional QuickOut Dock is available to provide instant connection and subwoofer mode activation…

Full press release: gspr.com

Sony XAV-W1 In-dash DVD/CD/MP3 Receiver

Car Audio Blogger — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:50:59 +0000

The Sony XAV-W1 is its first stab at the aftermarket in-car ents game and it’s a beauty, dominated by a 7in 800×480 touchscreen.

The oversized head unit is designed to slot neatly into newer double DIN bays that are twice the height of your standard car stereo вЂ“ hence the large screen.

Plays most popular music and video formats. CD, DVD, SACD, Windows Media Audio, mp3 and JPEG
Supports Dolby Digital surround sound and DTS Digital Surround Processing playback
iPod ready. Just plug it in to enjoy your personal audio collection on the road
Supports satellite radio and connects to Sony’s HD Radio tuner to deliver additional HD radio channels and rich information like artist, song name and more
Command your digital music from behind the wheel or the back seat with the supplied remote card
Customisable display and sound settings. Set your favourite photo as the background wallpaper
Delivers 52 watts across 4 channels ensuring rich, clear sound. Zone by Zone capability allows you to set separate audio zones for the front and rear seats
Camera input connects with a rear-monitor camera and displays the image on the player’s screen – makes parking a breeze!

It’ll play your DVDs, DivX movies, WMAs, MP3s and CDs, as well as your doubtless huge collection of SACDs. 5.1-channel surround sound is supported with Dolby Digital Surround and DTS Digital Surround Processing.

Naturally, you can also plug in a console or portable music spinner and hook up a rear-view camera for spotting bollards before they kiss your bumper. Um, there’s even a karaoke mode вЂ“ just perfect for those long journeys. Oh dear, look, it’s broken

Aside from its ability to play SACD audio, Sony’s XAV-W1 has the same features as many other aftermarket in-car systems, including support for a wide range of digital audio and video sources. The XAV-W1 differentiates itself, however, by its ability to present these features in a visually stunning format; by its intuitive menus and vivid touch-screen icons; and through its range of audio and visual customization options. While we found Sony’s HD Radio module to be clunky and unwieldy, the $800 XAV-W1 is an elegant all-in-one in-car media system with a competitive price tag.

More info: sony.co.uk

Pioneer uBus – USB Control for iPod & MP3 Players

Car Audio Blogger — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:08:31 +0000

Do more with Pioneer “uBus” USB Control – not just iPodВ® direct control*, “uBus” also controls many MP3 players** and USB memory devices (“Jump Drives”) as well. Access, control and high-resolution playback are supremely fast and straightforward. Simply plug in USB-compatible equipment (such as an iPodВ® nano, iPodВ® Video, or another portable digital player or USB memory device) into the included USB connector. This direct, high-speed (USB 2.0), adapter-free connection plus built-in 24-bit Delta Sigma D/A Converter assures extraordinary sound quality as well as convenience.

Control and operation is extremely intuitive and responsive with the 7-Way Rotary Commander, which works similar in all respects to an actual iPod.

You can easily select from Artists, Albums, Genres, Playlists and more, and then quickly use the rotary action to sort through the selections. MP3 CD’s, MP3 portable players and USB memory devices are all also very similar and easy to use.

Pioneer “uBus” USB Direct Control is available on the following models:

Pioneer DEH-P6900UB, Pioneer DEH-P690UB, Add-on USB capability to many additional headunits using the CD-UB100 USB Adapter. Compatible with the following 2007 models: Pioneer DEH-P4900IB, Premier DEH-P490IB, Pioneer DEH-P5900IB, Premier DEH-P590IB, DEH-P7900BT, and Premier DEH-P790BT.

More information: PioneerElectronics.com

Venturi Mini – Bluetooth handsfree kit meets MP3 streaming jukebox, through any FM car stereo

Car Audio Blogger — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:41:05 +0000

Developed by NextGen Venturi, the Venturi Mini is specifically designed to work with music phones and Bluetooth-equipped MP3 players. Boasting full support for Bluetooth 2.0+EDR and A2DP, the Venturi Mini can relay this sound information – both in terms of voice calls and streaming music – through its integrated digital FM transmitter. The transmitter also has RDBS technology for displaying information on your car’s radio screen, including contacts, device menus, and other pertinent data.

The Venturi Mini is a new and unique product combining BluetoothВ® Music streaming with Hands-Free calling and USB style charging. The integrated FM RDS Transmitter streams stereo audio through the in-car sound system for music playback and hands-free. The Venturi Mini requires ZERO INSTALL and simply connects to the cigarette lighter socket in the vehicle making it easily transportable.

The integrated OLED display and high performance microphone enables high quality crystal clear hands-free with the received audio coming through the in car speakers.

Music Streaming

Music can be streamed from a mobile phone using the Bluetooth A2DP profile or a portable music player can be connected via Bluetooth A2DP or directly through the audio in stereo jack.

Hands-Free Bluetooth Audio and Phonebook

Providing high quality audio via the car speakers and crystal clear voice via built-in microphone as well as remote control of your phonebook with dialing activation from the smart interface on the Venturi Mini.

BluetoothВ® Wireless Technology

Featuring Bluetooth v2.0 & state of the art DSP technology for clear hands-free audio and advanced music streaming from your Bluetooth enabled phone or portable music player via smart interface on the Venturi Mini…

FM Transmitter with RDS/RBDS

Sends caller ID and other information to the car radio display for simple and easy call management. The phonebook contents are also displayed on the car radio display along with call status all controlled via smart interface on the Venturi Mini.

Audio In and Out

For complete flexibility the Venturi Mini allows you to connect any device to the audio-in and supplies audio-out for a direct connection to the vehicle stereo system or other audio devices.

Built In Charger

To keep your phone battery and other devices fully charged on the move with the built in 5V, 500mA USB style charger. (Adapter cables not supplied)

It’s also quite notable that the Venturi Mini can pair with up to four devices at the same time, meaning you can have your MP3 player blasting tunes through while the your phone is connected for a call back home. The standard USB style 5v port provides an area where you can simultaneously charge your devices too. Regular MP3 players an make use of the audio-in socket. If your car’s stereo has an aux-in jack, you can make use of the audio-out on the Venturi Mini for a wired connection too. That’s probably better quality than FM anyways.

Look for the Venturi Mini to ship next month with an MSRP of $129.