Demonstrating its commitment to developing technologies within in-vehicle infotainment, Clarion’s current range of ‘mechless’ (no-moving mechanical parts) audio head units fuse efficiency and ease-of-use with sought-after features, to deliver a state-of-the-art in-car audio experience.

The FZ709E and FZ409E units feature full dot OEL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) screens that are lighter, smaller and more energy efficient – 60-80% of the power consumption of conventional liquid crystal displays.

Much like the technology utilised in home entertainment, this type of screen emits its own light (no backlight), to create a display that is easier to read from wide angles and even in bright sunlight.  Crucially, as it’s easier to read, it’s also easier to operate, which means the driver can keep their eyes on the road for longer, resulting in a safer in-car audio experience all round.

The FZ709E and FZ409E incorporate USB/MP3/WMA/AAC playback, whilst built-in Bluetooth hands free control and audio streaming (HPF & A2DP) – including direct phone list access via the head unit controls – is added as standard to the FZ709E, with the FZ409E supporting the optional addition of a Bluetooth interface (BLT373).

Direct iPod control (no additional leads needed) is offered via a USB slot on the rear of the head unit, and iPod video also supported (optional CCA723 cable and universal monitor required) with the optional addition of stand-alone screens.

Each model also features built-in high pass and low pass filters and a 4 x 50 watt internal amplifier, whilst BBE MP (Minimised Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation) restores the subtleties of sound traditionally lost during digital compression of MP3 and WMA audio files.

Both FZ models utilise a sophisticated GUI (Graphical User Interface), using capacitive sensor technology to remove the need for physical buttons, and deliver a more intuitive operating experience as a result.

Clarion boasts two additional mechless units in its extensive audio range, with the FB288RBT (White) and FB289RBT (Black), also benefiting from built-in Bluetooth audio streaming (A2DP & AVRCP) and Bluetooth Hands free calling technology (HFP & HSP), whilst MP3 (including ID3-TAG display) playback is made possible thanks to an SD card slot behind the flip-down control panel.

The bold, futuristic looks of both models are created through a 728 variable colour display, whilst indirect lighting on to the unit makes each of the four, acrylic arched buttons either side of the central rotary volume control, appear to float like fins…creating a ‘Metal Shark’ design.

All four models feature 18 FM station presets via an RDS-EON tuner and 4 x 50 watts of amplification, with the FB288RBT, FB289RBT and FZ409E available for a typical selling price of just £169.00, and the FZ709E, £269.00, with all four units available from Clarion appointed dealers across the UK.  For more details call Clarion (GB) Ltd., on 01793 870400, or visit www.clarion.co.uk

Highlighting the 2010 range of in-car audio, Clarion’s CZ500E features the all-new ‘star-burst’ style illumination design amidst an array of flawless finishes and highly sought-after specification, providing the ideal showcase for what Clarion has to offer.

The CZ500E incorporates CD/CD-R/CD-RW and MP3/WMA/AAC playback, whilst providing direct iPod control (no additional leads needed) via a USB slot on the rear of the head unit, and built-in Bluetooth hands free control and audio streaming (A2DP & AVRCP) – including direct phone list access via the head unit controls – is added as standard.

Clarion has consistently pushed the boundaries of in-car audio reproduction, and the CZ500E boasts digital Z-Enhancer sound customisation presets to boost the bass and treble, Magna Bass EX to provide extra low-frequency impact (boosting bass by 10dB at 60 Hz), for a well-balanced sound reproduction, and BBE® MP (Minimised Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation) to restore the subtleties of sound lost in the compression of MP3 and WMA audio files.

With an ever-increasing army of audio aficionados seeking greater levels of customisation, the CZ500E also proves itself an ideal entry point for any ‘serious’ system build thanks to the addition of 6 channel RCA line-out – previously a feature reserved for expensive, flagship models – that allow greater flexibility with amp additions and speaker set-ups.

The CZ500E features a large rotary volume control, whilst a white LCD display (13 segment 10 x 2 Line), piano black fascia, metallic feature trim, and the new ‘star-burst’ style blue button illumination create a stunning showpiece for any dashboard.

Despite its good looks and feature-rich spec, the CZ500E has a typical selling price of just £199.00 via appointed dealers across the UK. For more details call Clarion (GB) Ltd., on 01793 870400, or visit www.clarion.co.uk.

With the launch of the VZ409E, Clarion’s latest in-car multimedia centre has been purpose-designed and developed to deliver only the most sought-after features at a price previously unattainable, driving home a truly mobile cinematic experience to the mass motorist.

With significant attention having been paid to audiovisual product development in recent years, the ever-expanding list of specifications is predictably bourn out in the end cost to the consumer, yet Clarion’s VZ409E showcases only the most valuable features, saving space and removing costly technological additions.

The new multimedia showcase is DVD-Video/DVD±R/DVD±RW/CD/CD-R/RW ready and is MP3/WMA compatible with ID3-TAG display, whilst playing the compressed video file format, DivX video (including DivX 6).

Direct iPod and video control is possible via an additional interface (CCUPIPOD3E), offering easy operation either via the VZ409E’s touch-screen or through the iPod itself.

With the majority of the VZ409E’s features accessed via the fully motorised, 7-inch TFT colour LCD touch-screen, operation is simplified, streamlined and beautifully enhanced, thanks to a high-resolution on-screen display.

Bluetooth connectivity is also an optional addition, via a BLT373 interface, allowing safe access to a number of paired mobile phone or PDA functions.

Clarion also provides a cinematic theatre style audio experience by utilising a 24-bit D/A converter (usually found in expensive home audio systems), to cancel unwanted background noise, and create a clearer, more realistic audio reproduction.

A built-in low pass filter and eight audio presets, allow greater audio customisation and with separate subwoofer volume control to boot, the impressive 4 x 40 Watt internal amplifier is put to good use.

To safeguard the increasing level of sophisitcation of mobile entertainment installs – and the money being spent on them – Clarion’s VZ409E has been fitted with CATS (Computer Anti Theft Security) with a personal code feature, to ensure there’s no prize on offer to suitors of Clarion’s latest must-have multimedia unit.

The Clarion VZ409E is priced at RRP £449.00, and is available from all Clarion appointed specialists across the UK.  For more details call Clarion (GB) Ltd., on 01793 870400, or visit www.clarion.co.uk.

Clarion – the leading manufacturer of in-car audio, multimedia and satellite navigation solutions – has added to its current range of built-in Bluetooth audio head units, with the release of the CZ309E.

The new radio/CD-R/RW/USB/SD/Bluetooth unit offers greater integration with mobile phone or PDA functions, including hands-free calling, mobile phone book and sim phone book access, and call log recall.

In addition to CDs, MP3 and WMA file playback is also possible through music streaming (A2DP) via Bluetooth connectivity, whilst the CZ309E also supports external audio players via a front-facing USB slot or 3.5 mm mini-jack.

An in-built 4 x 40 watt high-power amplifier drives a high-quality audio reproduction, whilst four preset HQ settings (pop/Rock/Classic/Flat) and a + 10 dB boost option deliver a tailor-made in-car audio experience.

The Clarion CZ309E is available from all Clarion appointed specialists across the UK, priced at RRP £179.00.  For more details call Clarion (GB) Ltd., on 01793 870400, or visit www.clarion.co.uk.

Parrot RKi8400 is an FM/AM RDS car stereo that features multiple connections for digital music, including USB port for portable hard drive or USB key, SD Card reader and a double line-in socket for analogue sources. It also offers advanced hands-free telephony functions. One of its unique features is the practical storage compartment located behind the removable front panel, ideal for protecting and recharging an iPhone(TM) or iPod(R).

Equipped with a 200W MOS-FET amplifier, the Parrot RKi8400 is a fully-integrated car audio system. Music and conversations are played through the vehicle’s speakers for optimal listening and music experiences.

“Made for iPod”, “Works with iPhone”

Parrot RKi8400 features a connection dedicated to iPhone(TM) and iPod(R), achieving the double official Apple license ‘Made for iPod’ and ‘Works with iPhone’.

The user interface menu software is particularly convenient for using iPhone(TM) and iPod(R) in car. A large dial and full-color screen to view album covers stored in the iPhone(TM) enable easy navigation of playlists. When the cell phone rings, the system automatically switches to hands-free mode.

Parrot RKi8400 Bluetooth wireless technology also enables users to play music sent from the iPhone 3.0 and from other Bluetooth mobile phones or players, via Bluetooth Stereo A2DP.

Additionally the Parrot RKi8400 features a USB port for portable hard drive or USB key, SD card reader and a double line-in socket for analogue sources.

Parrot expertise in hands-free systems

The Parrot RKi8400 benefits from Parrot’s expertise in hands-free systems and advances integrating Bluetooth technology. It features speech synthesis automatic synchronization with the phonebook and makes the user experience even easier, thanks to training-free voice recognition.

The Parrot RKi8400 is equipped with a double microphone, which eliminates background noise both inside the vehicle and outside. Finally, as with all Parrot systems, the Parrot RKi8400 is compatible with all Bluetooth mobile phone brands available on the market.

“With the RKi8400, Parrot allows users to take advantage of the iPhone in car through a system that is easy to use and fully integrated in any vehicle,” said Henri Seydoux, founder and CEO of Parrot. “All iPhone functions — music, navigation of the music directory and playlists and Bluetooth phone capabilities — have been adapted for in-car use. Parrot’s application of its renowned acoustic quality and voice recognition capabilities to the iPhone is sure to please even the most discerning listeners.”

Ergonomically Designed

The inclusion of a removable front panel in the Parrot RKi8400 resulted from an in-depth ergonomic study of the preferences of car stereo users. The device is equipped with magnets for simple insertion and removal of the front panel with one hand. This technology is patented by Parrot.

All information, phonebook, music library, album covers, etc. are displayed on a bright 2.4-inch TFT color screen.

Alpine Electronics of U.K. Ltd., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media stations, today announced that it has launched the iXA-W407BT. The unit is double-DIN featuring iPod and iPhone capability, integrated Parrot Bluetooth with a 7’ high resolution touch screen display giving easy viewing of menus, customisable information and album art, offering consumers an enhanced way to navigate their iPod/iPhone® music and video content.

The iXA-W407BT is a high-performance, touch screen iPod controller which uses a Scrollview interface making it possible to drag and tap your finger to view menus and make selections. The large 7’ high resolution display makes finding songs and videos extremely easy.

The unit has an AM/FM tuner and a high-speed USB connection for the best iPod/iPhone sound, plus connectivity to many USB-based portable music players or memory devices. Any colour display iPod is compatible with the iXA-W407BT, and the unit meets Apple’s ‘Made for iPod’ and ‘Works with iPhone’ compatibility specifications.

The built-in Parrot Bluetooth means that the iXA-W407BT is also ready to link up with many Bluetooth-enabled phones, giving the convenience of hands-free operation as well as full phonebook access, on-screen display of user names and easy touch-screen control. Parrot software updates provide support for future phones.

‘This exciting new product represents the best option for the iPod / iPhone user on the move and allows access to iPod Audio, Video and also USB Memory source. The integrated Parrot Bluetooth means best compatibility with Bluetooth enabled phones and the user interface is perfect for ease of use and safety whilst driving. We are very proud of this new product and it already looks like being a real winner’ said Keith Holness, National Sales Manager, Alpine Electronics.

The unit’s Percentage Search or Page Skip functions lets users navigate large music files alphabetically, making it easier to find music. Consumers also can personalise the iXA-W407BT by selecting one of seven included display widgets, including a clock, calculator and a calendar, with as many as four widgets viewed on the screen at once. Additionally, iPod video playback is fully supported by the iXA-W407BT which can be viewed when the vehicle is parked.

In addition, the iXA-W407B offers 2 x AV inputs that can be used to add other media players, TV tuner or games console, for example. It also has an AV output that can be used for rear screen entertainment, e.g the Alpine PKG-850P.

The iXA-W407BT also offers the ability to add additional entertainment and information options, including navigation or reversing cameras and by using the Drive Assist buttons at the bottom of the unit these are accessible at the touch of a button for ease of use. It is also IMPRINT Ready. Connecting the PXA-H100 will enable you to manually select a multitude of sound tuning parameters but the ‘magic’ happens when the system is tuned using the dedicated IMPRINT software. The IMPRINT technology uses a unique method that automatically adjusts your crossovers, frequency and time correction for unsurpassed imaging, and clarity of sound.

The iXA-W407BT is also GPS navigation-ready for Alpine’s optional navigation products. When one of these products is connected to the iXA-W407BT, the map information and driving directions from the navigation unit are displayed on the iXA-W407BT’s screen. It is also possible to add a reversing camera to see what’s around the vehicle, allowing greater safety and easier parking.

Pricing and Availability:
The iXA-W407BT Digital Media Station is available now with a Typical Selling Price of £699.99. It is available through authorised Alpine dealers. To learn more about the iXA-W407BT or to find an authorised Alpine retailer, please visit www.alpine-electronics.co.uk.

Featuring a new advanced Graphical User Interface, Clarion – global leaders in mobile infotainment – has introduced a new range-leading multimedia and navigation unit, designed to be easier to use than ever before, despite a full spectrum of features.

With only three physical buttons, the NX509E’s features are accessed via a high-resolution, hi-speed on-screen display, which allows images to switch more quickly and smoothly, whether in full screen or picture-in-picture mode, resulting in a simpler, more streamlined and visually enhanced experience.

The new double-DIN, audio-visual showcase is DVD-Video/DVD±R/DVD±RW/CD/CD-R/RW ready and is MP3/WMA/AAC compatible with ID3-TAG display, whilst also playing DivX video (including DivX 6).

Direct iPod control is via the rear USB connector and the USB cable supplied with the iPod – offering easy operation either via the NX509E’s fully-motorised 7-inch QVGA colour touch-screen or through the iPod itself – whilst iPod video playback is also possible via an optional cable.

To utilise the many features on offer, Clarion’s NX509E incorporates 2-Zone technology, separating the in-car environment into two distinct zones, so that a DVD for example, can be shown in the back (with the addition of a suitable screen/screens), whilst the front seat passengers can listen to their favourite songs via CD, Radio, USB or iPod.

Clarion’s sophisticated NP509E navigation system is incorporated into the NX509E unit as standard, and offers the most up-to-date navigation experience. A rich POI database offers instant access to just about any point-of-interest in a surrounding area, including petrol stations, ATMs, leisure facilities and much more, whilst a ‘My POI’ feature allows you to add your own into a favourites file.

The NX509E sports the most sophisticated navigation graphics, with comprehensive digital elevation model data used to create a realistic 3D landscape at all levels of zoom, whilst clear lane and signpost information and RDS-TMC traffic information delivers real-time, free traffic information whenever required, to lessen the chance of getting lost or stuck in a ‘jam’.

Encouraging safer driving, the NX509E’s navigation uses test-to-speech voice guidance to give clear and precise instructions, including road names, in much the same way they would be read out.

Bluetooth connectivity is an optional addition, via the BLT373 interface, allowing safe access to a number of mobile phone functions.

To enhance the home-entertainment feel of its in-car AVN unit, Clarion utilises a 24-bit D/A converter (usually found in expensive home audio systems) to cancel unwanted background noise, and create a clearer, more realistic audio reproduction.

Meanwhile, Magna Bass EX provides extra low-frequency impact (boosting bass by 10dB at 60 Hz), for a well-balanced sound reproduction, whilst the addition of BBE MP (Minimised Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation) enhances compressed music formats.

Built-in high pass and low pass filters and Beat EQ presets (BASS BOOST, IMPACT and EXCITE) allow greater customisation and with separate subwoofer volume control, the impressive 4 x 50 Watt internal amplifier is put to good use.

The Clarion NX509E has many more features besides, and is priced at RRP £999.00, with availability from Clarion appointed specialists across the UK. For more details call Clarion (GB) Ltd., on 01793 870400, or visit www.clarion.co.uk.