Blaupunkt redefines entertainment in vehicles

European car audio industry leader Blaupunkt unveiled a new line of multimedia systems that is set to redefine in-car entertainment.

The wide-range of multimedia products is bannered by the IVDM-7002 In-Car Video equipment which feature a power-drive in-dash monitor. With its 7-inch display in the 16:9 format, it fits conveniently into the standard installation compartment in the dashboard and has an integrated DVD player that can play back all popular audio and video disk formats including CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs and MP3 files. A separately mounted box that comes with the system holds an AM-FM tuner equipped with RDS (Radio Data System), a 5-channel amplifier, a surround decoder and three input jacks for video distribution.

Another in-dash monitor, the IVCM-7002, comes complete with an integrated CD/MP3 drive and an additional box containing the RDS radio and a 4-channel amplifier.

Both models are equipped with a connection jack for a Blaupunkt navigation computer and can be operated using the keys on the front of the unit or the infrared remote control unit included with the system.

"I’m pretty sure that car owners and enthusiasts will be as excited as we are with Blaupunkt’s new offerings," said Jason de Leon, Blaupunkt Division Manager of Robert Bosch Inc.

"With these new products, motorists can create individual entertainment packages for their time on the road. Whether it is a car owner with particular interest in technology and innovation, or parents who want to make long distance trips enjoyable for their children, or businessmen who would like to view and transmit videos during their travels, Blaupunkt can answer to their needs," he said.

Blaupunkt allows different seats in the vehicle to be outfitted with individual programs, through the signal controller, which could be considered as the "heart" of the system. Using the popular Composite Video transmission standard and the corresponding audio connections, these signal controllers distribute the signals from up to four program sources to a maximum of four monitors connected downstream. Program sources can include a DVD player, a TV tuner, a conventional video player or even a Playstation video game. The program can be selected directly at each individual monitor, via separately installed operation elements or by remote control. The audio signal can be played back via headphones.

In addition to the In-Car Video equipment, Blaupunkt also introduced four new car radio units with striking designs, improved haptics and ergonomics, powerful output amplifiers and a wide variety of possibilities for brilliant sound output.

The front panel features a large display, glare free backlighting, an appealing night design and precisely defined pressure points for the keys, ensuring an optimized user interface. For all car stereo models, the front panel folds down at the press of a button for access to the CD drives. The control panel is removable for anti-theft protection.

All the new units have built-in MP3 decoder that allows playback not only of conventional compact disks but also of CD-R/RWs containing MP3 tracks. For radio fanatics, tuners in the new series are equipped with DigiCeiver technology which allows quick and precise switching to the best frequency for optimum radio reception. The units offer a 30-station memory and 4x45 or 4x50 watt output performance.

Moreover, Blaupunkt’s new car radio units come with the Disk Management System which enables user to control an additional CD changer. They are also suitable for connections to hands-free mobile telephone equipment. Separate output amplifiers can be connected via a four-channel preamplifier output.

Other new products introduced recently include the innovative transparent speakers, GTA amplifiers, and the Velocity competition speakers, amplifiers, and sub-woofers.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch Inc., Blaupunkt boasts a long history of innovation in the area of mobile communications — from the invention of the first car radio to the first European navigation system. Blaupunkt produces more than five million car radios and 500,000 navigations systems every year.