Updating a car’s audio system used to be as simple as swapping out speakers or adding a subwoofer, maybe adding a tape deck. Now, even the dashboard interface is a unit that folks can swap out and customize.
Media Receivers come equipped with a hardy amount of features:
- USB ports
- Bluetooth connectivity
- SD card slots
- auxiliary inputs
- built-in HD Radio
- SiriusXM-compatibility
The main difference between a digital media receiver and a multimedia receiver is a touchscreen interface. Digital media receivers have the traditional stereo look. Most are built for Single DIN use.
Multimedia receivers can host video playback functions and touchscreen menus – making it easier to keep the party bus going with equalizer settings available with the flick of a finger. Touchscreens were made to replace most double-DIN units, but flip up single DIN are available.
Utilize Sonic Electronix’s Garage tool while shopping to search results that are compatible with your vehicle.
Whether or not incorporating a touchscreen into your car is a high priority, a digital media receiver can offer wireless connectivity to your smartphone and stereo push-button access on your steering wheel for iPhone’s Siri, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can compose a test, ask for directions and change the song without taking your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel.
At the very least, your digital media or multimedia receiver should have a built-in radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB input to connect a phone, auxiliary input for older music players and outputs for a potential amplifier.
Added features like HD and Satellite Radio, music streaming app support, added USB ports, expanded EQ controls and more preamp output options.
See our post on touchscreens for more information on how smartphone technology can integrate into your digital media receiver.
The Belva brand offers media and multimedia receivers. The Belva BDMRS5 has 3 sets of 5 volt preamp outputs, built-in Bluetooth, an Aux input, USB and even an SD Card slot.
The Belva BVL62 is a Double-DIN In-Dash CCar Stereo Receiver. The 6.2” LCD touchscreen supports phone mirroring with Android Devices and also has Bluetooth for media. It sThe Belva BMV62W is a Double-DIN In-Dash Car Stereo Receiver. The 6.2” LCD touchscreen supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in Bluetooth for hands-free controls. This 50W x 4 Channel receiver has two inputs and two outputs for video, so a back-up camera can also be installed.
As you navigate digital media receiver, keep in mind that price point goes up with the number of added features. Make a list of must haves before going shopping.
