What to Look For

A marine head unit takes the same features of the head unit in your car and moves it to your boat. You’ll be able to add anything from AM/FM radio and CD player (although CDs will often times have skipping problems in rough water) to an MP3/USB digital media player with satellite radio.

Most marine head units come in single DIN designs, however there are receivers that are custom DIN designs. Custom DIN head units come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many newer boats will come with stock stereos which makes upgrading to an aftermarket receiver a simple task. However, if you want to add a head unit to an older boat that doesn’t have any sound system in it, you are probably going to need to cut open some paneling and run wiring for the components. There isn’t really one perfect spot to install a head unit in your boat because of the different boat designs and sizes, but as a general rule try to keep your head unit in an out of the way location where it will get some protection from sunlight and water.

There are many features and specifications you will want to look for when purchasing a head unit for your boat, but there are 3 that you really need to pay attention to: water resistance, UV resistance and anti-corrosion protection.

Marine grade audio equipment should absolutely be designed to withstand water. When you see a product labeled as ‘Water Resistant’, it will stand up to splashes and light rain, but won’t be able to survive submersion. A ‘Water Proof’ product is built to survive complete submersion. Even if you plan on installing your marine head unit in an area of your boat unlikely to ever see water a water proof designed unit will last longer. No matter where you install your unit the dampness of any marine environment will take its toll. When looking for water resistance ratings be sure to look for IPX ratings. IPX ratings range from IPX-0, which offers no protection whatsoever against water, to IPX-7, which provides protection from complete submersion up to 1 meter for at least 30 minutes. An IPX-8 rating also exists which provides protection from complete submersion better than IPX-7 in any way the manufacturer states.

Chances are your head unit is going to be installed in an area where it will be exposed to UV rays from the sun. This can be potentially problematic because extended exposure to the sun can lead to bleached out, cracked or overheated equipment. High quality marine audio equipment is designed to withstand damaging UV. However, there is no such thing as ‘UV-Proof’, so try and install your head unit in an area where it won’t see much direct sun light.

The third primary enemy which faces marine audio equipment is corrosion. Marine environments are not friendly places for electronics. Rust and corrosion are common in marine environments, especially if your boat is out on the ocean. Marine grade gear is designed to resist rust and corrosion with conformal coated circuit boards, plated connections and rust resistant chassis components. However, as with harmful UV rays, your head unit should be placed in an area with as little exposure as possible.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth enabled head units are compatible with most Bluetooth devices and allow for wireless streaming and hands free talk. Most Bluetooth units include either an external wired or built-in microphone for distortion free phone calls. In many states it is illegal to talk on your phone without a Bluetooth device. They also come with a text to speech feature so that you can receive and respond to your texts without pulling over.

MP3 Player/Smartphone Integration

Marine receivers also come with integrated USB ports. These can be used for iPod integration and playing music from other audio sources such as thumb drives, MP3 players and other smartphones. Select marine head units open up to accept and store your MP3 player or smartphone. These receivers are best because they protect your device from the harmful marine elements. This also eliminates the need for having any type of input jack on the outside of the receiver which can be susceptible to rust and corrosion. Receivers with Pandora compatibility are able to stream music from your Pandora account.

AM/FM Radio

Other receivers have integrated supertuners for boosted AM/FM reception. Supertuners combine the best of digital and analog tuner technology to greatly reduce distortion and improve stereo separation and sensitivity. Supertuners are ideal for low reception areas and also improve reception in downtown areas where tall buildings can add interference.

Satellite Radio

Select in-dash receivers come HD and Satellite radio-ready or with the HD/Satellite radio tuner built-in. Satellite radio receivers require a Sirius/XM subscription (and it will work up to 200 miles off shore depending on your location). Some of the advantages of HD and satellite radio are dramatically improved signal quality and that they each come with stations that aren’t found on AM/FM radio. HD radio provides a CD level sound quality to FM stations and makes AM stations FM quality.

EQ

Graphic and parametric Equalizer bands, or EQ bands, allow you to tweak your music settings. The more EQ bands your receiver has, the more you’ll be able to fine-tune the sound. Graphic EQ bands are the simplest type and consist of multiple sliders or controls for adjusting bands or sound frequencies. Parametric equalizers offer a greater degree of control over your sound. Parametric EQ can control three aspects of each frequency: the level, the center frequency and the range of each frequency.

To further clean up sound, head units can come with Digital Time Alignment, or DTA. This synchronizes the timing of sounds coming from each of your speakers to optimize the sound stage and provide the ultimate listening experience.

Higher end head units come with built-in sound processors to provide even better sound quality. Sound processors better filter audio signals to your speakers for the cleanest sound possible. The top of the line head units will come with Digital 5.1 Surround Sound capabilities to transform your boat into a truly immersive sound stage.

Preamp RCA Outputs

These outputs are necessary to connect external amplifiers for your speakers and subwoofers to your marine receiver. A receiver typically comes with one, two or three sets of RCA outputs. One pair of outputs will generally provide a full range signal which can be used with most subwoofers and amplifiers. Two RCA outputs can be configured for connecting a 2-channel amp or one pair of stereo speakers. Three sets of RCA outputs are typically used for two sets ofstereo speakers and a subwoofer amp.

It is important to know what the preamp voltage of your head unit is. Higher voltages result in stronger signals which clean up distortion and unwanted sound.

Compatibility

For boats with steering wheel mounted controls there are receivers with steering wheel integration to give you total control of your stereo without ever having to take your hands off the wheel. Most receivers do not come with steering wheel integration built-in and require an additional adapter.

The post Marine Stereo Buying Guide appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

When it comes down to choosing a new car stereo receiver for your vehicle, it’s always nice to have a few extra features that your old one didn’t have. There are many new ways to communicate, search for music or even navigate with a stereo receiver and we are going to touch on just a few.

Bluetooth Technology is one of the most sought after technologies in the car stereo world. It allows you to receive or make calls completely hands free, using a wireless communication between your stereo and your Bluetooth enabled phone. Bluetooth car stereos equipped with A2DP will additionally support Bluetooth audio streaming.

HD Radio is great when you live in urban or metropolitan areas with lots of radio signal. An HD Radio stereo will receive high definition digital AM/FM audio signals, resulting in very clear music. Many times, an HD receiver will allow you to tag songs that you like to later view in iTunes for download.

GPS Navigation is important for those daily drivers and commuters who do a lot of traveling. There are many different types of map databases in receivers. Some include helpful details like traffic tuning or points of interest searching. Navigation is also useful for finding the most economical routes to your destinations.

Pandora Internet Radio integration has quickly become huge in car stereos. If the receiver supports it, simply start up the Pandora app on your smart phone and plug it in through a USB connection. The stereo will typically be able to skip tracks, and sometimes it will support the use of ‘Thumbs Up’ and ‘Thumbs Down’ buttons.

iPod and iPhone Support are becoming a must in today’s industry. A good majority of people in the United States now own an Apple device to store their music, so why not utilize the iPod to bring your whole music library into the car.

These are some common features to look for when shopping for your new stereo. We hope this guide helps you track down that perfect receiver that does everything you need. If you have any suggestions of other popular features, please let us know in the comments field below!

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Here is a list of the primary benefits to going HD:
1. FM stations broadcasted in the digital format will have near CD like quality while AM stations will sound like current FM stations. Digital signals are less vulnerable to reception problems and interference. This means clear sound without static, hiss, pops or fades.
2. If an HD Radio receiver loses its HD signal it will transition seamlessly back to FM until the HD signal returns.
3. Multicasting (HD2 Stations): The digital signals that HD Radio uses have larger bandwidth than analog signals so they can carry one extra music channel and three addition talk channels. This means you can tune in to one station and then select any alternate channels on that station.
4. HD Radio receivers can display text data (artist and song information) or even show updates on the weather, stocks, sports scores and more.
5. iTunes Tagging: HD Radio receivers can “tag” a song which will later show up in your iTunes for purchase. This only works if your iPod can be directly connected to the HD Radio receiver and that HD station has tagging enabled. A “tagged” song will load up in your iPod and then transfer to your iTunes when your iPod syncs up again. iTunes then gives you the option to purchase that song.

Radio stations will continue to broadcast regular analog signals along with HD signals. This will allow older radios to continue to receive AM/ FM signals. There are no current plans to shut down analog radio stations or to stop analog broadcasts, even in the near future. The biggest advantage of HD Radio is, besides the higher quality, that it is free to any listener with an HD radio. Additional features such as surround sound and other multicasting options will be made available as time progresses and the full realization of extra bandwidth usage is made clear.

How does it work specifically?

1.  Radio stations send out a bundled signal comprising both analog and digital. The digital signal is comprised of textual data such as stocks, sports scores, song information and traffic.
2.  This signal is compressed by a computer and digitized into “1”s and “0”s, similar to how MP3 files are a compressed version of WAV files.
3. The combined analog and digital signals are transmitted via specially equipped transmission towers capable of handling both signals.
4. Radio signals bounce off of object such as buildings which is a big contributor to static in conventional radios. HD Digital radio receivers sort through and repair the reflected signals getting rid of artifacts such as hiss, pop and fades.
5. Both analog and digital signals reach their destination and remain free to the listener. HD Receivers decode the information for a clear listening experience.

More and more aftermarket car receivers come with HD Radio preinstalled or as an add-on module giving you high quality radio with a bunch of added features. You can add HD radio to your factory car stereo or aftermarket car stereo using an HD radio add-on kit. These types of kits allow you to add HD radio to your factory or after market stereo using a 3.5 mm headphone jack, RCA connectors or a wired FM modulator. HD Radio can also be found built-in to aftermarket car stereos or as add on modules to these radios. An aftermarket radio with HD radio capability can also come with additional features such as bluetooth, navigation, iPod integration and more.

With no additional costs, an added HD radio is a great investment, especially because most stations will be broadcasting a digital signal in the foreseeable future.  With so many ways to add HD Radio to your life there is no reason you can’t take advantage of this high quality, crisp, clear and FREE radio.

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How often do you find yourself listening to music in your vehicle? Are you among the many who find themselves listening to their car stereo on any trip they make, even if it’s just to drive to the store to pick up a candy bar? If you are the type that just can’t help but crank their stereo most of the time they’re in their car then hopefully you’ve considered upgrading your car stereo, speakers, or even perhaps adding a subwoofer. If you haven’t considered it, start now! Pioneer’s innovating Stage 3 series of products is designed to help those looking to take their car’s sound to the next level. The best part about this series of car audio equipment is you don’t have to be making six figures to have your car sounding like one hundred grand.

Starting with a car stereo, the Pioneer DEH-P7200HD is the perfect epicenter for a car audio system to run off of. Pioneer is known for its superb sound quality when processing music, and this unit goes even further by having Advanced Sound Retrieval which helps improve the sound quality of compressed digital music files. Built-in HD radio and iPod connectivity give you plenty of source options.

A system always needs a voice, and what better voice than the Pioneer TS-D1602R D-Series Speakers. These speakers are engineered with injection molded matrix aramid-basalt fiber composite cone’s which allow for premium linearity and mid-bass response. The D-Series speakers perform well for mid and high frequencies, but to help completely even out the system a subwoofer is recommended. The Pioneeer TS-W308D4 is the perfect addition to the system. This 400 watt RMS subwoofer will help respond perfectly alongside with the speakers to give the lower frequencies the perfect bass tones.

Finally, to amplifier the speakers and subwoofer, the Pioneer GM-6400F is the perfect 4-channel amplifier to drive the D-Series speakers. A small and compact design keeps the amplifier easy to hide and the small footprint also allows the amplifier to be cooled in tight surfaces. The Pioneer GM-D7500M is a great amplifier to drive the subwoofer. This compact class D amplifier will drive the subwoofer for optimal bass response, and stay at lower temperatures with its class D digital design.

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This year at CES 2011 we learned more about JVC’s new flagship navigation units, the KW-NT30HD, and the KW-NT50HDT. Not only will these carry on the Total Traffic HD+ Network from their previous flagship model, the KW-NT3HDT, but they’ll have the first aftermarket manufacturer to bring connectivity with the iheartradio mobile application. This mobile radio application is a convenient way to bring all of your favorite radio stations from around the world into a simple mobile phone application. With this new integration technology you will be able to view song and artist information, high-resolution album artwork, and control channel up or down functions from the navigation unit or from the iPhone itself.

The KW-NT50HDT will also feature a built-in dual HD tuner system, which can feature audio content on one HD radio tuner, and support the HD Total Traffic Network Data on the other. This will allow the user to simultaneously listen to HD radio programming, while also receiving traffic information at the same time. Another cool feature the KW-NT50HDT will also feature Hybrid Total Traffic HD+ Network (Available in June 2011) functionality which enables users to get HD Total Traffic Network service in even more areas. When you have an iPhone connected while running the iheartradio app, the KW-NT50HDT receives news, sports, weather and real-time traffic information over your cell phone network – even outside of HD radio coverage areas.

This innovating breakthrough for mobile audio and video is exciting as we see even more playback options being available for a seamless experience in your vehicle. When we spoke with JVC they seemed very excited about being the first manufacturer to integrate iheartradio into their flagship navigation systems. With more than 11.5 million consumers using the iheartradio mobile application you can experience more than 750 of America’s favorite local radio stations, as well as unique celebrity-hosted channels from Christina Aguilera, Eagles, and Weezer. Local traffic reports and commercial-free shows from Ryan Seacrest, Elvis Duran and the some of the best DJs and hosts from across the country.

The post JVC Integrates iheartradio Onto Their New Flagship Navigation Systems appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

There’s a time and a place for standard AM/FM radio, and that time has passed. A newer, more convenient radio experience has arrived. Introducing HD Radio, which is capable of playing back your favorite AM/FM stations with unmatched quality. With HD Radio FM stations will sound like CD quality, and AM stations will sound like FM quality. This crystal-clear transmission can even have absolutely no audio distortion in areas with perfect reception.

HD Radio is capable of much more than adding a more pleasant listening experience when you’re browsing through AM/FM radio. In fact, more stations are available when using HD Radio so you can experience new music, new artists, and even new genres while browsing through your familiar AM/FM selection. HD Radio is also capable of transmitting data as well, so if you have a stereo that has a display on it you may be able to see artist, album, and song title information depending on the station that is broadcasting. This service can even be used to allow for traffic data updates and stock information while you’re on the go! The JVC KW-NT3HDT is a perfect example of a radio that integrates HD Radio for not only some great sound on AM/FM bands, but also updates all of the traffic using this service as well!

If you’re wondering how you can integrate this cool new radio system into your car, you may want to consider an In-Dash Car Stereo with HD Radio. These stereo’s will already have the HD radio feature built-in so you can use it right out of the box. In fact, with HD Radio there are no subscription fees just like radio should be. This means, all you need is an HD Radio receiver and you’re ready to go! For the most affordable solution to adding HD Radio to your vehicle, consider the Jensen HD5313IR car stereo. This stereo not only has HD radio built into its cost, but also a USB input for listening to your iPod, and an SD input for even more listening options. Adding HD Radio to your vehicle is now affordable, easy and more beneficial than ever. HD Radio stations continue growing, and in time you’ll see even more available programming!

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By Seth Wilde – Product Specialist

For a few years now, a new phenomenon has swept through the aftermarket car audio industry that has enabled drivers to receive crystal clear radio station as well as many other advanced features.  This incredible and relatively new technology is called HD Radio and it is making a huge statement in the car audio world.  HD Radio, which stands for High Definition Radio is a revolutionary design that broadcasts a digital signal along with the traditional analog radio frequencies that we have relied for our entire lives.  The digital data that the HD Radio tuners are able to accept allows the driver to receive track and artist information so they always know who they are listening to.  HD Radio also allows “multicasting”, which enables one radio frequency to broadcast several different audio programs at the same time.  These multicast stations can only be heard with the appropriate HD tuner.  One of the most used features of the HD Radio technology is the iTunes tagging, which allows the user to save the song information on a attached iPod and load that song in the Apple store next time the connect that iPod to their iTunes. For more information of HD Radio and iTunes Tagging, check out Sonic Electronix’s FAQ Guide to HD Radio. This great technology has allowed listeners to discover new music and grow their music collection.  Until now, the HD Radio tuners have only been available in aftermarket car stereos.

Ford has announced that particular vehicles in their 2010 lineup of vehicles will feature a built-in HD Radio tuner.  In addition to the basic tuner, many of the Ford factory OEM systems will feature the popular iTune tagging feature.  For the first time in a factory audio system, this high definition radio service will be available to the public.  The HD audio is just the beginning.  We can look forward to HD Radio assisting OEM navigation systems in the future, just as it is with the JVC KW-NT3HDT.  By utilizing the HD Radio network, this aftermarket navigation device can receive free live traffic updates, weather, sports scores, as well as all the other HD Radio benefits that were listed above.   HD Radio is the future for OEM car stereos.

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By Seth Wilde – Product Specialist

Never worry about paying for GPS traffic updates again!  JVC has introduced some award winning software this year that is taking the car audio world by storm.  Traditionally, if you wanted to have real-time traffic updates there would be a subscription fee.  However, these costly charges are slowly fading away as new services offer the same information with out a service charge.  That incredible service is the main premise behind the new double DIN JVC KWNT3HDT.  It is a GPS Navigation car stereo that features a new service enabling live traffic updates with no additional charge.

Introducing the Total Traffic+ HD service.  This innovative and revolutionary feature enables the user to receive live traffic conditions by using a built-in HD radio tuner. By using the HD Radio service to send information, the Total Traffic Network is able to accurately transmit data as it happens for a true real-time, live-updating feed.  For those that are on the road a lot traveling, this live information becomes extremely helpful in avoiding heavy traffic, accidents, and other obstacles that can potential prevent an on-time arrival.  In addition to the live traffic updating, this new service offers other features such as the reception of HD Radio, sports scores, weather, headlines, and more!  The most notable feature about this service is that it is a lifetime service that is free of charge.  Never will you have to worry about those costly subscription fees that add up from month to month.  There are similar services available on the market, but none that have the detail, accuracy, and free “cost” like the Total Traffic HD.  As mentioned before, the JVC KW-NT3HDT features a HD Radio tuner that efficiently allows the reception of high definition radio frequencies along with the digital data that is transferred with it.  This enables the full ID3 tagging and music information to be displayed on the unit.

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Imagine listening to your favorite local AM and FM stations without annoying static. Not only does it improve sound clarity, but HD radio also includes extra FM stations, iTunes tagging, and more entertainment all around. Best of all, there is no subscription required. Just install the HD radio components and you are ready to enjoy digital broadcast radio. Be sure to check with your local area regarding signal availability before you purchase HD radio components.

What do I need to listen to HD Radio?

The best option is to buy an in-dash receiver with a built-in HD radio tuner. Another option is to buy a HD radio ready head unit as well as an add-on HD radio tuner. Finally, if you plan on keeping your factory stereo, you can purchase vehicle specific HD radio kits for your factory stereo. All of the above options give you access to free digital broadcast programming.

Is there a subscription fee?

Unlike satellite radio, HD radio broadcasting is free—there are no subscription fees! Once you have your HD radio tuner set up, you can listen to digital AM and FM stations, including HD2 and HD3 multicast channels. These channels offer more music, sports and news options.

What is iTunes tagging?

You no longer have to wonder, “What was the name of that song?”  HD radio brings the song titles to you. The exclusive iTunes Tagging technology enables HD radio receivers to store song names while listening to the HD radio stations. “Tag” songs you like while listen to the radio. Later on you can upload the stored names onto your iPod, and the next time you sync your iPod to your computer, you will be able to locate the songs on the iTunes store.

What other information does the HD radio display?

The HD radio display not only indicates the artist name and song title, but it also scrolls extremely useful information. This includes live weather and real-time traffic updates, local news, sports scores, school closings, and emergency alerts. The scrolling information depends on the station you are listening to.

Does the sound quality of HD radio make a difference?

Yes, HD radio makes FM stations sound CD quality, and AM radio FM quality. You won’t hear the pops, hisses and static that characterizes the regular radio listening experience.

How does HD radio work?

HD radio uses a digital audio signal while traditional radio uses an analog signal. The digital signal is superior because it can be compressed, so it sends more information over the same radio frequency. A digital signal is also less prone to signal dropout and interference.

What is multicasting?

HD radio enables multicasting, or broadcasting multiple channels on the same signal. Basically, two separate genre channels can be set to the same station. So if you were to tune into a multicast on 94.1 FM, the HD radio display indicates that you can switch between the regular rap 94.1 FM and the additional HD broadcast of rock 94.1 FM. The extra rock station is considered a HD2 station. HD radio has HD2 and HD3 channels. Multicasting benefits you because you can choose between more specific listening options, like all sports, all news, or genre specific programming.

The post FAQ Guide to HD Radio appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

By Chelsey P. – Product Specialist

You may have heard about iTunes Tagging recently but you may not be sure about what it is or what it does exactly. Well, it is actually a way for listeners to engage with the HD Radio programming that they have on their receiver. If you have an iTunes tagging HD Radio receiver, the tagging process becomes really simple. Once you find an HD Radio station, the screen will display artist and track details. After finding the information you want to save, just press the “Tag” button to save song information that you like. The receiver than stores the song information and stores it onto a connected iPod. Now, how do you receive the song information that has just been saved to your iPod? Once your iPod has been synced to your computer, iTunes builds a playlists based on the tagged songs so that listeners can preview, buy and download their favorite songs. This comes in particularly handy if you tend to forget the names of your favorite songs.

Radio is one of the easiest ways for listeners to discover new music that they have never listened to before. And with iPod and iTunes becoming more popular every day, it is no wonder why they have decided to combine with HD Radio to make music easier to listen to. By having this integrated into your receiver, you will be able to download music conveniently to your iPod. The JVC KD-AHD69 is a perfect example of a head unit with the iTunes Tagging feature. It comes with built-HD radio with the iTunes tagging feature that will allow you to tag your favorite songs and put them on your iPod for later purchase.  This tagging feature is an innovative option that is not seen on most receivers just yet. As you can see above though, it is a neat option that will make listening to music easier than ever.

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