Customizable Space

All car dashes have at least a 7×2” single-din media unit. The space for the stereo control was standardized by a globally accepted technical standard developed in Germany in the early 1900s. The DIN is utilized by most vehicle radio companies and automakers.

As smart features and weaving their way even further into car systems management, newer vehicles are being produced with a Double DIN head unit instead of the single. This 7×4” space is for the touchscreen that replaces the radio.  

Car touchscreens can be installed for both single and double DIN units. Installers can mount them in three ways. 

• Double DIN 4” tall receivers
• Single DIN 2” tall flip-out
• Floating Screen

Customizable Display

The majority of these touchscreen receivers also include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions. These mimic the smartphone menu onto your display – keeping you safer on the roads and hands off your phone. 

The touchscreens are easier to read than a single din line display that takes ages to scroll through a media title, and requires you to press buttons multiple times to change a setting. With a smartphone connected to your stereo, most functions can be accessed via voice command with Apple’s Siri or Google Assistant.

Most units will let you customize the background and layout of the screen – which Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also offer. The leeway with your personal preferences – setting up Do Not Disturb while driving, hands-free dialing and navigation, dark screen backgrounds – results in less time fuzting with the dash or looking at your phone and a safer ride.

Advanced Features

Music Tone Controls for bass, midrange and treble plus balance and fade are adjustable in most car stereos. Touchscreens receivers may offer more equalizer options to tap into the full capability of your speakers. Some units can run vehicle diagnostics and adjust climate controls.

Since 2018, most cars come equipped with backup or rear-view cameras. If you’re adding this feature to an older model vehicle, a touchscreen is a necessity to view the scope of your camera footage without needing to crank around in your seat. Back-up cameras usually offer a wider field of view in conjunction with on-screen parking and/or spacing guides. 

A newer car stereo can come equipped with multiple camera inputs, so you can add more factory or aftermarket cameras to generate side views.

Safety Tips

A car touchscreen is a new way to view and control car systems, but requires a few minutes of setup before driving off. So you’re not distracted on the road with a new toy. Most touchscreens won’t let you access settings menus or keyboards while the vehicle is moving.

• Adjust the screen settings, set the display how you like. This means background, lighting, and auto-dimming functions.
• Practice the functions you use the most. Try turning the display on and off, make a hands-free call, change the volume. See how your steering wheel controls work with the new unit.

The post The Advantages of a Touchscreen appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

Without a doubt the number one car stereo of 2019 has to be the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F309. This innovative aftermarket stereo has floating 9-inch touchscreen. It has a very similar look to something you might see in a C-class Mercedes. This massive screen also offers multiple viewing angles. You can adjust it depending on which vehicle you install it in. It also has some other incredibly useful features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and obviously Bluetooth. This incredible stereo can make almost any car interior look brand new. Another incredible feature of this massive head unit is that it takes that 9-inch screen and allows you to install it in a single din mount.

Sony XAV-AX5000

Another beautiful screen that emulates an infotainment system that you would find in a luxury vehicle. This one offers a 7-inch touchscreen, which is the largest screen Sony has ever made for a head unit. Just like the Halo9, this head unit also offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. This stereo also fits in a single din mount as well. Another major bonus of this stereo is how simple the UI is to navigate. Also, the general design of this stereo is very clean and minimalistic. This device is also the most affordable device on this list as well.

Pioneer AVIC-W8400NEX

This is the most premium stereo that Pioneer offers. Just like the Sony, it is a 7-inch touchscreen; However, this head unit is offered in the larger Double Din form factor. In addition to the typical features in this category like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth, this stereo has some unique ones. One unique feature that this stereo offers is Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. Therefore, this unique device can actually control smart home features from just your voice in your car. You could control things in your smart home like the thermostat and lighting so that when you get home, everything will be just as you like.

Kenwood DNX574S

This Kenwood stereo is another double din touchscreen stereo that measures in at 6.8-inches. This is also the only head unit in this category that offers a CD/DVD player. All other stereos in this category are mechless.  This stereo does offer the largest power output out of all of these options however. This device outputs 22W RMS as opposed to some of the others on this list that only output 17W RMS. You will find similar features that you see on the other stereos on this list like Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Bluetooth. It also has some pretty amazing unique features like it is compatible with idataLink Maestro that displays your vehicle status on the stereo. It also has Garmin navigation built in as well as Lane assist. This head unit also features multiple route previews and ecoRoute which calculates your fuel economy and estimates the cost of a trip.

JVC KW-M845BW

This head unit is the same size as the Kenwood model coming in at 6.8 inches. It too has a power output of 22W RMS as well. It has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and built-in Wifi. This is also the second most affordable option behind the Sony after the mail-in rebate. There is also an external microphone to allow for better call quality. Similar to Sony, it has a very simple and clean design that would look good in any dash.

The post Top 5 Car Stereos for 2019 appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

One of the bigger features of this deck is its mobile internet access capabilities. Simply plug in an internet receiving dongle and do things such as browse the Asteroid Market, stream some new music from Pandora, or check the weather. Plug in your Apple iPhone and load up the GPS App for full integration of your smartphones navigation system; the receiver even comes with an external antenna for better reception. Built-in Bluetooth version 3.0 allows you to make and receive hands-free calls as well as stream wireless music from your Bluetooth enabled device to the speakers.

• Integrates GPS Navigation from Apple iPhone
• A2DP Bluetooth Version 3.0 for Hands-Free Calls and Wireless Streaming
• Connect to Wi-Fi for Access to Asteroid Market

The Parrot Asteroid Smart boasts 4 rear USB ports so you can connect a few different devices simultaneously like a flash drive, iPod and iPhone. For people looking into head-rest monitors, this receiver has built-in audio and video outputs for connection to separate screens throughout the car. Three sets of 6V RCA preamp connections will give optional amplifiers in your system a strong signal with less noise interference. When you connect an iPod or iPhone, an on-board 24-bit digital analogue converter will enhance your MP3 and WAV files for playback through the door speakers.

• 4 Rear USB Connections for Multiple Devices
• Built-In Audio/Video Inputs and Outputs
• 3 Sets of 6V Pre-Amp RCA Outputs

This touchscreen multimedia receiver is one of many great products made by Parrot, so you can expect nothing less than quality. A solid handful of features, intuitive software and high-quality engineering make up this attractive receiver, so get yours today at SonicElectronix.com!

Check out our in-car look at the ASTEROID Smart:

The post Parrot Asteroid Smart – The Multimedia Receiver of Your Dreams appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

Audio and Video Playback

This unique in-dash supports playback of multiple file types such as DVD, CD, JPEG and MPEG, allowing you to play many different types of common audio and video formats. If power is what you seek, this radio will produce up to 80 watts peak of clean audio signals to each of your car speakers. The playback settings allow you to adjust the treble, bass and fader for a more personal sound that you will enjoy. Two rear RCA outputs can send a video signal to external monitors, while three sets of audio RCA outputs allow for the addition of aftermarket amplifiers.

Expand Your Usability

Built-in Bluetooth allows you to make and receive hands-free phone calls with the included microphone for a safer driving experience. If hands-free calling isn’t enough, purchase an optional rear backup camera to help guide your vehicle into the right parking space every time without hassle. Front panel auxiliary and USB inputs enable you to play most portable music devices through your cars audio system. Optional steering wheel controls enable you to integrate this car stereo into nearly any vehicle.

Feature Rich and Budget Friendly

So, if you’re looking for a nice upgrade to your factory receiver, or if your aftermarket stereo just isn’t cutting it, check out the Pyle PLTS79BT and you won’t regret it. With features that make driving safer and more fun, this is one intuitive receiver that you can’t pass up – especially for the price.

The post Pyle PLTS79BT: Big Features at Affordable Price Point appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

By Chelsey P. – Sonic Electronix Writer

The Eclipse AVN6620 is a new, all-in-one car receiver that can do it all. This 7” LCD Double DIN system features a similar design to the AVN5510/AVN52D as it combines easy-to-use buttons with a touchscreen menu. This design makes it easy to control the built-in GPS navigation system and other audio and video sources. Not only can you use the touchscreen to navigate, but you can also use the simple backlit buttons at the bottom of the screen. These buttons provide easy access to the system’s feature menus as well. A menu button that gives drivers one-touch access to a destination entry, media source, and other system settings is also provided. As usual, Eclipse does an excellent job of making the onscreen menus intuitive and easy for drivers to use while driving. The large, bright buttons make it easy to see options at a glance. The main difference between the AVN62D and the AVN52D is that it features two DVD slots instead of one CD and one DVD slot. The two DVD slots allow you to watch a video or listen to music while simultaneously using the GPS navigation system.

The built-in navigation is DVD ROM based. The maps are provided by Navteq and include building outlines for major urban centers in the United States.  The map database has 8.7 million points-of-interest to help you always find what you are looking for. Points-of-interest can be found by street names, addresses, or by using an intersection search. The points-of-interest can be routed by information, detours, stopping points, via a route preview or through freeway assistance. The system has a split-screen design that shows a zoomed-in version of the map on the right-hand side of the display.

As for expandability options, you can add the Bluetooth adapter from Parrot for hands-free conversation that integrates seamlessly into the vehicle. When a call is coming through, the music will mute and then resume playing once the call has finished. Hands-free Bluetooth capability has become very popular in states where talking on your cell phone has become illegal. Not only can you add Bluetooth, but HD and XM or Sirius Satellite Radio can be added to this head unit. Have an iPod? No need to worry, just use the iPod cable to browse and select songs via the touchscreen. When the iPod is connected, the screen will display artists, albums, songs, playlists and genres for easy accessibility to all your favorite music.

The AVN62D is loaded with features including the GPS navigation, digital audio and video playback and advanced acoustic options. This device is for those looking to tech out their car with a single device without a lot of extra modules. This car stereo is different from its competition in terms of the design, controls, iPod interface and audio options.

The post Eclipse AVN6620/AVN62D In-Dash Receiver appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

If you’re going to upgrade your car stereo system, you might as well get one with all of the “bells and whistles.” The JVC KW-AVX810 is an ultra cool in-dash, double din, DVD, MP3 and CD receiver with a 7” touchscreen. The 7” widescreen display makes it easy to enjoy movies and select the touchscreen menu buttons. Like the KD-AVX77, the touchscreen uses special proximity sensors to dim or hide the menu buttons as you draw your hand away from the screen. You don’t often see car stereos with proximity sensors, that is pretty rare! This head unit will blow your friends away with its special features.

This car stereo offers numerous expandability options for adding different formats of music. The laundry list of options includes a front SD Card aux input and a rear panel USB input. You can use these inputs for adding devices loaded with your favorite music. This stereo is also ready for Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, and HD Radio. Separate modules and subscriptions are required as indicated. Further, the KW-AVX810 is compatible with iPods and iPhones. Some iPods will plug right into the USB input while others may require an additional adapter. The list of add-ons doesn’t stop there. You can configure the KW-AVX810 with a steering wheel remote adapter to retain your factory steering wheel controls. It can also be wired with a CD changer if you would like to store multiple discs.

In terms of audio configuration, the KW-AVX810 doesn’t disappoint. The 3 sets of 5 volt preamp outputs (including a front, rear, subwoofer and/or center channel output) make it possible to wire this head unit to all of your audio components. When it comes to sound, the built-in 7-band parametric equalizer and 8 EQ presets give you the flexibility you need to find the perfect sound. You can tweak the sound even while driving using the remote control (included with your purchase of the KW-AVX810).

With its numerous options and fully customizable interface, the KW-AVX810 is a great buy! It is also detachable and fully motorized, making it easy to hide when necessary!

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