Realizing the prospects of the automotive electronics market, modern manufacturers of multimedia systems strive to use all the latest technologies in creating new models. More recently, the presence of a navigation system in the radio was perceived as something outlandish and exclusive. For the current market, such functionality is basic, and competition is gradually shifting to the field of wireless communications. In addition, a new generation of car multimedia system has improved playback capabilities of audio and video materials. And this is not to mention the ability to connect to a wide range of devices and media that can act as sources of content.
General information about car multimedia systems
Despite the development of functional content and technical filling, the form factor and design parameters of such devices remain the same. In this regard, the creators strive to make equipment as simple, compact and reliable as possible. Usually this is a small block that is embedded in a special niche located on the front panel. Of course, it cannot be denied that the multimedia system for a car affects the aesthetic advantages of the interior in the cabin, so the design of the device is of particular importance. The presence of a touchscreen display has also become an indispensable component in modern head units. It is through him that the device functions are controlled - from changing tracks to assigning a route in the navigator. The requirements for automotive electronics are particularly rigorous in terms of ergonomics, so the design and control method must be selected with a detailed study of the smallest details.
Acoustic features
In recent years, audio systems have begun to transform into multifunctional equipment. But the initial task of such systems, as before, is to reproduce sound. And in this direction, manufacturers are developing their products no less actively. In the best modern versions, the multimedia speaker system is a whole complex, which is equipped with all the capabilities of an audio player, and is also able to work with a wide range of third-party equipment. Such models, as a rule, have a sound processor, so they can also be connected to a subwoofer. There are also many options with integrated speakers, but in any case, such devices will allow you to customize the sound picture for every taste on an extensive scale of parameters.
As for the connectivity options, first of all, they assume standard line outputs. If you need a multimedia system for watching videos, then it will not be superfluous to pay attention to the HDMI connector, which is considered the best channel for playing sound and movies.
Navigator function
Although this option has long become almost mandatory for car radios, such systems are still regarded as hybrid. On the market, such devices are easily found by the 2DIN marking, which indicates support for the navigator function. With this equipment, the driver gets the opportunity to digitally route with the output of the map on the display screen. Today, even a multimedia navigation system from the budget segment provides a rather attractive set of tools for working with maps. They can be rotated, enlarged and reduced, made marks and, of course, regularly update and replenish the database with routes. The most sophisticated car owners should recommend more functional hybrids equipped with GPS antennas and video recorders. This configuration eliminates the need to purchase a separate video recorder. But that is not all. To avoid troubles with the road inspection, you can purchase a device in which a radar detector will also be present. A few hundred meters before approaching the location of fixing speed modes, this device will notify this section of the driver.
Communication abilities
Along with the traditional connectivity options, multimedia devices are also equipped with many technological interfaces. Among them, it is worth noting USB, through which you can connect audio and video equipment, as well as connect the system with mobile devices and a computer. In addition, the modern multimedia system for cars can provide wireless connections with mobile gadgets and wearable electronics. One of the most popular options in this regard was the connection of a Bluetooth module for communication with the phone. With this connection, the driver can make calls and send SMS using the multimedia system without having to take the mobile device out of pocket. In addition, the “blue tooth” allows you to customize the sound playback from the same smartphone. For most models of the new generation is open and the ability to access the Internet.
Digital tv
Television on the central panel of the car may seem inappropriate, but this function will not be superfluous. Manufacturers usually equip such devices with special antennas with magnetic holders and a wide range of options. Actually, in terms of control, digital car TV can be compared with full-fledged receivers and tuners. The same settings with support for surround sound, automatic search, equalizer, etc. In addition, the multimedia system, depending on the modification, can actively work with local transmission networks. For this, an LCN system is used, which improves signal reception efficiency and broadcast quality.
What else to consider when choosing?
Before buying a head unit for a car, you should determine the list of tasks that the system will have to perform. In particular, you should determine the content sources and devices that will be connected to the equipment. You should also evaluate the need for a GPS sensor, radio, Bluetooth module and digital TV. These, of course, are useful options, but with such equipment the multimedia system is several times more expensive than the standard model designed exclusively for sound reproduction. True, in the case of hybrid devices, on the contrary, functionality helps to save money. The fact is that multifunctional complexes eliminate the need to purchase a separate video recorder and navigation system.
Installing a multimedia system
Installation of devices of this type is usually performed according to the standard scheme. Manufacturers complete the equipment with special frameworks for panels and fastening devices, which make it easy to integrate the equipment into niches prepared for these purposes. True, if you plan to install a monitor with several speakers, the installation configuration may be non-standard. If a standard multimedia system is installed in the central panel, equipment with large displays is usually integrated into the ceiling niche. But this configuration is more common when equipping minivans and SUVs.
Conclusion
Multimedia systems designed for cars look like entertainment complexes, and in some versions - home theaters. Of course, one cannot speak of such comparisons in terms of power characteristics and dimensions, but some functional “chips” from traditional systems have long migrated to the field of automotive electronics. Suffice it to say that a modern multimedia system allows any driver to use communication tools such as Bluetooth, USB and HDMI. And this is not to mention the built-in navigation system, digital television and the ability to access the Internet. Another thing is that such a rich filling may not be required by the car owner. Especially taking into account the cost of such devices, which can reach 50-60 thousand rubles.