Drive-In Theaters Or Driving Theaters? Today’s On-Board Vehicle Entertainment (state automotive inspectors)
No commentsBy Mike Trudel
There was a time when a static-filled sound box and a bag of greasy drive-in popcorn had to suffice for vehicle theater entertainment. Today’s vehicle manufacturers have taken the theater experience of yesteryear and brought it into the 21st century with a virtual in-car entertainment system. Portable device interfaces, media players and satellite television are just a few emerging technologies for an automotive engineer to consider integrating as an attractive magnet for potential car buyers.
Portable Entertainment
Functionality and integration of portable entertainment has become more than just a feature for luxury vehicles. Portable device interfaces allow drivers to access their home music library or a video game via their automotive system using a USB port. MP3 players connect directly to a vehicle radio and allow control of music selection while song title, artist, album and elapsed time are conveniently displayed on the radio. SD Card Playback, a navigation database interface, can also be used to bring music into the vehicle.
That’s Infotainment
With the advent of media players, today’s driver can integrate a variety of entertainment and information content to his or her preference. Music from multiple sources can be searched and played using a single interface. And those interfaces are controlled via voice, soft keys, a central control knob or steering wheel controls. Want to hear only reggae or pop while driving home from work? A “Similar Songs” button looks into the database and selects similar songs for play. Other media player features include Bluetooth (R) audio streaming, DVD-V/ROM, MP3 and full-featured navigation capabilities.
Best Seat Isn’t Even in the House
“Are we almost there?” is likely to turn into “We’re here already?” for those who discover the best seat in the house is at the rear of a vehicle. Rear-seat entertainment allows passengers to enjoy movies, music and video games via an LCD color monitor, which offers a crisp and clear picture, even at extreme viewing angles. Factory-installed systems include a DVD player, which forms the core of the system and can also read music, data files and photos. Illuminated keys let the viewer keep control of the DVD player, even in the dark.
After short journey breaks or after the engine has been switched off, a special module enables the system to know exactly which content was played last - so users do not have to go searching through the last film or music program.
Soon, consumers may also begin to see video/wireless systems that deliver separate options for the driver, front-seat passengers and the rear-seat positions. Drivers might listen to satellite radio, while passengers separately employ headphones to listen to MP3 players or watch DVDs.
TV on the Open Road
Satellite television allows passengers to leave DVDs at home and instead enjoy digital-quality entertainment channels on the open road. Various systems can provide access to more than 100 programming channels and more than 50 channels of satellite music. In addition, families can catch the big game, traffic reports or local news stories from the comfort of their vehicle via local networks. Satellite TV also integrates with various in-vehicle backseat video systems.
Popcorn Optional
Today’s on board car entertainment system provides seamless experiences in music, movies, television and more. Greater freedom from home to the open road means access to entertainment, navigation and safety features from behind the wheel. With all of these options, drivers may discover the best seat in the house is actually parked out in the garage.
Mike Trudel, Freelance Writer.
Delphi Corp. is poised to apply its expertise and know-how to provide vehicle manufacturers and consumers with in-vehicle entertainment and connectivity. To learn more about Delphi Corp., please visit www.Delphi.com/4Innovation or www.Delphi.com/4Connected.
Auto review - Ferrari California vs. Jaguar XK Convertible
By Anthony D. Morgan
The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque’s history in the mid-front position.
As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car’s performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.
The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever. The car will be officially unveiled to the public at the Paris International Car Show. However, over the coming weeks, new photographs and further details about it will also be published.
The all-new Jaguar XK Convertible is visibly more assertive and sportier than the model it replaces, but in true Jaguar tradition it is also elegant, understated and mature. In hard-top guise it has classic, ground-hugging Coupe proportions, with long hood, steeply raked windshield and rear window, arch-filling wheels, and minimal overhangs. The front-wing power vents are a new Jaguar styling signature recently seen on the special edition XJ Super V8 Portfolio; the distinctive oval grille opening, prominent hood power-bulge and practicality-enhancing rear Liftback all echo the classic E-type, while details like the sweeping front and rear light shapes and powerful stance catapult Jaguar sports car design firmly into the 21st century.
The sleek Jaguar XK Convertible is an adept combination of style and substance. The car rides on a lightweight yet rigid aluminum structure, yielding a sporty nature with a quiet and sophisticated ride.
It has a powerful V8 engine, which drives the rear wheels with a six-speed automatic transmission that allows manual operation via steering wheel-mounted paddles. It has a high level of standard equipment and few options, including adaptive cruise control which maintains a set distance between the car and traffic ahead.
The Jaguar XK Convertible takes all the virtues of the V8-powered coupe and adds a power-operated ragtop for sky-high enjoyment.
Anthony D. Morgan is a auto mechanic and car expert for 8 years. You can read his reviews of Ferrari California and Jaguar XK Convertible on his daily autoblog.
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Automotive Interior and Exterior Accessories for Motoring Fun
By Mike McCoy
I don’t know anyone who owns an automobile that hasn’t added an automotive aftermarket accessory to that vehicle. Some of us want to protect our investment so we choose automotive interior accessories to protect the floor, or protect the seats. Or maybe we choose automotive exterior accessories to protect the vehicle finish with an auto sealant or car cover.
Sometimes we choose automotive aftermarket accessories to distinguish our vehicle from the others. It’s a way we give it a personality that identifies with who we are and separating it from the crowd. Maybe we add an automotive trim kit or auto dash mat with a logo, or maybe we upgrade to custom car mats with a monogram or protect those seats with custom car covers. There are a lot of ways to change the look and feel of our auto. And it doesn’t matter if we concentrate on an automotive interior accessory or an automotive exterior accessory.
Some of my favorite automotive interior accessories are dashboard mats, custom seat covers, auto dash trim, and custom car mats. Any of these auto accessories add a nice touch to your investment and give you enjoyment every time you get behind the wheel. Car dashboard mats are a nice touch with or without your favorite team logo. Auto dash trim is available, molded or flat, in wood grain, carbon fiber, various colors, and brushed metal. You can create quite a look with those choices. Custom car mats can be added with personalization or not, a choice of car mat fiber density, and a multitude of color choices. Auto seat covers are available in microsuede, velour, polycotton, tweed, neoprene, sheepskin, camo, and several other fabrics giving you choices to match your personality.
For my automotive exterior accessories I would first choose a car sealant to protect my vehicle investment. Not a wax or polish but a true sealant that would bond with the auto finish and genuinely protect it for future good looks. If the car was out in the elements I would consider a custom car cover. There are so many fabric choices and price ranges that there is a car cover for any budget or environment.
Car accessories are motoring fun. With a little money or a lot you can change the look and feel of your favorite ride to give you years of motoring fun.
Online Automotive Accessories and Parts sales
to enhance and protect the vehicle investment. In business since 1993, have been online since 1998, are online sales only in the US and limited shipment internationally www.MyMotoringAccessories.com
Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 at 1:50 am and is filed under automotive. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
