Automotive Mobile Audio Video

One of the most important elements of a car is audio. The importance of this most important gadget can simply not be ruled out. Its value can be understood from the fact that if it is not inserted in the car then there would be very few takers of it. Absence of car audio robs the car of, if not all than, quite a substantial part of its sheen. No wonder every car that comes out of showroom comes with car audio inserted in. The utility of car audio is immense. It ensures that one remains in touch with the world even when one is on move. So even if you are travelling between two towns you can still listen to news or special coverage on budget or any other programme of one's liking. One can also catch up with the commentary of Uefa Champions League where Manchester United might be locking horns with Chelsea.

Then it is not that car audio can be utilized for listening to news or radio programmes alone. It can also be used to listen one's favourite record as well. Longest of journeys are rarely felt as time just flies by with one listening to his favourite music. No wonder a car looses all its attraction if it does not have car audio fitted in.

A slight caution, however, must be exercised and one must ensure that the car speaker is not having any trouble. Many a times the whole journey is spoiled because people cannot enjoy their favourite music which makes the whole journey very tedious.

Car audio and car speaker in top condition is a must if one wants to race to the farthest destination. The fatigue that so sets in such journeys do not set in here because one is relatively fresh listening to beetles. The longest of journeys, therefore, are rarely felt as time just flies by. It is this utility factor of car audio that has led to new innovations and new models being introduced in the market.

Music is enjoyable to almost everyone, so why not bring it in the car? It can definitely make your trip more melodious. So besides the factory car stereo that came with your vehicle, it may be time to upgrade your car stereo system. This can mean new amplifiers, speakers, CD or cassette players, and equalizers. If the power requirement is higher, then you will need batteries, alternators, power cables, and capacitors as well, to power the system adequately. Also, there are many portable devices that can be connected to your car stereo to provide variety of media sources, like MP3, WAV, USB, memory sticks and so on.

Many of these portable devices can playback MP3 file format that has the characteristic of using less space than hard drives and memory sticks. Unfortunately the sound quality of this file format is quite inferior if we compare it with that of CD or WAV files. But this problem could easily be avoided if MP3s were converted at 320 kbps. Then the sound quality would be much improved on your audio deck.

An 8GB memory stick is another kind of popular portable audio device that can be loaded up with MP3s to bring in the car. On one memory stick, you can listen to more than five hundred songs! These can then be plugged into portable MP3 players anywhere.

Many audio devices have a USB port that allows you to connect and/or interact with computer hardware. This means you can bring your laptop or portable PC and play music through the USB port. You can also use this to save music on your hard drive.

Portable audio decks often come equipped with security features to reduce the risk of theft. If you have a CD player and keep your CDs in the car, then your entire CD collection might be stolen. However, if you have a memory stick, then it is small enough that you can simply bring the entire thing with you. Then there is no way for your collection of music to get stolen from the car.

Other types of alarm systems you might consider are shock sensors, ignition kill switches, intrusion sensors, window break sensors, and door entry sensors. You can also install a tracking system hidden in the car so that wherever the car is, police can track its location if it gets stolen.

Other accessories you can add to your car stereo are equalizers, CD changers, mixers, and 3D sound equipment.

Car stereos are designed to fit the car they are installed in. So take special consideration for the type of car you are driving to determine the placement of speakers, amplifiers, etc. The bigger the car, the bigger the speakers. You also need to handle the power requirements or else you will hear distortion from your speakers, the volume will not go very loud, and soon you will end up with a dead car battery and the car will not start. Many times a powerful car stereo requires more than one battery, perhaps 2 or even 3. Since lead acid batteries become damaged with heavy use, car stereos often use deep cycle batteries for improved performace. This also have a faster response time, in addition to lasting longer under heavy usage, than lead acid batteries.

While we have seen major advances in all areas of technology over the last few years, we have also seen major improvements in the breakdown industry with a whole host of tracking systems now in place to ensure that recovery vehicles are able to locate and reach those in need as soon as possible. So what exactly is there around which will track breakdown insurance members?

Roadside Signs

While the most basic of tracking systems it is possible for recovery agents to locate a breakdown simply via a sign post on the side of the road. The motorways especially have a number system which allows the location of the member to be traced within seconds, and pinpoint co-ordinates passed to a breakdown vehicle.

Mobile Phone Tracking

While GPS has been available for some time it is only of late that we have seen a mass take up in the mobile phone industry. The satellite tracking system works by pin pointing the location of a signal using satellites and signal boosters to plot the relevant co-ordinates. The system is so accurate that it can actually trace the base of a signal within just a few metres.

In Vehicle Satellite Navigation

The new range of satellite navigation systems all tend to come with some sort of distress / recovery signal option for use in emergency. A pre-recorded process will be carried out whereby the service provider is alerted that assistance is required and the customer is informed that they will be dealt with as soon as possible.

Vehicle Trackers

While perhaps not as popular as the simpler GPS systems mentioned above, more and more vehicles are being fitted with tracking devices which show where they have been and their exact location at any given time. If assistance is required the exact co-ordinates can be easily passed to the recovery agent and the vehicle located in no time at all.

Even though there are a number of different variations, the tracking of vehicles today revolves around GPs initially and then the complicated and exact mapping systems which the recovery services operate. A simple clue as to where a vehicle is located is all that is required, allowing detailed plans and directions to be produced immediately and passed to the relevant parties. Much of the delay in getting to vehicles today is the actual time spent driving.

Car in dash DVD players and other automotive DVD players are appearing more often in vehicles these days as a larger number of cheap car DVD players appear on the market. But sometimes it is hard for a person to know where to start looking for a car DVD player ad what to look for.

The first point you will have to consider after you have decided to buy an automotive DVD player or component is whether to purchase it online or from a 'bricks and mortar' car audio store. While you are able to deal with salespeople face to face at the 'bricks and mortar' store you may find you get a much better price online from an electronics wholesaler. You will still need to ask several key questions, regardless of your decision.

Will I get all the components I need?

There is nothing worse than paying good money for a car dvd player, going to install it and finding you still need to buy the speakers, TV tuners, TV antennas, wires, brackets or other components before it can be installed. After all, what is the point of buying an in dash car TV DVD player if you don't get the tuner or aerial to make it work.

This depends on where the car DVD player is being purchased. If purchased from a bricks and mortar store then it should be offered by the vendor as electronic goods cost more at stores than they do online.

Can I connect my USB devices or flash memory cards to the player?

More music and data you want shown in vehicles is stored on computers and USB and an increasing number of car DVDs have a plug-in function. These USB ports can also be a useful point to install Bluetooth cellular car phone kits.

What formats does it support?

Will it support MP3s or MPEGs? What about AVI files? If you are choosing a system that will accept USBs and flash memory cards it is always good to check that the system will accept the format of programs you store most often on flash.

What region DVD's does this player accept?

DVD's are becoming increasingly multi-regional but that doesn't necessarily mean that every car DVD player will play every DVD. It is always a good idea to check which region of DVDs you are actually to make sure your dvd player car audio in dash unit is compatible with your collection.

How big is the screen?

The cost of LCD screens have come down a lot in last 12 months, as seen by Panasonic's 150-inch LCD screen showcased at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, which cost the same as the 109 inch screen the company put on display at the show the previous year. As a result, in dash car TV DVD players with 6.5 and 7 inch screens are considered to be the norm, and should be extremely affordable.

It's got a screen, but is it a touch screen?

We all know what a touch screen is, it is one of the things that has made the iPod such a big hit globally. Touch screens are becoming increasingly common and automotive dvds with touch screens should not be astronomically priced. After all, there is nothing worse than hunting for a tiny knob when trying to change music whilst on the road.

Purchasing a car TV DVD player is a big undertaking. Time spent working out what the DVD will be used for and finding out information about the intended purchase would not be wasted.

A lot of People lose their car audio equipment to thieving rats. This can be easily prevented or reduced if you'll do the following...

1) Get a good car security system. And when you do, make sure you activate it always. A lot of people are funny. They'll buy a good car security system but will often forget to use it.

2) Buy car audio units that have theft-deterrence systems. These come in different designs. There is certainly one out there that will suit your taste.

3) Pack your car in well-lit areas.

4) Avoid flashy stickers. They attract attention. You don't want to give thieves such "steal me" signals.

5) Remember to lock your car always.

6) While installing your car audio equipment, try to use screws that have uncommon heads. If you use standard screws, you make it easy for thieves. If you use, say, a hex-head, you make it much more difficult for thieves for the simple reason that they're less likely to have such bits.

7) In spite of all these you may still lose your stuff. That's why you need to get a car insurance policy that also takes care of your car audio equipment completely. It's not just about getting a comprehensive plan. How comprehensive is your comprehensive policy? Read the fine lines and make sure you are truly covered. It's painful to discover later that your comprehensive policy does not cover your custom stereo.

Before I drop my pen I think you should know that getting a policy that covers your car stereo completely doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend much more than otherwise. There is a process that guarantees massive savings in car insurance. If you employ it you can save up to $1000. All you'll then do is use part of it for a rider to cover your car audio equipment if your policy doesn't cater for it.

If you have spent any considerable amount on your car audio equipment, then you need to make sure you are not making this common and costly mistake...

Not taking precautions that will either reduce the likelihood of a loss or protect yourself if such a loss happens. This loss can result from a crash, vandalism, theft or fire.

Some people can invest a lot on high end car audio equipment. Such people will look for the best way to install such audio units. They will look at all the options open to them. They will make sure they get the best bargains. But they'll not take out time to consider how they'll protect those units.

The reality only dawns on them when something happens: An accident that ruins such equipment or an outright theft. They rush to their insurance companies only to be told that they are not covered. It's then they realize they should have done a number of things in the first place. Before it happens to you, here are things you should do...

1) Get a good security system especially those that have visual deterrents. Such deterrents are good because they discourage thieves from even attempting to steal.

2) Pack your car in a well-lit area.

3) And, get a car insurance policy that will cover your car audio equipment.

I will dwell on the third. While getting your car insurance, ask and check with your insurance company before you settle for a policy. Ensure it covers all that's very important to you. Also ensure that what you get is worth the premium you pay.

What is the liability limit of the policy? If your car audio system amounts to $7600 but your limit is $4000 then you are not properly covered. Make sure of this.

When you've done this well, then the question of who to insure with arises. This is very important as it can make so much difference in your bottom line. You can lose much. You can also save a lot -- Up to $1000 or more.

Pioneer produced one of the best product lines in car audio industry with their Premier Series amplifiers. As early as 2005, Pioneer has made great advancements with the Premier Series in amplifier technology, characterized by their great power handling and efficiency. By the end of 2007, the Premier PRS Series could easily be considered a world-class amplifier, featuring sleek and compact design along with Pioneer's unique new pure-sound-generating technology.

Overview of 2007 PRS Series

The latest (2007 and newer) PRS Series Amplifiers feature a variety of solutions for your car audio needs. They have available for you monoblock amps, 2-channel amps, and 4-channel amps, giving you no less than 1200 watts max on each one. In addition, their exterior design is far more attractive than the average amplifier on the market. For me, this is another great plus to the PRS series amplifiers because you can't help but think that it would look good in my car, rather than trying to find a way to hide it.

The PRS digital amplifiers showcase Pioneer's new ICE Power technology. With it, it would be virtually impossible for you to hear any sort of distortion, allowing it to produce a much more pure sound than any other amplifiers out there. That's not all! You'll find that the amplifier will also produce an accurate bass with incredibly clear mid-range and high-range sounds. You won't even have to worry about the amplifier sucking up power from your car because these amplifiers are amazingly efficient, which would reduce heat produced from the amp as well and allowing it to channel more power into your sound system.

The New 2008 PRS-A900

If you think all of that sounds good, wait until you hear about the new January-released PRS-A900! Audiophiles world wide have anticipated the release of this new PRS Series 4-channel amp and they have great reasons to.

It's the first of its kind and you can be sure than many more will come. It features everything from the previous year: digital amplification, great exterior design, extremely low distortion, and incredible efficiency. But Pioneer didn't just replicate their 2007 models but also added some new features.

Unlike any other amps, the PRS-A900 showcases a completely separate left and right channel power supply, a filter-less design, and construction design that protects against external disturbance. The result of these features is a far improved sonic purity production from the amplifier!

Perhaps one of the coolest unique features of the Pioneer PRS-A900 is the H-Shaped internal structure design. It absorbs vibrations created from driving your vehicle. How? Well imagine for a minute a wooden seesaw with two people, one on each side. Now if one person jumps on his side, the other side will rise up or at least that other person will feel the impact. Now imagine that the same seesaw is constructed out of flexible plexiglass (assuming it doesn't shatter on impact); if the one side jumps , the flexibility of the plexiglass will absorb the majority of the force, and the other side would be less likely to be catapulted as high as the wooden seesaw. The H-Shaped internal construction works on this concept! The result is a greatly reduced interference within the sound quality that the amplifier produces

The independently powered left and right channels further improves sound isolation, preventing any sort of additional interference and allowing for more efficiency from the two-channel or four-channel outputs. Think of it as two garden hoses for two different plants you are watering-one hose for two plants would cause you to lose water and time.

If you're not on the Pioneer bandwagon, I suggest you do so now because advancements in technology like the few that I mentioned above sets Pioneer's PRS Series amplifiers far above other competitions gunning for the mobile audio industry!

Car DVD Player sytems: you may or may not have one in your car...and you may or may not find the automotive DVD player market very interesting...but you should not overlook the profit opportunity!

More Chinese-made car DVD players were sold in the US then car DVDs players made in any other country last year. While this may not be surprising in itself what is surprising that the brand names which sold the biggest volumes weren't JVC, Kenwood, or Alpine... they were cheap car DVD players from little-known Chinese car DVD player brands.

So what is going on?

Cheap made-in-China car DVD players are flooding the consumer markets of the western world for one reason: price. Smart importers have been able to sell very low-priced consumer electronics and appliances because of their connections with Chinese traders or car DVD factories in China.

Cheap labor, improved logistics, lower priced generic electronic components, and aggressive home-grown R&D have all combined to mean China is now the cheapest and most massive producer of in-dash car TV and DVD players.

Why would consumers pay $849.99 for a brand name car DVD / CD receiver with 7 inch LCD monitor... when a discount car dvd player from China with virtually equivalent functions costs only $500 or even less? The brand names for car DVD players mean a lot to customers... but not when these kind of savings can be had.

So why should you care?

The simple fact of the matter is that selling unbranded dvd player / car audio in dash units is a great business opportunity for you.

For entrepreneurs with an eye on importing consumer products, it's a well-known fact that they need to set up a "Chinese connection", whatever the size of the business. A growing number of businesses are plunging into China's waters every day and reaping large rewards.

Consumer electronics like MP4 players, iPod accessories, or gadgets are high-demand, high profit items for resellers, whether you're trading from a small shop or selling online. Everyone loves new electronic gadgets, and because of the higher price range, your actual profits as a re-seller are healthy.

The higher perceived value of car DVD players means one automotive DVD sale can result in a $100 profit. This is considerably easier than the high-volume sales required to make a profit of smaller electronic goods and other common mass-produced consumer products.

There's a lot more that needs to be said about choosing products, analysing a market, and honing your sales methods. You owe it to yourself to take a look further into this market area while it's still a wide open opportunity. You don't need experience, specialized knowledge, or big business risks - especially if you pursue the ecommerce / dropshipping avenue.

Whether or not you choose China-made car DVD players as your big ticket item is up to you, however one thing you must do is investigate the limitless business opportunities Chinese manufacturers offer. Hundereds of people are starting successful import businesses every month. If you are interested in joining them Chinavasion will help you get started.