Clarion's Bluetooth breakthrough

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Clarion have introduced a unique interface that allows in-car music streaming for mobile phone and i-Pod users. The device, claimed to be the first of its type, is a Bluetooth interface that allows music files from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, or iPod, to be played through any make of car stereo system wirelessly, with one simple connection.

In-car multi-media specialists Clarion are pitching their unique BLT373 Bluetooth receiver at a highly affordable £69. Plugged into the auxiliary input of any make of car stereo, it instantly allows wireless streaming of music from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, using the car stereo to control volume, balance and sound quality.

With seamless integration, if a call is received on the 'phone whilst music is playing, the volume is automatically muted whilst the call is received and managed, and restored when the call is ended.

For iPod owners, there's equally good news as Clarion has also developed a Bluetooth transmitter and cradle that enables the Nano, Mini and 30Gb/60Gb Video iPods to plug and play wirelessly in-car, via the Clarion BLT 373 Bluetooth receiver.

Although iPods are not Bluetooth-enabled, the ingenious Clarion DGL373 Bluetooth transmitter, housed in a stylish stand-alone cradle, enables audio files from the iPod to be streamed wirelessly to the car stereo, which again is used to control volume, tone and balance.  And once again, affordability is a plus-point, with the transmitter/cradle available - one for each of the three iPod models -  priced at just £69.

Both the Clarion Bluetooth receiver BLT373 and transmitter, DGL 373, are available now from Clarion MMSA InCar Expert members.