CES 2007 Highlights

The International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is celebrating its 40th anniversary with this year's event. It's the world's largest tradeshow for consumer technology and is held each year in Las Vegas in January, this year from the 8th to the 11th. In the first of our show reports, here are a few highlights of new products in the world of In-Car being previewed at CES 2007.

Clarion claims to be introducing the next generation of mobile audio, with a head-unit featuring no moving parts. The FB275BT is a technologically advanced unit that features no CD mechanism, eliminating the possibility of skipping. The SD card slot behind the folding control panel enables music file playback.  For added functionality, the FB275BT includes built-in Bluetooth with streaming audio capability and hands-free calling profiles. It includes an FM tuner, high visibility LCD and two-line letter display plus rear auxiliary input. There is a 50W x 4 built-in amplifier, 2-channel RCA output, plus magna bass equaliser.

The FB275BT has an intuitive Clarion HMI (Human Machine Interface) design that minimises the number of buttons while maximising functionality. Each button is large and easy to use, while at the same time blending into the panel design. The 728-variable colour illuminated keys provide brilliant illumination for the interface. Finished in white acrylic, the four curved buttons on each side of the central rotary volume control are said to mimic the gills of a shark, creating Clarion's Metal Shark concept. Indirect lighting on the FB275BT makes each of the arched buttons appear to float, adding to the mystique of the Metal Shark design. A mirror finish surrounds the bottom half of the illuminated rotary volume control. Quite stunning and will be well worth checking out when it hits our shores.

With more than 1 billion Bluetooth-enabled products currently available, consumers are seeking more ways to integrate their handheld devices everywhere they go. For those who want to add full hands-free cell phone functionality or enable streaming audio support in the car, Alpine Electronics has announced four solutions to meet Bluetooth needs in the vehicle. 

"Consumers rely on their cell phones for communication and are even now using them as a music source," said Stephen Witt of Alpine USA.  "With our new line up of Bluetooth-enabled products, Alpine is making it possible for consumers to use these devices with full control and information display in the car."

A growing trend of Bluetooth technology is the ability to wirelessly stream music from a mobile phone to a vehicle's head unit.  Alpine makes this possible with its new 2007 Ai-NET head units (CDA-9883, CDA-9885, CDA-9887, iDA-X001, IVA-D105 and IVA-W205) and the new KCE-300BT Bluetooth interface module, developed in co-operation with Motorola Digital Media Services and sold separately. Users can listen to music from audio service providers such as Motorola streaming audio services on Bluetooth-enabled phones or devices with Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) streaming audio support.  If the device has the Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP), basic control of the music files such as Play/Pause, and Track Up/Down is enabled through the head unit. 

With the growing need for hands-free use of mobile phones, the compatible head units display caller identification, missed calls, dialed calls and received calls.  For the IVA-D105 and IVA-W205 AV head units, the address book can be accessed, and calls can be made through direct dial on the PulseTouch™ touch screen unit.  The system also supports the auto-answer function available on many Bluetooth-enabled phones.

Dolby Laboratories demonstrated how its technologies can tap the full potential of digital entertainment. The company unveiled its Dolby Car Audio program, which offers higher levels of performance and flexibility for car entertainment, including richer sound stage imaging and the ability, they claim, to deliver a full surround sound experience from nearly any source. The Dolby Car Audio program comprises Dolby Surround Concert Edition, which "transforms any stereo source into multichannel surround sound" and is designed for entry to mid-level cars. Dolby Surround Studio Edition, "which brings a richer, studio-like experience to the car by transforming stereo sound into multichannel audio and offering intelligent mixing and more precise control". And Dolby Surround Cinema Edition, which delivers home theatre-like sound for cars with DVD players and displays, as well as an individual surround sound experience for passengers using Dolby Headphones. In-Car sound processing is a fascinating subject (well, we think so!) and we hope to get more information on this from Dolby's European HQ here in the UK in due course.

Directed Electronics was announced winner of the coveted "BEST OF INNOVATIONS AWARD" for its new portable entertainment system. The DP102CS transportable video system can play video iPods on its 10.2” high definition panel or rip DVDs to the optional digital video recorder in the car, motorhome, caravan or even at home.

The main playback unit, with its 10.2” fully rotational digital LCD screen and mobile grade slim slot load DVD player, offers a sleek design that’s said to be easy to carry anywhere. It features a removable, rechargeable battery with a claimed 3 hours playback time, AV in and out, and a docking bay where users can interface with and store a Video iPod or the optional DVR. When using the Portable Entertainment System in the car, it can either be used as an overhead or headrest monitor. The overhead docking bay offers LED dome lights and a slim design, with built-in IR transmitters, TV tuner and FM transmitter. The docking bay retracts to leave a clean look when the screen is not docked. The car kit includes the main playback unit, the overhead car dock with mounting accessories, AV cables, carrying case, headrest mounting bag, and a remote control.