 For many car enthusiasts it is the audio system that is viewed as most important. However, not every car enthusiast is interested in the same standard configurations.
It wasn’t so long ago a premium system was one that came with a CD player and a few extra speakers.
Expectations are rapidly changing. This has led to frustration among carmakers simply because it’s become difficult to bundle a single audio option that satisfies current and future needs in a rapidly expanding state of technology. Some auto makers have even suggested simply providing car owners with a panel with plug ins so the end user can configure their sound system using applicable after market sound products.
Ask yourself a few questions…
- What do you need your audio system to do for you today?
- What would you like it to do six months from now?
- How important is technology to your listening choices?
- How important is sound clarity to you?
Existing advances in technology
Satellite radio is an option that is available on many new cars. This typically is delivered with the first year free followed by a monthly fee. Many audio enthusiasts welcome this option simply because it does allow them to listen to the music they like without the need to change stations when the signal gets weak.
Internet radio is another feature that is catching on in urban areas. When Wi-Fi zones are developed, motorists can listen to online radio from anywhere in the world.
Honda and Ford are among the first to delivery voice recognition sound systems. Ford offers Sync, which is a joint effort with Microsoft while Honda has its own system. The Sync is expected to expand to other carmakers in 2010. These systems allow the user to access their sound system options through voice control. Many of these vehicles will allow you to plug into the system with either an iPod dock or USB. These broad based configurations allow the end user to have incredible control over what they listen to and when. These systems can also integrate your cell phone into the sound system allowing hands free conversations through the system.
I don’t want to buy a new car
Today’s technology is being delivered through after market audio systems. These systems don’t have to be expensive to provide many of the same tools available in newer car models. You can purchase a new car stereo that provides both iPod and USB capabilities. You can purchase a satellite radio and can customize the overall sound by mapping speaker type and placement. Many consumers have not been especially pleased with the iPod rebroadcaster tools that use FM reception to play the iPod audio. Many will insist an actual plug or docking station for your iPod is the best way to go.
These aftermarket products that work best for progressive users will rely on Bluetooth technology to integrate a variety of audio options.
Sonic Sample
Scosche is a company that has been pioneering audio technology for vehicles since the 8-track. Car stereo makers around the world are using their innovations. This company has provided the fusion needed to bring multiple applications together in one device. This is what consumers demand and it’s what Scosche has delivered.
I bring this up because Scosche technology can be found in products by companies like Kenwood and Pioneer. They have developed options that work to blend the iPod with very specific auto manufacturers like GM, Honda and Toyota. They supply a universal mp3 Bluetooth car kit for all other automakers.
Once you have the means to connect multiple media types in your automobile you can then determine the additional sonic elements such as standard FM, satellite radio, iPod and cell phone. You also can select the sound delivery through amplification and speaker choice.
The future of car audio
You can expect change, but the best audio systems will be those that allow options. Imagine having a car that can play CD, mp3, WMA, FM, Satellite and Internet. Imagine being able to play DVD audio in surround sound through your audio system. Imagine all these options being available with instant response to your voice. That future is invading the present and it is making automobiles a second home – on wheels.
Car audio expresses the individual sound DNA of the owners. New advances and continued improvements are making it possible for audio enthusiasts to express themselves in the most individually pleasing way possible using multimedia channeled through one personalized hub.
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