iPod’s popularity certainly has a major say in the Car audio industry today, not directly from apple but from the millions of iPod users. Due to the massive amounts of people who regularly use iPod’s on a daily if not hourly basis Car Audio Brands and Vehicle Manufacturers have had to redefine how car audio and entertainment works and what is expected from each component within the system.
Vehicle manufacturers are more aware of the demands of the public and use additional add-ons as a selling point in an aid to promote new ranges and vehicles. However the majority of factory iPod car kits are simply an AUX input into the audio system. This allows music to be played through the speaker system, which for some users is enough. However this option does not offer any of the more advanced features that aftermarket kits do.
So the big question is do vehicle manufacturers see a future with iPod car kits or are they waiting for the next big invention?
The investments from Car Audio Brands suggest that the iPod is going to be here for a minimum of several years. The larger brands such as Dension, Alpine & Kenwood have taken iPod integration to the next level, although in separate directions. Alpine & Kenwood have built fully iPod compatible aftermarket stereos, with new features such as imprint technology & HD screens that allow users to configure the components depending music quality and type. Combined with Made for iPod & iPhone you can get the most out of your iPod by finding and playing music and videos much easier than ever before.
Dension however has made larger strides by combining iPod technology with factory fitted equipment. The Dension Gateway range provides an iPod connection into your factory fitted stereo, ensuring that the original look is maintained. The Dension Kits also provide Steering wheel control for the iPod and music, Text display on a lot of vehicles including the new CAN cluster display vehicles within the VW & Audi Group and the retention of your CD Changer via a CD Retention Kit at additional cost.

However it’s the new components that Dension are developing that offer the greater indication of where iPod integration may be heading?
The soon to be released AVR is designed to work with the gateway 500 fibre optic kit allows different sources of entertainment to be played simultaneously, So for example the adults might want to listen to their favourite music in the front of the vehicle while the kids enjoy their favourite DVD in the back. This step is a major advance in the car entertainment world and will open up several avenues for further development in the future.
Another one of Dension’s products nearing completion is the Wi-Drive, this device when complete will allow you to integrate your vehicle into the wireless home network, and this has many advantages at first glance. Such as instant file transfer from computer to vehicle and vice versa. However this device holds many more possibilities than first anticipated. A wireless internet network connection can be made with the use of mobile USB dongle currently available from various mobile networks providing internet access to all of the users in your vehicle.
The possibilities of car audio and entertainment & iPod integration in the future are endless, devices such as the AVR and the Wi-Drive will open up many avenues for the next stage of development. For example;
Security devices could be invented that provide live streaming from the vehicle to your own computer monitoring your vehicles safety combined with “web cams” installed in your vehicle you could see exactly what happening to your car live. Live streaming or the download of music and videos from iTunes could be played on TV screens installed in the vehicle through the use of the Wi-drive and AVR while you’re on your journey, simply select and go through your iPod to choose all the latest Apple iTunes has to offer.
Television channels broadcasting live online could be watch instantly allowing new entertainment channels to be integrated into future vehicles, controllable at various points in the car. Maybe the kids want to watch different TV channels? No Problem now.
One thing is clear, the Car audio and entertainment business is moving on. New and improved technology being created continually and the iPod certainly can be at the centre of it all.

Maxxsonics’ new Hifonics Brutus amplifier line up offers the most versatile and comprehensive Super D-Class series than ever before.

For years, Brutus BXI amplifiers have been recognized the world over as some of the best subwoofer amplifiers in their class. The new Brutus amps are 1-Ohm stable, but also run at 4- or 2-Ohms for a much tighter bass response.

Simply put, watt for watt, a Brutus amplifier produces more output with less impact on a car’s battery and charging system, than many other amps available today. Translated into cost, that’s more wattage output with less battery current used, equaling more watts per dollar.

For SPL, nothing compares to the Super D-Class grade microprocessors developed exclusively by Hifonics. In relying on this super-speed enhanced chip-set, Brutus BXI amplifiers offer higher current capacities and more precise digital to analog conversion. The result is very low distortion, even at high listening levels. For high performance sound, Hifonics doesn’t miss a beat by also including a Brutus A/BClass amplifier in the line.

According to John Studley, Vice President Product Development, “Our Brutus amps not only sound great, but look great with an extruded aluminum chassis and an illuminated Hifonics logo. We spend just as much time and detail on the technology of our products as we do on the exterior.” Studley concluded by saying, “Even the Hifonics logo was designed so that it has a soft haloed illumination that is tasteful and not distracting.”

See the Brutus series and complete line up from Hifonics at the Maxxsonics booth, North Hall 1809 at CES.

Maxxsonics’ new Hifonics Brutus amplifier line up offers the most versatile and comprehensive Super D-Class series than ever before.

For years, Brutus BXI amplifiers have been recognized the world over as some of the best subwoofer amplifiers in their class. The new Brutus amps are 1-Ohm stable, but also run at 4- or 2-Ohms for a much tighter bass response.

Simply put, watt for watt, a Brutus amplifier produces more output with less impact on a car’s battery and charging system, than many other amps available today. Translated into cost, that’s more wattage output with less battery current used, equaling more watts per dollar.

For SPL, nothing compares to the Super D-Class grade microprocessors developed exclusively by Hifonics. In relying on this super-speed enhanced chip-set, Brutus BXI amplifiers offer higher current capacities and more precise digital to analog conversion. The result is very low distortion, even at high listening levels. For high performance sound, Hifonics doesn’t miss a beat by also including a Brutus A/BClass amplifier in the line.

According to John Studley, Vice President Product Development, “Our Brutus amps not only sound great, but look great with an extruded aluminum chassis and an illuminated Hifonics logo. We spend just as much time and detail on the technology of our products as we do on the exterior.” Studley concluded by saying, “Even the Hifonics logo was designed so that it has a soft haloed illumination that is tasteful and not distracting.”

See the Brutus series and complete line up from Hifonics at the Maxxsonics booth, North Hall 1809 at CES.

You might be thinking what’s the difference? How do they work with my ipod? Which is the best? Well the answer is quite simple.

The FM Modulator and FM Transmitter both reproduce an input signal that can be turned into a playable audio signal that your stereo can decode. However this is done in differing ways.

The FM Transmitter decodes the data and transmits through the air in different radio frequencies. This is then picked up by your stereo (aerial) and played in the same way as you would listen to the radio. However this method can cause several major problems, as the transmission can be heard by anybody listening to that specific frequency.  Which in its self is a major problem unless you are broadcasting personal information?

The problem occurs as this can be considered illegal broadcasting via pirate radio. Basically taking over the airwaves with an unauthorised signal, & potentially overhauling a legitimate broadcast on their frequency range. Which in turn leads us to the other problem with this system, If the frequency that you are trying to replace is VERY strong it will replace your transmission. Sometimes playing both signals, other times playing interference over the audio.

The FM Modulator works in a very similar way to the FM Transmitter, however it has one difference. The FM Modulator does not transmit any signal. The Modulator is hardwired to the back of the stereo via the Aerial socket, so rather than broadcasting the signal it’s sent down the wire. The interference is minimal and the sound quality is much greater (pretty much CD Quality). The only disadvantage of this system is that the unit has to be installed to the stereo.

Dension FM Modulator

MP3 FM Modulator

Fusion electronics are quickly becoming one of the most popular car audio brands around, Their reputation is built on the back of producing Good quality, Good looking and very cost effective products, directed specifically towards a younger generation. Fusion found a gap in the car audio market and discovered that many people in the modified car scene are equally concerned about how the product looks as well as how it performs.

This helped create a boom in professionally installed, fantastic looking “show car” installs, where installs were showed off for the image as well as sound quality, and this is still a growing market that many manufactures are looking to take advantage of.

For a full list of Fusions 2008 Reactor range

Fusion Reactor Sub enclosures & Bass packs,

Fusion Reactor Amplifiers

Fusion CA-CD500 iPod Ready Stereo

The Easiest way to improve the quality of audio in your car is to improve your speakers. Standard factory fitted speakers usually only provide between 5w & 20w peak output & usually made from inferior substandard materials. The materials used are prone to distort and whine when the power supplied is turned up. Considering that most Factory head-units (stereos) only supply an amplified power signal of up to 20w, you can see that the speakers are very quickly at the maximum level.

Aftermarket Speakers are usually between 50w RMS to 250w RMS (400w Peak), instantly providing the extra quality needed. Although the Power output is not the only guide to how good the speakers are, it is a good indication to how the speakers will handle the power provided and reproduce into a good output.

Depending on the level, quality and volume wanted or required, factory head-units may not be able to reproduce the signal to a powerful enough level. This is only usually the case when building a whole system involving Amps & Subs, in which case you would need either an aftermarket stereo or a line-driver.

Aftermarket Speakers

Aftermarket Head-units

iPodcarkitdirect have for the first time made High Quality Car Audio components and products available on the site. Due to the Massive amounts of people wanting our input and guidance when increasing the quality of they’re factory fitted audio system, Ipodcarkitdirect decided source and test car audio components & made the best of them purchasable on www.iPodcarkitdirect.co.uk. 

Rockford Fosgate, The Definitive brand of Car Audio is now available to purchase. Recognised as the leading brand for many years Rockford’s’ stylish design of all they’re products is a key feature for they’re popularity. Many of their products have a Bespoke, Modern & Quality look and feel, meaning they complement and improve even the most stunning car interior. However this is only where the Rockford’s Expertises begins. The Sensational Quality of the Rockford’s product range is recognisable as soon as heard, easily surpassing many manufacturer upgrades such as BOSE and Harmon Kardon.

The Most beneficial part of upgrading your car audio system is that you are in control of What/ How much & Where you want to improve. If you feel the need for a Better Quality, Much Crisper & Cleaner sound, replace your door speakers, If you feel that you need more Depth and Bass in the Instrumentals you can include a Subwoofer into the system. Your choice for improvement is endless.

Get the most from you iPod Car Kits & Play the Music like it is meant to be heard

Click Here to view all the Rockford Fosgate Range

Dension are producing a new accessory for the gateway 500 enabling users to control the functions of the Gateway 500 in a much more user friendly way.  The AVR unit will allow videos to be watched on original screen or on a display installed in the rear of the vehicle (IVE1000 still required to play AV).

Densions main reason for developing the new AVR accessory is that it allows multi source operations, meaning that the user can play multiple choices, so maybe you would like to listen to your favourite music on your iPod while driving & keep the Kids quite by watching their favourite Video in the back.  This is set to be a revolutionary break through for Dension as multi source has never been done to this extent in car audio.

The AVR may be some time away as Dension are first trying to complete the production of various projects like the BTA2000 Bluetooth Adapter, the CD Retention kits for BMW & some secret projects we can’t tell yet!! (Prepare to be amazed because you are going to want some of these). However more information on all new products will be available soon at www.iPodcarkitdirect.co.uk

The Dension BTA1500 Bluetooth adapter is now available at www.iPodcarkitdirect.co.uk, the specially designed unit will maximise the Gateway 500 fibre optics system in allowing the user to make hands free phone calls, stream music from mobile phone (and other AD2P devices) and browse your phone book on all compatible screens. The New BTA1500 has been in development since the BTA1000 was discontinued several months ago, Dension realising the importance of this technology to its customers have put their full concentration on completing this project in minimum time and maximum testing ensuring the new Bluetooth unit lives up to expectations.

The New BTA1500 Bluetooth adapter is only compatible with the Gateway 500 Fibre Optic Systems. The BTA2000 Densions’ next product is expected to be ready nearer October 2008 and is expected to be compatible with all Dension Gateway systems. No Doubt more information regarding the BTA2000 will be available here soon.

Inphase IPS 248BT Now in Stock

The new Inphase IPS 248BT Stereo is now available and in stock and Car Audio Plus. The IPS 248BT is packed full of great new features Like a USB and SD card slot & built-in Bluetooth that allows hands free calling that can store up to 30 names in its phonebook. The 248BT is purposely designed for the factory fit look (OEM) to match as closely as possible to the standard look in most cars, but allowing you to upgrade your system sound quality with its 4 x 60w built in amp.

A Great Stereo for the Price