Multicore processors drive in-car entertainment

Consumers are increasingly demanding more entertainment functionality and devices to be seamlessly integrated in their vehicles. NXP Semiconductors, the newly independent semiconductor company founded by Philips, is addressing this demand with a multicore approach to semiconductors for in-car entertainment. Using a multimedia infotainment concept demonstrator, NXP is now running a complete in-car entertainment system that provides consumers with a compelling array of multimedia applications, ranging from video to voice selection of digital music.

Strategy Analytics projects that there will be 13.6 million voice-controlled multimedia infotainment systems shipped in 2012.

NXP's proof of concept is one of the first to give life to the promise of voice-activated applications such as mobile phone dialing and music selection.

The demonstrator also shows video playback from multiple sources including broadcast and DVD; audio playback from sources including digitally connected portable media players and USB memory sticks; and the demonstrator's onboard hard disk drive.

All functions are running on a small number of processors that could be implemented on a single board today and are primed for implementation on a single next generation integrated circuit (IC).

The features demonstrated can be run either individually or in many concurrent combinations.

'With its ability to run several concurrent applications the demonstrator is a major advance, offering designers seamless access to entertainment, information and services so consumers can enjoy the same media in on the move as they do at home', said Torsten Lehmann, Director of Marketing and Strategy, Car Entertainment Solutions.

'The solution maximises the car occupants' choice of media - stored in the car, broadcast, or stored on a portable media device - all with the software flexibility needed to meet the different requirements of carmakers'.

NXP collaborated with some of the leading software developers in the digital media and automotive markets to realise the demonstrator, including Nuance Communications (voice control), Gracenote (content management) and Ordina (DVB-T reception).

The demonstrator uses NXP's high-quality Trimedia DSPs for crystal clear audio and video processing and ARM-based microprocessor cores to ensure compatibility with major automotive operating systems.

The software is configurable to address various combinations of video, audio and connectivity use cases.

The implementation provides extensive connectivity capabilities, including digital i-Pod connectivity and hands-free telephony.

NXP is showing this proof-of-concept demonstrator in the company's suite at the Wynn Resort at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

There is also a demonstration of current generation in-car video and connectivity solutions based on NXP's leading PNX9520 media processor.

The PNX9520 demo features video streaming from portable devices over wireless LAN as well as a multitude of other video applications involving up to two independent screens.

Sony Xplod Car Audio Head Units Announced

Head Units Offer More Ways to Connect to Digital Music Players and Satellite Radio

For drivers who want to transform their cars into ultimate music machines, Sony Electronics today unveiled four Xplod® in-dash CD receivers that offer the flexibility to play digital music or satellite radio in the car.

"Our strategy is to offer full connectivity," said Brennan Mullin, general manager of Sony Electronics' mobile electronics division. "Whatever your music source, we provide an easy way to play your tunes on the road."

Plug It In

Each new car stereo offers MP3, ATRAC3plus™, non-DRM AAC and non-DRM WMA playback support and features an auxiliary input (aux-in) on the faceplate, making it possible to use portable music players in a vehicle with a standard 1/8-inch mini jack cord (not supplied). Similarly, three of the new models have a USB input, so drivers can plug a digital music player or thumb drive into the car stereo via the port, which is conveniently located on the front panel. For drivers who want to add a Sirius or XM Satellite radio, the head units are satellite-ready via a CD changer control. Satellite radio subscriptions and antennas are sold separately. Each model is also compatible with Sony's XA-110IP iPod adapter.

Get the 411

The most advanced of the GT series head units, the CDX-GT81UW model, is for digital music enthusiasts who want options for creating a powerful, in-car listening environment. Its full motion fluorescent display and motorized fold out faceplate make this the perfect deck for tricking out your ride.



This high-quality MP3 receiver, incorporating Sony's Drive-S HX CD chassis, has front panel aux-in and a USB input. It is satellite and adapter ready, and offers 4-volt front, rear and sub preamp outputs. It also includes switchable blue and red key illumination.

With the same feel as the high-end unit, the new GT710 receiver is designed for drivers who like to play a mix of digital music and traditional CDs. The CD/MP3 receiver has a motorized fold-out detachable faceplate and a switchable blue and red key illumination. Plus, it features Sony's latest Dynamic Soundstage Organizer and a 3-band parametric EQ for audio control.

Most of Sony's head units are compatible with other manufacturers' portable audio players, as well as its own. The CDX-GT610Ui CD/MP3 receiver will be appreciated by those drivers who own iPod devices. With its built-in 30-pin connector attached to a 1.2 meter cable, drivers can simply plug their device directly into the head unit and control their library from the faceplate or remote control. The receiver is satellite-ready, comes with front aux-in and USB input, and is finished in gloss black with blue key illumination.

The CDX-GT410U CD receiver is satellite and adapter-ready and features front aux-in and a front panel USB for connecting digital music players. It has a 13-segment LED display and switchable red and green key illumination.

GPS Has Evolved

GPS SYSTEMS FOR EVERYONE!

LAS VEGAS -- Not so many years ago, civilian Global Positioning System devices were the province of land surveyors and other specialists, who needed suitcases to carry them around. Now the devices are popular with hikers and soccer moms, and they are small enough to hold in one’s hand, attach to a dashboard or integrate into other products.

As with the latest crop of devices on display at the Consumer Electronics Show demonstrate, GPS units are easier than ever to use and they are now coming bundled with other capabilities.

One of the slickest products is the Pharos GPS Phone. The 5.2-ounce phone is a little larger than many cell phones, but it includes a 2.8-inch touch screen that displays easy-to-read maps and driving instructions. The GPS phone ships loaded with North American road maps and “points of interest.” Users can update this data by connecting to Pharos servers via the phone’s built-in Wi-Fi or cellular service.

The GPS phone also offers quad-band cell capabilities, Bluetooth, a 2 megapixel camera, an FM radio and Windows Media Player. The phone, which uses Windows Mobile 5.0 as an operating system, has a suggested retail price of $699.95 and can be used with various service providers.

Garmin International’s new Nuvi 680 is also impressive. Garmin has been providing auto GPS devices for some time, but this product is something new. Besides serving up maps and directions, the Nuvi 680 also enables users to locate the lowest gas prices, movie theaters and other information -- all courtesy of MSN Direct.

The Nuvi 680, which also doubles as an MP3 player, sports a 4.3-inch wide screen and supports Bluetooth. The unit has a list price of $999, which includes a year’s subscription to MSN Direct.

The Nuvi 680 isn’t the only option for GPS data integration in the car. Dash Navigation is also previewing its Dash Express GPS service. The service, which should be available this summer, will deliver location-sensitive information, such as guides to retailers, gas stations and the like. But it will also include traffic information by collecting data from other Dash-enabled units on the road. Dash Express is designed to work with existing GPS units.

JBL Sets the Standard for Car Audio With GTi MkII Component Systems

JBL Mobile Systems, with a proven track record of designing and manufacturing car audio components that make the music in your car sound like a live performance, today unveiled its GTi MkII Component Systems. Available in 5-1/4-inch and 6-inch models, the component systems are the latest addition to the GTi product line. Audio distortion is virtually nonexistent with the GTi Component Systems – they provide crisp and clear sonic reproduction at all sound levels.

“The JBL GTi component systems deliver what recording engineers call cut or bite – it’s a quality heard at live music events,” said Andy Wehmeyer, product marketing manager, JBL Mobile Systems. “In order to reproduce it, speakers must be capable of handling tons of power and of responding instantaneously to high-amplitude transients – without distortion, without hangover and without high-amplitude adjacent-band deviations. A pioneer in the live music arena, JBL has more experience reproducing live music than anyone else, and the result of our extensive engineering efforts is some of the best car audio component systems money can buy.”

Advanced motor technology is at the core of the GTi MkII component systems. Both the C508GTi and the C608GTi employ JBL’s Symmetrical Field Geometry^™ (SFG), which includes a flux-stabilization ring designed to create symmetrical coil inductance while the coil is moving within the motor. This dramatically reduces distortion – even when the speaker is driven to its excursion limit. A two-inch aluminum edge-wound voice coil is used on both the five- and six-inch models. The ribbon-shaped aluminum wire enables JBL to precisely specify the number of coil windings in the magnetic gap, optimizing motor force for high efficiency and reducing distortion. It also provides maximum power handling and minimum coil inductance for extended high-frequency response.

To further reduce distortion, the systems’ woofer cones are made of anodized aluminum and feature the company’s patent pending Plus One^® technology, creating 30 percent more cone area than is found in competing speakers, and delivering higher efficiency and more bass output. Anodized aluminum moves first-modal cone-body breakup to a higher frequency outside the operating band, significantly reducing audible distortion and maximizing midrange clarity.

Both systems include JBL’s 08GTi tweeter, and an outboard crossover network with a 24dB/octave Linquitz-Riley acoustic alignment. Air-core inductors are used to reduce magnetic saturation, and high-power and polypropylene capacitors ensure near-ideal characteristics with low series resistance (ESR).

The C508GTiMkII component system (MSRP: $479.00) and the C608GTiMkII component system (MSRP: $499.00) are now available at authorized JBL car audio dealers

XM Radio to Demonstrate In Car Video, Weather Tracking System at CES

XM has teamed up with On2 Technologies to showoff satellite video at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that starts this week. The company says the new technology will allow their satellites to beam video content to automobiles. XM also announced another great tool for drivers in the press release. A real-time weather tracking system that will allow drivers to see what kind of storms might be heading the way they are traveling. I


n the statement Rod MacKenzie stated, “XM is offering the first system that alerts consumers to real-time weather threats on the road ahead. You're not just getting the temperature and the forecast for a city. You get the weather that will impact your specific journey, and this information is constantly being updated. It's a major breakthrough in providing consumers with comprehensive, personalized weather information.”