Mobile Sound

The total sales for the three-month period which has ended in September 30, 2007 was already announced by XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. Let’s see if they were strong during this period…

According to TheAutoChannel.com, income for the 2007 third quarter increased over 20 percent year over year to $287 million compared to the third quarter of last year’s $240 million. XM concluded the 2007 third quarter with over 8.57 million subscribers while last year they only had an estimated 7.19 million subscribers in the third quarter of 2006.

“During the third quarter, XM achieved year-over-year gains in both gross and net subscriber additions, despite weakness at retail, driven primarily by a record number of new automotive subscribers. We’re already seeing the early results of the ramp in production of XM-equipped vehicles, which will provide XM with sustained subscriber growth for 2008 and beyond,” said Nate Davis, the president and chief executive officer, XM Satellite Radio.

Davis continued, “We remain optimistic that our deal to merge with Sirius will close by the end of this year. In the meantime, we continue to work with the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice to further demonstrate that this merger is in the public interest and should be approved.”

XM Satellite radios are the hottest components for every vehicle today. The company expects a boost on sales as 2008 draws nearer. Every XM satellite radio is a hot property like the Lexus SC400 radiator!

It’s the greatest season for all families and friends to get together once in a while to have some fun and be happy! We only have few weeks to prepare for our grand celebration, and the best way to observe this annual tradition is to take a vacation someplace where the cold and blistering breeze can’t reach the tips of our feet!

So what are we waiting for? It’s time to set up the plan and we’re good to go! But just a piece of advice before you hit the road: make sure that your entertainment system inside your car is in pretty good shape because it’s going to be a long, long trip! I know you’ll need some mellow, head banging and cool songs to entertain you during the trip. Don’t get yourself stressed out while traveling because you can be refreshed and amused by listening to good music! Just be sure your CD player is all set to take up dozens of wicked records until you finally reach your destination!

Here are my top great albums from various artists that best suit up your road-trip adventures. Check this out and listen to them while you drive:

Artist - Album

Gin Blossoms – Up And Crumbling album

Goo Goo Dolls - •Boy Named Goo 1995
•Dizzy Up The Girl 1998
•Goo Goo Dolls 1987

The Beatles – Across The Universe (preferably all albums will do!)

Black Eyed Peas – Let’s Get It Started

Bon Jovi – Jon Bon Jovi: The Blaze of Glory

Here’s another discovery I found from www.caraudio.com! This will definitely make your in-car driving experience a whole lot different from the usual. It’s the JVC KD-NX5000 - an In-Dash 3.5″ TFT-LCD monitor with hard drive GPS navigation built-in, DVD, CD/MP3 receiver and remote. The fun starts when you get to have this one of a kind gadget!

Check out some of its features and specs:

• In-dash, state of the art head unit with built-in 40GB hard drive with 16GB dedicated for GPS Map Navigation and the remaining 24GB empty for storage music/data content. Imagine never having to put a CD in again! It stores approximately 460 CD albums.
• All-in-one DVD/Navigation/CD/MP3/HDD Hard-drive storage unit with 3.5″ TFT-LCD Monitor and Detachable Face
• 3.5″ Widescreen TFT-LCD Monitor
• Motorized, Detachable face

Power Output:

• Peak: 50 watts x 4 chan.
• RMS: 20 watts x 4 chan.
• Playback of DVD Video, DVD Audio, DivX Ultra Certified Content, JPEG Picture Playback, MPEG 1,2 Video and Audio, CD/MP3/WMA/WAV Audio playback, DVD/DVD-R/RW
• Super fast and easy MP3 storage onto the built-in Hard drive (HDD)! Copy your CD to the HDD in MP3 format in approximately 2 minutes!
• 7 band iEQ with preset curves and user defined options
• iPod Ready (requires JVC KS-PD100 adapter sold separately)
• Bluetooth Ready (requires JVC KS-BTA200 Bluetooth Adapter, sold separately)
• Telephone Muting
• SAT Satellite Radio Ready (separate XM or SIRIUS tuner, antenna, and subscription required and not included with purchase)
• 4 Pairs of RCA Preamp Outputs: Front, Rear, Subwoofer and Video Output
• Optical Digital Audio Output
• RCA Audio and Video Inputs
• Gold-plated, 2.5 volts Preamp Inputs and Outputs
• Shockproof Memory to virtually eliminate skipping of music
• GIGA MP3 Playback (copy MP3s to the built-in HDD for playback OR to a burned DVD-R/RW and play hours of your favorite music with ease)
• MPEG Audio playback
• DivX Ultra Certified playback
• Steering Wheel Remote Ready (steering wheel remote sold separately)
• DTS/Dolby Digital Processor
• 12-bit/108 Mhz Video DAC
• AM/FM Tuner with presets
• SSM (Strong-STation Sequential Memory Ability)
• Amp defeat mode

Navigation Features:

• Amazing 13 Million Points of Interest (13 million P.O.I.)
• 3 Language Voice (English, Spanish, French)
• Turn-By-Turn Voice Command
• NAVTEQ, industry leading navigation software technology
• GPS Antenna Included
• Pre-Installed Maps Include: Complete 50 United States of America, Canada and the US Virgin Islands
• 2D-3D View
• WAAS Capable GPS
• Super quick Navigation access as data is stored on a fast reading hard drive instead of a slower DVD/chip/CD like other navigation pieces
• 16GB dedicated to navigation means extremely detailed data and many more points of interest listed then even the best factory navigation units
• WAAS Capable GPS
• Built-In RDS-TMC Tuner (Subscription service fee required)
• Authorized Internet Dealer
• 90 days factory warranty

“Great things come in small packages!”

Check out our little baby’s offered features provided by www.sirius.com:

• Live portable reception of SIRIUS programming
• Stores up to 100 hours of live SIRIUS Satellite Radio programming (2 GB)
• Automatically records your favorite SIRIUS Satellite Radio 100% commercial-free music
• One touch recording of up to 10 hours of live, individual songs from SIRIUS Satellite Radio’s 100% commercial-free music
• Schedule & record up to 6-hour blocks of your music programming, talk or news from Sirius Satellite Radio broadcasts.
• Listen to SIRIUS Internet Radio over an accessible WiFi network
• Download and manage MP3/WMA files with included My SIRIUS Studio™ software for Windows PCs
• Bookmark your favorite/loved songs and easily purchase through Yahoo! Music Engine™
• Yahoo! Music Engine™ provides a simple and easy way for you to purchase, download your loved and favorite SIRIUS songs
• Compatible with most internet music providers download and subscription services (Not compatible with AAC files)
• Exclusive Aurora user interface provides easy access to your favorite SIRIUS live and stored content with a bright 2.2″ full color display
• Enhanced media dial with six-way navigation control that puts everything at your fingertips
• SIRIUS Replay™- Pause, rewind and replay 44 minutes of live radio
• 30 channel presets
• Audible channel names
• GameAlert™- Prompts when your favorite games are being broadcast and alerts you when the scores change

Specifications

• Satellite Frequencies: 2322.293/2330.207 MHz
• Terrestrial Frequencies: 2326.250 MHz
• Power Requirements: 5 Volts, 2.0A Negative Ground, DC
• Audio Output: -5° C to +40° C (23° to 104° F)
• Headphone Output: 20mW @ 16 ohms
• Harmonic Distortion (THD)
• Signal-to-noise (S/N): 90dB (MP3)
• Radio Dimensions (Length x Height x Depth): 116 mm x 53 mm x 18.25 mm with Slim Battery
• 116 mm x 53 mm x 25.5 mm with Standard Battery
• Radio Weight: 4.6 oz. (132 gm) with Slim Battery
• 5.6 oz (58gm) with Standard Battery
• Battery Type: 3.7 Volt Lithiam Ion
  Battery Capacity: Standard Battery - 2740mAh
• Slim Battery - 1320mAh
• Internal Memory Capacity: 2 GB NAND Flash
• Wi-Fi Standard: 802.11b
• Wi-Fi Security: WEP and WPA(2) Personal
• Wi-Fi Antenne: Integrated Internal
• Internal Antenna Type: Integrated, Low Profile Patch
• Audio Interface: 1/8” / 3.5 mm Stereo Jack 
• FM Out Interface

Here’s another sleek and marvelous gadget from SIRIUS® Satellite Radio - the Sportster 4 Dock & Play radio with complete vehicle kit! This latest car audio from SIRIUS® has become an instant hit making it the best selling merchandise of the company. The Sportster 4 Dock & Play radio is packed with more features and it’s even more exciting than the previous models. “The more, the merrier!” as they all say.

Now you can enjoy the best quality radio right in your own car! Let me give you a few of the offered standard features and the complete specs of the Sportster 4 Dock & Play radio. Enjoy munching with these bits of info that I got from Sirius.com. I have to leave you now because my Dodge bumper reinforcement is waiting at the garage and I have to fix it first so bye bye!

• Blue wide-screen display: easy viewing and use
• Universal docking capability: add accessories to enjoy in your home, office or additional vehicles
• SIRIUS Replay™: pause, rewind and replay up to 44 minutes of live radio
• FM transmitter or stereo audio output to connect to your vehicle’s radio
• FM preset function: allows you to store the best FM frequencies in your area for optimum integration with your vehicle’s radio
• 30 presets: enjoy fast access to your favorite channels
• Push-button navigation: surf channels on the fly
• S-Seek™ Alert: so you won’t miss your favorite artists, songs and sports
• One-Touch Jump™ button: direct access to local traffic and weather, or your favorite channel
• GameAlert™: track your favorite sports team
• MyGameZone™: lists all your favorite teams in one category
• Parental controls: easily lock and unlock channels
• Complete vehicle kit includes radio, dock w/suction cup and vent mounts, remote control, power adapter, magnetic mount satellite antenna and FM extender antenna

Specifications:

• Satellite Frequencies
• Terrestrial Frequencies
• Power Requirements: 4.9-5.6 Volts, Negative Ground, DC
• Audio Output: 1V (Peak-to-Peak)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.3%
• Signal-to-noise (S/N): Greater than 75dB
• Operation Temperature: -20° to +85° C (-4° to +185° F)
• Radio Dimensions (Length x Height x Depth): 114.2mm(W) x 62.5mm(H) x 16.9mm(D) / (4.5” W x 2.5” H x 0.6” D)
• Radio Weight: 121g (4.2 oz.)
• Remote Control Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 41mm(W) x 105mm(H) x 18mm(D) / (1.6”W x 4.1”H x 0.7”D)
• Remote Control Battery Requirements: CR2025
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter Fuse Requirement: 2A Slow Blow
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter Cable Length: 1.8m (6ft.)
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter Operating Temperature
• Antenna Type: Low Profile Magnetic
• Antenna Cable Length: 21′ (single micro-cable)
• Antenna Connector Type: SMB (right-angle)
• Audio Out Interface: 1/8” / 3.5mm Stereo Jack

Package includes:

• Radio
• Remote
• Vehicle power adapter
• Vehicle antenna
• Vehicle dock
• Suction cup & vent mounts
• User manual

A dose of funky music or melodic rhythm while enjoying a ride. Sure, there’s Sony to take care of your in-car entertainment. Take your music for a ride. It will be whole new fulfilling experience.

Since digital music is our thing, Sony earlier announced 4 new Xplod® in-dash CD receivers to blend our favorite collections. These fresh car stereos offer drivers more solutions for playing their burned CDs or music from their MP3 players in their vehicles.

CarStereo.com has this nice announcement:

Our head units offer easy connectivity throughout the lineup, starting with our $80 entry model, said Brennan Mullin, general manager of Sony Electronics mobile electronics division. We’ve enjoyed top-selling model distinction and we’re continuing the momentum originally begun with our GT series. The latest models are successors to these hit head units.

Each new unit 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).

Among the new models, the CDX-GT110 CD receiver features aux-in and a detachable faceplate with a blue 13-segment LED display. The CDX-GT210 unit offers MP3 and non-DRM WMA playback support and higher power output. While the CDX-GT310 CD/MP3 receiver is satellite-ready and comes with CD changer control capabilities, it also features selectable rear/subwoofer preamp outputs that can be used to control the frequency and output level of an external amplifier.

The CDX-GT510 receiver also plays ATRAC3plus” and non-DRM AAC digital music tracks. It has a flip-down detachable faceplate and a 13-segment fluorescent display with switchable red and green key illumination. Plus, it features front and rear selectable subwoofer preamp outputs.

Pricing and Availability

The head units range up to $140 and have a consistent overall look across the lineup. The gun-metallic car stereos are available online and at retailers nationwide.

The CDX-GT110 CD receiver costs about $80 and is available now. Features include front auxiliary input, 45-watt X 4 power, CD/CD-R/CD-RW playback, detachable faceplate, blue 13-segment LED display and gun metallic finish.

The CDX-GT210 CD/MP3 receiver costs about $100 and is available now. Features include front auxiliary input, 50-watt X 4 power, CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3/WMA playback, detachable faceplate, blue 13-segment LED display and gun metallic finish.

The CDX-GT310 CD/MP3 receiver costs about $120 and is available now. Features include satellite ready capability (separate subscription required), CD changer control, compatible with the Sony XA-110IP iPod adapter, selectable rear/sub preamp output, EQ3, wireless card remote included, front auxiliary input, 52-watt X 4 high power, CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3/non-DRM WMA playback, detachable faceplate, black 13-segment fluorescent display and gun metallic finish. The CDX-GT510 CD/MP3 receiver costs approximately $140 and is available now. Features include flip-down detachable faceplate, satellite ready capability (separate subscription required), CD changer control, dual preamp outputs (front plus rear/sub selectable), DSO:EQ3, wireless card remote included, front auxiliary input, 52 watt X 4 high power, CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3/non-DRM WMA/non-DRM AAC/ATRAC3plus playback, switchable red/green illumination, black 13-segment fluorescent display and gun metallic finish.

Let the music fill the air.

Finally, Integrated Mobile Electronics (IME) decided to introduce the much awaited IME Docking System to production today. The official website of Integrated Mobile Electronics (www.imedock.com) tells the story. According to the maker, they are anticipating to supply their customers with the product within next 6-8 weeks. There are even promotional programs and incentives at audio specialty forums.

Chief Executive Officer of IME Jonatan Cvetko says, “I’m excited to be offering the first system that’s going to work for the majority of players. Not needing to rewire your car ever again, getting rid of messy cables, and being able to bring audio and video into your car with your portable media player is IME at its best.”

The new system that is being produced, the IME Docking System, is a system that allows other players to function if jacked on the system. Systems like Apple, Microsoft, and SanDisk, are just few among the systems that can be played on the new player.

Any player can be played on the music system. You only have to identify the type or the model of the car when you order. Every customer will be receiving an IME Docking System specifically made to work on a particular set up. Customers need not need purchase different media players. They only have to buy the Additional Dock instead of an entire system. The new system costs $249.99 and $89.99 for the Dock System.

One among the leaders in portable media player systems is IME founded in 2003 by Chief Executive Officer Jonatan Cvetko. He says this was been created with the intention of letting customers enjoy playing their favorite music in their cars. IME believes that they can have both quality and versatility in one gadget so they have created the Portable Media Player Docking System.

If you plop down thousands of dollars for a high end car audio system and think that you have the loudest system in the world, you’re so wrong. I used to think that expensive cars, not the supercar ones but the luxury cars, have the best car audio systems. And for some, being the best means being the loudest. But even if you drive an upscale BMW or Mercedes-Benz with a powerful car audio system, it will be blown out of the water by a rugged looking early 90s model owned by a dB drag racer.

And just what is dB drag racing you ask? Well, dB is for decibels and from that I think you know what dB drag racing means. According to the sports’ site: “dB Drag Racing is an auto sound competition format where competitors compete against one another to see who has the loudest car stereo system.”

dB drag racers have their own creed which is:

• I will never operate my system in a manner that will disturb those around me.
• I will never operate my system in a manner that could result in injury.
• I will never operate my system in violation of the law.
• I will do my best to represent the sport of dB Drag Racing in a positive fashion.
• I will conduct myself in a professional manner while participating at events.
• I will do my best to support those companies and retailers who support our sport.
• I will always abide by the dB Drag Racing rules when competing and will do my best to insure that others abide by the rules as well.

The vehicles used in this sport are sometimes beat up and have been modified to carry powerful speakers. Batteries supplying power to the speakers are also loaded into old cars. Thousands of dollars are spent by competitors on their cars just for a shot at having the distinction of having the world’s loudest car audio system.

As you can expect, the sports has its own rules and some of them are:

• The program material being played must originate from a source unit that is specifically designed for installation and operation in a 12-Volt auto sound environment. This includes cassette decks, CD players and changers, DVD players and changers, VCR’s and VCP’s, MP3 units, AM / FM / Satellite radio tuners, and any other playback device that is specifically designed for installation and operation in a 12-Volt auto sound environment.
• The program material may consist of music, test tones, or any other type of recorded audio signal.
• The program media may be from a commercial source (such as a CD you purchase) or a custom, homemade recording.
• Tone generators, frequency multipliers, harmonizers, etc. are prohibited.

Oh yes, a wonderful addition to your in-car experience has arrived!

Earlier, Far EasTone Telecommunications (FET), one of the leading operators of mobile communication services in Taiwan, announced the launch of the FET GPS Info Go. The latter is a collection of multi-function services specifically for car drivers, and FET G5, an in-car multi-function device integrating GPS navigation, mobile TV, audio/video entertainment, digital photo display, and mobile voice and data communications.

For sure, the new product from the manufacturer would tickle the fancies of those craving for a refined in-car information and entertainment information.

What’s there to expect? Digitimes provides a detailed recap of specs:

FET G5, equipped with a 5-inch 16:9 screen, can display 3D high-resolution navigation maps and video of updated traffic conditions as well as travel and transportation information based on voice-control commands, FET indicated.

FET G5 uses GPRS for its connectivity, according to industry sources. The GPRS communication ICs are developed by MediaTek, while the device is developed by Taiwan-based dmedia System and manufactured by Taiwan-based Foxlink (Cheng Uei Precision Industry), the sources pointed out.

FET will immediately start trial operation of FET GPS Info Go with about 500 FET G5 units for one to two months and then begin commercial operation, the company indicated. The industry sources estimate an annual sales volume of 50,000 units for the gadget, although FET declined to reveal its targets.

While FET G5 will provide Internet-access at a transfer bandwidth of 64Kbps, FET plans to offer an upgraded version based on HSDPA to reach a bandwidth of 10Mbps and a further upgrade based on WiMAX to reach 30Mbps, with the former suitable for small cars and the latter for buses, the company pointed out.

In addition, FET also on October 2 unveiled a WiMAX-based system to enable the display of instant information on road traffic and flights in 24 buses shuttling between Taipei City and the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport as well as access to the Internet using notebook PCs or other hand-held devices aboard these buses. This system was achieved through FET’s participation in the government’s Mobile Taiwan (M-Taiwan) Program, the company indicated.

The manufacturer will additionally complete the establishment of WiMAX base stations along the expressway between Taipei and the airport by the end of this year to facilitate in-car mobile access to the Internet, FET noted.