Product Spotlight: Audison Bit One HD Virtuoso

Long considered one of the forerunners in digital signal processing in the car audio industry, Audison continues their performance and technological evolution with the introduction of the new Bit One HD Virtuoso. This advanced processor builds on the success of the Bit One HD and includes upgraded premium audio components for improved sound quality, along with state-of-the-art signal routing and processing capabilities to cope with even the most-advanced and challenging of factory-installed source units and amplifiers.

Virtuoso Digital Signal Processor Basic Features

The new Virtuoso digital signal processor (DSP) includes six RCA inputs, 12 high-level inputs, a pair of RCA auxiliary inputs and two TOSLINK optical inputs. The high-level inputs are equipped with Audison’s Universal Speaker Simulator (USS), so factory-installed source units that use load-sensing to check for speakers will function normally.

The digital inputs will accept standard stereo audio data streams up to 24-bit depth and 96kHz sampling rates. There are 13 RCA preamp outputs, each rated to produce up to 4 volts of signal. Two sets of AD Link/AC Link connections are available to feed digital signals to Audison amplifiers like the Voce Series when equipped with the AV Bit IN HD digital input board. Using the AD Link/AC Link system eliminates the chance of picking up noise between a processor and an amplifier using analog connections.

Remote Volume Auxiliary Input

An interesting and unique feature of the Virtuoso is the Remote Volume Aux (RVA) feature, which lets you use the volume control on your source unit to control the output level of the processor when using its auxiliary input. The function can be enabled using a test tone stored on a USB memory stick or by connecting the RVA output to the aux input on the head unit. The Virtuoso monitors the level of the test tone and adjusts the output of the processor to match. This configuration maintains an appropriate level for Bluetooth, navigation prompts and warning chimes.

Premium Components for Superb Sound

Audison has included a variety of audiophile-grade components in the new Virtuoso processor. First, the output operational amplifiers are Texas Instruments OPAx134 SoundPlus units. These devices have a stunning 0.00008% distortion spec and add almost no noise to the signal. SILMIC series ELNA filter capacitors filter the power fed to the output op-amps to reduce the chances of noise. Finally, high-performance metalized polypropylene film capacitors in the audio path provide excellent high-frequency performance.

A pair of Cirrus Logic Advanced Multi-bit Delta Sigma Architecture 24-bit digital-to-analog converters handles conversion of data from the Analog Device ADSP-21489 SHARC Processor. This powerful processor was chosen for its ability to handle the complex math involved in implementing Finite Impulse Response (FIR) crossovers and equalization on many of the output channels. Audison suggests that the use of FIR filters over Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) processing eliminates phase anomalies associated with configuring and tuning the system to produce a more-coherent soundstage and improved listening experience.

Next-Level Factory Sound System Integration

The Bit One HD Virtuoso is equipped with advanced DE-EQ processing that includes phase analysis. Previous integration processing has been able to undo equalization and signal delay added to the output of an amplifier. The Virtuoso adds the ability to detect all-pass (Phase EQ) processing and apply a correction to produce a time-coherent signal for your installer to work with. The Virtuoso will also detect reverse-polarity speaker wire connections so the installer can swap the wiring and reduce processing requirements.

If your factory audio system doesn’t include an upmixer, the Virtuoso will work in the Automatic Routing Input Setup mode. This configuration sums and corrects EQ and Phase to produce a wide-bandwidth signal. The pass-through mode is best used with factory sound systems that include an upmixer and discrete center channel. No summing is applied in pass-through mode, and inputs are routed through to the outputs with provisions for equalization and filtering, depending on the requirements of the new speakers.

Experience the Audison Bit One HD Virtuoso for Yourself!

If you are shopping for an audio system upgrade for your vehicle, visit your local authorized Audison dealer and ask about adding the new Bit One HD Virtuoso to your system design. Beyond being an extremely capable integration processor, it will allow your installer to configure and calibrate each speaker in your mobile audio system so your listening experience can rival or exceed the detail and accuracy of the most-bespoke of home audio systems.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Adding Navigation To The Factory Color Screen In Your Vehicle

Let’s say you purchased a brand-new Dodge Journey, Chevy Silverado or Ford F-150. The vehicle has a big color display for the audio system, and it may even show the heating and air conditioning controls on the same screen. But alas, it would have cost several thousand dollars to add the factory navigation system because the option package it was in included features you didn’t want. A sunroof, leather upholstery or automatic climate controls are all great options – but if adding navigation is what you want, then why pay for options you don’t need? Fear not – your local specialist car audio retailer can help you out.

Add-On Navigation Systems

Adding Navigation — The NTV-KIT607 Toyota Navigation Kit From NAV-TV.

Companies like NavTV and Advent have developed add-on navigation systems that work with factory radios and their color displays. The systems include a navigation computer and an integration module that allows graphics to be displayed on the factory screen. Many vehicles with a factory touchscreen can have those input commands fed into the navigation module. There are also some navigation kits that include their own touchscreen overlays for vehicles that don’t include a touch interface.

Expert Installation Required

The installation of these systems is plug-and-play. That being said, a great deal of vehicle disassembly is often required to make all the connections to the factory screen. Some vehicles require the touchscreen panel itself to be taken apart. Taking your new car apart is not something that should be done by someone without extensive experience. Panels can easily be scratched or crack if they are not maneuvered properly. It is best to seek out the assistance of a trained and experience installation technician. He or she will also need to locate the GPS antenna, connect to the factory audio system wiring for voice prompts and tap into the vehicle CAN bus.

Benefits Of Navigation

Navigation is more than just an intelligent mapping system. If you are traveling in an area that you are not familiar with, having maneuver prompts before having to turn or exit an interstate is not only convenient, but can reduce the chances of having to make a sudden and potentially dangerous lane change. It has also been proven that navigation systems save fuel by reducing the chances of getting lost or missing an exit.

Navigation Software

Different manufacturers use different navigation software applications – Garmin and iGo are amongst the most popular. The mapping in the systems can be upgraded in the same manner as an aftermarket navigation radio: with downloads available from a manufacturer’s website. These systems include street addresses as well as Points of Interest (POI) information, so you can search for the name of a restaurant or hotel.

Want To Learn More About Adding Navigation?

If you have a vehicle from Ford, Chrysler, GM, Nissan, Honda or Toyota and would like to find out if you can add navigation to the factory screen, visit your local BestCarAudio.com specialist. They would be happy to research availability for the make, model and trim level of your vehicle. They can provide an estimate to supply the product, as well as install it for you. Give them a call today.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

What Is Android Auto?

When it comes to staying in touch with your family and friends while behind the wheel, we all know that it’s best to keep your cellphone in your pocket or purse. What do you do when you just have to communicate? Do it intelligently and safely with a smartphone integration system like Android Auto. Let’s look at the functionality of this unique communication solution.

What Is It?

Android Auto is a software suite that runs on a multimedia source unit. Android Auto will work with most Android-based cellular phones running version 5 (Lollipop) or newer of the Android operating system.

Android Auto provides users with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that allows them to make phone calls, send and receive text messages, play music, and use Google Maps for GPS-based navigation. The entire interface was designed specifically to be used while in the car. The icons are large and easy to read, and you can use Google’s voice recognition interface to execute commands for most functions.

How Do I Use It?

It’s very easy to use Android Auto. Start by downloading and installing the Android Auto application on your smartphone from the Google Play store. Pair your phone to the radio over Bluetooth. Plug the USB cable into your phone. Depending on the model of your source unit, Android Auto should launch automatically or may require that you should press the Android Auto button. From there, you will see the home screen with information such as recent navigation searches and weather information. All you have to do to start using Android Auto is press the microphone button and talk. If you prefer to press buttons, there is a row of smart keys at the bottom of the screen.

What Can I Do?

Let’s say you get stuck in traffic and you need to call someone with whom you have an appointment. Press the voice button and simply say, “Call Sam Smith” or “Call 321-555-1234.” The radio and phone will take care of the rest. The same goes for sending a text message; simply press the voice button and say “Send Sam Smith a text message.” The system will respond by asking what you want to say, to which you can reply, again verbally, “Hi, Sam, I’m stuck in traffic. I will be 20 minutes late. Please accept my apologies.” Google will send your text message. If and when Sam responds, you can ask Android Auto to read you the reply message.

Picking a song from the music stored on your phone is just as easy. Press the voice button and ask it to “Play Lorde” or anything else you have available.

You can use the voice recognition system to select a navigation destination just as easily. Simply press the voice button and say, “Take me to the nearest gas station” or “Find me an Italian restaurant” or “Plot a route to 555 Renegade Road in Bismarck.” There are several benefits to using Google Maps to assist in planning your route. You have access to the latest destination information from the inconceivably massive Google database. You always have the latest mapping. There is never a need to buy anything. Google provides real-time traffic flow information to help plan your route efficiently.

Additional Android Auto Applications

Android Auto has released a development kit to allow third-party companies to create applications that will integrate with Android Auto. These apps include Pandora, iHeartRadio, Spotify Music, TuneIn Radio, Skype and many more. You also get access to Google Play Music for free for 90 days when you first start using Android Auto. That’s 30 million songs, right at your fingertips.

If you have an Android phone and are looking for a safe way to stay in touch, be entertained and get the best driving directions available, all while driving, then drop into your local car audio specialist retailer. Bring your phone along – chances are they will have a unit on display that you can try out.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX8000

Fans of big screens, rejoice! Sony is now shipping the XAV-AX8000 media receiver, and it comes with a massive 8.95-inch touchscreen. Designed to fit into single-DIN ISO-mount radio locations, this receiver is based on the highly respected XAV-AX5000 platform to deliver all the entertainment you could ever want in your car, truck or SUV.

Flexible Mounting Options Ensure Maximum Vehicle Compatibility

The chassis of the XAV-AX8000 features a standard single-DIN chassis that fits in any vehicle that can accommodate an aftermarket installation kit that has ISO-mount provisions, whether single-DIN or double-DIN. This provides a lot of installation coverage for all types of vehicles, some of which cannot accept a typical double-DIN video unit in the dash directly. The 8.95-inch touchscreen mounts in front of the radio and dash in a similar fashion to what Mercedes and Tesla offer with their infotainment systems. The adjustable screen can tilted forward or back by 10 degrees in either direction, and the screen itself can be moved out from the radio chassis up to 2.36 inches to allow for clearance of dashboard obstructions. The entire screen can be moved vertically up to 2.36 inches to prevent blocking air vents, controls and other important items that might surround the radio cavity. This non-motorized mounting system allows for a lot of installation flexibility when installing it into your vehicle.

In terms of mounting requirements, Sony specifies that this radio is designed for ISO-DIN applications where brackets bolt to the side of the Sony and then into your dash or an aftermarket installation kit. A mounting sleeve is not provided, and this type of mounting is not recommended.

Sony XAV-AX8000 Features

When it comes to smartphone connectivity, the AX8000 has all the bases covered. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to place phone calls, send text messages or choose your favorite music. Popular navigation applications like Waze and Google Maps will provide turn-by-turn instructions to almost any destination in North America. You can even use Google Maps’ Offline Maps feature so that you don’t need a real-time internet connection to reach your destination efficiently.

In terms of audio sources, the radio includes an AM/FM tuner with RDS information display. A USB port on the rear of the chassis will charge your phone with up to 1.5 amps of current, or it can be used with a USB memory stick to play digital media files. The system is compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC and WAV audio formats. You can upgrade the system with SiriusXM satellite radio by having your retailer install an SXV300 tuner module at the time of installation. Of course, Bluetooth audio streaming from your smartphone is included. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay add dedicated streaming app support for online services like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, Tidal, Spotify and Radio Disney.

Sound Processing and Vehicle Integration Features

Sony has included a 10-band equalizer so your installer can fine-tune the frequency response of your sound system. Integrated high- and low-pass crossovers can be used with the 20 watt-per-channel built-in amplifier or external amplifiers via the five-volt preamp outputs for front, rear and subwoofer signals. Sony’s Dynamic Stage Organizer applies time correction to the outputs to create a more realistic listening experience that evenly spans the width of your vehicle.

The AX8000 features a camera input so your installer can integrate a backup camera into the new radio. The system is compatible with all popular steering wheel-mounted radio control interfaces so they can be retained, which makes it easy to use while driving. Sony has included a fast processor in the AX8000, so the system starts up quickly and inputs from the touchscreen yield lightning-fast responses.

Bring Big Entertainment to Your Vehicle with Sony

If you want to add modern entertainment and connectivity features in a large screen format, the Sony XAV-AX8000 may be the perfect solution. The massive screen is easy to see and use, and the radio has all the source and connectivity options you need. Drop by your local authorized Sony car audio retailer today to take one for a test drive.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Compustar 2-Way R3 with LTE

For 2020, Compustar, the world leader in remote car starter solutions, has upped its game by including a DroneMobile X1-LTE module with all of its 2-way remote bundles. For this spotlight, we are going to look at the RFX-P2WR3-SS Pro 2-way R3 with LTE package that features a single-button, long-range remote control and one of the new DroneMobile interfaces as a secondary way to control the starter system.

Compustar 2-Way R3 Remote Control

The radiofrequency (RF) remote included in this kit features a compact, one-button design that provides intuitive control over door locking and unlocking, as well as remote start functionality. A quick tap of the button locks the doors and, when equipped with optional security features, arms the alarm. Tapping the button twice in less than a second unlocks the doors and disarms the alarm. To remote start your car or truck, press and hold the button for three seconds. If you want to stop the engine, press and hold the button again for three seconds.

The Pro 2-way R3 remote uses digital spread-spectrum technology to provide up to 2 miles (3.2 km) of range under ideal conditions. This amazing performance helps ensure that you can start your vehicle while inside a shopping mall, an apartment tower or office building where electrical interference and concrete and metal stud walls reduce the efficacy of radio-frequency communication. The strong signal transmission power means there’s no need to wait until you are outside to start your vehicle, and it will have more time to warm up.

After each button press, an LED on the remote will flash to indicate that the command has been sent to the vehicle. Once the command has been executed by the system, the remote will beep, and an LED will flash. Unlike other products on the market, confirmation of remote starting is provided only once the engine is running. This two-way communication ensures that you always know the status of the vehicle.

Compustar Pro-Series remote controls are backed by an industry-leading three-year warranty against manufacturing defects. All of the remotes have a water-resistant design and feature a durable injection-molded plastic case that shrugs off day-to-day use and abuse.

DroneMobile Smartphone Control

DroneMobile is Compustar’s smartphone remote control interface. The RFX-P2WR3-SS package includes one of the new DroneMobile X1-LTE interfaces as a companion to the RF remote. The X1-LTE module uses a cellular data connection to communicate with the DroneMobile app on your smartphone to provide an effectively unlimited range. DroneMobile allows you to start your vehicle from anywhere that your smartphone has internet access. You can check the status of your vehicle while you’re in another country for business or vacation. As a bonus, if you’ve asked your retailer to add security features like the DAS II shock/motion/tilt sensor to your remote starter, the DroneMobile app will provide nearly instant alerts if the alarm is triggered.

While the R3 remote is ready to control your remote starter out of the box, the DroneMobile service requires a subscription. Compustar includes 30 days of DroneMobile Premium service for free when you activate your account. After 30 days, you can pick from one of three service packages to ensure that you are always in touch with your vehicle. Compustar includes a key tag and hangtag to make it easy to remember the interface serial number when it comes time to register the system at DroneMobile.com.

The service packages include the Basic option that provides car control — locking, unlocking, trunk release (if installed) and remote start — as well as alarm alerts and vehicle status information. The popular Premium package adds GPS-based warnings, geofencing, and point of interest and curfew alert functionality. If you’re a business owner, you may want to opt for the Premium Plus package that adds trip reporting in CSV format and idling alerts.

Never Get into an Uncomfortable Vehicle Again

If you dread cold winter mornings or scorching summer afternoons, visit your local authorized Compustar Pro dealer and ask about the new RFX-P2WR3-SS Pro R3 2-way with LTE remote package to make your car, truck or SUV more comfortable. For more information about Compustar products or to find a retailer near you, visit www.compustar.com. To keep up with the latest from the world’s top remote starter brand, follow Compustar on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

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Product Spotlight: Audison Bit One HD Virtuoso

Virtuoso Digital Signal Processor Basic Features

Remote Volume Auxiliary Input

Premium Components for Superb Sound

Next-Level Factory Sound System Integration

Experience the Audison Bit One HD Virtuoso for Yourself!

Adding Navigation To The Factory Color Screen In Your Vehicle

Add-On Navigation Systems

Expert Installation Required

Benefits Of Navigation

Navigation Software

Want To Learn More About Adding Navigation?

What Is Android Auto?

What Is It?

How Do I Use It?

What Can I Do?

Additional Android Auto Applications

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX8000

Flexible Mounting Options Ensure Maximum Vehicle Compatibility

Sony XAV-AX8000 Features

Sound Processing and Vehicle Integration Features

Bring Big Entertainment to Your Vehicle with Sony

Product Spotlight: Compustar 2-Way R3 with LTE

Compustar 2-Way R3 Remote Control

DroneMobile Smartphone Control

Never Get into an Uncomfortable Vehicle Again

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