Mobile Electronics News | Feb 2013 by webwax

w w w. m o b i l ee l e c t ro n i c s n e w s. eu

IN THIS ISSUE Full CES report All-new tech revealed EXPERT help Q&A and install guide Latest news Products and industry gossip

support your industry! attend your show!

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The industry’s biggest event – don’t miss it! See preview on pAGE 26

PLUS! SEE PARKSAFE’S LATEST PRODUCTS ON page 18 ALSO INSIDE

Sound-off preview

In-car digital TV

The head of EMMA UK speaks

Tuner round-up

Kenwood demo car With two 32 inch screens in the boot

Easy integration Vehicle-specific head units

BOOK NOW FOR MEN EXPO 5TH-6TH MARCH 2013 RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY

FEBRUARY 2013

\\\ CONTENTS \\\ ED SPEAK

CONTENTS 02/13

EDITOR’S COMMENT Seeing opportunities There is a big focus on up and coming products this issue, with a look at some of the items that might be landing in your store later this year. Each was previewed by the respective manufacturer at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas last month, and there is actually quite a bit to be excited about. Our full rundown starts on page 22, where you’ll find new head units, amplifiers, navigation and accessories. But it’s not just the products themselves that we need to look at, as each represents an opportunity. Read between the lines, and there are sales tools that you can be using across the board. For example, look at the amount of in-car products now compatible with smartphones – apparently 40% of the population now owns such a handset, so that’s 40% who already have a product compatible with something cool in your shop. Maybe ask them when they walk in, and then direct them to the item in question. Even if they don’t buy it, they might tell someone who will. There are little things that might make a difference too. Looking at the 2013 products, it seems that Pioneer and Clarion are among the first to have solved the compatibility issues surrounding the iPhone 5 with in-car units, so that could mean a customer base that wasn’t there before, and there are clues to new growth areas also starting to emerge – different apps create more possibilities and opportunities, while items such as Audiovox’s Qi charging dock suggest that the wireless charging of smartphone devices could be big business later on. There was some concern this year that the arrival of so many car manufacturers at CES, such as Ford and Audi – more than ever before – was a sign that the aftermarket was declining, and the focus shifting to OEM technology. But there are two approaches here, and while we’ll see what the aftermarket was previewing this year, the self-driving cars previewed by the bigger companies do seem a lot further off. So there is definitely life in the aftermarket yet. And if you want to be one of the first in the UK to actually see some of these new products close-up, then make sure you get to the MEN Expo in March. Just register for a free ticket online, with more details on page 26, and we’ll see you there. Enjoy the issue! Chris Anderson Managing editor, chris@chrisandersonmedia.com

JAGUAR EXHIBITION HALL, RICOH ARENA

Industry news

Big announcements, plus movers and shakers

Digital radio news 10

The latest developments from the world of digital radio

Q&A

Meet the dealers

Got a business or install query? Maybe we can help We pay a visit to G7 Sounds in Newbury

Kenwood Polo

This German Kenwood install has two 32 inch LCD TVs in the boot!

Opinion

CES report

Andy Mills tackles the subject of motivation The latest products from Las Vegas – from Bluetoothequipped amps to HDMI head units

MEN Expo preview

The countdown has begun – here’s what you need to know

Chameleon update

Product review

Vehicle-specific head units

Business focus

BHP UK update

TV-tuners

All you need to know about Chameleon Asset Track Adam Rayner checks out a new budget single DIN from Alpine

The ultimate in OEM integration, but what’s new? How can dealers and manufacturers improve their working relationship? The brand reveals how ECU remapping might be good for your business Want TV in the car? A round-up of the tuner boxes available

Industry interview 46

EMMA UK managing director Andrew Ackerley previews the new season

Product news

Installer guide

MEN directory

The latest aftermarket kit, including Kenwood head units and Rockford amps How to fit a DAS digital TV tuner, new from Connects2

JAGUAR EXHIBITION HALL, RICOH ARENA

Numbers and websites for manufacturers and suppliers

THE MEN TEAM

Contact all the team on: Tel: 01268 754897 Fax: 01268 754429 Charlotte Body PUBLISHER Tel: 01268 754897/07903 944666 charlotte@creativemedialtd.co.uk

Peter Johnson ART DIRECTOR Tel: 01268 754897 peter.johnson@creativemedialtd.co.uk

Chris Anderson MANAGING EDITOR Tel: 07553 564998 email: chris@chrisandersonmedia.com

Sophie Belcher Production/Events Tel: 01268 754897/07530 876727 sophie.belcher@creativemedialtd.co.uk

Kevin Hogg PUBLICATION MANAGER Tel: 01268 754897/07538 332171 kevin.hogg@creativemedialtd.co.uk Sean Rice SENIOR DESIGNER Tel: 01268 754897 sean.rice@creativemedialtd.co.uk

Contributors: Adam Rayner: adam@talkaudio.net Martyn Williams: edunit@edunit.plus.com Andy Mills (Millsy): millsy-max@hotmail.com Creative Media Ltd. 318c High Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 5HB. www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Stock images, unless otherwise stated, are obtained via Shutterstock.com If Creative Media publish any supplied text or photographs by way of contribution to the magazine, you automatically and hereby grant Creative Media a perpetual, royalty-free, irrevocable, non-exclusive right and licence to use, reproduce modify, publish, translate, create derivative works from and distribute such text or photography into any from, medium or technology now known or hereafter developed. In addition, as between you and Creative Media, you assert and waive any and all moral rights in such text or photography. The views and opinions expressed by any contributors (including advertisers) to the magazine are not necessarily those of the magazine and should not be taken as such.

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 3

NEWS /// INDUSTRY ///

New Expo attractions Ifitstuff and Digital Radio UK confirm workshops for MEN Expo Not long now until the biggest industry event of the year. If you haven’t got your free ticket to the MEN Expo in March yet, there are a few more reasons to make sure you do. First of all, Digital Radio UK (DRUK) has confirmed that it will be hosting a Digital Radio Update conference at 11am on both days of the event. This will give all who attend vital information regarding the expansion of the digital radio platform, this year’s announcement of a potential switchover date, plus new products and installation issues. It’s also a chance to ask questions and obtain support and information to push digital radio in your store.

Leading industry website Ifitstuff (www.ifitstuff.com) will also be hosting a workshop, with hints and tips on growing your business online. They will also reveal how retailers and mobile installers can make more use of the Ifitstiff trade forum, particularly with the Ifit-PRO platform, which connects UK consumers to partnered manufacturers and directs them to a local dealer for their purchase. Other confirmed attractions include the return of the Ifitstuff Installer Challenge, now in its third year and promising to be the best yet. Visitors to the show can also take advantage of several

recruitment

Ifitstuff special offers – namely 50% off the monthly fee for an Ifit-PRO website until the end of 2014 (£20 per month – £99 set-up fee still applies), plus buy-one-get-one-free deals on website listings, banners and section sponsorship. Ask at the show for details. So it’s simple – if you haven’t got your free ticket yet or marked the dates in your diary, do so now! MEN Expo runs from Tuesday, March 5-Wednesday, March 6 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. For more info on the show, see p26. And book your ticket online! www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Pure

Arise, Sir Hossein Due to continued expansion, UK’s Biggest Independent Retailers are currently looking for staff with the following experience: • Customer Services & Technical Support • Trade & Telesales • Logistics & Warehousing • Web Design & Artwork Development • Installation of Audio & Alarms

Please send a CV, with job preference, in the first instance to: support@caraudiosecurity.com Car Audio & Security Ltd, Unit 6A Bilton Way, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 3NF

Pure started the year by revealing digital radio for the home and that the CEO of its parent car. “I am absolutely delighted company, Hossein Yassaie, and deeply humbled to receive had been awarded a knighthood such prestigious recognition,” by the Queen in Her Majesty’s says Yassaie. “I see this honour New Year’s Honours List. The not only as a major recognition award was given in recognition for past effort, but as a real of his services to technology and encouragement for the future.” innovation. Yassaie is the CEO of Pure 0845 148 9001, Imagination Technologies, which www.pure.com designs and licences key technologiesto companies the world over for use in smartphones, If you have company developments, tablets, TVs and digital news or thoughts to tell the trade, why radios – many of these not let us know? Email information will be used in its own and hi-res images (300dpi) to products through Pure, chris@chrisandersonmedia.com which specialises in

TELL US YOUR NEWS!

4 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

SEE US AT THE

STAND 53

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NEWS /// INDUSTRY ///

DIARY ///

Celsus

February

From Celsus to Vauxhall

No sooner had we interviewed Gavin Foot at G7 Sounds in Newbury for our Meet the Dealers page this month (see p14) than we heard about a new initiative he was working on with his local Vauxhall dealer, supported by distributors Celsus. Gavin noted that Vauxhall only supply standard audio equipment – BMW, Audi and others offer upgrades to brands like Bose. Now working with his local dealer, Eden Vauxhall, Gavin is offering Phoenix Gold upgrades to customers that have ordered

EMMA

Tue 19-Sun 24 The Spring Caravan & Camping Show NEC Birmingham See what’s new in the leisure market, from caravans and motorhomes to accessories. www.springcaravanandcampingshow.co.uk

March

JAGUAR

new cars. The initiative has been very successful so far, with Celsus lending its support and keeping Gavin stocked up with all the products he requires. Celsus 01202 664390, www.celsusice.co.uk

Parksafe AUTOMOTIVE

EMMA branches out Parksafe online Sound-off organiser EMMA (European Mobile Media Association) has come up with a way to generate extra interest ahead of the 2013 season. Launching this month is its new website, www.winaninstall.com, with visitors entering their details and uploading a photo of their car. They will then be entered into a draw, with the winner announced on May 1. That person gets to take their car to the Modified Nationals show in Peterborough from May 24-26, hotel accommodation included, where a team of installers from Car Radio Skipton will work for 48 hours to give them the perfect sound system from scratch – batteries, custom enclosures, trim, the lot. Should definitely create a buzz! The Modified Nationals is also where the EMMA UK season begins. www.emma-uk.com

Parksafe Automotive has announced the launch of an all new website, with more product details, installation advice and dealer info than ever. Different languages are also catered for as the company spreads its business across Europe, with a handy postcode finder to help visitors locate dealers of Parksafe products. To find out more, visit Parksafe at the MEN Expo on Stand 61, where the latest offers will also be revealed. 01773 746591, www.parksafeautomotive.com

Faster installer training

6 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Sun 17 The Fast Show Santa Pod Raceway With huge club stand displays, Run What Ya Brung, drag racing, drifting, stunt displays, fairground rides and the Fireforce Jet Car on the track. www.thefastshow.com

April

FCS

The FCS (Federation of Communication Services) and telecoms giant Arqiva have announced a new learning and development programme that shrinks six months of installer training into two days. Experienced installers can now complete all the FITAS (FCS Industry Training & Accreditation Scheme) training to FCS1362 standard by spending just two days in the classroom. Previously, the only option involved six months or more of private course-book study and distance-learning, but with input from Arqiva and a review of the FITAS scheme undertaken by the FCS, a new programme was born. “We wanted to make sure FITAS was offering the trade what it needs,” says FITAS scheme manager

Tue 5-Wed 6 MEN Expo 2013 Ricoh Arena, Coventry The industry trade event of the year. Manufacturers gather under one roof to showcase new products, with presentations and workshops. Register for your free ticket! For more info or to book a stand, call 01268 754897

Jason McComb. “There are installers who don’t want to spend their time between jobs dipping in and out of course books, so we are pleased with the idea of the concentrated two-day course.” The first course took place at Arqiva’s Altrincham site in Cheshire last November. Delegates had to revise their knowledge of vehicle electronics, demonstrate in-depth understanding of the realities of installing RF kit in vehicles and complete two papers from the MESF (Mobile Electronics & Security Federation) under examination conditions. To complete their accreditation, a separate audit is carried out on the delegate’s practical skills in a live installation. www.fcs.org.uk

Wed 3-Sun 7 Gadget Show Live NEC Birmingham Everything from home theatre and car audio to games and simulators – all under one roof. www.gadgetshowlive.net Tue 9-Thu 11 Commercial Vehicle Show NEC Birmingham The largest and most comprehensive road freight transport event staged in the UK, with over 100 stands. www.cvshow.com

May Fri 24-Sun 26 Modified Nationals Peterborough Arena & Showground One of the first major modified car shows of the year, with club stands, manufacturers and a sound-off. Early bird tickets already on sale. www.modifiednationals.co.uk

JUNE Sat 15-Sun 16 The Supercar Event Dunsford Park Choose a supercar from a selection of many and then be driven around the track. A charity event, with all proceeds given to the Children’s Trust. wwww.thesupercarevent.com

CEL TRADE Car Audio T: 0116 2449846 E: sales@celtrade.com

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• 6.1" touchscreen with EU navigation • iPod / Android control • AV in / out QFC : 9900 • 3 Pre-outs • SD card • Rear USB & Front Aux in

Bluetooth Digital Radio

NX 502E

DNX 4210 DAB

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• DAB digital radio tuner (DAB aerial required) • Pause, rewind & replay DAB radio QFC : 10438 • Front USB & Aux in • iPod control

Digital Radio

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Bluetooth Navigation

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Bluetooth

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Digital Radio UK’s Sam Bonham tunes us in to the latest developments

SEE US AT THE

STAND 71

Onwards and upwards

n 2012 the vehicle industry saw real momentum in the digital radio market. This is set to continue in 2013 as we look towards a government decision and announcement regarding the digital radio switchover. Increased take-up in vehicles is vital though, as even with 25 million people listening to digital radio each week and over 42% of homes having a digital radio, only 5% of cars have it.

The D Love campaign will run throughout 2013

Looking back

he Drive 2 Digital conference in November attracted over 300 people from government, industry and media, from the UK and Europe. The UK broadcast minister Ed Vaizey confirmed that the government would make a public announcement on a switchover in 2013 and that the industry needed to prepare. We heard from speakers such as Ford, Peugeot/ Citroën, Pure, BBC and the European Broadcast Union about progress and The BBC’s Tim Davie at the conference what to expect this year. By the autumn, 26% of new cars came with would be fitting digital radio as standard DAB digital radio fitted as standard (CAP/ across their ranges. More announcements will SMMT), up from 17% the previous year and follow this year, and Digital Radio UK predicts only 5% in the same period in 2010. In 2012, that the majority of new car registrations will Vauxhall, VW and BMW all announced they have digital as standard by the end of 2013.

In-car trends

here is now a much wider range of aftermarket adapters, and we know that this will continue to grow in 2013. The first fully integrated adapters launched last year, and a new training and accreditation scheme has also been launched by the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) for digital radio installers. Coverage improvements continue. National BBC coverage is now 94%, and the target is to reach 97% by the end of 2015. Last year also saw a landmark agreement between the government, the BBC and commercial radio to build out local DAB coverage. As well as DAB, streaming radio over

IP (Internet Protocol) in a car is also set to grow, supported by new connected cars and devices, new radio apps such as Radioplayer and improved 4G services. To drive consumer interest and take-up, the new industry advertising campaign “If you love radio, go digital,” featuring digital radio evangelist D Love, launched in November on BBC TV, BBC radio and commercial radio, and will run throughout 2013. For all enquiries regarding the above, please contact sam.bonham@digitalradiouk.com. Also visit www.getdigitalradio.com to keep up with all digital radio news

Your first chance to see...

Alpine’s Alpine’s new new Peugeot Peugeot RCZ RCZ Demo Demo Car Car and and our our 2013 2013 product product range range all all at MEN Expo, including our latest App Direct models: at MEN Expo, including our latest App Direct models:

CDE-171RM CDE-171RM

CDE-173BT CDE-173BT

SEE US AT THE

UTE-72BT UTE-72BT

• Connect your iPhone via USB and control your apps right from the phone’s touch screen • Connect your iPhone via USB and control your apps right from the phone’s touch screen

APP

APP DIRECT DIRECT

STAND 108

• Allows you to enjoy the sound of any iPhone app through your car speakers (ex: music, internet radio, etc) • Allows you to enjoy the sound of any iPhone app through your car speakers (ex: music, internet radio, etc) • Keeps your iPhone fully operational when connected with the Head Unit • Keeps your iPhone fully operational when connected with the Head Unit

As well as being able to see Alpine’s latest democar and our 2013 product line up, As well as being able to see Alpine’s latest democar and our 2013 product line up, this is your opportunity to meet the Alpine UK Team. If you have your own event and this is your opportunity to meet the Alpine UK Team. If you have your own event and would like our support or just some technical chat, please visit us on Stand 108. would like our support or just some technical chat, please visit us on Stand 108. We will also have some exclusive show offers! We will also have some exclusive show offers!

www.alpine.co.uk www.alpine.co.uk

The Smarter Solution Required version: iOS 5 or higher

Required version: Android 2.1 or higher

Required version: BlackBerry OS 6 or higher

CC 9068 App

Figure: diverse smartphones with installed application for the hands-free car kit CC 9068 App

CC 9068 App

Voice-controlled Bluetooth® hands-free device with Smartphone app and battery charge function for your mobile phone DialogPlus voice control – extremely accurate, rapid reaction word recognition without voice training and with visual and acoustic user support Unlimited music enjoyment – thanks to the direct playback of music1 and an integrated 30 Watt digital amplifier Including smartphone cradle – for the optimum display and operation of the apps BURY App – your smartphone turns into a control unit Battery charging function for your mobile telephone – guarantees unlimited talk time in your vehicle

works out of the box

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EXPERT HELP /// Q&A /// Trade Trade only only suppliers suppliers to to thethe motor motor industry industry

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Got a problem?

In In Car Car Digital Digital TVTV Tuner Tuner

For any technical, product or business queries, drop us a line. Our panel of experts will offer their advice, based on years in the industry. Email chris@chrisandersonmedia.com

Great Great performance performance at speed at speed Freeview Freeview on the on the move move 1 AV1Input AV Input 3 Video 3 Video Outputs Outputs 1 Audio 1 Audio Output Output USBUSB Support Support Remote Remote Eye Eye AutoAuto Frequency Frequency Switch Switch Dimensions: Dimensions: 150 150 x 110 x 110 x 40mm x 40mm

Handsfree problem I fitted a Parrot CK3100 to a Corsa about eight months ago, and last week the customer complained of very low audio – I reset the comms box and all seemed okay. Then another customer I fitted one for showed up, saying that calls come in at different volumes, sometimes there is no audio, and the radio won’t mute. Both have version 5 software. Anyone else had issues with these?

Jerry It seems there are a few issues that other installers have experienced. Chris Ritchie was the first to reply on this topic on Ifitstuff.com. “There is a bad connection on the pins on the 10-way white Molex plug,” he says. “From the opposite side to where the wires go in, using a small pick or similar tool, slightly squash the female connector pin. This should solve the problem. Also check if the customer is using it with a Nokia C-series phone, as I’ve found these can have a low audio problem due to a software issue on the handset.”

Jeff Scott posted that he had experienced the same. “It was weird, I could replicate the fault by calling out from the customer’s phone and then wiggling the wire, and the sound would cut in and out,” he says. “I removed the plug, closed the pins up, refitted it, and it seemed to work fine.” Chris Ritchie believes the issue came from Parrot reacting to response that the plugs were originally too tight. “So they went the other way,” he says. “I always tighten up every one I fit now. It’s just a precaution, but I’ve had no problems since.”

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Cable basics I’ve worked on cars for a while, but have only just turned my attention to electronics. Handsfree kits are straightforward enough, but the few alarms I’ve fitted have left me scratching my head in terms of tidying up the cables after all the connections have been made. Do you remove any excess cable when not required, do you tape it up as best you can, or cable tie it to an existing loom to lose the length? I fitted a remote alarm/central locking kit to my recovery truck, and no matter how careful I tried to be there was a tangled mess that needed time spent tidying up.

Paul A few installers reacted to this one. Danny Barker on Ifitstuff.com said: “You shouldn’t really have any excess cable, as once you’ve established the unit location and the necessary pick-up points, the cables can be separated and loomed in tape, then routed to the correct areas, such as the kick well, fusebox, column loom or wherever, and cable tied to existing looms. Any cables not required that are for extras, like a pager, window closure or an extra siren, can be removed from the alarm plug or cut short and insulated.” Jeff Scott pointed out that everyone’s method is different, but chipped in more detailed advice, showing how to create a neat installation and cut the cables to length. “Yes, cut each wire to length for sure,” he says. “First, plan the installation, then find all of the connections that you need on the car. Test them all with a multimeter or power probe, and any wire that the alarm will go through should be tested by powering indicators from the probe to make sure you have the right one. Find the location of the grommet to the

engine bay, and find a place for your LED and siren. Put the alarm brain about six inches from the alarm, and the main loom will run from here.” He then looks at this in more detail. “I would separate the wiring loom into maybe two, possibly more, different ones. Maybe one will go to the kick panel (earth, central door locking, indicators), one to the ignition column (live, earth, ignition) and another to the A pillar (door and boot wire),” he says. “I would at that point cut off and individually insulate any wires that I didn’t need, and I would run the individual looms enough to their respective locations, make the connections, and then cable tie each loom at these points.” Now it is time to trim the looms to length. “Each wire connection is probably within six inches of where they will be connected, and so it is easy to trim them to length,” says Jeff. “I would normally solder and then tape up the joints, then cable tie any looms where they happen to pass over one another. Cut to length, but leave a little slack and don’t cut too short.”

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MEET THE DEALERS /// G7 Sounds ///

G Force

This is your first installation business, but not your first job in car audio. What’s your background? I used to work for Clarion GB as a support engineer, and previous to that at Armour Automotive as a research and development engineer. Before that I worked at Prestige Audio as an installation engineer.

How have you found it, setting up a shop in this climate? Any challenges so far? G7 Sounds is doing very well. We find that most of our work is custom fabrication for high end audio upgrades. We have already done a few celebrities’ vehicles due to some advertising companies within the sport industries. I think the main challenges we find is that internet pricing seems to be very competitive. I feel the industry is completely different to what it used to be 15 years ago, and I feel that internet sales sites can cause serious harm to the brands. I would like to see manufacturers taking control of internet pricing a little more.

Where would you say the growth markets are at the moment? We strongly believe that digital radio and integration are the way forward for the industry. G7 only stocks DAB radios and integration devices that still utilise the factory head unit. We’ve also been targeting main car dealerships for business too. 14 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

We speak to Gavin Foot at G7 Sounds in Newbury, which has been in operation since May of last year

So what products are you selling a lot of? We sell a lot of Rockford Fosgate and Phoenix Gold, and we also seem to do well selling 15 inch subwoofers, as they are on the comeback and becoming more popular.

Any install jobs you’re doing a lot OF? What’s been the toughest? Custom fabrication is our main income. As everybody knows within the industry, it’s very time consuming, but the end results always pay off by generating more work.

You’ve got a demo car on the way too – what can you tell us? We have just completed a full Rockford Fosgate system in an Alfa GTV. It took us about seven working days in total, if you add the time up in between jobs and burning the midnight oil. The system has two 10 inch P3SD410 slimline subwoofers displayed from the rear shelf, in a custom-made enclosure with LED illumination. We also fabricated door builds to house the T3652-S speakers – an audiophile 6.5 inch two-way component system designed for sound quality. Powering these is a Rockford Punch FRD five-channel amplifier, with a Rockford 3Sixty.3 digital processor. Since the car has been completed, we have already generated more bookings, which is fantastic – it has definitely been worth the investment.

What was the plan FOR your business early on to make sure you goT off to a good start? Our aim was to create a modern, clean showroom with workshop facilities that can accommodate any vehicle size, whether it be a Mini to a heavy goods vehicle or even a boat. G7 operates from a 2,500 sq ft premises, so plenty of room to expand. We also have various product development projects that take place on site, and will be branching forward and offering our services within the industry.

How do you think your background in car audio helped influence WHAT you do as a dealer? From my previous experience and knowledge within the industry, I feel it’s important to select good reliable product ranges and not over-complicate the choice within your showroom. G7 is not only a company, it’s a product we maintain, and we sell the G7 experience to the customer – optimising uniqueness in custom audio upgrading. Contact G7 Sounds in Newbury (01635 46149), or visit www.g7sounds.co.uk

Get featured!

If you would like to give an update on your business, drop an email to chris@chrisandersonmedia.com

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We have a new team and new products for 2013! With Richard Andrews heading up sales, we want to continue to support our dealers in the way that we have always done. Our Scorpion Track Fleet product is now Thatcham Cat. 6 approved and we are happy to carry out demonstrations either with you or on your behalf for any customers you have that are interested in fleet tracking. This service is free of charge and you make 100% of the profit. Please contact your area account manager to arrange demonstrations or to discuss any of our products. Midlands - Richard Andrews - 07966 163550 South and London - Ben Fancett - 07435 789886 North, Scotland and Ireland - Andy Nield - 07436 267668

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STAND 83

DEMO CAR /// Kenwood Polo ///

Screen star Martyn Williams gasps in wonder at the massive screens extending from the back of Kenwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s German demo Polo, with big sounds and Nintendo Wii gaming

ig engineering never fails to attract a crowd, and a pair of 32 inch screens motoring over a metre out of the back of a sleek white VW Polo is enough to get a young audience excited, particularly when thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s video gaming involved. Kenwood commissioned B&S Car Audio to build this adventurous project, a specialist install shop owned and run by Thomas and Stefan Benthien, based in Bad Oldesloe, way up in north Germany not far from the Baltic coast. Their work includes custom installations such as a subwoofer installed under the passenger side dash of a Smart, and iPad installations fitted into an Jaguar XKR, replacing the conventional head unit. B&S started the Polo install by fitting four heavy-duty industrial shelf sliding ball-race 16 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

rails. A platform was fixed to the rails for mounting the screens and the tailgate, and the whole assembly is powered by a garage door opening kit. Another clever mechanical touch was the B&S solution to fastening the horizontallyclosing tailgate. This was solved by using a pair of door catches instead of the single unit mounted at the bottom of the door in a

The vehicle T he donor vehicle for the project was the Volkswagen Polo S, lowered with Eibach Sportline springs, front 45-50mm and rear 30-35mm, with an Eibach Pro-Damper shock absorber kit. The replacement wheels are MB Design Eta Beta 18x8s with 235 40 series Bridgestones.

conventional hatchback. These were mounted either side of the tailgate for positive locking, and the catches are released by solenoid prior to powering up the platform. The platform assembly is strengthened with beams featuring a line of holes for lightening, and the depth of the beams is also used to hide the wiring and the motor linkage. These holes are also used as a theme on the doors to extend the design into the car. The two 32 inch LCD monitors are from JVC, keeping it in the family now that the two brands are in the same group. Each screen has a Nintendo Wii games console with a sensor built in along the top. Eight Wii steering wheels are available at shows, allowing four competitors each side to play.

THE DETAILS lK enwood DNX-5210BT head unit l Kenwood CMOS-210 rear view camera l2 x Kenwood KFC-X1730P 17cm two-way component speakers (330W peak) l2 x Kenwood KFC-X173 17cm two-way full range speakers (480W peak) l4 x Kenwood KFC-WPS 1000F 10 inch subwoofers (1,000W peak) l1 x Kenwood KAC-X4D four-channel amplifier (1,200W peak) l2 x Kenwood KAC-1DX mono bass amplifiers (1,500W peak) l 2x JVC 32 inch LCD TVs l 2x Nintendo Wii with accessories l 1x PSU (13.8 volts, 50A)

The sound system is fully linked to the gaming, and the dash-mounted DNX-5280BT can repeat the Wii images on its screen. It outputs the Wii audio as well as all the other sources to the neatly-installed amplifiers, which become exposed when the screens are fully extended. Either side of the amps are neat mouldings housing the four 10 inch subs, each pair being driven at 2 ohms by the powerful KAC-1DX digital monoblocks. So far the Polo has had two full seasons touring important shows, the most significant being the massive IFA Show in Berlin, which usually records attendances of around 240,000. The car has been dubbed ‘GameSta’, and when we asked what it means, we were told that it’s short for ‘Game Status.’ Must be a German thing. www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 17

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OPINION /// ANDY MILLS ///

What motivates you?

Andy Mills muses on the difficulties you can have finding your mojo

Andy MIlls is a former editor of MEN and industry journalist

‘Motivation’ is a word that I’m reasonably uncomfortable with. Apart from conjuring up images of an overly-happy guy in a fluorescent, skin-tight leotard bouncing around on morning television, the act of being motivated is not something I’ve been readily accused of in the past. It’s not that I’m not motivated, but my laid-back veneer hides it well. Yet, I know myself well enough to realise that my best work will always be when I’m excited about something, when the actual doing of that piece of work is motivating, and the rest of the time… well, it does the job, but is rarely likely to sparkle in the same way. That’s all down to motivation, and it doesn’t feel like something that can be forced. Motivational speakers are great at getting a crowd excited, but how often have you had that high feeling of enthusiasm only to wonder where it’s gone just days, hours or even minutes later? That’s where I feel the word ‘motivation’ gets bad press; because it makes it out to be a temporary hit and something others can force onto you rather than something that underlines your whole existence and reason for getting up in the morning. This latter kind of motivation is the true meaning of the word to me, and is something we should all take stock of from time to time.

In a new year, it might make sense to all look at why we get out of bed in the morning

Contact Andy on millsymax@hotmail.com 20 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

This all comes about from a few thoughts I was having about dealers in this industry. Pressed by hard economic times I wondered what keeps them motivated to push on. I initially concluded that it’s probably the same as most of us; need for money to support families, homes and bellies. But surely that can’t be it. Dealers will have no doubt started in the industry through passion, so to be working in the field you love must work wonders for keeping you going. And for those who have their own shops, set up as independent dealers, what better motivation could there be than being your own boss, in charge of your own destiny? I have great respect for people that work for themselves, and people like the publisher of this magazine, who set up a business from nothing and make it a success through hard work and determination. It takes a lot of courage to set out on your own and do what others only think about

doing, so hats off to all you dealers and business owners. But is money really the motivator in those circumstances, or is it the thrill of the work and the sense of achievement once you’ve cracked it? The grass may always be greener on the other side, but for those of you running your own businesses, I can’t help feeling that a stock take on why you do what you do might work wonders for your motivation. To remember the sense of pride when you first opened, the excitement of working around products you love and the satisfaction of making your first happy customer will surely give that deep vigour you need to keep going. Perhaps by forgetting the default answer of money being your motivator and focussing on something more soul-satisfying, then the money may find its way to you more easily anyway. It’s likely to be the same for all of us; if we see work as something we do just for money, we’re unlikely to be as brilliant as if we look at it as something we relish doing. And being brilliant often brings its own rewards. In a new year, it might make sense to all look at why we get out of bed in the morning. Some of you may not be too bothered about it – we can all be guilty of just plodding along in an unmotivated stupor because it’s easy – but you may just find your priorities have shifted over the years and you’re now being motivated by something that is oppressive rather than something which is uplifting. If you were a horse, would you rather be motivated to move by a whip or by the promise of food at the end of a journey? This whole column now probably feels like the worst piece of motivational coaching ever… and for that I apologise. But at the route of it all is the realisation that remembering what really excites you in life can boost your motivation by a large degree, and can make every day more like a chance than a chore. If making more money gets you excited, is your motivator, then what are you going to do to make more of it? If your love for car audio is what drives you, what are you going to do to enjoy it more this year? If your family keeps you going, make sure you work smarter to see them more. Obviously this is all easy to say, and the fact that I may be one of the worst people for having ideas but without the motivation to make them happen makes it all even stranger. But even taking stock now of what really excites me in life I can feel a renewed sense of determination, which is a great positive feeling. Why not give it a go and see if there’s a part of what you do that you’ve forgotten your passion for and get it re-ignited as your motivation for success in 2013.

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 21

Event /// CES 2013 ///

Viva Las Vegas

Lexus made a presentation (main), while former US president Bill Clinton spoke during Samsung’s keynote speech (left)

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is where manufacturers unveil their new products for the year. Here’s what’s happening for in-car in 2013

very January, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is the place to see the latest and greatest of everything. It’s where new smartphones, notebooks, TVs and even life-changing technologies are revealed for the first time, with announcements so big that famous faces such as Bill Clinton, Maroon 5 or Alicia Keys all want to be a part of it. In terms of an automotive presence, this is where brands such as Alpine, Kenwood, Rockford Fosgate and others will unveil their 2013 ranges, so it’s the first opportunity to see new technologies and key products, with halls full of demo cars all fighting for your attention. This year was a little different, however, 22 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

as in addition to the aftermarket there was a record presence from automotive manufacturers. Companies such as Subaru, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors all set up their own stands – showing off self-driving cars, head-up displays, safety equipment and more. Highlights here included a demonstration by Audi, which showed how a car could be turned on via a mobile app, and drive itself to your location to pick you up. A Bentley with a 17 inch HD touchscreen in the dash was also unveiled, while Harman showed off a new head-up display satnav system, gesture control technology, and its QuantumLogic3D sounds. Smartphone integration, for OE

manufacturers and the aftermarket, seems a top priority, with Ford among the companies starting to develop its own apps. Clarion and Pioneer seem to be the first to have sorted out the issue of iPhone 5 compatibility, and even Bluetooth-equipped amplifiers and speed camera detectors are starting to emerge. We’ve looked at some of the best products on the way for the aftermarket over the next few pages – this could be what you’re selling later this year. And if you want to find out more, be sure to head to the MEN Expo in March. That’s when many of the items here will make their UK debut. www.cesweb.org

Best new tech

The top 15 products headed for the aftermarket

Alpine’s TuneIt app

Alpine launched its easy-to-use sound-tuning app, TuneIt, allowing users to connect a smartphone to one of its new compatible head units, tweaking or downloading settings via the onscreen commands. There are 3,000 ready-made settings, some tailored to specific cars, available on the Cloud, plus space for 100 of the user’s own. The app also handles Facebook notifications, with a large blue LED blinking on the head unit – press it and the message is read aloud.

Audiovox’s growth market Among the many new products on show from Audiovox, one that looks set to be a good earner for retailers is its Qi charging dock – able to charge smartphones wirelessly, and looked set to become a huge growth market very soon. The dock plugs into the cigarette lighter and cradles the phone, charging it without the need for additional wires. Retailing for around US$70, the charger will only work with handsets that are Qi compatible, but this feature is becoming more common.

Clarion’s HDMI head units Clarion became one of the first brands to unveil head units with a HDMI slot at this year’s CES, launching two models – the NX603 with navigation/DVD and FX503 without, both with a 6.2 inch touchscreen. The HDMI slot is located on the reverse of the unit, to be used for ‘mirroring’ the display of an Android smartphone, controlling its operation via Bluetooth. Through HDMI, users can also play video from an iPhone 5 – again, one of the first units to allow this.

Cobra’s Bluetooth radar detector Cobra revealed a new radar detector product that fits under the bonnet of the car and uses a smartphone as its controller and display screen, all via Bluetooth. Compatible with both Android and Apple phones, with the appropriate app installed, the iRadar S-Series alerts users to speed cameras and radar devices, allowing them to share the information in real time with others. Price is said to be around US$300 in the States when it goes on sale this autumn.

Focal’s all-in-one upgrade Focal impressed CES visitors with this straightforward but very clever idea, the Performance DSA 500 RT active bass enclosure. It has a subwoofer, and also a three-channel Class D amplifier (2 x 65W RMS + 1 x 165W RMS), with the other two channels intended for the front speakers. Once the box is set up, plug into a laptop via the USB, and adjust the sound via the built-in DSP. With just one product, a factory system could take a serious leap forward in terms of quality.

Garmin’s natural voice New portable navigation systems were unveiled at CES from Garmin, like the sophisticated Nuvi 3597 LMTHD, with Garmin Real Directions among its features. The aim here is improved, more natural vocal instructions, so instead of the system saying “Turn right in 500 metres”, it will perhaps say “Turn right after the petrol station” by recognising landmarks. There is better notification of traffic problems too, with the driver able to take action and change routes via voice control.

Harman’s 3D sound Harman unveiled its QuantumLogic3D technology at the show, said to bring an unmatched three-dimensional surround sound experience to the car – demonstrated in a system with 25 speakers and over 2,000W of power. Compatible with mono, stereo and multi-channel content, a natural 3D sound field is created by identifying and redistributing the various audio streams, adding others reproduced by the overhead speakers. The effect is sound beyond the vehicle cabin!

JVC’s voice control There were many brands offering voice control technology at CES, but perhaps the most aggressive was JVC. It has introduced compatibility with its Smart Music Control app across much of its line, allowing users to text, tweet or post to Facebook via voice commands from behind the wheel, with an Android smartphone connected. Drivers can also use voice commands to search music by song or artist, tweak settings and more, or use a series of hand movements if preferred.

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 23

Event /// CES 2013 ///

Kenwood’s AV units with second screens Sony’s MirrorLink push Kenwood showcased two in-dash AV units at CES with high-speed Wi-Fi transceivers built-in and also an optional tablet-style screen that kids can use in the back to control the various functions. Both units – the DNN990HD and DNN770HD – are pretty much the same, with navigation and DVD, just with either a 7 inch or 6 inch touchscreen. Each connects to Wi-Fi via the driver’s smartphone for internet music, verbal Facebook and Twitter posts, plus real-time traffic info.

Sony is predicting big things for MirrorLink, and one of its enabled units – the XAV-701HD – even came top in the In-Vehicle Accessory category at the CES Innovation Awards. The problem until now has been the lack of smartphones that are MirrorLink compatible, but Sony itself launched two at the show, and Samsung announced an app that will make its Galaxy S3 handset MirrorLink-enabled. The idea is that the head unit display ‘mirrors’ that of the smartphone when connected.

Kicker’s compact KX amps

Steelmate’s tyre monitors

Making a big impact with something so small can’t be easy, but Kicker seems to have done just that with its new KX-Series of Class D amplifiers – the biggest in the range is only 15.5 inches long, yet it also now includes the brand’s most powerful monoblock at 2,400W. Four other mono amps make up the line, along with a two-, four- and five-channel. The footprint of each is impressively tiny for what’s on offer, making installation simple.

Phoenix Gold’s app amp In addition to organising the Phoenix Gold Builder’s Challenge, the audio brand caused a stir by claiming top honours in the In-Vehicle Audio Video category at the CES Innovation Awards, thanks to its new ACX600.5 amplifier. What makes this five-channel a little different is that it can be controlled via Bluetooth, with a Phoenix Gold app downloaded to the user’s smartphone. From there just about any adjustment can be made, including gain, balance, fade, bass boost and more.

For customers in need of monitoring the tyre pressures of something they are towing behind – perhaps a trailer or caravan – Steelmate has a solution. There are three models with a simple cigarette lighter plug design, which can be moved from one vehicle or trailer to another, with varying levels of monitoring from a simple flashing light to more detail. The fourth solution is a hideaway black box with a video output, so the driver can check the tyre on an in-dash screen.

Also launched

The best gadgets beyond in-car Samsung and LG curved TVs The Korean manufacturers both unveiled OLED TVs at CES with a five-degree curve in them. This is said to give a more immersive viewing experience. Parrot Flower Power

Pioneer’s improved AppRadio Pioneer is one of the first manufacturers to solve the issue of iPhone 5 compatibility with its head units, with its AppRadio and in-dash AV models now able to work with the Apple device and its apps. This applies to new products launched at CES, and also some models from last year. The solution varies according to the head unit, but basically involves a firmware update and specific connectors and adapters. But iPhone 5 music and video can at last be played in the car.

Rockford’s added Punch

Rockford Fosgate launched 11 new amplifiers as part of its Punch line-up at CES, with a new technology dubbed CLEAN (it’s an acronym, so stands for something techy) for setting levels. This provides onboard input/output clipping indicators that let the installer tune the amplifier to the optimum power for the type of performance required before clipping occurs. The amps also have increased power, better integration for source units and top-mounted controls. 24 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Gadgets for the garden? This sensor measures sunlight, humidity and temperature, checks an online database, and alerts you if the conditions are not suitable for your plants. NVIDIA Project Shield Looks like a games controller, but with a flip-up 5 inch 720p screen. Plays Android games, or can send the images to your TV when you’re at home instead. Sony Xperia Z A smartphone to rule them all? Sony hopes so. This Android device has a 5 inch 1080p display, a 2GB RAM processor, plus a waterproof casing. Vuzix Smart Glasses M100 These glasses project the display of your smartphone right in front of your eyes. Quite possibly not suitable when driving, they have a 720p camera and 4GB memory built-in.

SEE US AT THE

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EVENT /// MEN EXPO ///

Countdown to JAGUAR EXHIBITION HALL, RICOH ARENA

SPONSORED BY

Support Your Industry!

1. Save the date!

3. Tell your friends!

The MEN Expo takes place on Tuesday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 6 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. The UK’s largest mobile electronics trade show, MEN Expo is the only place to see the newest products and learn new ways to improve your business.

Enjoy a night of free beer, food, a DJ and show girls as part of a Vegas-themed after party. This will take place at one of the UK’s largest casinos, and we’ll be providing free gaming – or if you’re wanting to gamble for real, you can do that too.

2. Get free entry! To attend the show and take full advantage of everything on offer won’t cost a penny – just request your free of charge Expo ticket online at www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu. Or call the ticket hotline on 01268 754897. 26 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

4. See new products! Exhibitors will be showcasing the hottest, most profitable products, from the latest car audio to parking sensors and phone kits. Many of these products will make their UK debut at MEN Expo, as exhibitors choose the show for the official launch.

5. Recharge your enthusiasm! Rediscover why you got into this industry in the first place. As well as companies and suppliers, you can meet up with colleagues and old friends, swapping success stories and insider info over a cold beer. It is sure to leave you enthused for when you head back to work.

6. Make new contacts! The MEN Expo is the only gathering of the big names in the industry under one roof. At no other event can you gather information right from the source, and compare with whoever is on the next stand. For the best market overview, there is no better event.

MEN Expo 2013

Attend Your Show!

Conference programme To enhance your business and learn the best ways to promote, publicise and gain maximum exposure, we will be hosting free sales and marketing workshops, permitting visitors the chance to improve their skills, learning from the best in the industry. Some of the topics to be addressed at the next show include:

Digital radio update A switchover date is expected to be announced in 2013 – will that mean an increase in cars requiring digital radio installation? Here’s what you need to know.

How to add to your business What are the best ways to supplement your current product range? How to maximise your profits and expand every sale.

HR issues Ways to create a more professional and determined sales force. Also, how should you go about training and developing your own staff?

our y k o Bo tand! show? s it at the

Going mobile

o exhib selling fast! t t n a W is ll Space ok yours, ca To bo n Hogg on Kevi 754897 01268

7. Improve your business! Many companies who have attended previous shows say it’s an essential tool to enhancing their business. In fact, some businesses attribute many of their success stories for the rest of the year to MEN Expo – forging essential relationships, meeting new suppliers and developing knowledge.

8. Beat the competition! With so much to gain from MEN Expo, can you really afford to miss out? Imagine if your competitors attended and not you, gaining new product knowledge, contacts and insider info. Getting to MEN Expo is the way to stay ahead.

Need to take your workshop on the road? Will this help you assist more customers? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

FUTURE TECHNOLOGY What are the emerging trends and what should you be investing in? How do you find out more and prepare your business?

9. Open your mind!

Getting your ticket

Education and training are a key aspect of every MEN Expo, with a conference programme allowing delegates to gather, enhance and develop their knowledge on essential topics – these are organised and presented by key players in the industry, and are free to attend.

First of all, register for your free ticket at www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu. Once completed, you will then receive your eTicket via email, which you should print out and bring to the show, to be exchanged for a badge to wear at the event. The service is provided by Interchange, which will be promoting its Stand Scanners at the expo, which exhibitors are able to hire.

10. Book a stand! Want to attend the show as an exhibitor? It’s the perfect place to showcase your skills and products, bringing your message directly to dealers and installers – but space is selling fast! To book your stand, call Kevin Hogg on 01268 754897.

MORE EXPO! Turn over for show offers and confirmed exhibitors

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 27

EVENT /// MEN EXPO ///

Great show offers JAGUAR EXHIBITION HALL, RICOH ARENA

SPONSORED BY

MEN Expo means product launches and show offers – here’s what you can expect from some of the stands, with loads more on the way

Alpine STAND 108

Grom Audio STAND 5

Media in Motion STAND 3

New products

10% off

Alpine will be showcasing its new range of products for 2013. New head units will be on display, including its UTE-72BT mechless unit. It will also be featuring the award-winning Alpine INE-W928R, with 8 inch screen, and new digital radio solutions. The Peugeot RCZ demo car from Alpine Europe will be there too, along with great show offers for dealers.

If you haven’t sold products from Grom Audio UK before, then MEN Expo is the time to sign up – all new dealers will be getting an extra 10% off Android, USB, iPhone, Can-Bus and fibreoptic integration kits with their first order. Grom Audio makes a wide range of in-car multimedia integration solutions, and will also be launching a new internet radio streaming app for Android.

Head to the Media in Motion stand to see its 2013 range of interfaces, including new ones catering for Ford and Japanese models. It will also be exhibiting a new aftermarket navigation interface package for the Range Rover Evoque, as well as showing its reversing camera packages for Mercedes, Range Rover and VW. Special offers will include a 10% discount on DVB-Logic TV Tuner packages ordered at the show.

Ifitstuff STAND 29

Parksafe Automotive STAND 61

50% off

Buy 5 get 1 free

Ifitstuff is offering showgoers 50% off the monthly fee for an Ifit-Pro website until the end of 2014 – just £20 per month (£99 set-up fee still applies, with prices subject to VAT). Then there are ‘buy one get one free’ offers on listings in the site’s ‘Find an Engineer’ search tool for mobile installers and retail shops, and the same for manufacturers and distributors on forum advertising banners and sponsored sections. Also look out for the Ifitstuff Installer Challenge and internet workshop.

Parksafe is already teasing three special offers for MEN Expo, with the promise of more on the way. First up is a ‘buy five get one free’ offer on its PS440D parking sensors, which comprise a paintable four-eye 19mm sensor kit with an LED digital display and sensor height adjustment. There will be a similar offer on its PSRL001 daytime running lights too, and if you buy six DVR001 drive-view video recorders, you will get a free display stand featuring a 3.5 inch monitor.

JVC STAND 34

Parrot STAND 36

Armour Automotive STAND 53 New products Many of Armour’s brands will be represented at MEN Expo, including iO and Dension, with new products from Focal and Kicker. As a UK Sony distributor, Armour will have the 2013 range of head units on display, and on the security side there will be the reintroduction of the Code Alarm brand to the UK, new Med and Firstech products, plus some exciting Thatcham news.

BHP UK STAND 105 Dealer offers The masters of ECU remapping – engine tuning not only for power, but also for economy – will be at MEN Expo, showing how its technology is not just for cars, and can also cater for light commercials, heavy goods and agricultural vehicles. The company is also developing its own hybrid turbo conversion kits, as well as services for the diesel injector and pump remanufacturing industry. Find out about the dealership opportunities in the UK, and look for special show offers.

Connects2 STAND 99 Dealer offers Suppliers of OE integration kits, fascia panels and accessories, and also distributors of such brands as DAS and Beat, Connects2 will have all of its latest products on display. There is also going to be a big show offer – but it looks set to be so good that the company wants to keep it under wraps until one week before the event. Come to the show to find out.

FCS STAND 104 Dealer offers The FCS (Federation of Communication Services) will have a stand at MEN Expo, promoting its new innovative two-day training programme, developed in conjunction with MESF (Mobile Electronics & Security Federation). This will help installers show that they meet the FCS1362 industry code of practice in a shorter time. Visit the stand to find out about the monthly payment scheme, new speciality modules, and also the inclusion of the IMI’s training course for fitting digital radios. 28 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

New products

JVC will be showing a new range of products and apps which further support the mobile generation. Its new AV products, meanwhile, will feature better screens and allow for viewing of HD quality video content, displaying vehicle-related mobile phone functions, including navigation and internet radio, via the relevant app. Watch out for a brand new digital radio head unit, as well as a performance-enhanced range of DRVN amps, subs and speakers.

The main thrust of Parrot’s activity at MEN Expo will be its new Asteroid products – that means a chance to see the Asteroid Mini, Asteroid Smart and Asteroid Tablet units. Each offers Bluetooth handsfree, with the Mini featuring internet surfing on its 3.2 inch screen via a smartphone. The Tablet is similar but with a 5 inch touchscreen, like the Asteroid Classic single DIN, while the Smart is a much larger double DIN unit with navigation. Also find out about the Asteroid Market app store.

Kenwood STAND 75

Scorpion STAND 83

New products

Dealer offers

The whole of Kenwood’s 2013 product line-up will be on display at MEN Expo, including the promise of something revolutionary. The exact details are under wraps, but expect to see a double DIN head unit with internet capabilities like no other. Judging from the teaser campaign we’ve seen, that somehow includes web browsing, emailing and social networking, all from the one device. We’re certainly intrigued, and will be heading to Kenwood’s stand to find out more.

The main focus for Scorpion this year will be tracking, although its alarms, immobiliers and parking sensors will also be on display. Both the Scorpion Track ST50 stolen vehicle tracking product and the ST70 fleet system are Thatcham Category 6 approved, and there will be demonstrations of these on the stand. Scorpion says that there are a host of features on the fleet system that are not available on other similar products. Look for special show offers too, announced nearer the time.

Parrot presents the first range of multimedia “all in one” car kit systems: Connect to the web in your car and access a range of driving assistance Apps, navigation and music on demand in addition to voice recognition, internet radio and hands-free phone calls. Driving has never been so enjoyable!

STAND 108

STAND 97

STAND 24

Alpine Electronics www.alpine.co.uk

CEL TRADE www.celtrade.com

Fusion www.celtrade.com

Nemesis www.nemesisgb.com

STAND 38 STAND 68

Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg GmbH Parrot approved partners www.antenne-ag.de Technical Support Lines * Accessible via Asteroid Market

STAND 97

Chameleon www.thechameleongroup.co.uk T:01206 500 848

UK: 0844 472 2360 IRL: 0155 300 62 STAND 65

Garmin www.celtrade.com T:0161 494 4200

T:+353 1 448 1288

STAND 61 Parksafe Automotive T:01162 449846 www.parksafeautomotive.com

T:+353 45 407000

STAND 5

STANDThe53 Grom Audio Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Parrot S.A. is under license. The Parrot Trademarks appearing on this document are the sole and exclusive property of Parrot S.A. All other trademarks are the C-Ko property of their respective owners. All Rights reserved. Visual, description and specifications are not contractual. Product specifications may change without prior notice. Parrot S.A. - RCS PARIS 394 149 496. STAND 36 www.gromaudio.co.uk Armour Automotive www.c-ko.co.uk Parrot UK www.armourauto.com www.parrot.com/uk/ MENMagazine_pub_AsteroidRange_210x297_EN_18oct12.indd 1

STAND 17 STAND 27 AVS www.avs-ltd.co.uk

Cobra UK Ltd www.cobra-at.com

18/10/2012 15:09:51

STAND 29 I-Fit Stuff www.ifitstuff.com

STAND 97 Pioneer www.celtrade.com

STAND 34 STAND 105 BHP UK www.bhp-uk.net

STAND 99

JVC www.jvc.co.uk

Connects 2 www.connects2.com

STAND 19 Richter Sport www.richtersport.co.uk

STAND 75 Kenwood www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk

STAND 59 Bury www.bury.com

STAND 83 Scorpion www.scorpionauto.com

STAND 14 Electronics Worldwide www.electronics-worldwide.com

STAND 91 Car Audio Security www.caraudiosecurity.com

STAND 3 Media in Motion www.media-in-motion.co.uk Sony

STAND 121

STAND 104

STAND 67

STAND 95

Celsus www.celsusice.co.uk

FCS www.fcs.org.uk

Motomax www.motormax.co.uk

STEELMATE www.steel-mate.co.uk www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 29

Advertorial /// Chameleon ///

SEE US AT THE

STAND 38

Tracking your assets The Chameleon Asset Track system offers many benefits to potential users – with opportunities for your own business if you decide to sell it Chameleon Asset Track is now in its sixth year, and continues to grow and evolve with the ever-changing vehicle tracking market. Powered by Webtech Wireless, one of the biggest names in telematics, with over 100,000 subscribers and tens of millions of records processed daily, the system has proven itself incredibly reliable. This makes Webtech Wireless products the choice for many of the world’s largest and most sophisticated fleet operators, with partners and distributors including IBM, AT&T and Motorola, to name but a few. Many other tracking systems can boast

about fleet numbers and blue chip partners, but we believe that Chameleon Asset Track stands alone in its product offering, with one of the benefits being no fixed term contract – the majority of vehicle tracking solutions tie the customer in to contracts of three, four or even five years, which is a large commitment in this uncertain economic environment, and one that puts many prospective fleet tracking customers off purchasing a system, no matter how much they may want it or would benefit from it. With no contract, the uncertainty factor is removed from the equation, resulting in a far

higher conversion rate for customers adopting the system. Chameleon is now offering an excellent opportunity for dealers to become a reseller of its live tracking system, Chameleon Asset Track. The product consists of a simple three-wire tracking unit and an internet-based online portal. The product is very flexible and can be adapted to meet a variety of requirements, from basic vehicle tracking to more detailed Driver/Vehicle Performance with Can-Bus integration. The system is suitable for any size of fleet, from two-three vehicles to large nationwide fleets.

Why sell vehicle tracking?

Why choose Chameleon?

Key features

• Enables you to offer a new service to your customers – helping them make savings with all the benefits a live tracking system can bring • Generate revenue from day one with the sale of equipment/hardware • Option to install the product yourself, or use Chameleon engineers to install nationwide – both providing further options to generate more revenue • Ongoing revenue streams from monthly subscriptions

• Chameleon can offer the product at an exceptional price, enabling you to generate significant margins • Chameleon Asset Track is supplied with no fixed term contract – no long term commitment enables you and your customers to have the flexibility of switching units off when not required. All we need is 30 days’ notice • Chameleon will provide both technical and sales support, helping you make the most of any opportunities • Variety of options and capability to develop further – Basic Tracking, Driver/Vehicle Performance, Temperature Monitoring, Fixed Asset Tracking etc

• Internet-based portal – enables access anywhere, anytime, no software required, with Android and iPhone access available • No fixed term contract • Live tracking powered by Google Maps, allowing users to find a location via postcode search, find the nearest vehicle to a set location, and access live traffic information • Activity reports include, but are not limited to, mileage, time sheet, out of hours use, travel, ignition, speeding, stop reports, idling and exception reporting • Scheduled reporting – have reports emailed to you at set times to save running manually • Geo-fencing • Service management

More information from Chameleon on 01206 500848. Also visit www.thechameleongroup.co.uk 30 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

CEL TRADE T: 0116 2449846 E: sales@celtrade.com

Truck Navigation

Truckers need more from their sat-navs, with features like: Low bridge alerts, narrow road alerts, HGV lane guidance, trucker POIs, weight alerts, & width alerts. PRO SOUND DB8500

 Freeview DVB-TV tuner

 FM Transmitter

 Multi-route technology

 Bluetooth hands-free

 DAB Radio

QFC : 10444

FREE Lifetime Map Updates

Worth over £100!

£329.99 7"

dezl 760 LMT Digital Traffic

NEW



QFC : 10555

FREE Lifetime Map Updates

£299.99

Worth over £100!

PRO 9150 TRUCK

NEW DAB Digital Traffic

 Bluetooth hands-free

 Optional upgrade to full

 Active Lane Guidance

fleet management with web portal and driver messaging. Incorporating full LIVE Services with HD traffic (contracts from £17.90 per month)

 PhotoReal Junction View  Bluetooth hands-free  Smartphone link

 Truck speed limit indicator

 Live Services via SmartPhone  AV input

QFC : 9578

QFC : 10447 EU

£276.24 5"

dezl 560LMT

NEW

£265.74

 Bluetooth hands-free

 Truck speed limit indicator

 Weather, HD Traffic alerts

 Bluetooth hands-free

 Magnetic mount

 Fleet management compatible

 Optional upgrade to full fleet

 Robustly built and large speaker

management. POA

 AV input

SERVICES QFC : 10446

QFC : 10623 EU

£219.57

Truckmate S5000 UK

 Bluetooth hands-free  Trip planner

4.3"

nuvi 465T  Bluetooth hands-free  Lane assist

 Dash mount kit

QFC : 9614

£199.99 Dealer Net

£236.06

 Trip planner

 Route timer

Worth over £100!

PRO 5150 TRUCK LIVE

 PhotoReal Junction View

FREE Lifetime Map Updates

Truckmate S8000 EU

Live pricing and online ordering at www.celtrade.com Prices exclude VAT and delivery Credit card payments will be subject to a 2% surcharge Errors and Omissions excepted

QFC : 10397 EU

£149.97

CALL THE TRADE SALES DEPT 020 8569 1543

THE UK’S ONLY OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR FOR CLIFFORD & VIpER SECURITY ARROW 5.1 • • • • • •

2 Channel Security System Dual Stage Vibration & Impact Sensor CliffNet DataPort, 6-Tone Insignia2 Siren Bright Blue LED Status Indicator ACG2 Anti-Code Grabbing Technology 1 x Auxiliary Channel

>> In Stock >>

£79.00

CONCEPT 470 • • • • • • •

3 Channel Security System Dual Stage Vibration & Impact Sensor CliffNet DataPort, 6-Tone Insignia2 Siren Bright Blue LED Status Indicator ACG2 Anti-Code Grabbing Technology G5 Glass Break Sensor 2 x Auxiliary Channels

>> In Stock >>

480xV

CONCEPT 650Mk2 • • • • • • •

Thatcham Category 1 Security System Dual Zone Proximity Sensor included Battery Back-up siren, 6-Tone capability Bright Blue LED Status Indicator ACG2 Anti-Code Grabbing Technology Total Closure Capability 3 x Auxiliary Channels

>> In Stock - AVAILABLE TO AUTHORISED DEALERS ONLY >>

£CALL

• • • • • • • •

Thatcham Category 1 Security System, 3 Circuit Immobilisation 2-Way Responder Keyfob + 4-button fob Bright Blue LED Status Indicator, Remote Adjustable Ultrasonic scanners Comfort Closure capability 5 x Auxiliary Channels Six Tone Siren

>> In Stock >>

MATRIX 5104.x • • • • • • • •

Remote Start / Security System Includes 2 x 1-Way Supercode Remotes Ports for tilt, glass, proximity sensors etc Manual Transmission Mode Inputs for doors, bonnet and boot Advanced Remote start functions 3 x Auxiliary Channels Six Tone Siren

>> In Stock >>

£109.00

>> In Stock >> Available to Authorised Dealers ONLY

2-way Remote Start / Security System Includes 2 x 2-Way Supercode Remotes Ports for tilt, glass, proximity sensors etc Manual Transmission Mode Stinger DoubleGuard Shock Sensor Advanced Remote start functions 4 x Auxiliary Channels Six Tone Siren

>> In Stock >>

SmartStart bundles Available NOW with more being added shortly. Annual Subscription £65+ Trade (Retail Price £99.99)

Easy Installation

>> In Stock >>

SEE US AT THE

£379.00 (Supply ONLY)

>WHAT’S NEW < CAN OEM Alarms 330X1 330X2 330X3

- Sign up for training and the new in-store display stands - XTRPRO, “Baby” HCCA subs and amplifiers

Complete bundles from

smartstart

• All the latest Japanese branded car audio • JBL & INFINITY products with our new demo cars • Clifford & Viper Products. Smartstart on DEMO • Orion 2013 range, including the all new:

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>> VISIT US ON STAND 91 AND SEE:

£99.00

MATRIX 5204.x • • • • • • • •

smartstart start, control or locate your car from virtually anywhere with your smartphone.

£99.00

STAND 91

Now BACK in stock

£CALL

020 8569 1543

Prices for CAS Trade Account Holders only. Delivery charges extra. Prices Valid until 31/08/2012. All prices exclude VAT @20%. E.& O.E. Car Audio & Security Ltd, Units 6A-6B Bilton Way, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 3NF.

Car audio retailer of the Year

A W A R D S 2 0 1 1

TRADE SALES DEPT

020 8569 1543

A W A R D S 2 0 1 1

UK’s WIDEST SELECTION OF BRANDED CAR AUDIO BUY 4 pairs for onlY £40.00

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£89.99 £119.99

GTO5355

4x55W + 225W RMS

GTO14001

1 x 1400W RMS @2ohm £149.99

moDel

price(ea)

£10.99

CS-4 10cm 90W 2-way

£10.99

CS-5 13cm 105W 2-way

£10.99

> neW gt6 range <

special prices on the new gt6 speakers CAll FoR Box qUANTITy oFFERS

CS-6 16.5cm 135W 2-way £10.99 CS-69 6x9 210W 2-way

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GTO-508c 13cm 165W components GTO-6508c 16.5cm 210W components

either size, onlY £29.99 per kit (recommended retail price £79.99)

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12” 1260W

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12” 1100W with box

Twin 12” subs with box

£31.00

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JBL GTO-938

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ALPINE IVA-W520R

ALPINE IVE-W530BT

4x50W Double DIN DVD 7” Touch screen monitor, Rear USB Input, 3 x RCA

6.1” Double DIN screen, CD/MP3/DVD/USB Built-in Bluetooth

£249.90 or £289.90*

£239.00

ALPINE INA-W910R

7.0” touch screen monitor, Built in European Navigation, Bluetooth/USB/DVD

*with KCE-250BT Bluetooth module

Pioneer DEH-1320MP 4 x 45W, CD/MP3 player, Front Aux Input, RCA

£34.90

JVC KD-R331 4x45W, CD/MP3 Front aux-input

£39.90

D i s t r i BUt o r

£549.90

KENWOOD KDC-3051R 4x45W, CD/MP3 Front Aux input

£36.90

ALPINE CDE-173BT 4x50W, CD/MP3/USB Direct iPod connection Bluetooth ready

£94.90

noW aVailaBle

as fitted to our audi r8 Demonstrator

Pioneer AVH-X3500DAB 6.1” Touch screen, DAB Digital Radio built-in, CD/MP3/USB, Bluetooth

£251.00

JVC KW-AV60BT 6.1” Double DIN CD/MP3/DVD/USB Bluetooth and face off

£179.90

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noW aVailaBle: Xtr, Xtrpro and hcca call for Details

Pioneer AVIC-F940BT 5.8” Double Din Touch screen, CD/MP3/ DVD/USB, European Navigation & Bluetooth

VIBE SLR12 Active 12” 1200W sub in Active enclosure (built in amp)

£399.90

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Kenwood DNX-7210BT 7.0” Double Din Touch Screen, CD/MP3/DVD/ USB, European Navigation

FLI FU12 12” 1000W Active Sub/box with wires

KENWOOD DNX-9210BT 7.0” Touch screen CD/USB/Bluetooth DSP & TimeAlignment

JBL GTO Bass Pack 12” 1200W sub + AmpBox & wiring kit included

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iPod Video cable £15 extra

JVC KD-R431 4x45W, CD/MP3/USB Front Aux input

£42.90

OUR CALLE SALES TRADM NOW TEA

KENWOOD KDC-4054UB 4x50W, CD/MP3/USB. Direct iPod/iPhone connection

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£159.90

£749.90

£90.00

t+ 020 8569 1543 f+ 020 8848 7175 e+ support@caraudiosecurity.com

NEX DAY T DELIV ERY

REVIEW /// Alpine UTE-72BT ///

• ME

N RECOMM

DED PRODUCT EN

DED PRODUCT

Budget heaven? N RECOMM • ME

me), so this is a long way down the line. However, what has happened since is a commoditisation of mechless at the posh end. For this isn’t just mechless, it’s Alpine mechless. Now read on…

What’s it like?

This issue, Adam Rayner discovers a mechless head unit with Bluetooth and iPod control for under £100

ay back when, there was a big electronics show called Live, held at Earls Court in London every summer. One year, I was asked to do a talk on future technology by a magazine I was working with at the time. I happily stated therein that one day all disc media would be seen as quaint, and that we would all be using touchscreens almost exclusively – and they would be sized to best fit our hands! As I write this, the HMV chain has gone into administration and the latest crop of touchscreen tablets and phone combos are so big, there is even a horrible 2013 term for them – ‘Phablet’ (phone crossed with tabet, naturally) – for a bloody great 7 inch handset with amazing resolution. The first Alpine mech-free unit was the RDA-X001 back in 2007 (I checked, I didn’t just remember, and the Alpine tech dept are long served and brilliant for reminding 34 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

The Alpine UTE-72BT is a single DIN face-off device. I can no longer call it a deck, nor a machine, darn it! But unlike the higher-priced and fuller-fat connectivity Asteroid from Parrot (which has SD and an extra USB, as well as a GPS antenna), it occupies a full size single DIN chassis. So, it isn’t an answer for super shallow dashboards like the Asteroid – or the brand new FLAC head unit I have here from Kenwood, which is also a sawn-off-looking thing. It has a quartet of chassis-mounted RCAs to the rear, with one set labelled ‘Sub’, meaning it has a level control (0 to 15) from the head unit. I tested this by connecting the output to a set of B&W monitor speakers. The front has the same controls as a regular FM car radio, with six preset buttons as well as a central knobber. This has a push and twist function, and is used to get you about the media once you have stabbed the ‘Source’ button – the most obvious single control apart from the knob – and got into anything other than radio. There is a 3.5mm jack socket and a USB socket on the front, with a cover for when it is not being used. Mine was lit red.

How well does it work? At first, I admit I was a little underwhelmed, but by the time I had tried all of the possible positions and options to run the sounds through the two kinds of socket available, I realised that the UTE-72BT was a bit of a digital hub and a happy, open-minded Karma Sutra of a head unit, happy to couple with almost anything in almost any way. I kid you not… it has smarts. I have an 8GB Sandisk USB ‘bean’ with a slew of files stored on it, some of which will not read on the Asteroid nor on other head units I have tried. It did show some ‘Unsupported’ messages here and there

on the Alpine, but played music from it via the USB with great clarity. I tried a Sony Walkman MP3 player that ironically, you fill with tunes and charge with electricity to the battery via a USB, but that only plays via a 3.5mm analogue socket, and found that clean as well. I then removed the bean and plugged in my iPod with the USB to iPloppery wire it came with, and the UTE-72BT recognised it as an iPod instead of a USB and off it went, with only a slightly confusing use of the twist and shove to get a grip. It is relatively moron-proof. Then, as I was getting more impressed by the sound, I thought ill of the USB socket making for sticky-out things when on iPod and tried wirelessly streaming the music instead by Bluetooth, which sounded amazingly clean. Again, I had track control from the knob. Inspired, I then paired my Blackberry 9300 in an instant (all pairing is brainlessly easy and very swift – at least as quick as Parrot’s – and is called SSP or Simple Secure Pairing). It read my phonebook with massive speed. Oddly, when I tried to stream Bluetooth tunes from the Blackberry, it paired and started the track, but no actual audio streamed, just the control. Fact is, all Bluetooth devices have limits to their breadth of compatibilities. I had Zik speakers from Parrot that would not stream music from the Blackberry either. Point is, get a UTE-72BT in a demo rig and test the pairing with the prospect’s phone. It’ll impress them, and you demo with their music – cue laughing from the evil ad sales genius…

Why stock it? It’s mechless for one, and an Alpine, which is pretty much all most enthusiasts will care about. I could have rambled on about fidelity and the processing, or the EQ and the high- and low-pass filters – and the Alpine MediaXpander gives MP3 and AAC files more richness and dynamism than the norm – but the simple truth is, it sounds great, works rapidly doing everything for just about everyone, and looks the business too. Connectivity is simple, and while the unit is deeply affordable it does offer you the chance to upsell with an adaptor needed for a Nokia, or even an amplifier to plug in the back. It’s certainly good enough to use on a major system. Alpine 02476 719620, RRP £99 plus fitting (varies according to vehicle), www.alpine.uk.com

Ratings Ease of use Installation Performance Value Overall A low-priced unit with a serious handsfree installation, capable of playing music from a variety of sources

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 35

CUSTOM FIT Volkswagen

ZE-NC2011d ∙ 6.1" touchscreen ∙ Integrate with CAN bus ∙ Driver info display integration ∙ Parking sensor integration ∙ European navigation ∙ Parrot Bluetooth ∙ Import Outlook contacts ∙ iPod / iPhone direct control (requires ZE-NC-IPS)

∙ USB & Aux in ∙ SDHC ∙ Rear camera in

£599.00

Vauxhall / Opel black gloss ZE-NC5011d ∙ 6.5" touchscreen ∙ Integrate with CAN bus ∙ Driver info display integration ∙ European navigation ∙ Parrot Bluetooth ∙ Import Outlook contacts ∙ iPod / iPhone direct control (requires ZE-NC-IPS)

∙ USB & Aux in ∙ AV in ∙ Rear camera in ∙ SDHC

£499.00 Model

Description

ZE-NC2041d

VW Series IV - based on C9 platform

ZE-NC3141d

Audi A4 - based on C9 platform

ZE-NC3811d

Ford - based on C9 platform

ZE-NC4121d

Hyundai iX35 - based on C9 platform

ZE-NC3711d

Fiat Ducato - based on C9 platform

ZE-NC2051d

T5 Multivan - based on C9 platform

ZE-NC3152d

Audi TT

MORE SOON!

Trade Price £550.00 £599.00 £499.00 £510.00 £599.00 £625.00 £625.00

FACTORY FINISH Audi A3

ZE-NC3131d ∙ 6.2" touchscreen ∙ Integrate with CAN bus ∙ Driver info display integration ∙ European navigation ∙ Parrot Bluetooth ∙ Import Outlook contacts ∙ iPod / iPhone direct control (requires ZE-NC-IPS)

∙ USB & Aux in ∙ AV in ∙ Rear camera in ∙ SDHC

£599.00

BMW 3 Series E90

Z-E3215d ∙ Mechless ∙ 6.2" touchscreen ∙ Integrate with CAN bus ∙ A/C control status info ∙ OE parking sensor input ∙ European navigation ∙ Parrot Bluetooth ∙ Import Outlook contacts ∙ iPod / iPhone direct control (requires ZE-NC-IPS)

∙ USB & Aux in ∙ AV in ∙ Rear camera in ∙ SDHC

£625.00

CEL TRADE T: 0116 2449846 E: sales@celtrade.com Dealer Net

Live pricing and online ordering at www.celtrade.com Prices exclude VAT and delivery Credit card payments will be subject to a 2% surcharge Errors and Omissions excepted

PRODUCT FOCUS /// Vehicle-specific head units ///

Made to measure Some customers these days want added functionality, but to keep the factory looks. These head unit upgrades are designed to match the aesthetics of certain vehicles

n the beginning there were single DIN head units and the occasional double DIN, that was it. Then car manufacturers got wise to this one-size-fits-all solution, and started making their own standard-fit head units in all kinds of weird shapes and sizes as an anti-theft deterrent, so they would only fit that model of car. Not so great for the aftermarket, as drivers were now less inclined to upgrade, not realising a single or double DIN can still be made to fit with help from a fascia adaptor. But then came vehicle-specific head units instead, matching the shape, look and dashboard illumination of the OE fit, but adding lots more functionality. And in an age where technology moves fast, with Android or iPhone integration gathering speed, it’s important to make upgrading an easy proposition. With such head units now available in the aftermarket, adding more functionality and keeping that factory look can be achieved for less money than the car manufacturer would charge. It’s not all about more features either, as being designed for a particular car, vehicle-specific head units can also be tailored to that vehicle’s steering wheel controls, or display information regarding climate control, journey times and so on. Therefore, a vehicle-specific head unit can enhance the overall functionality of the car, and not just what might be related to audio. There is a risk, however, and dealers may not want to take big stocks of units, as they can only be sold to one specific customer, and the display illumination of a regular single DIN can always be tweaked to help it blend in, for example. But if that’s the case, then maybe a customer base needs to be found, perhaps looking to local car dealers that cater to a specific marque, and also company fleets, hire car companies and so on. Over the next few pages are examples of some of the vehicle-specific head units currently available, so think about where you can sell them… 38 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Car Communications This company specialises in the supply of OE VAG head units for a variety of commercial applications. The range includes RNS-E satellite navigation for the Audi A3, A4, TT and R8, adding Bluetooth, iPod control and an input for a rear view camera. Units such as the RNS-E R8, for example, include navigation, a 7 inch display, and slots for USB and SD card. For VW owners, upgrades are possible with units like the RNS-510, with touchscreen operation, navigation, DVD, a 30GB integrated hard disk, Bluetooth and more. There are dedicated models for Mercedes and BMW cars too, including the Mini, adding many of the features listed above. Car Communications 01254 694537, www. carcommunications.co.uk

FlyAudio FlyAudio offers a number of replacement head units for a wide range of manufacturers, and also sells reversing cameras, tyre pressure monitoring systems and replacement headrests with built-in screens. Each product is said to have been designed with performance and aesthetics in mind, adding navigation, DVD, digital TV and more. The latest generation of models is now available, which includes the Premium, Kia Sportage OE replacement, which has been well received by dealers throughout the UK. FlyAudio is also one of the first companies to offer customers free updates, support for life and a three-year warranty. On the way is a new unit for the 2012 Ford Focus – with Ford’s on-board Active Sync and voice activation built in – and also a head unit for the VW Golf MkVII with digital radio, navigation, iPod control and more. FlyAudio 01905 775445, www.flyaudio.co.uk

Pioneer There are two vehicle-specific head units available from Pioneer, with the AVICF3210BT designed to fit VW and Skoda models, or the AVIC-F9310BT for the same two brands plus Seat. The AVIC-F3210BT is based on the AVIC-F320BT, with a detachable 4.3 inch touchscreen,

Tele Atlas map data and Parrot Bluetooth. Likewise, the AVIC-F9310BT is based on the AVIC-F930BT NavGate system, with high-end navigation and 3D mapping – it even has a Drive Report function to help users analyse their driving at the end of a journey. This unit has actually just

been updated, so it now has AppRadio as well, allowing users to connect their smartphones, making use of compatible apps, with the handset display mirrored on the head unit’s 6.1 inch touchscreen. Pioneer 01753 789789, www.pioneer.co.uk

integration, and even climate control and diagnostics info, depending on the model of car. It’s also worth noting that TTints is the UK distributor of Dynavin, which makes aftermarket OEM-style AV and navigation systems for Audi, Mercedes and BMW cars,

including a unit it makes for the E-Class with a 7 inch touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth, USB and a TV receiver. The fit and finish will make it blend into the dash seamlessly, giving added functionality, but keeping the factory look. TTints 01582 817142, www.ttints.co.uk

which will be launched later this year. These offer full European navigation and Parrot Bluetooth, with a vehicle-specific CanBus interface to link it to the car’s steering wheel controls, and additional info such as the Climatronic status now visible on the

unit’s screen. Audi, BMW, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Vauxhall, VW and Seat are all covered by the brand, while optional upgrades can add iPod/iPhone control and digital radio. Connects2 0845 257 5588, www.connects2.co.uk

TTints TTints has a range of integration products, including MMI, MMI 2 and GT MMI double DIN head units, which can be used as a direct replacement for a number of factory-fit models in a range of vehicles. But these products will add connections for parking sensors, iPod

Zenec Zenec, available in the UK through Connects2, continues to grow its E>GO range of vehicle-specific head units, with the most recent additions including the Fiat ZE-NC3711D, which can be used in motor homes, and the BMW 3-series Z-E3215,

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 39

Business focus /// Right to reply ///

Who do you trust? A

few issues back we raised a point about how this industry may need to work together more closely to reach new customers. Dealers and suppliers, it was suggested, might benefit from working with a combined plan, so that all parties become profitable from an industry that they love. It seemed there was a general air of agreement with this sentiment… however, there were also some interesting points raised that make this united approach more challenging. Dealers in particular were quick to respond, and we’ve collected their thoughts here. Perhaps suppliers and manufacturers may want to contact us with their opinions too, and in the interests of frank discussion, anonymity will be assured, as it has been below. The major issue dealers appear to have with some suppliers is apparently one of trust. Some suppliers are said to be habitually selling directly to customers at a lower cost than dealers can buy at trade prices. One dealer told us that a customer returned an item he’d bought in their store just so he could buy the same thing online directly from the supplier at a massively reduced price. Set aside the fact that the dealer lost the profit from that sale, or even that the supplier may have been having a clearance, what’s equally upsetting is the potential damage to the dealer’s reputation. This customer may now feel that the dealer is intentionally over-charging them, and may avoid taking their custom there in the future. If the supplier was having a clearance, perhaps some prior communication would have been good, or perhaps it would be wiser to offer the lower prices to dealers first rather than going straight to customers. Other examples include products that, 40 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Dealers give an insight into what stops them from working more closely with suppliers – it could be an issue of trust

if dealers actually matched the price that their suppliers were giving to customers, would actually cost the dealers a decent amount of money to sell! Here’s a genuine example: supplier sells a head unit directly to customers for £430. Dealers can buy it at a trade price of £419 plus VAT, which works out to £502.80. That means it would cost a dealer over £70 just to match the price their supplier was offering to customers. How is that sustainable? Suppliers who partake in this price-slashing and direct selling must realise that these sorts of actions will leave a sour taste in the mouths of dealers, but these deals are often offered on sites where the mention of the supplier’s company name is actively avoided, presumably to avoid answering irate phone calls from the dealers they are underselling. eBay shops with cover names may mask the true identity of the seller, but those identities can apparently be traced very simply by any eBay user, which is why dealers have flagged the problem… because they have allegedly caught out these suppliers already. Obviously though, if you take a supplier’s view point, you might argue that they’re entitled to sell their products for the prices they want to. You could argue that this is their prerogative, but it’s also short-sighted if there is any desire to have a dealer network in the future. In times of economic hardship, it can be easy to go for the quick and easy buck and ignore the long-term implications, but those implications shouldn’t be ignored. If every supplier acted this way (which, at this point is worth pointing out that the vast majority do not), it would soon be the end of dealerships. A future where products are sold online for minimum profit and installations are of poor

quality because the expert dealers and installers have disappeared isn’t one that makes anybody in this industry hopeful. Working together makes the industry stronger as a whole, and while renegade suppliers may make larger profits initially, when they need to expand, need help to promote products nationally or are having trouble with customers who are struggling to find expert installation… where will they go? Even in times of the internet, dealers can be as helpful as ever to suppliers in shifting product with a wider reach and combined ability to outperform one centrally operating customer-serving supplier. Are suppliers really that keen to try and soak up the role of dealer as well? Many established suppliers prefer to stick with supplying product and understand the benefits of an expert base of dealers to reach the end customer, and that situation suggests working together to promote products makes a lot of sense. But it’s the lack of trust that many dealers are beginning – or even continuing – to feel with suppliers, which means this doesn’t happen quite as much as it should do. Obviously this isn’t intended to point fingers at anyone or lay blame on any one doorstep, but if dealers feel that suppliers are trying to take their livelihood away, it’s easy to understand their point of view. Dealers aren’t blameless either, and it would be interesting to get an idea from suppliers on ways in which dealers can help to build relationships with suppliers, and highlight any examples of common issues. With so many great products in this industry and a potential pool of customers around the UK that could really benefit from them, resolving any issues that can stop the industry from self-destruction is surely a beneficial exercise.

l TEL 01386 554210 l FAX 01386 552461 l sales@sailesmarketing.com l www.sailesmarketing.com

NEW CAN INTERFACES

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cb1obd This NEW interface uses the OnBoard Diagnostic system to obtain the vehicles speed signal from manufacturers that are OBDII compliant, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes & VW. The NEW CB2OBD interface will produce an RPM & speed signal.

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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 41

ADVERTORIAL /// BHP UK ///

Learning to remap BHP UK explains that how becoming one of its trained ECU remappers could add new potential to your business The engine ECU has evolved from a simple circuit that controls electronic ignition to a very sophisticated computer, controlling all kinds of engine functions. It receives data from various sensors, and from that data can calculate how the engine is to be controlled. Engine â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;chippingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was born in the mid-1980s and was the domain of the petrolhead trying to extract a little more power from his car. As ECUs developed, chipping evolved into ECU remapping, a multi-million-pound 42 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

industry that involves tuning not just for power, but also for economy. This tuning is not limited to performance car drivers, but also caters for diesel cars, light commercial, heavy goods and agricultural vehicles. ECU remapping is also used to eliminate or program out DPFs (Diesel Particle filter) and EGR valves. BHP UK is a company at the forefront of ECU remapping, with in-house map writers and full test facilities at its headquarters in Lancashire. BHP UK also offers a unique business

opportunity, as our dealership package comes complete with all the required hardware and training, so that independent garages and fitters can capitalise on the ECU remapping market. We currently have over 70 dealers worldwide and are looking to expand on this. We charge no on-going royalties or fees, and as a result our success is based on the success of our dealer network. Call 01282 779000 to find out more, or visit www.bhp-uk.net

Programming procedure

SEE US AT THE

With ease of use and convenience in mind, BHP’s ECU programmer has been designed to read and program vehicle ECUs through the car’s diagnostic port, meaning 95% of the time there is no need to dismantle the ECU or remove it from the car. A standalone system that does not have to be plugged into the computer while you read and program the ECU, the ‘Genius’ comes complete with its own dedicated software that allows users to send ECU data directly to the team at BHP UK with the press of a single button. In fact, there isn’t even the need to open an email program to send the map to them.

Here’s how to do it:

STAND 105

STEP 1 Connect the car to a stabilised power supply.

STEP 2 Connect the programmer to the vehicle’s OBD2 port.

STEP 3 Select the vehicle and follow the onscreen prompts, this will store the data on the ECU.

STEP 4 Connect the programmer to the computer, this will automatically send the ECU data to our server.

STEP 5 Reconnect the programmer to the car’s OBD port and select programming. This will write the modified data to the ECU.

Training and technical support Although the programming system is incredibly simple and easy to use, the folk at BHP UK realise that for any business to succeed in ECU tuning, they will need both training and continued technical support. That’s why all new BHP UK dealerships are given training on how to use the tool and its computer software correctly. This is provided on a one-to-one basis, which means that you can learn at your own pace, and any questions you have can be answered directly. After the initial training has concluded, continued technical support is provided with regular ‘refresher’ seminars and newsletters to help keep customers informed of the latest changes to modern car technology. Finally, when you become a BHP dealer, you become a member of a hardworking and dynamic team with a huge knowledge base and resources to help you stay at the forefront of the ECU tuning industry.

www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 43

PRODUCT FOCUS /// TV tuners ///

TV times

Can digital TV for the car be a growth area for installers? Chris Anderson looks at the tuner boxes currently on the market

here was probably a time when the idea of TV in the car was considered high-tech – and what we’d eventually all have in the future, along with meals in pill form and robot house servants. These days, however, cars with screens are very common, used for navigation systems, reversing cameras and playing DVDs. But with the digital TV switchover last year, shouldn’t more people with screens already fitted to their vehicles be enjoying this too? The switchover has effectively given an argument for digital TV in the car, in that the quality and the content will both be much improved – and looking at the round-up here, an upgrade for analogue probably won’t even cost that much. It might for customers without an AV unit already, as they will need to upgrade there too, but that’s an opportunity to introduce other potential sales, as they might need navigation or even additional screens in the back. Where these DVB-T tuners tend to differ is in the level of extra features they offer – such as USB support, programme recording and even digital radio – to compatibility with existing OE systems. A few distributors are offering their tuner sets as a package, with all the necessary adaptors for a car-specific installation included, and that way the device can be operated from the factory steering wheel, with hardly any clues that anything about the vehicle is different. Think the customer might need more convincing? Well, it will hopefully mean they can keep up with the match or that all important Strictly final when on the move, or perhaps while waiting in the car when parked – and if you get to install such a product to a car in your workshop, it could mean that you don’t get to miss them either.

44 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

C-KO C-KO has a choice of two DVB-T units, both said to be selling well. The cheapest is the C-KO-DVBT-1080-PLUS model, with three video outputs, USB support and auto frequency switch among other features – the manufacturer still reports good feedback despite the low price. The other option is the DVBT500, which can record TV and radio via USB, uses intelligent AFS (Automatic Frequency Switch) technology, promises high performance at speed, supports MP3, MP4, DIVX and many other formats, and has last-position memory for USB files. Both 12V and 24V operation is possible too. C-KO 0208 863 8333, www.c-ko.co.uk

RRP0 £17

Clarion The DTX502E is Clarion’s DVB-T receiver, to be paired with its NX501E, NZ501E, NZ502E, VX402E or VZ402E AV units. Fully compatible with Clarion’s HMI (Human Machine Interface) touchscreen operation and also two-zone technology, meaning passengers in the back can watch digital TV while those in the front use a different source, the device has plenty of flexibility. It can store over 1,000 TV and radio channels too, has Teletext, PIG (Picture in Graphic) and EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) support, with favourite channel lists and an infra-red remote. Clarion 01793 859560, www.clarion.co.uk

RRP9 £24 Alpine Alpine’s current offering is the TUE-T150DV, ready to be used with its various in-dash AV units and standalone monitors. An infra-red remote is provided, and the product also has a multi-language onscreen display, auto search, an EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) and Teletext, an antenna diversity system, and an S-Video output as well as the usual RCA connectors for audio/video input. There is even an input for a rear view camera system for added convenience. Once purchased, Alpine offers a range of aerial packages too, including the KAE-202DV amplified versions. Alpine 02476 719620, www.alpine.uk.com

RRP9 £25

DAS

See how to fit a DAS tuner on p52

Connects2 is now the UK distributor of the DAS (Diversity Autoscan Systems) range, hailing from Italy, with car-specific fibreoptic DVB-T tuners for Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Land Rover and Volkswagen available, as well as universal DVB-T tuners – these can be used by any multimedia head unit with an AV input. The DAS fibreoptic range offers a plug and play upgrade for the existing multimedia system, adding digital radio as well as TV. The tuners can be controlled via the vehicle’s original controls, and each is software upgradeable via the DAS website. Connects2 0845 257 5588, www.connects2.co.uk

RRPC £TB

Media in Motion Media in Motion specialises in tuner systems with OE compatibility, known as ‘DVB-Logic’ – a DVB-T tuner for direct OEM connection, thanks to the interface supplied. In most cases, the tuner can then be operated directly from the standard head unit, suitable for cars without the factory TV tuner or that still have analogue. Features include a reversing camera input and power supply, one AV input and a rear seat output, and an infra-red remote. The kit is currently available for certain models of Audi, BMW, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Mercedes, Range Rover, Porsche and VW. Media in Motion 0121 311 9011, www.media-in-motion.co.uk

RRP0 £12

TTints TTints can offer the Mimi DVB-T Tuner, which is quite simply a Freeview unit supplied with an aerial. The aim is universal use, and for users with an existing front screen navigation unit or in-dash analogue system, as found in Audi, Aston Martin, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Porsche, Range Rover, Seat, Skoda, Volvo or VW models. The Mimi is full compliant with MPEG2 and DVB-T standards, and has a compact design. Other features include PIG (Picture in Graphic) support, channel editing, Teletext, a USB slot, automatic and manual search. Ttints 01582 817142, www.ttints.co.uk

RRP9 £19

RRPC £TB

Veba Well known for its range of in-car audio and visual solutions, it’s no surprise that Veba has a DVB-T tuner in its line-up too, the AVDVBTMP4. This is fully compliant with MPEG2, MP4, AVC and DVB-T standards, with PIG (Picture in Graphic), Teletext and multi-language support, channel editing, automatic and manual search, capacity to store over 1,000 channels, EPG (Electronic Programme Guide), and the ability to record shows to a USB. A related product is the AVDTVA-2A digital aerial amplifier, designed to boost the transmission in weak signal areas. Armour Automotive 01420 487110, www.armourauto.com www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 45

INTERVIEW /// Andrew Ackerley ///

Sounding off What will this year’s sound-off season hold? The managing director of EMMA UK, Andrew Ackerley, looks ahead, revealing how competitor interest and support has grown is a free-to-enter online competition, running from February 1 until May 1, where the winner will receive a very special prize consisting of VIP tickets and weekend accommodation for the 2013 Modified Nationals event, from May 24-26. Their car will receive some VIP treatment itself, with a full custom audio system installed in the main hall in front of a live audience over a 48-hour period, courtesy of the guys at Car Radio Skipton and EMMA UK partners. People can enter at www.winaninstall.com.

You’ve been EMMA managing director for over two years now – how have you seen it evolve?

How are the plans for the new season coming along? It’s a busy time of year for us at the moment, getting all the championship events in order to cover the full season, there is judge training – which we hold pre-season, introducing new staff members and keeping the standard of the format to the highest level possible – plus planning trips to Europe for those looking to compete there. We also have a couple of special projects lined up, so it’s all systems go!

What will be the format for the new season in terms of the number of events and categories? For 2013, you will see all classes of the EMMA (European Mobile Media Association) format being run in the UK. There are 17 in total, which gives a huge range of fair head-tohead competition, with levels for everyone – from first timers wanting to see what it’s all about to Expert level, where we have some great cars in Sound Quality, SPL or our Racing class.

And what’s this we hear about an online competition? This has been a long work in progress over the past six months – the idea 46 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

I have seen a huge change in the past two years. It’s very much a growing community, and my aim is to carry on pushing forward with the best audio competition format in the country, putting on the best shows we can. Our ultimate goal would be to host the European Grand Final in the UK.

Is there still good competitor interest? The interest grows with each event, and we have actually doubled the average number of competitors over the past two years. This season will see more new builds and fresh faces, and there are still many big sound systems out there being built. Current trends would have to be big dash builds in SQ installations, and the use of PA drivers along with horn/bullet tweeters in the SPL cars.

What about support from the industry? Do dealers and installers take enough interest? Yes, but we always need more, and it’s a great opportunity for installers to extend their knowledge and show their work. Our current sponsors include Assendent Audio, Pioneer, XS Power, Celsus, Mosconi, Dynamat, Gladen Audio, FI Audio, and ZeroCake, and we’re also in talks with several other companies.

What was your overview of last season? Last season was very positive, with an increase in support, competitors,

public interest, and being recognised as a main feature at our attending events. The main highlight for me is the people I meet along the way from all walks of life, but with that one connection of either car audio or the shows themselves.

How do you make EMMA appealing to both competitors and the industry? It’s been a tough time throughout the industry, and one thing I wanted to add to EMMA was value to both competitors and partners, offering much more than just the competition format itself. So we try to offer education, advice and fun, helping those involved to improve their knowledge and reach their full potential. This has made for a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. For the industry we offer a very competitive partnership programme, with 12 events over the season and great exposure from each. We also look to add value with the 48-hour build competition.

How do to make sure an event runs smoothly? What has experience taught you? It’s all in the build-up and planning prior to the event – that and the team I have behind me on the day. EMMA UK is very self sufficient at events, which has huge benefits, and we communicate well with each other and the show organisers – James Forster at Santa Pod, Mark Needham at Modified Nationals, and Glen Horncastle at Modified Nationals are among those we have good relationships with.

Is there much involvement from the head office in Europe? The involvement from head office is very much a supportive role, and we share mutual contacts and ideas to help carry on the success and essence of the format in which it was created. For full details of the upcoming season, visit www.EMMA-UK.com. The competition can be found at www.winaninstall.com

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WIRELESS PARKING WIRELESS PARKING WIRELESS PARKING SENSORS SENSORS SENSORS 4 Sensor kit with wireless dashboard 4 Sensor kit with wireless dashboard display forkita with very easy installation. 4 Sensor dashboard display for a very wireless easy installation. display for a very easy installation. With white or With white or black sensors With white or black sensors black sensors

£29 £29 .99 £29.99 .99

H1,H3,HB3,HB4,HB5 CANBUS H1,H3,HB3,HB4,HB5 CANBUS ,H7,H8,H9,H10,H11 H1,H3,HB3,HB4,HB5 CANBUS ,H7,H8,H9,H10,H11 HID KITS HID KITS HID KITS ,H7,H8,H9,H10,H11

£59 £59 £59 H4 H4 H4

£39 £39 £39 7” SAT NAV 7” 7” SAT SAT NAV NAV

£114 £114 £114

Twin camera with 90 and degree Twin150 camera with 90 and 150 degree lenses, 7”degree Dash mount and 150 lenses, 7” Dash mount monitor, 15M power & lenses, Dash mount monitor,7”15M power & video cable. monitor, 15M power & video cable. video cable.

H4 H4 H4

£72 £72 .50 £72.50 .50

5” SAT NAV 5” SAT NAV 5” SAT NAV Full Europe Full Europe

£29 £29 .99 £29.99 .99

£169 £169 .99 £169.99 .99

VISUAL PARKING VISUAL PARKING VISUAL PARKING Standard SENSORS Standard SENSORS Standard SENSORS

£29 £29 .99 £29.99 .99

FRONT & REAR FRONT & FRONT & REAR REAR PARKING SENSORS PARKING PARKING SENSORS SENSORS

SNIPER X1 SNIPER X1 SNIPER X1 ALARM ALARM ALARM

Full Europe Full Europe mapping, Full Europe mapping, Bluetooth mapping, Bluetooth Handsfree, Bluetooth Handsfree, FM Modulator, Handsfree, FM Modulator, AV Input FM Modulator, AV Input AV Input

£99 £99 £99

or with built in or with built in camera.recorder: or with built in camera.recorder: camera.recorder:

SNIPER SNIPER AUTOMOTIVE SNIPER AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE

£69 £69 £69 IN DASH SAT NAV IN DASH SAT NAV IN DASH SAT NAV Single DIN motorised screen with full Single DIN motorised screen with full

£134 £134 £134

Europe Sat motorised Nav, CD/DVD, Radio, iPod Single screen with full EuropeDIN Sat Nav, CD/DVD, Radio, iPod control, SD, USB, Europe Sat Nav, CD/DVD, Radio, iPod control, SD, USB, Bluetooth music control, SD, USB, Bluetooth music and handsfree. Bluetooth music and handsfree. and handsfree.

£249 £249 £249

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Tel: 01928 759 239 Tel: 01928 759 239 Tel: 01928 759 239 www.electronics-worldwide.com www.electronics-worldwide.com www.electronics-worldwide.com Login: Login: trade trade Password: Password: global global Login: trade Password: global

Multimedia Multimedia Multimedia

NEWS /// PRODUCT /// Clarion

Less is more

Clarion has released useful sales info alongside its new AV products, helping you to clinch the deal

In pushing its all-in-one flagship NZ502E, which won the Best Single DIN AV Head Unit category at last year’s MEN Awards, Clarion has come up with a few sales tips, so you can prove to customers that they are getting value for money. It stems from a belief that as people buying a new car often skip on the AV add-ons, due to the high cost from the manufacturer, they could be missing out, and could get better for less money if they came to the aftermarket. But it doesn’t stop there, and Clarion is trying to remind its dealers that customers are getting more features and better quality these days than ever before, hopefully giving them a greater incentive to buy. For example, Clarion released the first single DIN in-car TV solution, the TVX4151, back in 1995, with basic features and an RRP of £1,149. When the VRX918R was released just over 10 years ago, it had TV, a DSP processor,

From 1995’s TVX4151 (left), to today’s NZ502E

digital radio and optional navigation with an RRP of £1,399. Compare that to the NZ502E, with 3D navigation built in, a slide-out motorised 7 inch touchscreen, plus slots for SD cards, USB and so on, yet an RRP of just £899. It may just be a small point to mention, but could be what the customer wants to hear. Graham Case, general manager of Clarion GB Ltd, said: “The company has come a long way since the first European in-car TV product, and we are as committed as ever to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, to ensure all consumers are catered for.” Clarion 01793 859560, www.clarion.co.uk

Scorpion

Connects2

Scorpion shake-up

A bigger Beat

Scorpion has started the new year well, announcing Thatcham approval for its Track Fleet product – Thatcham Category 6 accreditation, to be precise. This should definitely be something its new sales team can be excited about, and really pushing to dealers. Richard Andrews is heading up the team, with Andy Nield looking after all accounts in the north, and Georgia, Philly, Jill and Jodie on sales support. “I’m keen to meet with new and existing customers in the south,” says Ben Fancett, tracking business manager. “We are keen to help with customer demonstrations, technical know-how and all levels of support, so please do give us a call if you need anything.” Scorpion 01257 249928, www.scorpionauto.com

TELL US YOUR NEWS! If you have new products and you want the trade to know, why not tell us about it? Email information and hi-res images (300dpi) to chris@chrisandersonmedia.com

48 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

Three new head units have just launched from Beat, available in the UK through distributor Connects2. There is the single DIN Beat 190, with a 3 inch LCD screen built-in, MP4 and DIVX playback among other formats, front Aux input, SD card slot, remote, and plenty of functions to help tweak the sounds. The Beat 560 adds a 3.5 inch screen to the mix, with touch-sensitive controls and Bluetooth, for adding handsfree phone calls. The Beat 350 double DIN may look tame by comparison, but still has a front USB port, Aux in and SD card slot. Connects2 0845 257 5588, www.connects2.com

Kenwood

Kenwood entry level Kenwood is introducing two new entry level head units as part of its 2013 range – one with USB and Android compatibility, the other with USB and iPod control. The units, the KDC-317UR and KDC-3057UR, also have search and back keys, to help select music on the respective device, with an illuminated shuffle key.

The KDC-3057UR unit can have an Apple device plugged in directly, such as an iPod or iPhone and even an iPhone 5, while Kenwood’s free music app must be installed to the Android smartphone for it to work with the KDC-317UR. Kenwood 01923 816444, www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk

NEWS /// PRODUCT /// C-KO

Cobra

Screens for C-KO

For those looking to create an audio-visual system in their customers’ cars, there are three new products from C-KO that might help, all supporting HDMI. First is a standalone 9 inch monitor (C-KO-HDMI-9DM), with HDMI, VGA, one AV input, a video output and a remote. Also there are 10 inch (C-KO-HDMI-10RMD) and 13 inch (C-KO-HDMI-13RMD) roof mount units, and these have HDMI, SD card and

Cobra fights crash fraud USB support, a DVD player, an AV input and output, and a choice of interchangeable skins in black, beige and grey. Adding more flexibility is the Pure Sine Wave power inverter, enabling an Xbox or PlayStation 3 to be installed after the screens. C-KO 0208 863 8333, www.c-ko.co.uk

Hyundai

According to figures just released by the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), ‘Cash for Crash’ fraud now costs UK motorists £392 million a year. This is something Cobra clearly is not happy about, and believes a possible solution lies in the fitting of its ‘black box’ telematics technology to enable insurance companies to stamp out fraudulent claims. This can record a vehicle’s movement, speed, cornering and so on at the time of impact, and if coupled with Cobra’s Global Live CCTV security monitoring system can even film the incident. www.cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk

Hyundai concept Here’s a look at other ways in which smartphones can be used with cars, as demonstrated on Hyundai’s Connectivity Concept – and perhaps making an appearance on its models by 2015. The user can lock and unlock their car by placing their phone over an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag, negating the need for a door lock. Once inside, the display of the phone is replicated on the 7 inch screen in the dash, with the user’s music, phone

contacts and preferences made available automatically. The device’s battery is recharged wirelessly while it is connected. It could even store a driver’s seat and mirror settings. Perhaps something similar will arrive for the aftermarket. www.hyundai-car.co.uk

Rockford

Rockford’s new Prime After their debut at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas last month, Rockford Fosgate’s new Prime amplifiers are now available through Vestatec. These models are said to be more installer-friendly, with better performance and a common chassis design. The six new amps – ranging from mono to five-channel – can also accept their signal

50 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

from low level sources via RCA, or from high level speaker inputs via the included connector. Call for pricing and availability. Vestatec 0208 867 2340, www.vestatec.co.uk

Blaupunkt

Blaupunkt tablets Some new in-car navigation solutions are now available from Blaupunkt, in the form of touch-sensitive tablets. The Discovery contains a 16GB flash drive, 1GB RAM, 3G, Bluetooth and several other competitive features, while the budget options, named Endeavour 800 and Endeavour 1000, are also available. Blaupunkt has also released Travelpilot navigational devices, from 4 inch to 7 inch sizes. Features here including environmentally-friendly driving notifications, 2D or 3D presentation, and advanced hazard warnings. Autosound 01274 685411, www.autosound.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2013

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AVIC-F30BT

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INSTALL GUIDE /// Range Rover ///

Fitting Connect2’s new Freeview tuner An excellent upgrade for most luxury screen-equipped cars is the DAS M44 tuner from Connects2. Martyn Williams checks out this DVB-T tuner in a Range Rover

he DAS tuner is designed to integrate into a broad spectrum of makes and models with adaption to all popular data bus circuitry including fibreoptic MOST systems and dual 12/24V. Vehicle-specific tuner kits will be available with interface cabling and preprogrammed with relevant software. This software can be changed to suit another car if required. Other features which add to its flexibility is PAL/NTSC switching to suit the native format and a Pay TV port for a card slot. It also has

two media AV inputs plus a video ‘driver’ connection for auto-switching the AV1 output from a reversing camera. The tuner has a fully functional EPG with search, which is addressable using a neat card-style remote control operating through a discreet infra-red receiver. Latest anti-doppler aerial technology is used for the quad-antenna diversity system using neat amplified stick-on antennas designed to operate in a mixed horizontal/vertical installation format. The set-up menu caters

for individual signal strength indication of each antenna to allow the installer to achieve optimum reception quality. Should the vehicle need external antennas, Connects2 can supply 5V line-powered units to match the tuner. Apart from TV reception, another benefit is the radio section of the EPG showing all the DAB digital radio stations including 6 Music, Talksport and the many others not available on the FM band – an excellent customer-attracting feature.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

The slim casing of the M44 tuner allows it to slip in alongside the existing components in the boot of the Range Rover. Note the MOST fibreoptic adaption cable supplied for the vehicle.

The four amplified antennas use F-connectors with slim cabling, enabling them to be fitted easily behind the edges of trim in the vehicle. They have to be set in a recommended configuration.

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

STEP 8

A thin cable is used for the IR remote connection to ease installation. Also shown is the USB software update socket and the RS 232 serial port connector.

This installation only uses a single composite video connection to the existing front screen with the sound transmitted over the MOST system (there are three outputs available plus analogue stereo audio).

With all necessary connections hooked up, the unit is stashed behind the nearside boot trim panel.

Although installation in the four corners of the vehicle probably offers the best performance, reception was good with all four antennas in the rear side windows.

Not all the wiring was connected in this install. Orange is for the handbrake, green is the reverse input wire, blue is an internal daisychain 12V output lead and red is ACC input. The Range Rover was connected to permanent live only.

More info from Connects2 on 0845 257 5588, and visit www.connects2.co.uk 52 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

STEP 4

Diagnostics is assisted by transmission indicator lights on the MOST socket. The other ports are for APN and a Mini USB CAN connection.

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STAND 99

www.mobileelectronicsnews.co.uk THE DIRECTORY

For as little as £17 per month, you can list your company details here. For more information, contact 01268 754897 or e-mail kevin.hogg@creativemedialtd.co.uk

Aftermarket Vehicle Solutions Ltd Contact: Peter Hughes T: +44 (0)1255 434353 E: sales@avs-ltd.co.uk W: www.avs-ltd.co.uk Brands: Distributor of Speed Limiters, Cruise Control, Parking Sensors, Security Products, CAN interfaces and Carbon Fibre Heated Seat Kits to the Aftermarket and the OEM Industries.

Commercial Electronics Contact: Salim Ali T: +44 208 404 7105 F: +44 208 404 7104 E: sales@hawkcaralarm.com W: www.hawkcaralarm.com, www.demonalarm.com Brands: Designed & Engineered in UK, Est. over 25 years. OEM service available. Hawk Car Alarm, Hawk Reversing Angel, Hawk Motorcycle Alarm, Hawk GPS, Demon Car Alarm, Demon Motorcycle Alarm, Demon Reversing Angle, Demon Tracking, Cyclone Car Alarm, Cyclone Motorcycle Alarm, Cyclone Parking Sensors Kit, Cyclone Central Locking Kit, Cyclone GPS and much more...

Alpine Electronics of UK Ltd Contact: Keith Holness T: +44 (0) 2476 719623 E: keith.holness@alpine-electronics.co.uk W: www.alpine-electronics.co.uk Brands: Alpine

Audiovox Incaar Systems GmbH Contact: Damian Trybuszewski T: 01483 722531 E: info@audiovoxincaarsystems.com W: www.audiovoxincaarsystems.com Brands: Audiovox, Audiovox Incaar Systems, AIS

Canm8 Ltd Contact: Colin Palmer T: 0845 226 6283 E: sales@canm8.com Brands: Canm8 range of Can-Bus interfaces Can-Bus custom design Celsus UK Limited Contact: Sales T: +44 (0) 1202 664390 E: sales@celsusice.co.uk W: www.celsusice.co.uk Brands: Celsus Accessories, Calearo, Antennas, Caliber, Dynamat Europe, iSimple, Jehnert, JL Audio, MediaDAB, MTX, PAC Audio, Paser, Phoenix Gold and Stinger CKO International Limited Contact: Tony Rook T: 0208 863 8333 M: 07751 726598 E: enquiries@c-ko.co.uk W: www.c-ko.co.uk Brands: C-KO, Eurologics, Nesa/VST, Necvox, Rosen Area of business: In Car Multimedia, Interfaces, Rear View Camera Systems, Parking Sensors, Heated Seats, HID/Day Running Lights, Digital Video Recorders, Digital TV, Digital Radio Clarion (GB) Limited Contact: Sales at Clarion T: +44 (0) 1793 859563 F: +44 (0) 1793 859598 E: info@clarion.co.uk W: www.clarion.co.uk Brands: Clarion Cobra UK Contact: Cobra sales T: 01932 772400 E: salesuk@cobra-at.com W: www.cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk Brands: Cobra has been providing tried and tested vehicle security, safety and electronic systems since the 1970s. Our products include: Cobra Alarms and Immobilisers, Cobra ParkMaster Parking Sensors, CobraTrak Stolen Vehicle Tracking, NSV Bluetooth® Handsfree Systems (compatible with all Bluetooth® enabled handsets), VizualogicTM In-car DVD Systems, Rear View Reversing Cameras and Monitors, Cruise Control and Speed Limiters

Connects2 Contact: Andrew Simner T: 0845 257 5588 F: 0121 522 5589 E: sales@connects2.com W: www.connects2.com Brands: Connects2 – Interface solutions for OEM and aftermarket systems, including interfaces for iPod, USB, MP3, Aux, steering wheel controls inc CAN-Bus, Stalk & Display, Telemute, Parrot, and MOST fibre optic iPod & Bluetooth hands free interfaces. BEAT, Ground Zero, Tsunami, Shuriken, Balistic, Raptor, Zenec, Metra, LG, MAC Audio

Armour Automotive Limited Contact: Sales T: 01420 487110 E: sales@armourauto.com W: www.armourauto.com Brands: Autoleads, CTi, iO, Mutant, Radiomobile, Veba, VI, Avital, Focal, Hornet, Kicker, Orion Oxygen, Dension, Kinetik, Hushmat, Sony Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg GmbH Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg GmbH, Hermann – Petersilge – Srasse 10, 07422 Bad Blankenburg, Germany T: +49 (36741) 3690 F: +49 (36741) 36963 Email: liane.marter@antenne-ag.de

Daltec AI Ltd Contact: Jiten Patel T: 0208 515 7820 F: 0208 515 7820 E: sales@dal-tec.com W: www.dal-tec.com Brands: Distributors for Dice Ipod, Dension, Fiscon, Steelmate, Bluetooth Car Kits Including novero, THB, Bury and Nokia, Brodit, Tow-Trust, and many more. Get your full range of workshop supplies and lighting Dashmount Contact: Steve Taylor T: 01883 741460 E: sales@dashmount.co.uk W: www.dashmount.co.uk Brands: Dashmount, Bury, Nokia, Parrot, Adapt, Brodit, Autoleads, Elan, Kram, Park Control, Steelmate

FlyAudio UK Contact: John Pedlow T: 0333 4560236 F: 0333 7007120 E: sales@flyaudio.co.uk W: www.flyaudio.co.uk Brands: FlyAudio – In car advanced replacement media head units. Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Kia, Hyundai, Jeep, Subaru, Toyota, Vauxhall, VW iGRIP® / Herbert Richter GmbH Contact: Scott Bouquet Email: s.b@igrip.eu T: +44 (0) 208 144 7413 W: www.igrip.eu Brands: iGRIP, Herbet Richter. Exclusively Available at Strax (UK) LTD In Car Technologies Contact: Steve Patient T: 01392 829435 E: sales@incartec.co.uk W: www.incartec.co.uk

Kenwood Electronics UK Limited T: +44 (0) 1923 816444 E: enquiries@kenwood-electronics.co.uk W: www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk Brands: Kenwood

Navman Contact: Andrew Marsden T: 01162 449846 E: sales@celtrade.com W: www.celtrade.com Brands: Navman Panorama Antennas Ltd Contact: John Thomson T: +44 (0) 208 877 4444 E: sales@panorama-antennas.com W: www.panorama-antennas.com Brands: Manufacturer of antennas for DAB, Mobile Radio, Tetra, 3G Broadband and other wireless technologies Parksafe Automotive Contact: Mick Barber T: 01773 746591 F: 01773 743251 E: sales@parksafeautomotive.com W: www.parksafeautomotive.com Brands: Parking and Rear View camera systems Parrot UK Limited T: 0844 472 2360 E: sales.uk@parrot.com W: www.parrot.com Brands: Parrot

Radio World Contact: Dale Johnson T: 01132 578932 E: sales@radioworld-online.co.uk W: www.rw-online.co.uk Brands: Accessories importer

Sailes Marketing Ltd Contact: Matthew Sailes T: +44 (0) 1386 554210 E: info@sailesmarketing.com W: www.sailesmarketing.com Brands: Manufacturer and Distributor of CAN-Bus interfaces, Electronic Interfaces, Parking Sensors, Speed Pulse Generators & Installation tools Scorpion Automotive Ltd Contact: Sales T: 01257 249928 E: info@scorpionauto.com W: www.scorpionauto.com Brands: Scorpion Security, Toad Security, Sigma Security, Stirling Security, Scorpion Parking sensors, Scorpion Track Stolen vehicle and fleet management tracking Soundmasterscotland Contact: Gordon Ballantyne T: 0141 876 1819 or 876 1919 F: 0141 881 1515 E: gordonb@soundmasterscotland.com W: soundmasterscotland.com Brands: All original OE fit car audio. Ford, BMW, Nissan-Merc. Sat Nav discs, Auto Electrics. Repairs, Decodes, Faces, Looms, Sat Nav, DVD, Amps, Subs, iPod, USB, Alarms, Alloys, Installs. Parrot approved installer. Mobile service Steelmate Automotive (UK) Ltd Contact: Kevin Kay T: 01582 475677 E: sales@steel-mate.co.uk W: www.steel-mate.co.uk Brands: TPMS, DVR. Promata – DRL, High level brake light warning device, Reverse Alarm

For less than £17 per month, you can list your company details here. For more information, contact 01268 754897 or email kevin.hogg@creativemedialtd.co.uk 54 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu

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STAND 53

CA2051 CA2051 Keyless Keyless Entry Entry System System        

CA1053 CA1053

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CA1153 CA1153

Deluxe Deluxe Remote Remote Start Start && Keyless Keyless Entry Entry System System

Advanced Advanced Vehicle Vehicle Security Security && Keyless Keyless Entry Entry System System          

 2 x21-Way x 1-Way 4 Button 4 Button Remotes Remotes  OnOn Board Board Remotely Remotely Adjustable Adjustable Dual Dual Stage Stage Shock Shock Sensor Sensor  Starter Starter Interrupt Interrupt Output Output (Relay (Relay Included) Included)  Negative Negative Door Door Lock/Unlock Lock/Unlock Outputs Outputs  Indicator Indicator Light Light Outputs Outputs x 2x 2  Programmable Programmable Comfort Comfort Closure Closure  Suitable Suitable for for Vehicles Vehicles withwith Interior Interior Light Light Delay Delay  DBIDBI Port Port - For - For iDatalink iDatalink Interfaces Interfaces Web Based Based Programming Programming Trade Trade Price Price £30.00 £30.00 Web

2 x21-Way x 1-Way 4 Button 4 Button Metal Metal Remotes Remotes Dual Dual Stage Stage Magnetic Magnetic Shock Shock Sensor Sensor Starter Starter Interrupt Interrupt Output Output (Relay (Relay included) included) Indicator Indicator Light Light Outputs Outputs x 2x 2 2 x2Auxiliary x Auxiliary Channel Channel Outputs Outputs OnOn Board Board Door Door Lock Lock /Unlock /Unlock Relays Relays DBIDBI Port Port - For - For iDataliink iDataliink Interfaces Interfaces Programmable Programmable Comfort Comfort Closure Closure Suitable Suitable for for Vehicles Vehicles withwith Interior Interior Light Light Delay Delay Web-Based Web-Based Programming Programming

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FT-MBXXX-DC FT-MBXXX-DC Trade TradePrice Price ££450.00 450.00 Mercedes MercedesBenz BenzRemote RemoteStarter Starter  Fully Fully plug plug & play & play - NO - NO wires wires to cut to cut  Works Works with with thethe factory factory keykey - Lock, - Lock, Unlock, Unlock, Lock Lock  Compatible Compatible with with CompuStar CompuStar & FTX & FTX RFRF kit kit forfor extended extended range range  Works Works on on Petrol, Petrol, Hybrids Hybrids and and Diesels Diesels  Keyless Keyless GoGo compatible compatible  Retains Retains all all factory factory features features  Flashes Flashes Indicator Indicator lights lights forfor added added confirmation confirmation  Designed Designed & manufactured & manufactured in the in the USA USA

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MED7450 MED7450

CAN-bus CAN-bus Thatcham Thatcham Security Security System System

 CAN, CAN, K-bus, K-bus, Code Code && Analogue Analogue Interface Interface  Autosetting Autosetting && Tamperproof Tamperproof Ultrasonic Ultrasonic Sensors Sensors  Personal Personal PIN PIN Code Code forfor Emergency Emergency Override Override  Original Original Remote Remote Controlled Controlled

Trade Trade Price Price - £- £ 75.00 75.00

Promo PromoPrice Price- -££70.00 70.00