w w w. m o b i l e e l e c t ro n i c s n e w s. e u
IN THIS ISSUE Sound deadening All-new solutions Tech help Install guide and Q&A Latest news Products and industry gossip
is changing its name to...
A new-look magazine for a more demanding industry • More sales advice • More product insights • More tech features • More installation guideS First issue out July 1 More info on page 3 PLUS! SEE PARKSAFE’S LATEST PRODUCTS ON page 9 ALSO INSIDE
OEM upgrades
Interfaces and add-ons round-up
Audi demo car
Industry interview
Mean green JBL machine
Chat with Clare from Parrot
Sony review Fully featured double DIN
For more industry news and features, go to www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
MAY/JUNE 2013
\\\ CONTENTS \\\
EDITOR’S COMMENT All change Okay, so you’ve seen the cover this month, and you’ll notice there are a few things happening with this magazine. As we’ve said many times within these pages, this is an ever-changing industry, and it’s essential to adapt and keep up – whether that’s dealing with the effects of the economy, learning about the latest technology or negotiating the competition. But every now and then it’s important to heed your own advice, and that means making changes of our own. So as of the next issue, this magazine will be known as Aftermarket News. And a name change isn’t the only thing on the cards. We’re switching to a bimonthly frequency too, so there will be no issue out in June, but a month later in July you’ll be getting more pages, a new look, and content we feel will be better suited to your needs. It will definitely be worth the wait. The reason for the change is to provide an even greater focus on the needs of the aftermarket, still with the best news, reviews and features, but with more installation and sales content, and more industry insight. The growing demands and challenges we face call for a more demanding magazine, and it is here that Aftermarket News will deliver. This name and content change will be matched by a magazine redesign and restructuring, with a boosted, more targeted distribution. The launch of Aftermarket News will also be a good jumping-on point for those of you who would like to be more involved in the magazine, either from an editorial point of view or in terms of advertising, getting your message across to the rest of the industry. Drop me a line, or give us a call on the office number if you would like to know more.
CONTENTS Industry news
4
Audi demo car
Opinion
6
Industry interview 28
Big announcements, plus movers and shakers Andy Mills explores the benefits of going green
Digital radio news 8
The latest developments from the world of digital radio
OEM integration
These products will enhance a standard system without altering the looks
Sound-off report
10
14
So that is what is happening with the magazine. Probably another question is, well what about the MEN Awards and the Expo? These will still go ahead as planned – in fact, there will be important information about the awards in the very first issue of Aftermarket News. Keep an eye out for it, as you’ll receive it in early July. We’re sure you’ll be excited about what we’ve got planned. Chris Anderson Managing editor, chris@chrisandersonmedia.com
UK events
Pics and info from the Gadget Show, and also Kenwood’s dealer conference
Adam Rayner: adam@talkaudio.net Martyn Williams: edunit@edunit.plus.com Andy Mills (Millsy): millsy-max@hotmail.com
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
31
Sound deadening
32
Product review
34
Meet the dealers
36
A round-up of the current kits on the market
Adam Rayner faces a new double DIN unit from Sony
Product news
38
Install guide
40
MEN Directory
42
The latest aftermarket kit revealed, from head units to subwoofers and navigation
Contributors:
Creative Media Ltd. 318c High Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 5HB.
Business feature
36
Contact all the team on: Tel: 01268 754897 Fax: 01268 754429
Sean Rice SENIOR DESIGNER Tel: 01268 754897 sean.rice@creativemedialtd.co.uk
30
Got a business or install query? Maybe we can help
18
THE MEN TEAM
Chris Anderson MANAGING EDITOR Tel: 07553 564998 email: chris@chrisandersonmedia.com
Q&A
We catch up with Unique Car Sound & Security in Surrey
First issue out July 1
Charlotte Body PUBLISHER Tel: 01268 754897/07903 944666 charlotte@creativemedialtd.co.uk
We catch up with Nick Oakland of Synergy Automotive Electronics
How can extreme weather affect or benefit your business?
14
A competitor’s account of the EMMA Finals in Austria
24
This RS4 from Car Audio Security is loaded with JBL
18 Day in the Life
Clare Johnson of Parrot on her daily routine
20
How to fit the latest digital radio kit from Dabonwheels Numbers and websites for manufacturers and suppliers
Sophie Belcher Production/Events Tel: 01268 754897/07530 876727 sophie.belcher@creativemedialtd.co.uk 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 ///
ExcluSIvE whOlESalE SupplIERS FOR ThE
ROckFORD FOSgaTE pRIME RangE
Why in-car apps are the future
According to new reports, internet radio and apps will save the aftermarket
You only have to look at the rise in popularity of smartphones to see how they may have an increased involvement with in-car technology over time. But according to a report entitled Will Internet Radio & Apps Save the Aftermarket?, released earlier this year by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in the States, there may be more to it than that. It notes the ‘strong and sustained sales’ of app-enabled head units recently, with excitement generated by those which add other advanced features, such as internet radio. For this reason, it is predicted that head unit sales will remain steady throughout 2014, but may decline in 2015. The CEA’s Steve Koenig says that apps
will add strength to sales for an unspecified length of time, although increasingly hi-tech head units featured in cars as standard does pose a challenge. He said that vehicle OEMs were ‘leading innovation’ currently, and that the challenge would be for head unit manufacturers to integrate this latest technology across their line to ensure success. The report to an extent echoes another released by Juniper Research, which states that a fifth of all vehicles in North America and Western Europe will feature head units with app capability by 2017 – around 90 million cars. The only factor causing a delay is the apparent slow pace of new car sales. www.ce.org, www.juniperresearch.com
Hollica Ltd
New Prime wholesaler
F
5% OF
ERS
ORD FIRST
Tel: 01268 761030 Mob: 07928 600485 Email: sales@hollica.co.uk
4 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
UK distributor Vestatec has appointed Hollica Ltd as the exclusive wholesale business for the Rockford Fosgate Prime range, with immediate effect. Hollica Ltd is a new wholesale business, run by husband-and-wife team Lee and Julie Glover, who have operated a number of successful companies over the years, and have lots of exciting ideas and plans. They will now look after the sales of Rockford Fosgate Prime across the UK, working closely with the Vestatec team. Steve Tookey of Vestatec said: “This is an exciting new initiative that will increase the awareness of the Rockford Fosgate Prime brand, allowing Vestatec
TELL US YOUR NEWS!
If you have company developments, news or thoughts to tell the trade, why not let us know? Email information and hi-res images (300dpi) to chris@chrisandersonmedia.com
to have a stronger focus on the Punch and Power series.” Steve can be contacted directly for more info on 07778 930224, details for Hollica Ltd below. Hollica Ltd 01268 761030, sales@hollica.co.uk
MORE NEWS!
Our product news section is on p38. But don’t just skip to the back, there’s lots more in-between!
DIARY /// Pioneer
Pioneer rocks Gadget Show
Pioneer is well known for its DJ gear, in addition to its various car audio products – so what better way to get attention at the Gadget Show recently, and show its products in the best light, than by asking a couple of professional DJs to perform on its stand? Brandon Block and Spoony dropped in for a thoroughly impressive session on the opening day, working up the crowd and leaving them eager to explore the rest of the show – see our report on page 18. Known for his crazy antics, Brandon Block – who once attacked Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood with a pair of chopsticks at the Brit Awards – was on good form throughout. Pioneer 01753 789789, www.pioneer.co.uk
Alma Gates
Alma Gates dies
The car audio fraternity lost a colourful figure at the end of March in the form of Image Courtesy of www.caraudioclassifieds.org Alma Gates. An avid sound-off competitor in the US, 77-yearold Gates was well known on both sides of the pond, for the many SPL records she set with her 1988 Ford Bronco van, nicknamed ‘The Beast’ – and all of this while in her 70s. Her interests originally began as a way of spending time with her then-teenage grandson, but even though he eventually lost interest, she continued, working with a number of companies through the years, including Harman, Directed and Kicker. A retired schoolteacher, she eventually retired from sound-off competitions in 2006. Her participation gathered much publicity for car audio, with CNN once calling her the ‘Boombox Granny’.
May Thu 9 FCS Comms Installer 13 Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel, near Meriden Topics for this year’s event will include updates on the FITAS training course and its partnership with City & Guilds. It’s at a new venue too. www.fcs.org.uk 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. Tickets available now. Weekend and VIP passes include entry to nightlife events. www.modifiednationals.co.uk
JuNE Sat 15-Sun 16 The Supercar Event Dunsford Park Choose a supercar from a selection of many and
PARROT
CIP list open
Parrot has just announced that its CIP (Certified Installer Programme) list is now open for installers and dealers with retail premises. This is a great opportunity, as the CIP list has been officially closed for some time, but Parrot is now seeking to expand its database due to the growth of its range of products – specifically the release of the new Asteroid series. The CIP list was designed to create a superior standard of installation
then be driven around the track. A charity event, of Parrot products across the globe, forging a network of independent dealers and installers who advocate the brand and benefit from dedicated marketing and technical support, as well as recommendation to end consumers directly from Parrot via the Geo Locator. Anyone interested should email marketing.uk@parrot.com. Parrot 0844 472 2360, www.parrot.com
Wired.com
National Motor Museum
US installer jailed
Meet Richard Kiel
An article appeared on Wired.com last month regarding a car audio installer in California, now serving a 24-year prison sentence as a result of misusing his skills. Alfred Anaya of Valley Custom Audio Fanatics in San Fernando had reportedly been fitting cars in his workshop with secret compartments, which could then be used to smuggle illegal goods, including drugs. Anaya was charged with ‘false compartment activity’, for creating spaces, known as ‘traps’, that were undetectable to the eye, but could be opened through a particular button combination press or voice control. While he tried to avoid such commissions at first, he was apparently forced to accept due to mounting financial worries. The article can be read on the website. www.wired.com
Any James Bond fans should make a note of Sunday, May 26 in their diaries – as if you can make it down to the Bond in Motion exhibition at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, you could get to meet Bond baddie Jaws himself, actor Richard Kiel. Appearing in two Bond movies – The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979) – Kiel stands over 7ft tall, playing a character instantly recognisable due to his shiny metal teeth. He will also be joined by Blanche Ravelec, who played his love interest Dolly in Moonraker. Head to the exhibition any time between 10.30am and 4pm to get a signed photo, a signed copy of his book, Making it Big in the Movies, or to have your photo taken with him – will look good on the wall of the workshop, at least. National Motor Museum 01590 612345, www.beaulieu.co.uk
with all proceeds given to the Children’s Trust. www.thesupercarevent.com
July Thu 11-Sun 14 Goodwood Festival of Speed & Moving Motor Show Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex July 11 sees the Moving Motor Show take place, with the 20th edition of the Festival of Speed following after, and a special display to mark 40 years of the Porsche 911. www.goodwood.co.uk Sun 21 The Scottish Car Show Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh This year is the show’s 10th anniversary, with car clubs, stunt shows and other attractions, including an EMMA sound-off. www.scottishcarshow.com
August Fri 2-Sun 4 Ultimate Street Car 2013 Santa Pod Raceway Huge modified car festival, with Run What Ya Brung, music, club camping, traders, models, show and shine, drifting, stunts and more. www.ultimatestreetcar.co.uk
September Wed 4-Fri 6 Salon Privé Syon Park Features the very finest automotive and luxury brands, as well as the rarest and most valuable classic cars and motorbikes. www.salonprivelondon.com www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 5
OPINION /// ANDY MILLS ///
Tree hugging Can living a greener lifestyle offset the guilt of being a car lover? Andy MIlls is a former editor of MEN and industry journalist
Ever since I could drive, in fact ever since I could push a toy car around my bedroom floor, I’ve been a petrolhead. But one thing that has been a continual struggle for me is the fact I’m also an appreciator of the natural world. I quite like living on a planet with clean air, oceans I can swim in without wading through waves of rubbish and I’d rather have views of forests than of rubbish-strewn back streets. Hopefully I’m not alone in this appreciation, otherwise I suspect we’re in big trouble. However, balancing the two sensitivities can be a tricky thing. Cars are polluting; from the energy and raw materials used to build them, to the CO2 emissions from their tailpipes, the swathes of countryside Tarmac’d over for roads and the end-of-life dismantling and scrapping. For someone who could have quite easily been a flower-in-the-hair, tofu-eating environmentalist, being such a car lover is clearly a conflict. Or is it? For me cars are not limited in appeal by specific areas such as the sound that a petrol engine makes. I love the rumble of a V8, the scream
Did you know that you can’t recycle used pizza boxes?
Contact Andy on millsymax@hotmail.com 6 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
of a V10. I love the smell of petrol. But could I do without those things if it meant I still had the thrill of driving and the freedom that cars allow for, while knowing that the planet may at least have a chance of surviving mankind? Damn right I could! Give me a zero emissions car that drives like an M3 any day. I’ll admit that I don’t drive a Prius. In fact, I don’t own a single car capable of bettering 30mpg, despite my numerous attempts at eco-driving, so I am clearly a hypocrite. But I do take an interest in the development of alternative fuels and electric vehicles, watching hopefully for the day that a clean car can deliver at least most of what a conventional petrol or diesel engine’d one can. In the meantime, I’ve been looking at other areas of life to see what I can offset against the guilt (if not the carbon footprint) of being a car enthusiast. Recycling, for example. Did you know that you can’t recycle used pizza boxes? Apparently any cardboard food container heavily contaminated by food and grease cannot be recycled due to the imperfections that contaminate will cause in the final recycled material. Foil food packaging is fine, though.
The more you look into the subject, the more there is you can find out about recycling. But energy use is the other thing to consider. I’ll try to switch off electrical items when not using them and have low energy bulbs in every socket. And in the coming weeks I’ll hopefully be moving to a new house, and making it as eco-friendly as possible is right near the top of my to-do list. That’s not only smart for the environment, but hopefully smart for my pocket in the longer-term too. Recently I’ve also been thinking about the mobile electronics industry, and what we’re doing to limit our environmental impact. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive is something manufacturers and retailers should be adhering to, the subsequent regulations meaning essentially that as suppliers of consumer electronics, every effort should be made to recycle old equipment to avoid it going to landfill. Search online if you’re unfamiliar with it and there’s plenty of help and advice on how to do this, as well as information on the free ways to dispose of old car batteries responsibly (something I’m sure we’ve all encountered). Recycling of car audio might mean re-selling or restoring as much as it does stripping down and melting into new materials, but in a throw-away culture, does your business really do as much of the former as you can? It may seem idealistic, but someone somewhere will want that old, fully functioning head unit. And if digital radio becomes as big as people hope, just imagine how many old head units might be going to landfill unless dealers step in and offer a recycling service! That’s you by the way, a responsibility you should be taking on. Personally, I think being environmentallyconscious is good for any business. Not only might you lower running costs if you monitor and reduce your energy usage and material wastage, but you also just become more attractive. Think about it this way; if you found the same product being sold by two different companies at the same price, but one of those companies was clearly making efforts to be sustainable and responsible with waste and energy and the other was not, which would you spend your money with? I know where I would splash the cash, in fact, even if it was a touch more expensive, I’d be tempted to go with the eco-choice, despite watching the pennies, because at the back of my mind there’s always that nagging voice saying, “If you don’t make the right choices or put the effort into being green, then how can you expect others to?” Perhaps this car-guilt/green conscience I have is unique amongst car enthusiasts. But I hope I’m not alone.
020 8867 2340 P1000.1bd
BTA10100FHC
The Punch P1000-1BD mono amplifier pumps out 1,000 watts into a 1-ohm load. The class BD technology produces bass more efficiently over traditional amps, and its frequency response is optimized for subwoofers.
The BTA 10100 is a 10” active tube. Bazookas highly efficient customised woofers are specially designed and reinforced for use in the Bazooka BASS Tube Enclosure producing a piston action and generating the maximum bass output possible. This tube comes complete with a full installation kit which allows you to connect quickly to all aftermarket and factory radios in your vehicle.
trade Price £159
trade Price £307.79 P1000X4D
BTA850FHC
The P1000X4D is an ultra efficient 4 channel amplifier capable of producing 250 Watts into 2 ohms without excessive drain on your charging system. The P1000x4d amplifiers can also be run in bridged/mono mode for use with subwoofers
The BTA 850FHC is an 8” active tube. Bazookas highly efficient customised woofers are specially designed and reinforced for use in the Bazooka BASS Tube Enclosure producing a piston action and generating the maximum bass output possible. This tube comes complete with a full installation kit which allows you to connect quickly to all aftermarket and factory radios in your vehicle.
trade Price £141
trade Price £312.85 P1000X5D
BTA6100
The P1000x5d is an ultra efficient 5-channel amplifier capable of running your entire system without excessive drain on your charging system. The P1000x5d is perfect for running a front/rear system and a dedicated subwoofer.
The most popular of all Bazooka active bass Tubes because of its compact size and amazing reproduction of bass using a 6.5” speaker. This is an ideal solution if you’re leasing a vehicle and want to add bass and don’t want to make any modifications. The BTA6100 works remarkably well in most cars but specifically in smaller vehicles.
trade Price £111
trade Price £369.85 P300.1
DFM-MOD1
The P300.1 is a mono amplifier capable of producing 300watts into a 2-ohm load. The P300.1 full range frequency response makes it perfect for subwoofer system or for powering a dedicated centre channel speaker. The small chassis design means it will fit where traditional amplifiers cannot.
A Bazooka DFM-MOD1 is a FM modulated demo kit. This is ideal to be able to simply show any customer exactly what Bazooka bass will add to their existing system with no hassle. Supplied with an sd card with various music installed.
trade Price £40
trade Price £132.99
NOS8 PBR300X1 Trade Price £125.39 A mono amplifier designed for subwoofer systems with little space PBR300X2 Trade Price £143.12 A 2 channel amplifier that does not use a switching power supply to generate its rated power. This allows the chassis design to be much smaller than traditional amplifiers PBR300X4 Trade Price £143.12 A full range 4 channel amp designed for front/rear systems that require little space PBR500X1 Trade Price £222.92
A Bazooka 8” Passive BASS TUBE designed to look like a Nitrous Bottle. 150 watt max power handling, includes tank, cosmetic nozzle, braided line speaker wire and mounting kit.
A 500 Watt amplifier with Boosted Rail Technology allowing it to be compact and efficient with big power. Ultra compact and featuring Rockford’s patent pending Boosted rail technology these amps are breaking new ground in efficient amplifier design if you have limited space the PBR amps are the ones to go for.
Distributors of Meta Systems, Rosen Entertainment, Bazooka and Rockford Fosgate. Prices are plus VAT.
trade Price £135
next day delivery available Contact Us: 020 8867 2340 Technical Help Line: 07812967881 Email: sales@vestatec.co.uk Web: www.vestatec.co.uk Rockford Fosgate UK Rosen UK
NEWS /// DRIVE TO DIGITAL ///
Digital Radio UK’s Sam Bonham tunes us in to the latest developments
Ed Vaizey and Paul Diggin switch on the Northampton multiplex, with local broadcasters, Arqiva and Digital Radio UK
Improvements to coverage
L
ocal DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) coverage is improving around the UK. Following the agreement between the government, the BBC and commercial radio, local DAB coverage has been expanded across the country. Over the next 12 months, nine local areas are receiving their own launch of DAB services. This brings BBC local radio and a host of commercial local stations to DAB digital radio listeners for the first time. In the last few months we’ve already seen several successful local multiplex launches, with BBC Radio Oxford, Jack FM, Heart, Capital and Gold launching on DAB in Oxford in December. Following this, there was a Valentine’s Day launch in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, bringing local DAB stations – BBC Radio Three Counties, Heart, Capital FM, Gold, MK FM and Connect FM – to 1.8 million listeners in the area. More recently, we saw a DAB multiplex launch in Northampton. Minister Ed Vaizey, and Paul Diggin from 8 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
Northampton Saints rugby team, switched on the new local DAB signal in the area. This means that 675,000 listeners now get Heart, Connect FM, BBC Radio Northampton, Capital and Gold for the first time on DAB. Better coverage means that it is easier to sell digital radios. For consumers, these local DAB launches make buying a digital radio a more compelling proposition. DAB offers, on average, about twice as many stations compared to analogue. As coverage is rolled out, more and more people can get these digital radio stations, and this means that more people can enjoy the wide choice of content available. Retailers and manufacturers need to understand the content offering and be able to sell it to consumers – especially as more people come in-store asking about digital radio, following the improvements we are making in coverage. If someone comes into your store asking to buy a radio, your first response could be: “Did you know that you can
get loads of extra choice on digital radio? Did you know about the fantastic stations BBC 6 Music, 4 Extra, Absolute Radio, Heart and Capital? They’re all available on digital.” Coverage is better now than it has ever been and this will help attract consumers in-store. But we are still making improvements to DAB coverage. Later this year we will see new transmitters in North-East Wales and West Cheshire, as well as a significant city boost in Leeds. If you are based in these areas please get in touch, as Digital Radio UK would like to partner with local retailers for these local multiplex launches. Also, in addition to the online postcode checker at getdigitalradio.com, Digital Radio UK has a variety of point of sales materials to help educate consumers about digital radio and to help you to sell more products. Get in touch to find out more. For all enquiries regarding the above, please contact sam.bonham@digitalradiouk.com
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PRODUCT FOCUS /// OEM integration ///
Standard procedure Find a factory system, then upgrade its functionality while retaining the looks. Here is the latest kit to help you do just that
S
tandard-fit upgrades are deemed one of the growth areas in our industry at the moment. There seem to be a wide number of customers looking to add functionality to their cars, and have it controlled through their head unit or in-dash screen and the steering wheel remote.
This means adding interfaces and other items that make it easy to fit an aftermarket sound system with amplifiers and subwoofers, digital radio and TV, reversing cameras and more. This route is generally more affordable than the one offered by the car manufacturer
as standard, and offers more flexibility and choice. It can be a good idea to get in touch with dealerships, car clubs, and also put a note on their online forums that you offer this kind of thing, and can cater to specific vehicles. Here are newest interfaces and upgrades to reach the market.
Alpine
Audison
Alpine’s fantastic PXA-H800 processor has enough inputs and outputs to seriously upgrade the sound in any standard system. It has six-channel speaker level inputs and can take these from an existing externally-amplified OE system. It has optical and two Ai-NET inputs for adding additional devices, with automatic calibration based on the vehicle’s interior.
There are two processors from Audison – the Bit One and Bit Ten D – designed to interface between an OE head unit and a sound system. The Bit One is a small but powerful DSP package, and can be connected to two digital sources. The Bit Ten D has even more processing tricks, and can feed directly into Audison amplifiers. Both can be controlled via a PC or a separate digital remote. Four Masters, www.fourmasterscaraudio.co.uk
Alpine, www.alpine.uk.com
Autoleads
Beat
Autoleads has created a range of car-manufacturer-specific iPod interfaces, allowing the user to control and charge an iPod via an OE head unit, controlling the music through the stalk controls if required. The H2L line output convertor, meanwhile, reduces speaker level outputs from OE systems to line level and delivers these on RCA outputs for connection to external amplifiers. Armour Automotive, www.autoleads.co.uk
Digital radio is a huge growth market, and the Digi Two from Beat makes integrating it with any OE system easy, as it will work with any head unit featuring an FM tuner. Connect in-line with the FM antenna, add the power, and enjoy digital radio on the move. It even comes with an infra-red remote, with OE kits and aerial adaptors for specific makes and models of car. Connects2, www.connects2.co.uk
10 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
Connects2
DAS
Connects2 has a whole range of interfaces allowing connection to OE systems, ranging from Bluetooth phone kits to iPod, USB and DAB interfaces. The new iPod.3 interfaces (shown) combine direct iPod/iPhone connection with an Aux in through the OE CD changer port, while its Video in Motion interfaces add DVD, digital TV, rear camera input and more to a standard in-dash screen.
Connects2 is now the distributor of the DAS (Diversity Autoscan Systems) brand, hailing from Italy, with car-specific fibreoptic DVB-T tuners for Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Land Rover and VW. The tuners can add digital radio if required, in addition to TV, and are controllable via the vehicle’s original steering wheel controls. Software is upgradeable via the DAS website. Connects2, www.connects2.co.uk
Connects2, www.connects2.co.uk
Focal
Jehnert
High-end speaker brand Focal released the first two dedicated kits from its Integration range in the UK recently, through distributors Armour. Designed for ease of fitment, the kits are tailored to specific vehicles, with IFVWGOLF6 and IFP207 catering to the VW Golf MkVI and Peugeot 207 respectively, featuring two-way component speakers and custom mounts.
If you need OE-look door builds and speaker systems for certain makes of cars, Jehnert is a German brand distributed by Celsus that offers a lot of these in its range. The bestselling system shown is the 9-15100 speaker upgrade for the BMW 1-Series, 3-Series and new 5-Series, costing £575 RRP and featuring two 8 inch flat-line subwoofers, mid-range drivers and tweeters. Celsus, www.celsusice.co.uk
Armour Automotive, www.focal.uk.com
MB Quart
Media in Motion
PPA Distribution is now stocking MB Quart’s range of vehiclespecific speakers for BMW and VW owners. MB Quart has long been recognised as a high quality speaker brand, and these dedicated lines include compact coaxials, two- and three-way component systems, subwoofers, and custom-made, model-specific active subs, many of which can slot into standard locations.
New from Media in Motion are a number of camera interface kits for vehicles from Porsche, Jaguar and Range Rover. These will enable the integration of an aftermarket reversing camera kit with the latest standard-fit touchscreens. Features include autoswitching and a video-in-motion facility, and should be easy to fit thanks to their plug and play configurations. Media in Motion, www.media-in-motion.co.uk
PPA Distribution, info@proplusaudio.co.uk
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 11
PRODUCT FOCUS /// OEM integration /// MTX
Parrot
Another easy way to upgrade an OE sound system is with one of the ‘plug and play’ Road Thunder amplifiers from MTX. There are two models available, the RT30.4M and RT50.4M, rated at 4 x 40W and 4 x 23W RMS respectively. Both have a very small heatsink and operate at low temperatures, connecting to a standard-fit head unit via an ISO connection. Celsus, www.celsusice.co.uk
The new Asteroid units from Parrot are among those from the brand that can be made to integrate with a car’s standard fit steering controls, adding Bluetooth functionality among other options. Grab the CTASTEROIDLEAD patch lead from Connects2, the steering wheel interface for the required vehicle, and you too can make use of the double DIN Smart or single DIN Classic. Parrot, www.parrot.com
Paser
Soundstream
Paser offers a number of OE interfaces and integration options, and the latest is this plug and play SKT170 tyre pressure monitor system, all for £169. It fits easily behind the head unit, no specialist skills required, and calibrates quickly, helping drivers to keep an eye on their tyre pressures with audible alerts. It comprises a universal interface, with vehicle-specific harnesses like the one shown.
The Synthesis is a digital signal processor said to add as much to a standard-fit system as it can to an aftermarket one. It has six-channel high level inputs, so will integrate seamlessly with an OE head unit, allowing control over non-standard amplifiers and speakers. The 24-bit/96 kHz product can be set up via an easy-to-use program, compatible with both Mac and PC. PPA Distribution, info@proplusaudio.co.uk
Celsus, www.celsusice.co.uk
Vibe
Xcarlink
The Delta Box Line Convertor from Vibe can link an aftermarket amplifier with a factory-fit head unit. As featured in Vibe’s Ford Focus RS demo car, the device derives a low level RCA output for an amplifier or active enclosure from the speaker outputs of the head unit, and also provides a remote turn-on without a separate switch, or the need to find an ignition-switched 12V supply.
For audio integration, Xcarlink offers three different models – iPhone/iPod interfaces, USB/SD interfaces and an ‘all in one’ which supports Apple and USB/SD. These allow the connection, charging and control from an OE head unit of an external device through the CD changer port. An optional Bluetooth module is available too, as well as multimedia/ video interfaces. Xcarlink, www.xcarlink.co.uk
Midbass, www.vibecaraudio.com
12 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
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Event /// EMMA European Finals ///
Euro fighters It was standing on the main stage for the EMMA (European Mobile Media Association) 2013 Euro Finals presentation that made me realise just how much I needed to eat a scone. I hadn’t eaten during the day after an early breakfast and the nerves had kicked in for my first time up on the Euro finalists’ stage. If only it had been the same as the previous day, when Team UK contestants had rustled up a traditional English afternoon tea for the EMMA head judges. Scones all over the place! And this is what the finals had been about for me. In an event hall, surrounded by huge amounts of fantastic-looking and -sounding cars – with competitors and supporting team members alike all working towards getting maximum install points, cleaning their cars off and waiting for sound judging to be completed – there was a different type of spirit in the air. Not just competitive spirit, but Team UK spirit, Salzburg-style! Who else would have brought together a load of cheapo paper napkins, plates and plastic forks, driven a convection oven in the back of a saloon car 900 miles – filling their professionally finished SQ car with tea and jam – and negotiated the pitfalls of ‘foreign’ baking powder, just to show off their country and their team? The Italians serve wine and pasta, the Russians do vodka rather well and the Germans always have the beer available on demand. But no, we are Team UK and we 14 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
British competitor Richard Salmon gives us a first-hand account of the EMMA European Finals in Salzburg, Austria – the biggest sound-off in Europe
will serve you a damn fine scone with jam and cream and a cup of English breakfast tea. “Oh, there’s an SQ competition on? Oh how marvellous, let’s pour another cup of tea and go take a look.” And after the tea had been drunk, and the scones polished off, and the oven left to cool, what had we achieved? Plenty actually – this season had seen a very strong UK competition scene, being built further by the EMMA management team, and I’m proud to say I’ve been part of it. It’s my first season as an EMMA competitor and I’ve had the pleasure of diving head first into UK competing, with some great friendships made in the last 12 months. I had expected things to be a pretty closed shop, if I’m honest – I have no pedigree in car audio, nor did I have any real understanding of the competition format or rules when I got heavily into my VW Golf build, but I needn’t have worried. Between Andrew Ackerley and the EMMA UK judges, I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive, open or friendly bunch of people – who have guided me through the whole competition process every step of the way. Not only that, the more experienced competitors have been fantastic, and I’m now fortunate enough to count many of these people as my friends. I hadn’t expected this when I first signed up to compete in April 2012. And then the bug bit – I started to learn more and more about the competition process and how my own car was progressing.
And throughout the season I got more and more involved in the process and got some pretty decent results for a first season’s effort – culminating in a 2012 League Champion’s glass trophy and the opportunity to represent Team UK and Team Hybrid Audio UK at the Euro Finals. The timing for the finals this season was a little unusual, being delayed from October until March, so plenty of the team entries had been rebuilt over the winter – mine included, with Lee at Platinum In-Car in Coventry providing the know-how for my car. And when we got to Salzburg, a number of the team had encountered some issues with either their cars or systems, but we all pulled together to help each other get ready for the judging start less than 24 hours after arriving in Austria. And so we return to the build-up to the presentations at the end of a long week in Austria. With the placings and awards dished out, our thoughts turned to a long haul journey back home. But still the friendships continued, and the inevitable banter – despite the tiredness from 2,000 miles driving and not enough sleep, the group remained together and even 10 days later the feeling of the brilliant week in Salzburg continued. I’m not sure my hugely supportive wife would approve, but I’d be back there tomorrow asking for the event to continue if it was possible. For full details of the upcoming season, visit www.EMMA-UK.com
Introducing the Alpine TuneIt App
Stay in Control, Stay Connected The all-new TuneIt app turns your phone into an interface for custom sound tuning, Facebook updates and more! Compatible with iPhone and Android-based phones like Samsung Galaxy S3. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Alpine TuneIt App
Sound tuning right from your phone!
10 Pre-set EQs
Bass / Mid / Treble
Parametric EQ
Frequency Selection
Download the TuneIt app and connect your iPhone via USB or your Androidbased phone via Bluetooth®. Your phone instantly becomes a sound tuning interface. As you change settings on the phone, you hear the results, so you can customise the sound exactly how you want. Sound tuning choices include 6-channel Digital Time Correction, 9-Band Parametric EQ, Center Frequency, and Crossover cutoff, level and slope. After making your sound settings, upload them to the Alpine Cloud Server to share them with other Alpine fans. You can also check out their settings, and rate them. Download some high rated or interesting settings and try them in your car. The database will keep growing, so check back often to see new ones.
Facebook in your car! The TuneIt app also keeps you in touch with your Facebook friends. When you receive a new message, you get a visual notification on both smartphone and head unit, plus a sound notification through your car’s speakers. The visual notification includes a big “f” logo and the sender’s name, with the profile picture shown on the phone.
www.alpine.co.uk
Time Correction
Crossover
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NEX DAY T DELIV ERY
Event /// UK events ///
The main events Car Audio Centre director Jack Digva
Alpine sales manager Keith Holness
Parrot managing director Asif Gillani
Gadget Show
P
roduct exposure possibilities at the Gadget Show, held this year from April 3-7, are huge. Potential exhibitors in the mobile electronics arena could pay around £10,000-15,000 for a medium-sized stand. Add the associated running costs of the five-day period and it could be the thick end of 30 grand, but many exhibitors seemed to think it was worth it. All gadget life was there, with loads of new products such as 4k ultra HD television. Demos of this new format included an 84 inch panel playing a car racing game. Smartphones and gaming had a heavy focus, and smartphone compatibility improvements were pushed by mobile audio manufacturers. Apart from Alpine, all companies with mobile audio were either represented as part of a multiple product line-up (Pioneer and JVC) or with additional gaming and headphone products (Vibe and Car Audio Centre). As smartphone sophistication grows, one of the most enticing head unit features is for the punter to have his or her favourite apps coming up on the screen. A star product on this score, shipping for sale in May, is the Pioneer iPhone 5-ready SPH-DA110 with AppRadio, featuring a 7 inch touchscreen and Parrot-branded Bluetooth. It’s the first 18 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
Pioneer product to be MirrorLink-ready, giving customers the option of using a Windows phone as well as an Apple or Android device. The DA110 will allow the user to operate any AppRadio-compatible apps direct from the screen. These include music, digital radio, traffic information and navigation. Alpine was showing its brilliant TuneIt app, bringing the magic of manipulating sound processing in the car onto the screen of a smartphone. Keith Holness was enthusiastic about the feature calculated to boost interest in aftermarket head unit sales. He said: “We need to be at retail shows to push the brand, and we know that many people will be here wanting to use their smartphones with all sorts of applications relating to head units. There seems to be fewer exhibitors this year, but I can’t think of many other consumer shows that we could go to, so I think this will still be a regular event for us. It gives us an opportunity to tell a lot of people that you can still change your head unit and it will make a difference.” There was some dealer/distributor representation in the form of the Car Audio Centre. Director Jack Digva had set up shop for the first time at the venue, and was looking forward to a good week with aisles rammed with potential customers. Product
diversification was also the keynote of his stand presentation. Jack said: “Our main business is car audio, but we are also pushing the colourful iDance headphones. We’ve been selling these for about a year now, and should do well as they have appeal across the generations. Being here for the first time it will be interesting to gauge the public interest in the car audio on our main stand, plus the Road Angel and navigation on the rear stand.” Parrot’s main man Asif Gillani was in demand for press comment as usual. He said: “We’ve had the same large area here for three years, it’s expensive but it has been very successful and therefore worth it. It gives us a chance to speak to the trade, the installers and the end users. I love to speak to the public because it gives me an opportunity to understand what the customer is looking for and how they react to a product. It’s a good selling environment – we actively direct people to the retail partners here at the show selling our mobile electronics and our flying products. I would recommend the venue to anyone, but the stand has to be well-staffed bearing in mind the huge footfall of around 30,000 a day.” For more info on the Gadget Show, and news of next year’s event, head to www.gadgetshowlive.com
Last month saw the Gadget Show at the Birmingham NEC and Kenwood’s dealer conference at Mercedes-Benz World taking place
Old cars met new car audio at Mercedes-Benz World last month
Kenwood launch
F
or an industry related so closely to motoring, it would be hard to find a more fitting venue for a dealer conference than Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands. The main building features three floors of some of the most memorable Mercedes cars from over the years, with displays, interactive exhibits and documentary screenings, showcasing the best of the brand, from its history to its success in motorsport. Then outside, there are a number of test tracks and driving experiences, where visitors can either be a passenger in one of the latest models or have a go themselves. There is definitely enough to lure dealers and installers away from their workshops for a morning, and it certainly worked for Kenwood last month, who used Mercedes-Benz World as a base to unveil its new products and reveal its plans for the year. First it divided the dealer network into groups, taking them around the test tracks in Mercedes AMG vehicles to demonstrate the handling and cornering at high speeds – perfect for shaking off the fatigue of an M25 commute – and then it was into the screening room to find out more. Adam Handley, Kenwood’s general manager, kicked things off, revealing that the key focus of the brand at the moment is smartphone/ tablet integration, 4G, digital radio, and also the safety aspects involved in using such technology. Product manager Mike Edwards
then delved into the new releases for 2013, looking at highlights from the range. Mike talked about the new mechless unit from the brand, and the easy Bluetooth pairing that all models now have with iPhones. He revealed that more thought has gone into Kenwood’s mid-range this year too, and with a new design, built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and Aha Radio support, models would be easier to distinguish from the entry level, so easier to sell. Facebook and Twitter usage and digital radio have also been improved, with a new chip for DAB that incorporates time shift technology, and the ability to rewind broadcasts. “This is what customers want now, and even at the low end we are pushing the internet,” he said. “It’s all about Facebook and Twitter.” The DDX multimedia double DINs now have optional MirrorLink, replicating the display and functions of Nokia and Samsung phones, while the DNX navigation units will shortly be using Garmin Smartlink. “That will be the first software update on these units,” Mike said, also explaining that future updates will now be a part of the range and are a way of building a relationship with customers. “The technology is done from our side, we’re waiting for Garmin to grant us the licence. But this will add 3D traffic, views from traffic cameras and live weather reports via the app.” He added that Bluetooth has also been improved, so that parameters can now be
adjusted while on a call, and how important 4G will become in the car. Then came the big reveal, the DNN network unit, with a swipe and pinch touchscreen display, accessing the internet via a smartphone like no other product on the market. “Everything you do in the office, you can do here,” Mike said. “We have a server in the Tokyo office, and it communicates with this device, while you control it all using voice commands. You’ll even get access to a Dropbox where you can upload or download your media and share with others.” Mike admitted this unit was a lot to take in, and it was the one that dealers were all crowded around when looking at the display stands afterwards. Talk then turned to the future, with news that Kenwood had just purchased a smart camera company, which will play a part in later models, and is developing head-up displays. “The future is not a dead end, there is still a lot to come,” Mike said. Finally, Paul Freedman, key accounts/ business development manager, talked about the ways the brand would support its dealer network this year through advertising, training, updates to display stands, and also more incentives for selling Kenwood products. There is definitely a lot going on, and a lot of exciting new products – all we need now is a Mercedes to fit them all in. For more info, call Kenwood on 01923 816444, or go to www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 19
Day in the life /// Clare Johnson ///
A day in the life of… Parrot’s business development manager Clare Johnson has worked at Parrot for almost two years. Here she explains what she likes about the role and working in a predominantly male industry
I
joined Parrot in June 2011, and prior to this I was working at Armour Automotive. A colleague showed me the advert in MEN for the business development manager for Parrot’s automotive channel in the UK and Ireland, and jokingly said that I should go for it – which I did, and here I am today! It was quite exciting, as my job at Armour was my first in the industry. I came from a background of selling advertising space online, and in directories I also have a telecommunications background where I was a sales manager. I have always
though we work in the same industry, we do our best not to take work home with us. Fortunately, we have other things to talk about than the handsfree car kit market! But in my role as business development manager for Parrot UK and Ireland, I manage all of our relationships within the automotive channel. I work very closely with our approved Parrot partners such as Chameleon, Pama and CEL Trade to maximise opportunities for our installers and to maintain our fantastic market share. I also work with our marketing team to promote the Parrot brand and products, as well as car manufacturers
I’m not easily intimidated or offended, which is a good thing in this business worked in a very male environment, though, whether it is selling advertising to builders and plumbers, or dealing with directors of large corporate companies, and I knew as soon as I started with Armour that this industry suited me – I love meeting new people and building relationships. I get a buzz from understanding the market and finding out what people want and need to help their own business succeed. I am not intimidated easily or offended, which is a good thing in this line of business! But I did enjoy working at Armour – and I even met my fiancé, Don, who still works there, and we are getting married on May 4. Don is Armour’s financial director, and even 20 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
for their aftersales channels. Within Parrot UK, my role is to promote the automotive channel and to ensure that the needs of it are supported to the very best levels possible. There is no typical day for me, and it can change depending on what is going on in the market at that time. Working with our partners to promote Parrot, to plan and run promotions for the channel, are common activities for me. I also like to keep an eye on any competitors, and to investigate reports of non-UK product entering our marketplace, which could be damaging for us all. Finding new opportunities is great, as it gives me a real sense of achievement when I can
create something from scratch and see the increase in sales and awareness. We have a great team at Parrot, and I know that we could never have been as successful as we have been without the support and teamwork of my colleagues. There is also a good atmosphere in the office, and although work is hectic, we have a laugh too. We go out once a quarter as a team, normally to a nice restaurant, but we have been known to go karting and see the competitive side come out. Since I joined Parrot, we have diversified into other product segments, such as the AR Drone or Zik headphones, but I have ensured that the needs of the automotive channel are always heard. Dealers who sell purely on price do no favours for us or the industry, and it means that others find it hard to compete. Some dealers also expect work to come to them – this may have been the case previously, but in challenging economic times, the successful companies are those that are proactive and explore new opportunities. I would never have left my old job to just go to anyone. I always said if you are going to leave somewhere, leave to go and work for the best. With Parrot, the brand has been promoted so effectively that people no longer ask for a handsfree kit – they ask for a Parrot. It is always innovating and not playing catch-up, and ahead of the competition. Over 60% of Parrot’s workforce are engineers, so if Parrot can’t fix it or make it happen, I doubt anyone can! For more info, call Parrot on 0844 472 2360, or visit www.parrot.com
READ THE MAGAZINE ONLINE
For more industry news and Features, go to www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
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Free Map Updates via PC for the life of the product. (Up to 4 updates per year)
NEW ACTIVE LANE GUIDANCE
A combination of voice prompts and visual cues to help drive through an exit or interchange.
3D BUILDINGS AND TERRAIN
With 3-D Building and Terrain view, you’ll see representations of prominent buildings in many cities.
FREE LIFETIME TRAFFIC2
Free Traffic Updates via PC for the life of the product.
NEW
GARMIN REAL NAVIGATION Real Directions™ Real Voice™ Real Signs™
JUNCTION VIEW
NEW
PhotoReal gives incredible detail of major junctions with lane guidance. Birds Eye gives an overhead view of the junction.
BLUETOOTH®
‘UP AHEAD’
Constantly updates POI on your route, such as restaurants, hospitals and petrol stations.
SMARTPHONE LINK
Sync with a Bluetoothenabled smartphone for hands-free calling.
DVR - Vehicle recording systems
micro
NEW
Allows Android smartphone to use an existing data plan to share navigation information and access Garmin Live Services (weather, traffic, Fuel prices). See www.garmin.co.uk
Video Manager
micro
micro
data software BlackVue Driving WI FI
DR 380G-HD
DR 400G-HD II
DR 500
• 8GB memory card included • 720p HD • 360° rotating lens • GPS speed & location recording • G-Shock sensor • Motion detection in parking mode
• 16GB memory card included • 1080p FULL HD • 360° rotating lens • GPS speed & location recording • G-Shock sensor • Motion detection in parking mode
• Built-in WiFi with Live View • 16GB memory card included • 1080p FULL HD • 360° rotating lens • GPS speed & location recording • G-Shock sensor • Motion detection in QFC:10878 parking mode
QFC:10410
£143.76 Dealer Net
QFC: 10875
£168.00
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
£192.00
DEMO CAR /// JBL Audi RS4 ///
Pretty green Car Audio Security’s latest demo car is one lean, green machine, highlighting the best of JBL and Clifford SmartStart products, as Chris Anderson discovers
“It’s known as the Marmite car,” Parm Panesar, product manager at Car Audio Security in Hayes, tells us as he points towards his immaculate Audi RS4. “We call it that because you either love it or hate it on account of the colour combination. But we love it. It gets so much attention when we go to shows and demo the sounds, and to us that’s what matters.” The car’s respray in Ford Aztec Green – which Parm informs us is a 1980s colour – is certainly eye-catching, and the lime green leather interior retrim is not something you see every day. Sat on 19 inch Rotiform alloy wheels only helps to cement its lairy, aggressive looks, and all this before the 24 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
sounds are even fired up. “The idea of my system was for it to be simple,” Parm says. “I wanted to retain all my boot space, but still have a high quality sound with plenty of bass.” So is this what has been achieved? Working at Car Audio Security, as Parm has done since 2000, certainly has its advantages. For starters, all senior staff members receive company cars, to be installed with equipment and used for demo purposes as well as a daily drive. Then there is the range of product available, as the company is the UK distributor for brands such as Infinity, JBL, Orion, Clifford and Viper. “The idea with the RS4 was to demo and promote the latest equipment
from JBL,” Parm confirms, “as well as the Clifford SmartStart.” Ah yes, the Clifford SmartStart – something that has really impressed since its initial launch, and is being pushed heavily by Car Audio Security now that it has taken over the distribution. Training days commenced last month for the company’s dealer base to help them learn more about it. If you think it is something that could benefit your own customers, give Car Audio Security a call. “I love SmartStart, as it allows me remote access from anywhere in the world via my iPhone,” says Parm. “I could be anywhere, but I can still lock, unlock or remote-start the car.”
The vehicle The Audi RS4 has been given a Ford Aztec Green respray and a lime green leather interior retrim. Performance-wise, it has a Millket De Cat exhaust system with Stage One remap, plus a KW V3 coilover kit, 19x10.5 Rotiform SJC alloy wheels and Falken 265/30/19 tyres.
THE DETAILS lP ioneer AVH-X8500BT double DIN AV unit l J BL GTO-609C component speakers (front) l J BL GTO 509C component speakers (rear) l JBL GTO-1214 subwoofer l J BL GTO-804EZ four-channel amplifier, powering the speakers l J BL GTO-751EZ mono amplifier, powering the subwoofer l Clifford Concept 650 alarm with SmartStart
The SmartStart is actually a feature that tags on to the existing alarm system, which in this case is a Clifford Concept 650. Manufacturers Directed Electronics have also made the technology available to its Viper brand, in addition to Clifford. By downloading the relevant app, a smartphone can then interact with the vehicle by using the clever graphical interface. It all began with the idea of starting a car from inside the house on a cold morning, to get it warmed up before heading off, but has since developed to take on a wealth of other features. With the latest version, users can set up GPS tracking features such as geofence, hotspot or speed alert and lockdown, and get push notifications sent to the smartphone if the alarm is triggered, or if the voltage is getting low – so the car can be remote-started and still be driveable when the user returns. Via Bluetooth, the car can be programmed to start automatically when the owner approaches with the phone, and there are
customisable auxiliary buttons to link in other electronic features, such as electric windows or the audio, operating them via the handset. These are just highlights, and for demo purposes the SmartStart kit is particularly useful, with Parm amazing onlookers by controlling the Audi through his phone. “SmartStart is cool,” he confirms. “I was on holiday, and the car was in my drive 1,500 miles away. It needed a clean ready for a show when I got back, so I rang Colin at Excel AutoDetailing, from Egypt, and asked him to go round. When he got there, I was able to unlock the car and start it for him, he was very impressed.” Of course, there can be a danger of this overshadowing the other electronic kit that has been fitted, but the audio system is just as impressive, headed up by the Pioneer AVH-X8500BT double DIN AV unit in the dash. This has a 7 inch touchscreen and Parrot Bluetooth, and allows Parm to get even more use from his iPhone thanks to its AppRadio
technology, with compatible apps replicated and operated through the display. From there it’s off to the back of the car, where the signal is fed into a JBL GTO804EZ four-channel amplifier powering the speakers up front, and the JBL GTO-751EZ mono amplifier connected to the GTO-1214 subwoofer, also from the brand, just next to it. It is a very clean build, with lighting around the audio products, finished in grey Alcantara. “The build only took a few days, and it’s been done to a very high standard,” says Parm. “It’s simple, but there has been a lot of attention to detail.” Having the use of a sizeable workshop behind the shopfront at its Hayes premises is another advantage to working at Car Audio Security. It was here that the boot build was created, with a JBL GTO-609C component system fitted to the front door locations, and a slightly smaller JBL GTO-509C set in the rear. Hidden behind the trim, the only hint they are there is the tiny JBL badges placed over the Bose ones featured as standard. Since completing the car, Parm is pleased with the results, for its clean sounds and practicality in keeping the boot useable, but also in other ways. “Since we have installed the audio and security, we have seen a rise in sales of the relevant brands,” he says, “so the car is delivering exactly what we wanted it to. But it looks good, sounds good, and I can get my shopping and baby seat in too.” Perhaps he can expect an even steeper rise in sales when he starts taking it out to car shows along with the rest of the Car Audio Security fleet this summer. And as for the earlier comparison to a certain sticky, dark brown paste, getting to know the car you soon learn that you can’t only base your opinions on the colour. And we don’t really mind, as we’ve always liked Marmite. For more info, contact Car Audio Security on 0208 569 1543, and visit www.caraudiosecurity.com www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 25
INTERVIEW /// Nick Oakland ///
Creative synergy
Nick Oakland reflects on his years in the industry, and talks about his latest venture with Synergy Automotive Electronics
Tell us about your background. I started off in the car electronics industry by chance. I was working as a technician for a BMW and Porsche dealer, and wanted a different challenge. I enjoyed electronics, so when I saw a job advertised working for Lite-On Corporation, then trading as Zemco Automotive Electronics in the UK, I applied and the rest as they say is history. I loved the new role, and it took me all over the country, helping dealers with installation issues and designing solutions for new cars with alarms, on-board computers and cruise control. From Lite-On, I went to Laserline when it first launched, and from there to GT Auto Alarm. I then started my own business in 1992, and eventually sold to one of Vestatec’s customer’s in 2005, working for them as technical manager. I then joined Cobra UK when they sold the distribution contract, to again work as technical and OEM project manager, where I headed up projects for Cobra Group, including the McLaren MP4-12C platform and management of the VW Group projects.
How have you seen the industry change? In recent years, the industry has been driven by changes in vehicle specification and electronic architecture, and this has certainly thrown up challenges for dealers. As I work with dealers to assist them in growing their business, I have the benefit of being on their side of the fence for 13 years along with the OE experience gained with manufacturers. I can therefore pass a lot of knowledge on that we can both benefit from, and I also learn from the dealers, as there’s far more product diversity now, and many are thriving by increasing their product offering.
And what about the venture you have now? What are you planning with that? I launched Synergy Automotive Electronics with the intention of selling innovative new 28 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
products, many of which are at the start of their life cycle and give us and the dealer some longevity. I’m finding that many dealers are supporting us. We have more products in the development cycle, many of which will offer sustainable growth and place us in a good position for the future. We’ve looked to offer quality, functionality and reliability first and foremost, then we look to innovation – if the product offers USPs to the dealer and inspires the customer, we all win. We launched a Can-Bus alarm with tracking built in at the MEN Expo, and this will read and write to the Can, so that is an example of how things have changed and how, by connecting just four wires to the vehicle, you can give so much functionality. Other things that have been successful have been the Smart Mirror and high level brake light replacement camera for the new Sprinter and Crafter.
Is now a good time to operate such a business? I don’t think there’s ever been an easy time to start a new venture, but we’re lucky to have made some good contacts. I think the key to that success is they’re confident we’ll always be on the end of a phone if they need technical support.
You mentioned the MEN Expo – was that a good show for you? The Expo was fantastic for us, with many dealers taking an interest. We showed a number of new products, including a range of telematics systems that offer solutions for a wide range of vehicles and applications. We also launched the new cruise control and speed limiting with smartphone app, which allows the setting of the speed via Bluetooth, and we’re in discussions with insurance companies to get some pilot schemes running, so watch this space.
Where are the growth markets in this industry, and how are you targeting them? One of the key growth markets has been telematics, and we are fortunate to have experience right from the start, looking to grow this side of the business with new products and services that haven’t been offered in the UK before. This forms part of a five-year plan.
How big is your operation currently, and how do you plan to expand? We’re using a contract warehouse distributor, and this has been very successful for us, not only keeping our head counts down, but also offering a very well established infrastructure with the capacity to grow without the worry of moving to larger premises as the business expands. We’ll continue to roll out more products and develop ideas to assist our dealers. We want to work alongside dealers for mutual benefit. It’s our firm belief that working in a partnership scenario is the way to sustainable growth.
You have a lot of experience in the industry – what can dealers be doing more of to help their business? There many aspects to running businesses and it’s been difficult over the last few years, but in my view, the single most important thing is to take some time to reflect, go to the trade shows, speak to other dealers about how they’re doing and be aware of consumer trends. And of course, I would say, sit down with us and talk about products that we have that could change your business.
For more info, contact Synergy Automotive Electronics on 01865 366434, and visit www.synergy-automotive.com
w w w. m o b i l e e l e c t ro n i c s n e w s. e u
is changing its name to...
AftermArket News is the New NAme of the Uk’s oNly free trAde mAgAziNe ANd oN-liNe resoUrce for the iN-cAr electroNics iNdUstry. Featuring the same team that brought you Mobile Electronics News, this new bimonthly publication will provide essential information and advice for helping specialist dealers, distributors and manufacturers get the most out of their business. As ever, this will be backed up by an annual Expo and Awards, held in March and November respectively. The reason for the change is to provide an even greater focus on the needs of the aftermarket, still with the best news, reviews and features, but with more installation and sales content, and more industry insight. The growing demands and challenges of the industry call for a more demanding magazine, and it is here that Aftermarket News will deliver. This name and content change will be matched by a magazine redesign and restructuring, with a boosted and more targeted distribution. In a technology-driven, fast-moving and competitive market, Aftermarket News will be as essential to your business as your staff and stock.
examples of new content will include: • More installation advice, not just detailing how to fit specific products, but helping you understand its operations and software • More sales advice, to ensure you make the most of your showroom and deliver the right messages to your customers, maximising your profit every time • Added industry insight, with key personalities informing dealers of important changes and developments in advance of when they happen • An extended focus on the industry’s key growth areas, including smartphone integration, OEM interfacing and digital radio • Inspirational advice, to remind the dealer that their installation skills are an asset, separating them from internet sellers and other competition.
EXPERT HELP /// Q&A ///
Got a problem? 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 Just cruisin’ Does anyone know if a 2003 MkIV Golf can be retro-fitted with the VW cruise control? It’s a GT TDi, so quite a high-spec one. The There were a few responses to this query on Ifitstuff. com recently. Gavin White writes: “Yes, it can be done – I’ve done a few and it’s fairly simple. You can get a kit from VW or Kufatec, it’s basically a new stalk and a loom. I can’t remember how exactly, but the loom
customer only wants it if it’s the factory kit, not aftermarket. Hopefully it can be done, and if so is it just a case of changing a switch like later connects in above the fuse box from outside, so the wiper motor needs removing. Then activating with VCDS, this will take you about 60-90 minutes.” Another response was posted by Ash Aziz, who added a few thoughts on pricing. “It’s fairly simple,
models? I’ve been told it has a switch on the clutch pedal, so hopefully that’s all I need.
Lawrence and the retrofit kit is around £129, which includes the wiring loom,” he says. “I’ve done maybe 40 or 50 of them. It depends on the car too, as you may need a clutch switch. The kit will come with full instructions, but it will need coding once fitted.”
Insignia sensors I’ve got a Vauxhall Insignia to fit a set of front parking sensors to next week. Not having
It certainly sounds straightforward when reading the fitting guide posted by Peter Smith on Ifitstuff.com. He writes: “It’s a nice, easy install, as is the case with all Vauxhalls. First, mark the centre sensor, which is 3.25 cm up from the bumper and 4.75 cm from the numberplate recess. The outer sensors are 3 cm up from the bumper edge and 47.25 cm from the numberplate recess – these are the factory positions.” With the locations marked, it’s just a question of
worked on this car before, does anyone have any pointers? I’m familiar with Astras and Corsas,
installing the kit. “Run the cables as normal from the driver’s side to the passenger side,” he continues. “Then run through the engine bay and go in through the grommet there – it’s in the same place as the Astras and Vectras, on the passenger side behind the glovebox. Take the glovebox out by removing the four 7 mm bolts, then find the ignition feed from the fuse box behind the driver’s side panel, which is violet/red, and fit the switch. Now fit the buzzer at the side of the glovebox,
and similar Vauxhall models, so am thinking it should be quite straightforward. Steve
facing the passenger door, and secure the box.” Danny Boyes also chipped in with some advice on removing the front bumper, to make installation easier. “Remove three Torx T20 screws from under each wheelarch, and six T20 screws from under the bonnet, and the bumper will pull forward, allowing access for cable routing,” he says. “Make sure you put something underneath to stop it from scratching the floor, and unplug the temperature sensor from the grille.”
TV affecting FM? We’ve got a customer who says that after we fitted a TV-tuner and interface to his car, his FM isn’t as strong as it used to be. We’ve done a few jobs for him, and he said the same after A few theories cropped up on Ifitstuff.com. For example, Paul Robbie asked if a SOT lead had been used and if it was fully populated – but apparently no such lead was needed, as the interface had a ribbon cable that piggy-backed onto the satnav screen circuit board, with the sound fed in via the OEM Aux 30 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
we fitted a Parrot handsfree kit, but I looked at it and the reception was fine. This time, we fitted a C-KO tuner with the recommended Funke aerials, both mounted either side to the in, so no FM transmitter/modulator either. Danny Barker asked if a thermal front screen was involved, but apparently not, with FM/AM/GPS all taken care of by the shark fin aerial at the rear of the car, with Freeview reception also spot on. Ian Mays made a suggestion, adding: “I have fitted DVB aerials
top of the windscreen. Going to have a look tomorrow, but just in case is there anybody who has experienced poor FM reception after a TV-tuner has been fitted? Mike in the rear quarter glass of Range Rover Sport or Vogue models, and this is where FM/AM is affected, and this also happens on the Mercedes S-Class. So a DVB antenna can affect FM/AM when placed near the OEM aerial, but I suspect this is only the case when using an active DVB antenna and not passive.”
\\\ Business focus \\\ Weather warning
TakeN to extremes
Are we really surprised by the weather anymore, and as a retailer is it possible to make the most of extreme conditions? The British love talking about the weather, mainly because we get a lot of it; cold, snowy and icy in winter, warm and occasionally rainy in spring, a summer full of glorious sunshine, and autumn cooler again, with rain back on the agenda. At least that’s how we think seasonal weather should be. By the time you read this, the cold snap that has laid snow across much of the UK in early 2013 has hopefully long gone and we’re beginning to see some balmy weather with more pleasant evenings. But you know what? I wouldn’t put a particularly large amount of money on this being the case and that surely brings problems to businesses. While the news is full of farmers struggling with the snow at the moment, the knock-on effect of extreme weather for retail companies shouldn’t be underestimated. The beginning of last year saw some similarly offensive weather, but with rainfall being the culprit rather than the bitter cold. A warm March saw UK retail attract decent footfall, but in the wettest April on record there was a double-digit decline, with high streets taking the brunt. Shopping centres did see a slight increase during this time, suggesting that their covered roofs were a more attractive proposition. Similarly, online sales increased throughout this damp patch, with the worst four days of online sales actually corresponding directly to the four warmest days that month. But even extremes of heat can have a detrimental effect, not only on internet sales, but also at the high street, as customers would rather be in parks, pubs or gardens than browsing shops or sat inside on their laptops. With all of this though, there would be ways
to deal with it, so long as it were predictable. Ice cream sellers by the seaside know there’s little point turning up during winter, just like garden centres gear up for the onslaught of barbecue hunters, flower growers and garden seating fans in the spring/summer. That’s ‘seasonal selling’ essentially, which is something mobile electronics retailers factor into their annual activities. Weather though, does not equate to seasons with quite such efficiency, now it would seem. So when you’re gearing up for a specific season/weather and get a whole different type of climate clattering your shop window, then what can you do? The first logical step would be to act with some fluidity when it comes to the balance of online or in-store selling. For example, if it’s May as you read this and the sun has shown its face, but then disappeared again behind some grey clouds, and customers to your shop are drying up, concentrate your time on-line instead of waiting patiently behind the counter. By all accounts, the majority of customers, if they’re indeed in a shopping mood, are likely to be tucked at home behind their laptops. Promoting ‘free delivery’ deals online, posting new products on social media and similar activities are likely to pay bigger dividends at these points than at any other. Conversely, you may find some different types of thinking may be rewarded when the weather is extremely hot. For example, if your store is doing well, but online sales are dipping, might it be worth putting exclusive deals online and promoting that with a big banner on your shop window for passing drivers to see? That way you may find you’re
not losing custom in the store, you’re simply increasing online traffic from all the people who have seen your sign while out enjoying the sunshine. Naturally, fluidity can also come from the stock you’re displaying. While no retailer likes to carry excess stock, you may find it beneficial to hold a few things back… just in case. A case of de-icer and some snow shovels that can be hauled to the front of the store in a cold snap could not only see them sell, but also entice people into the store to see what other help you can give them. And with your website, changing the front page and promoting these winter items can be done in very little time, allowing you to ebb and flow with the weather – and hence the demand – with greater ease than ever. While weather may be seemingly more extreme than ever, which can have a significant impact on how consumers shop, the flipside is that the way retailers sell now can be just as changeable. Economic factors obviously play the largest part in consumer behaviour, but weather can be an important variable, especially when it comes to extreme conditions, yet with the speed of online and some decent planning, retailers can at least have some chance of minimising the effects. There will always be things out of their control – couriers being late because of snow, or customers not able to get to the store – but in an ever-more erratic climate it’s worth being as well prepared for different eventualities as possible. It might not be the basis for your entire business strategy, but allowing for unusual changes in weather should certainly be a part of it. www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 31
PRODUCT FOCUS /// Sound deadening ///
Better off deadened For better results from an audio system or a Bluetooth handsfree kit, sound deadening is an accessory that should not be ignored
A
lthough not a high-priced item, sound deadening does offer great margins and should never be overlooked. It is one of the best attachment sells you can offer, as whatever the customer is looking for in your store – an audio
system, Bluetooth handsfree kit, navigation or digital radio – its performance can be even more improved by applying a few sheets to the car, or at the very least to the speaker wells. Don’t just throw it in with the higher priced components and
not add it to the bill, as it can push up your overall profits, as well as offer a chance to get the car into your workshop for a little longer and flex your installation skills. Here is a round-up of the current sound deadening products available.
Anti-Vibe Makers Vibe claim that a car fully treated in its Anti-Vibe product will find its road noise reduced by up to 12dB. As well as stiffening metal panels, Anti-Vibe can also be used on speaker baffles for reduced distortion. Heat reflection is also cited as a benefit, the theory being that by reducing the transfer of heat from the exhaust and engine bay, the air conditioning will work more effectively. Anti-Vibe is available in a single 18 x 32 inch sheet, or as a door pack with two 10 x 10 inch sheets. Midbass, www.midbass.co.uk
Autoleads Autoleads sound deadening offers an acoustic solution at a value for money price. The high performance butyl composite membrane is foil covered and comes in 15 x 16 inch sheets, with packs of two, five and 10 sheets available. The product should be all you need to reduce road noise and vibration, and ultimately improve sounds, at a price that will not harm the customer’s wallet. Distributors Armour also offer Focal and Hushmat sound deadening. Armour Automotive, www.armourauto.com
Dynamat It’s not a typo – Dynamat Extreme is now ‘black’ by popular demand, featuring a new black chrome finish. The idea is to make it stand out against competitor products, so consumers can be sure they are getting the real deal. There is also Dynamat Superlite – 30% thinner than Dynamat Extreme, creating a quiet, solid ride while keeping weight to a minimum. It uses a super-sticky space age plastic, and can be bought in a pack of three 18 x 32 inch sheets, or in a pack of 24. Celsus, www.celsusice.co.uk
32 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
Focal Focal BAM is a three-layer damping mat, made up of a foil layer sandwiched between a honeycombed foam, designed to eradicate back waves from the rear of the speakers, and a viscoelastic butyl compound. It is supplied in 21 x 30 cm sheets, 50 x 200 cm (BAM XL) or in a 0.5 x 6 m bulk pack (BAM XXL). Also available is BAM BR, a sealing tape with an adhesive that will stick to wood, metal, fibreglass and other surfaces, fastening wires or sealing gaps in enclosures. Armour Automotive, www.armourauto.com
Hushmat Distributed by Armour Automotive, Hushmat hails from North America, and plays heavily on its OEM credentials and relationship with General Motors. It is one of the oldest aftermarket brands available, with four main products. These are Hushmat Ultra, a foil-constrained, self-adhesive material, Silender Megabond, a self-adhesive foam, Quiet tape and also Ultra H-2-O paste, helping to get into those hard to reach areas. Hushmat Ultra is available in a range of pack sizes. Armour Automotive, www.armourauto.com
Rockford Fosgate Deadskin is the name of Rockford Fosgateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional sound deadening solution, and is said to provide 40% more damping than standard non-embossed aluminium mat. Other selling points include the fact that it silences panel vibration, and that it can reduce road and wind noise by up to 10dB over its competition. With foil backing and anti-vibration technology, Deadskin is available in packs of 10 x 10 inch sheets, ideal for speaker wells or the car body. Vestatec, www.vestatec.co.uk
Silent Coat Silent Coat specialises in solutions for noise and vibration issues in cars, and all products are made in Russia. Its 2mm damping mat uses mass loading to lower panel resonance and absorb structural vibrations, converting them into low level heat. The aluminium surface and military-grade composition has been proven to be extremely efficient in the conversion of vibration to thermal energy. Kits comprise eight 37.5 x 26.5 cm sheets, but other pack sizes are available. Car Audio Direct, www.caraudiodirect.co.uk
Skinz Skinz Expert Damping membrane consists of a three-layer solution with a thickness of just 3mm, and can be applied with the use of a heat gun, featuring two differing density rubber layers covered by an aluminium layer. A pressuresensitive adhesive compound ensures it sticks to most surfaces well, with a panel preparation spray also available for maximum effect. The product can be bought from all Four Masters dealers in 0.7 square metre packs, or a 2.7 square metre bulk pack. Four Masters, www.fourmasterscarsaudio.co.uk
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 33
REVIEW /// Sony WX-GT90BT ///
EN
• ME
N RECOMM DED PRODUCT EN
DED PRODUCT
First impressions N RECOMM • ME
What’s it like?
This issue, Adam Rayner discovers that there is more to this double DIN than you might think
W
hat a modern and deliciously strange head unit this really is. It may look like a fairly standard fill-the-hole-and-stopthe-draught product, but there is more to it than that. Fire up the Sony WX-GT90BT, and POW! A full specification CD deck and some almost casually potent processing (versus a few years back) kick things off, and then you get the Bluetooth trickery, and of course an Aux in and USB socket under a little slidey door that opens. Both these are audio-only, as the unit is not an AV product. But, with what’s called AppRemote, it is as whizzy and funky cool as many a unit costing a lot more. 34 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
The front display is all driven in the same colour at once, but as the sticker (that most punters will simply leave in place throughout the unit’s lifetime) says, it can make 35,000 colours. That means matching any dashboard illumination colour, or leaving in full Christmas Tree mode, scrolling through each colour available. Relatively easy to get a grip of for use and function, I did enjoy the thing. For one it is quite unlike anything else I have ever seen before. For a while I have seen a single DIN chassis that has a ‘swollen’ fascia, so it displays like a DIN-and-a-half, but I have never seen a proper double DIN front that simply housed a skinny CD mechanism at the top of the box and then a bit of electronics in much less ‘real estate,’ as engineers call it, downstairs in a shorter chassis, where you keep the three sets of RCA outputs. The unit’s pretty easy to get an understanding of, but I wondered why I could not hear my chum Roo from EMMA when I called him. Turned out, I had plugged the test rig speakers and amp into the rear RCAs and phone output only comes from the front! I reconnected, called him back and swore I would confess my crass stupidity.
How well does it work? This is almost arrogant in its Sony-ness! It has the resources to be mighty and with no big fanfare, the days of lowest-commondenominator super-affordable are crushed in history. For one, this thing sports a 120dB signal to noise ratio for the CD section. This is simply a monster processor versus what CD needs, ‘giving it large’ and sounds arrestingly clean and rich, and above all dynamic. It will impress in a stand if you play something with sudden booms, bangs and crashes from CD. Likewise, the iPod was really clean, actually
impressing me on a bit of Yello. Then the AppRemote was used, and it’s moron-proof. Just fires up and turns into a selected (ie no volume) control system for sweepy-gesture controlling track and album on the iPod’s screen, or by tickling the back spot can get at a whole lot of control, like making preset number single-press phone calls – optimised for brief-glance driving safety, see? Or else choosing sources, or lots more. The WX-GT90BT has a seven-band EQ on board, and a seating position time alignment system to play with to better the stereo imagery for the passengers – or just for the driver. The call quality was excellent, and the little op amp behind the 3.5mm plughole is really sensitive. Which is just as well, politically, as the unit I like to test this sort of input with is a sweet little Sony MP3 Walkman that has been treated with disdain by another brand’s Aux input, wanting more milliVolts of signal. This input is so sensitive, you can hear how my MP3 files, or their little output amp on the Walkman, are less crispy than the Apple lossless files I usually play with on the plugged-in iPod Touch 4. So, it works well and with a simple demo, can really impress. The punter or you needs the Android or Apple app called AppRadio to get the most out of it, and this is free to download.
Why stock it? It is a real niche filler unit. Not only does it look like a sheriff, with a badge and all – I mean like a ‘real’ car radio – but it also has no lack of tech smarts, and is so easy to teach and learn how to boss that a little time showing a prospective owner just how much that slightly-higher-than-entry-level price actually buys them will clinch that sale. If not a smartphone owner, then the little dinky remote control it comes with will offer extra gadget value for money as well. Also, the casually as-good-as-CD-can-get sheer high sound quality means it is a good idea to connect an amplifier and some of Sony’s bigger full range speakers up in your demo board, and see if the customer has any of their own music in the ride they came in, on CD! CEL Trade 0116 244 9846, RRP £170 plus fitting (varies according to vehicle), www.sony.co.uk
Ratings Ease of use Installation Performance Value Overall Looks low-tech, but really packs a punch, with cool motion control technology if you connect a smartphone with Sony’s clever AppRemote installed
2013 RANGE Easily control music with app remote
Bluetooth
WX GT90BT • Double DIN with Bluetooth • Direct iPhone/iPod control • Front USB & Aux in • 3 Pre-outs • Variable illumination
Red : 10830
£105.30
CDX GT260MP
Aux
• CD/MP3 with Front AUX input • Steering remote control ready • Detachable front panel
QFC: 9924
£39.99
CDX GS500R
CDX GT470/472/474 USB
• CD/MP3 with front USB in • EQ7 for perfect sound • Red, amber or green illumination
£43.88
• CD/MP3 with front USB in • iPod music & App control • Red or blue illumination
iPod
Red : 10894 Blue : 10832
£57.33
Mechless
MEX BT3100U Bluetooth
• CD/ MP3 with rear USB connection • iPod music & App control QFC: 10892 • Dynamic colour illumination
• Digital media player with front USB in • Bluetooth hands-free QFC: 9948 • A2DP audio streaming • Includes remote control
• CD/MP3 • Front USB & iPod/ iPhone in • Bluetooth hands-free QFC: 10896 • A2DP audio streaming • App remote control mode
MEX GS600BT Bluetooth
XAV 63
XAV 601BT
• CD/MP3 • Rear USB/iPod /MP3 in • Bluetooth hands-free QFC: 10893 • External microphone • Variable illumination
• 6.1” touchscreen • DVD • Front USB • iPod/Android • 2 Pre-outs • Camera input
iPod
£70.20
£99.45
DSX A50BT
Amb: 10891 Red : 10831 Grn : 10890
CDX GT570/574UI
£55.58 iPod
QFC: 10137
£152.10
£76.05
• 6.1” touchscreen • DVD • Android Mirror Link • Dual USB inputs
Bluetooth
QFC: 10136
£234.00
CEL TRADE CEL TRADE T: 0116 2449846 E: sales@celtrade.com
Live pricing and online ordering at www.celtrade.com T: 0116 2449846 E: sales@celtrade.com Credit card payments will be subject to a 2% surcharge Dealer Net
Prices exclude VAT and delivery Errors and Omissions excepted
MEET THE DEALERS /// Unique Car Sound & Security ///
Richard Almeida with partners Mark Baker and Rob Nunn
Making it unique Tell us about the background of the company and how it came together.
Mark Baker and I owned a company that specialised in Mercedes retrofits, putting in lots of options – mainly into used cars, but not always – that had not been ordered from the factory, but always using factory parts. It was actually a part-time business, called Comand.co.uk, with a very good reputation. Most Mercedes dealers would tell their customers it was impossible to retrofit certain products, but that is actually rarely the case. The two of us are software and hardware engineers by training, so we understood the electronics within the Mercedes cars. Anyway, we knew Mike Godwin who owned Unique Car Sound & Security Ltd, which has been established for about 15 years, but Mike wanted to retire, and Mark was keen to find some premises and expand our retrofitting into a full-time business. It made sense that Comand.co.uk bought the assets/business of Unique Car Sound & Security, and together there was enough work to sustain a full time business with a reasonable income. This all happened in June 2011. Rob Nunn worked (as a subcontractor) for Mike Godwin, but he then bought into the new merged business, and so there are now three business partners. We use one or two trusted subcontractors also. Is now a good time to be running a dealer business?
It is not easy, but because we have four identifiable lines of business, even when some of those are quiet, others are resilient. 36 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
We catch up with Richard Almeida of Unique Car Sound & Security in Lightwater, Surrey
Each line behaves very differently, though. First, we have our trade work for used car dealers, which offers a great variety, and then there are the new car dealers we work with, including trade customers and Mercedes. We keep up with our Mercedes retrofit work, and then have the general car audio retail on top of that. Over the last few years, a number of local competitors have disappeared or retired, which no doubt has really helped us. How big is your operation?
We have just the one retail premises in Lightwater, with a four-bay workshop behind that. We have three staff and two subcontractors. Where would you say the growth markets are at the moment?
Our Mercedes specialist retrofit work, both for retail and dealers, seems to be buoyant. We suspect people are buying older cars, or already built cars, and then needing a few ‘options’ (such as factory heated seats and navigation, or a factory Harman Kardon sound system and reversing cameras) added. We, of course, do lots of phone kits and parking sensors, and although that is growing, we assume that over the next few years it will decline, because more cars are coming with these items as standard. Which products are you selling a lot of?
It’s mainly reversing cameras, navigation systems, and head units with Bluetooth and iPod control. Parking sensors too.
How do you promote your business and generate sales?
A bit of strategic print advertising works well, and we ask our customers to recommend us if they are pleased with our work. With our Mercedes retrofitting, we make sure we are featured on a lot of the club and enthusiast forums, such as www.mbclub.co.uk. What do you think the challenges are facing the industry as a whole?
More of the electronics that we used to be considered a specialist for are being built into vehicles as standard, and with the ones that are still unique to us, internet pricing makes having a retail premises harder. Customers these days want the ‘free’ sales advice, but the internet pricing, and that just leads to a lack of pounds in pockets all round. The car audio manufacturers also seem to be in a price war with each other, giving more features for less money, and this means less profit per unit sold for the same amount of work. How do you see your business growing?
Slowly, but consistently, and probably more within the trade work than the retail work. But every time I say that, I get surprised by large retail installations. Contact Unique Car Sound & Security, Lightwater, Surrey (01276 474900), or visit www.uniquecarsound.com
Get featured!
If you would like to give an update on your business, drop an email to chris@chrisandersonmedia.com
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www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 37
NEWS /// PRODUCT /// Alpine
TuneIt in
Alpine has revealed the first of its new head units to feature the TuneIt app One of the new releases we were impressed by at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas this year, and again at the MEN Expo in March, was Alpine’s TuneIt app. This allows users to connect a smartphone to one of its compatible head units (Apple via USB, Android via Bluetooth), with the app installed on it, then tweak or download settings using the onscreen commands. There are said to be 3,000 ready-made settings, some tailored to specific cars, on the Cloud, plus space for 100 of the user’s own. The app also handles Facebook notifications, with a large LED blinking on the head unit – press it and the message is read aloud. Two single DINs able to use this feature – the CDE-178BT and the iDE-178BT – have just been launched. The CDE-178BT has a CD player, while the iDE-178BT is a mechless device. Apple users can also take things a stage further, downloading the vTuner for Alpine iPhone app, allowing them to search different internet radio stations.
With App Direct also installed, it is then possible to play the audio from certain apps through the car speakers. Bass Engine Pro, with digital time correction and a nine-band parametric EQ, and BT Plus for added Bluetooth functions are among the other features. If your customers are interested in getting their social media into the car, these could be the units to go for. Alpine 02476 719620, www.alpine.uk.com
Car Audio Security
Celsus
Bass boost
Version 3.0
Orion has released updated versions of its HCCA subwoofers, said to have an increase in power of 25% over previous models. The HCCA-152v2 black coil sub measures 15 inches, with a new voice coil of better quality and higher power, and boosted performance and temperature control. Power handling here is 2,500W RMS, or 5,000W peak, with an Xmax of 30mm. The sub is aimed at the most demanding individuals in the car audio market, who seek quality and extreme loudness. Recone kits are also available for most models, as well as bespoke custom sub-boxes. Car Audio Security 0208 569 1543, www.caraudiosecurity.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
38 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
The third incarnation of JL Audio’s legendary W6 subwoofers are now available through UK distributors Celsus. The 10W6v3 and 12W6v3 are said to offer reference-grade sound quality and high power handling from small enclosures, with larger, more powerful motor systems than previous models. Other features include an elevated frame cooling system, high-linear FEA-optimised suspension, plus low distortion and high outputs. Best used with amplifier power in the 200-600W range, and optimised for use in a sealed box, prices are £419 and £474 respectively. Celsus 01202 664390, www.celsusice.co.uk
JVC
JVC entry level Could a £69 price tag for a head unit with Bluetooth readiness and smartphone support be enough to lure customers to your store? That’s the RRP for the JVC KD-R442/3 models (blue or red illumination), with 4 x 50W, a 1A USB socket that charges your phone, Aux input and FM radio timer, for having the
unit switch to FM at a specific time, so you never miss your favourite show. For Bluetooth, just add a separate KS-BTA100 interface, while plugging in a smartphone with the JVC-specific apps allows you to create playlists offline with iPod-style file management structures. JVC 0208 450 3282, www.jvc.co.uk
Pioneer
Samsung
One direction Pioneer has just launched three new double DIN navigation systems, each with iPhone 5 compatibility. The AVIC-F50BT, AVIC-F950DAB and AVIC-F950BT have touchscreen sizes ranging from 6.1 to 7 inches, featuring a new mapping interface with real-time traffic info, AppRadio, Bluetooth, and built-in digital radio
Galaxy far, far away on the AVIC-F950DAB model. The TMC tuners overlay real-time traffic developments on the navigation system, with a Navteq mapping database used. A separate CD-IH202 kit is required to make use of the iPhone 5 with the units, costing £39 RRP. Pioneer 01753 789789, www.pioneer.co.uk
TomTom
AA meets TomTom The AA has teamed up with TomTom to create a new mobile app, designed to help users avoid traffic delays. The AA Roadwatch Pro Traffic app will alert users to congestion on their planned routes, even sending text alerts to their handset. “Just set your start and end destination, and the app will show you the traffic on the route,” says Jeff Triner, mobile development manager at the AA. “If it looks bad, select a way point and see if the other route is better.” The app
The new Samsung Galaxy S4 handset includes S Voice Drive, a feature that automatically switches on when the phones connects to the car via Bluetooth. The phone’s interface then changes to larger fonts, with speech control for the basic functions and navigation. There is Air Gesture control too, which means you can swipe near the screen but not on it, which might also be useful. With a 5 inch screen, the handset is thinner and lighter than an S3, with an unusual feature in that you can operate front and rear cameras at the same time. Talk to your local phone supplier for info. www.samsung.com/uk
Armour Automotive
is available on iTunes, with a free seven-day trial and an annual subscription of £1.99. www.tomtom.com
Tracker
MyTracker, my MYmate The launch of MyTracker means that Tracker customers can now access online information regarding the location and status of their vehicle, from a range of devices, anywhere in the world. Tracker claims the software can even help users save cash, by keeping tabs on total distance, time travelled and fuel consumption, establishing areas where money can be saved. Carbon dioxide emissions can also be looked at, helping to address any
Slim pickings
environmental concerns. Geofence settings and Google Maps can also be accessed through the software. www.tracker.co.uk
The new Kicker CompRT subwoofers are now available through UK distributors Armour Automotive. Known for being among the world’s thinnest high-performing subs, the latest models are actually the thinnest versions yet. With a mounting depth of under 10cm on the 12 inch model, the CompRT12, the performance of these subs still comes close to their deeper brothers, the CompR series. This is certainly a case of performance bass in a very small space. A large-diameter progressive roll spider and double venting for maximum cooling are among the features. Armour Automotive 01420 487110, www.armourauto.com
www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu 39
INSTALL GUIDE /// Kinetic Digitizor ///
Universal DAB tuner fit Dabonwheels has just launched the installer-friendly Kinetic Digitizor digital radio tuner. Martyn Williams installs one in a Peugeot 307
T
his DIY tuner package has everything – including an additional cig-lighter plug supply for portable use, possibly using FM transmission instead of an aerial patch lead. It could appeal to customers who are happy with the simplicity and price point of a universal tuner, with an infra-red card remote instead of steering wheel control integration. The Kinetic Digitizor scores heavily in easy fitment, with a small tuner box that normally modulates through an aerial patch lead. There is also an FM transmitter switched option, not commonly used in a professional installation. It has a really neat card-style remote, clearly marked with large buttons, and a plug-in power supply lead. Dabonwheels normally packages the unit for DIY installation, which means it
comes bagged up with Velcro strips for the tuner box, plus a pair of mounting screws if needed. The box itself is also fitted with ‘ears’, allowing it to be fastened with tie-wraps. It comes with two plug-in power supply leads – one plain and the other with a cig-lighter plug. Dabonwheels supplied a Kinetic MagnetwiG DMA-1006 mag-mount aerial for this feature, which could be installed discreetly alongside a roof rail on the Peugeot estate, and hidden in the body seams before routing under the door seal rubber. So how does it perform? The mag mount proved to be surprisingly sensitive despite the disadvantage of being fairly close to the rail as mentioned. This also confirmed that the tuner itself had good sensitivity, and will receive
normal DAB frequencies, DAB+ and DMB-A. The FM preset frequency is normally 87.6 MHz for the user’s radio to play the DAB output and receive the station names via RDS. The Digitizor also has patented Automatic Frequency Change circuitry, which is designed to overcome FM station interference and will change frequencies automatically. This has various degrees of adjustment to suit prevailing conditions. Selection of DAB stations and presetting using the remote control is simple, and the data transmission gives clear station naming using the RDS display. General performance of the Digitizor revealed good sensitivity as mentioned, and the audio quality is excellent, with a noticeable improvement in stereo imagery.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Basic head unit in a 307 has cubby unit underneath, providing extra space
Digitizor uses standard DIN plug/socket arrangement, so adaptors may be needed for OE integration
An auto stripper minutely parts the insulation, looping the connection to the acc/ign supply and ground leads using solder prior to a wrap of amalgamation tape
No need to balance the tuner whilst wiring up – just plug and play. The plug was taped for extra security
STEP 5
STEP 6
STEP 7
STEP 8
The tuner and its wiring fits easily into the 307’s cubby hole
Mag mounts are not usually part of a professional install, but it was interesting to try it on the Peugeot, allowing the wire to be hidden
Picture shows the line-in socket and the upgrade port on the tuner. Note the handy power-on indicator light
Digitizor delivers clear DAB station naming and has a neat card controller
Digitizors are available singly or in bulk with trade discounts. Email sales@dabonwheels.co.uk, and visit www.dabonwheels.co.uk 40 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
MAY 2013
Authorised Distributor For All Brands
0115 975 8600 sales@ipitrade.net
www.ipitrade.com
CDX-GT260MP
VX401BT
AVH-3400NAV
£37.99
CD/MP3/WMA, Front AUX In, EQ3, Face Off, RDS, 1xRCA, 4x50W
CDX-GT40U
£179
6.2” Touch Screen, DVD/CD/MP3/MP4/DiVX, EQ, USB Receiver, Front Aux In Socket, iPod/ iPhone, RDS, AV In/Out, Bluetooth, 3xRCA, 4x50W
AVH-X2500BT
£199
£42.99
CD/MP3/WMA/AAC, AUX In, EQ7, Front USB, RDS, 1xRCA, 4x45W
£369
7” Touch Screen, DVD/CD/WMA/MP3/MP4/DiVX, USB, Aux In, iPod/ iPhone, 3xRCA, RDS, 4x50W, UK & Europe SAT NAV, Variable Colour
KW-NT30
CDX-GT564UI
CD/MP3/WMA/ACC, USB, AUX In, EQ7, iPod/ iPhone, 1xRCA, 4x50W
£49.99
£429
KD-R331
6.1” Touch Screen, DVD/CD/WMA/MP3/MP4/DiVX USB, Aux In, 3xRCA, iPod/ iPhone, EQ, Remote, 4x50W, Bluetooth, Variable Colour
6.1” Touch Screen, DVD/CD/WMA/MP3/MP4, DivX, USB/SD Receiver, Aux In, iPod/ iPhone, RDS, iEQ, 4x50W, Bluetooth, 3xRCA, UK & Europe SAT NAV
CD/MP3/WMA, Front AUX In, iEQ, RDS, 1xRCA, Face Off, 4x50W
JUICE P12
£36.99
CK 3100 UK
• Works with up to 5 Bluetooth devices • Includes Mic • Voice Recognition • Stores 150 numbers
KD-R431
• 1000W • 12” Subwoofer • Dual Ports
£39 .99
CD/MP3/WMA/AAC, Front AUX In, Front USB, RDS, 1xRCA, 4x50W
JUICE A12
£69 .99
£39.99
MKi 9200 UK
• iPod/ iPhone • Music Streaming • USB/ SD Slots • 2.4” TFT Screen • Voice Recognition
KD-R741BT
£119 .99
£69.99
*All prices exclude VAT
CD/MP3/WMA/AAC, AUX In, USB, iPod/ iPhone, 2xRCA, Bluetooth
£69.99
JA491
JA591
JA791
JA1801D
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THE
DIRECTORY BHP UK
Aftermarket Vehicle Solutions Limited Contact: Peter Hughes T: 0870 240 2554 E: sales@avs-ltd.co.uk W: www.avs-ltd.co.uk Brands: Distributor of Gemini Alarm/Parking/ Tracking products, Cruise control, Speed Limiters, Heated Seat Kits, CAN Interfaces to the Aftermarket and the OEM Industries
Alpine Electronics of UK Ltd Contact: Sales T: 0845 3131650 E: sales@alpine.co.uk W: www.alpine.co.uk Brands: Manufacturer of in-car audio equipment, mobile multimedia components, and in-car entertainment.
Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg GmbH
Contact: Mirela Cenuse T: +49 (0) 36741 369-16 E: Mirela.Cenuse@antenne-ag.de W: www.antennensysteme.eu W: www.antenne-ag.de Description: Driving antenna technology forwards!
Contact: Fran T: 01282 779000 E: fran@bhp-uk.net W: www.bhp-uk.net Brands: Add ECU Remapping to your business with a BHPUK Dealership
Car Audio & Security Limited Contact: Rino / Allan T: 020 8569 1543 E: rino@caraudiosecurity.com E: allan@caraudiosecurity.com W: www.caraudiosecurity.com Brands: Clifford, Viper, JBL, Infinity, Orion, Kenwood, JVC, Alpine, Pioneer, Sony, SmarTrack, Parrot
Celsus UK Limited Contact: Sales T: +44 (0) 1202 664 390 E: sales@celsusice.co.uk W: www.celsusice.co.uk Description: Exclusive distributors for AAMP of America (iSimple, PAC, Stinger, Phoenix Gold), Celsus, Calearo, Caliber, DABmotion Digital Radio, Dynamat Europe, Jehnert, JL Audio, MTX & Paser.
Armour Automotive
CEL TRADE
Contact: Sales T: 01420 487110 E: sales@armourauto.com W: www.armourauto.com Description: Armour Automotive are the manufacturers/official distributors of Autoleads, Cti, iO, Radiomobile, Veba, Armour Security, Code Alarm, Denison, Firstech, Med, Focal, Kicker, Mutant, Hushmat, Kinetik, Sony
Contact: Darren Waddingham T: 0116 244 9846 E: Darren@celtrade.com W: www.celtrade.com Description: Market leading distributor for Car Audio, Marine Audio, In Car DVD Systems, Fixed & Portable Navigation, Vehicle & Fleet Tracking solutions, Driver recording systems, Bluetooth Handsfree, Security, Camera systems & more. Major brands including Alpine, Clarion, Kenwood, Fusion, JVC, Pioneer, Pure, Sony, NextBase, Garmin, Mio, TomTom, Snooper, Parrot & More.
42 www.mobileelectronicsnews.eu
Cobra UK
Parksafe Automotive
Contact: Cobra sales T: 01932 772400 E: salesuk@cobra-at.com W: www.cobravehiclesecurity.co.uk Brands: 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
Parksafe Automotive offer a exclusive range of products: Rear & Front Parking systems, Commercial parking systems, OEM systems, Wireless Systems, 12/24 Volt Systems, Rear View Camera kits, DVR – Digital Vehicle Recorder, DTRL – Day Time Running Lights, Heated Seats, Elite Consumables, Ivanhoe Textiles Visit: www.Parksafeautomotive.com
Commercial Electronics
Radio World
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: 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...
Contact: Dale Johnson T: 01132 578932 E: sales@radioworld-online.co.uk W: www.rw-online.co.uk Brands: Accessories importer
Connects2
Soundmasterscotland
Contact: Andrew Simner T: 0845 257 5588 F: 0121 522 5589 E: sales@connects2.com W: www.connects2.com Brands: 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
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
Kenwood Electronics UK Limited
Steelmate Automotive (UK) Ltd
T: +44 (0) 1923 816444 E: enquiries@kenwood-electronics.co.uk W: www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk Brands: Kenwood
Contact: Kevin Kay T: 01582 475677 E: sales@steel-mate.co.uk W: www.steel-mate.co.uk Description: Steelmate Parking Sensors, TPMS, Promata, DRL, Anti-Collision Alert System
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