Produa Alza

Here it is – the new Perodua Alza! We’ve been following the development of this MPV ever since we first got news of its existence back in early 2008, where it was reported that Toyota and Daihatsu were going to build a new MPV and produce it in Indonesia. When the Daihatsu Luxio MPV came out we all got a shock – that more of a van so we waited patiently until Christmas last year when the Toyota Passo Sette was finally unveiled in Japan. Nearly a year later,

I have to say that with the Myvi, the Japanese Passo looked better, but with the Alza I feel our own Malaysian design team has trumped the Japanese guys. The Passo Sette had this slightly bulgy-eyed look while the Alza looks far more sleeker. I don’t see any reason why anyone would want to ‘convert’ their Alza back to a Passo Sette but then again design is a subjective personal thing.

As for the name Alza, it actually means ‘to rise’ in Spanish. Probably symbolises Perodua rising up the product segments once again – its cars are getting bigger and bigger.

How big is the Alza on the inside?

When I saw the specs list it looked promising as the Alza has got a wheelbase of 2,750mm which is even longer than the Exora’s. But it really depends on how you package the vehicle together so a longer wheelbase may not translate to a longer interior space. Perodua has provided some data on the Alza’s interior dimensions.

What about the Alza’s Fuel Consumption?

Its premature to talk about fuel consumption at this point of time considering we drove only a few km around Shangrila Putrajaya. Logically I don’t expect the Alza to perform great in terms of fuel efficiency if you have a full load but it’s probably still going to be cheaper than if you take two cars.

Perodua claims 12.7 km per liters with the automatic transmission model and 15.5 km per liters with the manual transmission model. This is based on their own internal “Perodua mixed mode test”, so these numbers will be different from the Passo Sette’s which are based on Japan 10-15 mode.

The Alza’s multi-info display meter integrated in the center dashboard has the ability to show you your average fuel consumption in liters per 100km, and your remaining range based on the fuel remaining in your fuel tank in terms of km.

I will be requesting for a test drive unit later in order to do some day to day driving with only one or two people in the car and measure the overall fuel consumption. I’ll also be trying to measure the fuel consumption on a full load on a short trip somewhere. I believe with these two figures you can get a better picture of the kind of fuel money you’ll be forking out if you own an Alza.

The Perodua Alza drives decently (you honestly can’t say the Alza handles like a boat or the usual stuff that gets said about the Myvi) and offers a lot of space inside, as long as you don’t actually use it as an MPV. At the kind of prices Perodua is asking for, it could become an alternative to sedans from Proton or the Korean manufacturers, or for those who have the spare cash and want something newer than the Myvi, with a bigger bootspace. Just buy the Premium version to make sure you get all the necessary safety equipment. But if you are looking for an alternative to the Exora or any other MPV, you’ll have to think twice if you need it to fit 7 adults.

Blaupunkt Stereo Experience in Proton cars

Stereo car system ever installed in the Proton car that very successful product are Blaupunkt

Blaupunkt car stereo has become one of the most reliable makers of mobile audio technology. You're not just buying high quality car sound system with every Blaupunkt, you will also find reliable performance of stylish car audio components.

When I bought my Blaupunkt car stereo, I did not have any problems with its installation, as it was installed free of charge by a reliable Blaupunkt installer. I found out later on that plenty of Blaupunkt stores offer FREE installation of most car audio unit that you purchase.

Choosing a superior car sound system can be really challenging and can sometimes be painful, especially if you don't know anything about car audio systems. Remember that speakers and components for a Blaupunkt car stereo are designed for different types of vehicles.

One of the most difficult issues that you'll encounter in setting up your car audio system is when you'll be working in tight spaces. If you plan to change your current car sound system with a Blaupunkt car stereo, you have the option to rebuild the entire system or just replace specific components. You can start piece by piece, say, starting with its speakers, which can you'd realize later on, is the most important part of your car audio system.

You need to do a little homework before you even decide to purchase a specific car stereo system. You might just have landed to this page because you are already beginning to do your research. In that case, I will help you identify important considerations in rebuilding your entire system, or in simply choosing specific components.

Australian state lifts ban on driving with phone GPS

a change to the road rules in Victoria, Australia would have made it illegal for a driver to use the navigation functions of a GPS-enabled mobile phone, such as an iPhone running one of the navigation apps now available from Apple's App Store.

The change was one of several due to come into effect on November 9.

The regulation was intended to tighten up on the use of a handheld phone. It seems there was concern that someone making an illegal phone call or SMS might try to avoid a fine or prosecution by claiming they were using the phone's navigation function.

However, using a single-function GPS device would still have been legal, as would operating an in-car audio system.

The state government has now apparently changed its mind and realised there is no real difference between using a dedicated GPS or audio system and using those functions when they are part of a phone.

According to Vic Roads' (the state road authority) web site, "The new mobile phone rules have been revised. The change now allows both the navigational (GPS) and audio/music functions of a mobile phone to be used, provided the mobile phone is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle."

Pioneer Speakers For Your Car Or Boat

Everyone loves to have their dream car or boat that is equipped with the power and luxury that would make us want to live in it. Unfortunately so few of us actually get what we want because these cars cost so much money. There are little things that we can do which can help us transform our old used car into something that looks like new.

One of the first things that many of us will do with our cars or even our boats are to purchase brand new speakers for it. We want to listen to our favorite songs with crystal clear quality and bass that everyone within a mile of us can hear. Although there are many choices and brands to choose from we feel that some of the best come from Pioneer.

Pioneer TSMR1640

These stereo speakers are designed to fit in boats. These are 6 ½ two way speakers that help to offer a new sound quality that is hard to find anywhere else. Because they are built for boats only they are designed with a heavy duty construction that is resistant to water, heat, corrosion, and sunlight. The dimensions are 13.8 x 7.8 x 4.2 inches and cost around 119.

Pioneer TS-A4672R

These 3 way speakers are designed for your car and can handle 150 watts. They are designed with a Composite IMPP cone that uses an interlaced Aramid fiber that helps to make it stronger and lightweight. The neodymium magnet helps to provide high performance with low distortion for better listening. It costs around $50 and requires professionals to install it.

Pioneer TSP462

These are some of the more popular Pioneer car speakers that are offered in a variety of sizes. They use strontium magnet and IMPP materials that help make it strong and energy efficient. It provides you with some of the best sound quality. The dimensions are 10.2 x 7.2 x 2.8 inches and it usually costs $80.

Why You Should Invest in Custom Professional Subwoofer Boxes

You just spent several hundred dollars vamping up the sound system for your vehicle. However, when someone mentioned that you should buy subwoofer enclosures, you knew that you had just what you needed and that it wouldn't cost another dime. Glad you saved the box, you set your speakers into the speaker boxes they came in and carefully close the lid.

While most people would never dream of doing this, many do decide to scrimp on subwooer enclosures, figuring they can build their own. While it's certainly possible, most people don't have the tools, materials and know-how to make speaker boxes that will serve their purpose without yelling "homemade." Here are some things to consider about custom, professional speaker boxes.

You can have the most awesome sound system in the world, but kill the effects by muffling. Subwoofer boxes should be a way to protect your equipment, but should never interfere with the flow of sound. Many speaker boxes do just that. While sound will travel around wood, carpeting and other coverings, the best quality sound has nothing interrupting the natural flow.

Professional speaker boxes that are made specifically for your vehicle will provide stability and protection for your equipment, but will never impede the sound.

Think you have to make your own sub-boxes because they have to fit in a very small space? Think again. You can find all kinds of speaker boxes that will fit almost anywhere. And after these boxes are in place, all you'll ever need to worry about is how to handle the envy that's bound to come to the surface when others hear the awesome sound and look for the source.

All in all, you've probably got a significant investment tied up in your stereo system. Doesn't it just make sense to take that one additional step and get the speaker boxes that will do everything subwoofer boxes are supposed to do?

You can easily order custom Truck Subwoofer Boxes or Car SubWoofer Enclosures online. These subwoofer boxes are custom built and professionally designed to fit specific vehicle models. Whether you want to install the enclosed subwoofers in the trunk or under the backseat, car audio professionals and installation experts will help you get the best sound out of your system that you can. Complete the sound system in our vehicle and fully enjoy your beautiful ride!

Mark Markham is the owner and president of SuperCrewSound Inc. and has been specializing in Custom Subwoofer Boxes since 2004. Mark has over 20 years of experience as a Manufacturing and Quality systems Engineer and has brought that experience to SuperCrewSound Inc. Mark has been a car audio enthusiast for over 25 years.

The right choices portable DVD player for car

So many DVD player in the market to install into your car.

If you are looking to purchase a portable car DVD player for your car then you should take a good look at this article. I will go over helpful tips regarding your possible car DVD player choices, where to locate them, and how to pick from the many models on the market.

Over the years car driving has become a totally new experience. Technology now provides you you with lots of entertainment as you drive. Speakers, and music accessories have come a long way. DVD players put the thrill back in your car interior.

Harassed drivers celebrate! Your new DVD player should occupy the minds of your fidgety kids on those long road trips. Choosing a DVD player for your car is not so different from choosing any other item. All you've got to do is a bit of research and understand your budget then the purchase is easy.

You will want to shop online because it allows you to compare products more effectively. Everyone wants to avoid the trip to the store. Your online search allows you to compare different products against one another for price and quality.

The first choice you need to make is whether to go with a portable car DVD player or one installed directly in your car. You'll find that portable units are cheaper and can be carried in and out of your car for other uses. Children especially enjoy these models because they can easily operate the controls and carry them around.

Brand names are important when shopping. I would recommend that you not get fixated on brands but don't go for the cheapest model either. Looking up consumer reviews on various DVD brands is a great idea too.

When I shop for a DVD player for my car it feels like Christmas all over again. Your kids will become the best behaved kids when they are watching their all time favorite movie. You can't go wrong by using the internet to get the best available price.

What Size Speakers Fit in My Car?

You are finally going to break down and upgrade that car stereo system you have. You might even still have the factory installed one. If so, then there are some key points you need to know before you head off to the store. One of the most important questions will be: What size speakers fit in my car? Let's see if we can figure out how to tell this.

For starters, you can check the manuals. The speaker size is sometimes listed in there, along with a part number for replacement. We do not need the replacement numbers, just the size of the actual speaker you are going to replace. If it is not there, then you head to the next step.

You can always just measure them. They are going to be in the doors, or in the flat section behind the back seat, just below the back windshield. You need to access these back ones from the trunk. Most of the time, these are going to be 6x9's, but they could still be a different size. You should need a screwdriver and tape measure for this.

Remove the cover for the speaker and measure the diameter. This will give you a certain number. For example, you might have a 5" speaker in each door, and 2 6x9's in the back. If you are having a hard time doing this, or are not real sure, then just ask the guy at the car stereo place. He will be more than happy to help you out with the speaker sizes.

Now, just because you have a standard size in the car, does not mean you need to stick with it. These professional car installers can make the holes bigger to accommodate bigger speakers. There will still be a certain amount of air space required behind the speaker to get the full sound quality. They can help with this as well.

One last thing is if you want sub-woofers. This is where the bass part of the songs will come from. Most people install these in their trunk in a speaker box. As I stated earlier, certain speaker sizes require a certain amount of cubic in of space to sound their best. There are 2 things to consider here: how much room you actually have in your trunk for this, and what size speakers you want.

If you base this decision on the trunk space, then this will give you a maximum box size, which will then place you in a certain speaker size. Once again, professional car stereo installers have a ton of knowledge in this, and will tell you how big the box needs to be, and what size speaker will go into it. Plus, they will just build it for you, and install it. What could be easier?

If you are trying to find out what size speaker fits in your car, those are the basic options you have to do this yourself. Please, do not be ashamed to ask for help on this. The last thing you want is to spend the money on a good set of speakers, and put them in the wrong location. This will end up not sounding good, plus you will have wasted your money. Get the right speakers for the right job and you will be definitely happy.

Sounds For the Road You Travel

To many, a road trip is all about sound. To that end, road trip soundtracks are what this article is all about. Music, audiobooks even talk or news radio can be your soundtrack if it's delivered by satellite. The focus here, is on digitally delivered road trip soundtracks of all kinds. You'll soon find out that's a very broad focus. Not like just a generation ago with a choice of 8-tracks, cassettes or broadcast FM or AM radio. Today your road trip soundtrack is a real cornucopia. That ever full horn of plenty that once you push the on button it never quits or fades until you reach your destination.

With the advent of iPod, Zune and myriad other mp3 devices that will plug right into your music player and satellite radio that does the same, there is no reason one cannot circle the country and never be without your own special road trip soundtrack accompanying you. What's even better is that no obstacle can obscure it's signal.

Cross the Chesapeake Bridge/Tunnel trying to listen to radio or drive across southwest Texas sometime for a definitive example. But I'm sure you've had your own frustrating experiences wherever you travel. Tape and CD players go some way to alleviate that problem but an iPod or other device loaded up with mp3's is the ultimate solution these days.

You'll need a car stereo optimized for using an mp3 music player with at least an auxiliary input on the front panel or one with audio inputs you can plug your iPod right into. Stay away from FM transmitters, they're cheap and easy but the sound is horrid and they get interference from FM radio stations. Take my word for it, those things suck like a V8 powered vacuum cleaner. If you don't want to change your music player spend the extra and have a harness installed that will plug into the headphone jack of your mp3 device or into the dock connection of an iPod.

Your own road trip soundtrack can be anything you wish it to be; music that you play in a structured playlist or just a group of road trip songs that you set your mp3 player to shuffle through. Either way, once you have loaded up your iPod for example, it's simply a click to change an easily found setting.

These days I find myself listening mostly to audiobooks that no longer are restricted to CD's or tape but can be downloaded to music players such as iPod and Zune. To me there is nothing like a heart pounding tale being read to keep me attentive to the end and burning the miles as I listen. I've discovered, since I mostly travel alone, that the human voice reading a really good tale is the best sort of companion. One whom I don't have to talk to and who totally ignores my occasional outburst if I do!

Finding your road trip songs is easy enough these days. There are many online sites to purchase songs and complete albums. The one I find myself at mostly is the iTunes store because it works so seamlessly with my iPods and is so user friendly to negotiate. For audiobooks I've found Audible to be my favorite. Of course there are still some file sharing sources but if you use a PC the spectre of malicious viral parasites attached to music files looms large. Though Mac users don't see nearly the trouble PC's users do there is an up tick in the problem being seen especially with new Macs. My advice to those new to downloading music is to stick to paid sites. It can't hurt your karma affording the artists the respect much less the payment they're due for their works.

Finally, there is satellite radio. With over a hundred channels and many of those genre specific shows it's almost as customizable as making your own road trip soundtrack. There can be fade from obstacles to the line of sight to a satellite but distance itself means not a thing. There is a monthly charge to subscribe or you can pay an annual rate to save some cash. All in all not a bad way to go. No more searching for your favorite station when it's signal fades to oblivion.

I listen to National Public Radio shows fairly regularly and I find Sirius satellite radio incredibly more easy than how I used to do it, with saved stations on as many presets as I could find. It's not expensive to get a basic system to plug into your music player, but there again, run it directly into your auxiliary input at least. There are satellite ready players as well.

If you don't already do your own road trip soundtrack, take up the practice. It's easily done, an easy little hobby to take up and you get a nice sense of self satisfaction from it too. In my case it's part of the tool box of things I need to perform my chosen profession with, just like a road map, gps on my laptop or a flashlight... I Don't leave home without it!

Experienced Car Electronics Shops Bring You Superior Performance

Car audio is a competitive industry, and with so many choices, it can be hard to pick the right shop when you're in the market for car electronics. If you're debating between several shops for your new car stereo, vehicle security system, or other mobile electronics installation, your best bet is the one with the most experience. As with most businesses, experience in car audio tends to be synonymous with knowledge and expertise. For the best car customization experience, select a shop with decades in the industry!

Perhaps the most important difference between a newer mobile electronics shop and one with 30 years in the business is simply knowledge. When you've spent three decades in one business, you've seen it all! From in-depth information about manufacturers and components to installation experience, a well-established car audio video shop just knows. In their years in the car electronics field, your experienced shop will have done practically everything before-that means when they're confronted with challenging installations, custom creativity, or other tricky mobile electronics issues, they already have the hands-on expertise to quickly and competently overcome the obstacle.

In addition to installation ability, knowledge is also key in terms of getting the right car audio equipment for your vehicle. An experienced shop will know which products and components work best in which applications. They'll be able to help you select just the right mobile electronics to suit your car or truck as well as your personality and listening style.

Of course, just because a mobile electronics company has been around the block a few times doesn't mean it's necessarily the best in town. Getting stuck in the past can be a problem for some companies, so make sure they're up-to-date with the latest developments in mobile technology. And, as always, only work with a shop that has a reputation for quality workmanship and top customer satisfaction.

However, when all other points of comparison are the same, the more experienced your car electronics shop, the more knowledgeable and skilled they're likely to be. For superior mobile enhancement, choose a shop with longevity in the field. With decades of experience in the industry, they'll have the knowledge and skills to competently and correctly install systems in just about any vehicle. Experience can make all the difference!

Choosing Car Audio

When it comes to automotive accessories, speakers are easily among the most popular. Though many drivers are perfectly satisfied with their factory speakers, the rest are seeking better ways to achieve bigger sound. The world of car audio is very large and if you are not familiar with it, it may appear to be confusing. There are a lot of options available when selecting the right car audio system for your car. Newcomers may want to do some careful research first because selecting the wrong system for your car or personal preference may result in a product that you have to return.

Start by getting acquainted with the various parts and components of a speaker system. Tweeters, subwoofers and amplifiers are the main components that you will find. Tweeters are great for perfecting the higher sounds while amps and subwoofers are designed to improve the quality of the bass. Not every car will need all of these parts just to have a nice sound. Larger vehicles may require more speakers than a small one. Determine what you need based on the size and shape of your car as well as your personal preference. Getting the right system may require professional assistance. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

Comparing prices and quality is very essential when purchasing any electronic equipment. Do not go for either the cheapest or the most expensive speakers right off the bat. That is not enough to make a decision to buy. You need to know how the product works, if it suits your needs and what others think of it. Look up brands and styles on consumer review websites to discover if others find it to be a worthy spend. People are brutally honest online because they have nothing to hide. It's a great way to get the inside scoop on various products.

Some people make the mistake of loading their vehicle up with speakers, thinking that more is better. However, that is rarely the case. Having too many speakers can actually dirty up your sound so that it is distorted and not at all what you want. Likewise, a misplaced subwoofer or amplifier will likely get you a noise complaint rather than impress the neighborhood. This is yet another great reason to seek out some advice from a professional in the audio industry. Clarity and quality has got to be the bottom line. For music of all types and even talk radio, the best speakers are the ones suited to your car.

The majority of people require basic speakers though there are speakers designed for competition purposes. This is a whole other category of car speakers. Choosing wisely is what makes the difference between good speakers and fantastic speakers. Check over all warranty and return information to ensure that you don't buy into something that you will be stuck with in the event it is damaged or deficient. Having the right car audio system can make all the difference in the quality sound of your favorite music.

What to do when accident

If you've been fortunate enough to never have been in an auto accident, you should consider yourself very lucky. For those of us that have, it is one of the most stressful and scary events you might ever experience in your life. With as frequent as everyone drives these days, chances are you're bound to get in an accident sooner or later. One of the best things you can do is to be prepared to handle the situation should you be unfortunate enough to get into an auto accident. Here are a few tips that will help you deal with this frightening, nerve wracking situation.

The very first thing you need immediately after getting into an accident is try to calm yourself down. Take a few deep breaths and try to release a bit of the tension. You may be feeling overwhelmed or in shock, but trying to calm yourself and relax will help settle you down and ensure the rest of the process goes smoothly. While still sitting in your car, it is a good idea to call the police so they can respond to the scene immediately. If you are unsure where you are at, try to find street signs or other markers that will help pinpoint your location. Depending on the severity of the accident, be sure to let the dispatcher know that an ambulance may be needed. Never leave the scene of an accident under any circumstances. You're going to need an official accident report completed by the police in most cases, especially if there is extensive vehicle damage or injury.

After calling the police, get out of your vehicle and assess any injuries or vehicle damage. If there is damage to any vehicles involved, you need to collect insurance and contact information from each driver. Make sure you get their full name, phone number, address, and any other pertinent info. Use a digital camera or your cell phone to take pictures of any damage to your car and others. This will help you with the next step, which is filing an insurance claim.

You want to report any damage to your insurer immediately. Provide the information of the other drivers involved as well as any information required from the accident report. You may need to fax a copy of the report to your insurer to have your claim processed.

Accidents are often unavoidable and will scare the crap out of you, but if you're prepared to handle the situation things will go much better for you.

Arturo T. Chuong is writing articles about car maintenance, and automotive performance parts. One of the most important part of a car is the tires, and if you need quality tires, check out Vredestein tires by DFW Performance Tires. If you're in the Dallas or Fort Worth metro, order from our website for discount tires Dallas.

Solve the problem of MP3

With the advent of these fabulous MP3 players, like the Ipod and the Creative Zen, their use in cars creates some problems. It has only been recently that automakers began to cater to music lovers and install jacks in their radio’s. But not all do, and what can you do if you have one of these or older cars not so equipped?

The cassette solution
If your older car has a cassette player, you can get an adapter that looks like a cassette with a wire hanging out of it. You can get these at places like Walmart for 8 bucks. While very reliable, the downside is reduced dynamic range. Cassette players can’t reproduce the frequency response of cd’s or MP3’s but they do come close. It’s a cheap way to solve the problem. And cars generate enough noise that you may not even notice it.

FM transmitters
Another way to get your Ipod into the radio system is through an FM transmitter that generally just plugs into your power jack or cigarette lighter. A Belkin unit can be had at Amazon for 30 bucks. These devices broadcast a FM signal that can be pickup up by your radio, usually in the less used lower end of the FM range, like 88.1 MHz. These devices suffer somewhat by being low power, poor dynamic range, and if you live in a big city, the FM band is usually pretty crowded, leading to poor reception. But if you live in the right place, it is a reasonably inexpensive solution.

Replace the radio
This sounds expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. While more expensive than the above solutions, it may be desirable to have a radio with new features, like HD Radio, or being able to play music off a USB thumb drive. If a person is the least bit handy, Crutchfield can offer a solution. For most cars, they offer wiring harness connectors (radios over $130 the harness and box is free!) that mitigate the worst part of the job. And your car will always be better off if the wiring isn’t hacked up.

But all cars can’t benefit from this solution either. Your car will have to have a din or double din size radio. These are easy to spot as the radio will be rectangular in shape (2.5” x 7.5”) or for the double din (4.5” x 7.5”). Some manufacturers lately have been burying the radio, with a control unit on the dash, usually including the HVAC controls or other things. These radios are so integrated into the car, that replacing them with something different is almost impossible.

However, if you have the right size opening, you will have to get the old one out. This is a problem since most radios need some sort of special tool to get them out. A trip to your dealer may help, as they could pop it out for you, sometimes free. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Behind the radio you have the wiring and antenna hookup. And be sure to ask if the antenna needs an adapter also. Some Euro cars have strange fittings. There are also Crutchfield certified installers in our area if you would rather have it installed.

There is always some way to get a job done. Maybe one of these links can solve your problem.

iPhone play with car speaker

Millions of people around the world love their iPhones for it's phone abilities, the ability to browse the web, and also it's iPod features as well. Set up correctly, it can be a great addition to your car for both daily commutes and longer road trips. The first problem is connecting your phone to the speakers in your car. There are a variety of available solutions with a range of costs and qualities. Some car stereos have a plug specifically for an iPod or a place to plug in an auxiliary source of sound. If yours doesn't have this, you can look into a device that broadcasts your music on the radio so that your car stereo can receive and play it. Still another option is a cassette adapter if your car still has one of these.

Once you have it connected, playing music through your stereo from your iPod is a great way to avoid radio commercials and bad songs and instead just listen to your favorites. Don't forget that you are not limited to your own music. You can often use Internet streaming radio stations such as Pandora to have an unlimited supply of music for an extended trip.

Other passengers in the car can even watch a movie on the iPhone with the sound coming from the car speakers but the driver should be careful to not get distracted and to keep their eyes on the road! Once you connect your phone to your car, a whole new world of possibilities open up!

Blutooth hand free car kit

Amazon.com Product Description

The Parrot MKi9200 Advanced Color Display Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit system is a unique range of Bluetooth hands-free car kits which install in every car. It combines the latest communication technologies with a full set of services dedicated to music–A full system dedicated to conversation and music in car.

Parrot MKi9100 kit comes with everything you need to be connected and entertained.

The Parrot MKi9200 is a Bluetooth hands-free system with a 2.4-inch high-resolution TFT color screen. A wireless remote control can be positioned on the steering wheel or dashboard and allows the driver to control all the functions of the MKi9200.

In addition to conventional telephony functions – pick up, hang up, dual calls – the Parrot MKi9200 boasts cutting-edge telephony functions: automatic phonebook synchronization, training-free multi-speaker voice recognition, speech synthesis of the names in the phonebook, contact management (up to 2 000 per phone), call records, and so on.

Its color screen displays the phonebook, caller ID and photo, phone information and user settings. The menus and phonebook are also audible for easier, more intuitive use.

Listen to your digital music in the car
The Parrot MKi9200 is also gifted for music. Supplied with a specific cable, it is compatible with all music sources, such as iPods, iPhones, USB flash drives, Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) phones, MP3 players and any other analogue players. The Parrot MKi9200 also features an SDHC-compatible SD card reader on the side of the screen.

Connectors to use your favorite music player are provided.

Mounts right on your dashboard.

The MKi9200 displays the full playlist along with the name of the artist, the title and even the corresponding album cover in color when available on the iPod, iPhone or USB flash drive.

Music is delivered through all the car’s speakers, giving the driver and passengers exceptional sound quality and the breathtaking Virtual SuperBass effect.

The Parrot MKi9200 kit connect to your car audio system and deliver hi-quality conversations whatever the conditions are. Each MKi kit is delivered with it independent RF remote control. Positioned on the steering wheel or placed wherever is convenient, the remote control gives you the total control you need right at your fingertips. The Parrot MKi kits propose an incredibly efficient combination of an external double microphone and new software which eliminate environmental and in-car noises with full-duplex and zero-echo crystal clear conversations. Another unique feature of the MKi9200 is that its screen is detachable from its support when you leave your vehicle, for ultimate security.

Once paired with your Bluetooth mobile phone, the MKi enables you to establish in a few seconds any phone conversations in your vehicle without needing to handle the telephone, even leaving it in your pocket. Connection with your mobile is madein a completely transparent way.

The user-independent voice recognition and voice synthesis are now integrated in all MKi car kits, which dramatically ease the way of using them in every situation. And all the connectors for any type of music are provided with each MKi hands-free kit: iPod, iPhone, iTouch, USB keys, USB MP3 players, Bluetooth Stereo devices, CD players, MiniDisc.

What’s in the Box
Detachable screen, External adjustable double microphone, Six buttons RF remote control keypad, Parrot universal ‘mute’ BlueBox, Music cable with iPod/iPhone and USB and Line-In, Steering wheel mounting kit for remote control keypad, Dashboard mounting kit for screen, Screen cable, Mute / 12V cable with ISO connectors, USB / mini-USB cable, Set of accessories, Quick Start Guide

About Parrot
Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free kits on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists. Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 500 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas. Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006.

Product Description

A full system dedicated to conversation and music in car. The MKi system is a unique range of Bluetooth hands-free car kits which install in every car. It combines the latest communication technologies with a full set of services dedicated to music. Once paired with your Bluetooth mobile phone, the MKi enables you to establish in a few seconds any phone conversations in your vehicle without needing to handle the telephone, even leaving it in your pocket. Connection with your mobile is madein a completely transparent way. The user-independent voice recognition and voice synthesis are now integrated in all MKi car kits, which dramatically ease the way of using them in every situation. And all the connectors for any type of music are provided with each MKi hands-free kit: iPod, iPhone, iTouch, USB keys, USB MP3 players, Bluetooth Stereo devices, CD players, MiniDisc¿ Parrot MKi9000, Parrot MKi9100, Parrot MKi9200 Three versions for a single system: the Parrot MKi kits connect to your car audio system and deliver hi-quality conversations whatever the conditions are. Each MKi kit is delivered with it independent RF remote control. Positioned on the steering wheel or placed wherever is convenient, the remote control gives you the total control you need right at your fingertips. The Parrot MKi kits propose an incredibly efficient combination of an external double microphone and new software which eliminate environmental and in-car noises with full-duplex and zero-echo crystal clear conversations. Another unique feature: the screen of the MKi9100 and MKi9200 is detachable from its support when you leave your vehicle, for ultimate security.

Sirius XM SkyDock for satelite radio

On August 17th, the FCC published a few documents that reveal that Sirius XM Radio Inc. are preparing to release a new product entitled the Sirius XM SkyDock.

Of course, Sirius XM doesn't want the FCC spilling the beans to eager bloggers like your's truly - so they requested a 45-day period of confidentiality. But we do know a few things.
First off, the model number for the new XM SkyDock will be XVSAP1V1. Additionally, we know that the FM transmitter is located within the SkyDock housing.

Here's a diagram, from the FCC, showing how the device interfaces with the vehicle:


The housing is inserted into the vehicle's cigarette lighter adapter socket and "is only capable of FM transmissions in association with Apple's iPhone or iPod Touch and Sirius XM iPhone/iPod Touch app," according to the FCC test report.

In other words, when you download the Sirius XM iPhone App, the upcoming SkyDock allows you to get the available satellite radio content in your car - all using a single device.

Now, if I'm reading that line correctly, this means the dock will only be able to stream audio using the Sirius XM iPhone App - does that presumably mean that nothing else will be able to be streamed using this dock? Hard to say for sure.

Stay tuned, I'm hoping I'll get an upclose preview of this device next week at Sirius XM's private event in NYC.

H1N1:Malaysian failure

"H1N1 to other people may be fined or punished in prison is proof of how real the Kingdom of Malaysia threaten only clever people, but the steps to prevent and treated people who do not become a victim so primary.The doctor also be the person who is guilty for the death victim H1N1 doctorate while also threaten that give superiority to the victim the high-risk infected H1N1 without exhaustive effort to see problem faced by the doctor who hardworks so that there is a bed in the hospital to help this victim H1N1. That is the typical attitude in the Goverment of Malaysia to solve and natural disasters that befall people.During JE, SARS, the tsunami disaster and the first visible trends in the same action in the Goverment of Malaysia, but this time the natural look more extreme and dilapidation appear kingdom that Malaysia predication so to bring a mix of people 1 through campange Malaysia Malaysia .Goverment also still magnificent position with countries in the stage health cares for them just because the position can be considered an emergency dangerous position Malaysia kingdom attitude in this case the same as natural disasters and the country has ever experienced . perhaps still do not have news on how the kingdom of money intended for the purpose of natural tube misused as JE and the tsunami aid first. Musing H1N1 evidence to bring about a kingdom that has failed and that the kingdom failed .Which this should be a democratic country, a task switch is the kingdom and the people's duty to do so long "overdue." Come on Malaysia people, time for change has long passed and the time to see the new goverment that is able to defend the people who stage maximum have also left too long passed. "

Subwoofer basslink for car

BASSLINK

Infinity®, the inventor of servo-controlled subwoofer systems, has adapted the technology developed for the finest home-audio loudspeakers to create BassLink™, a ground-breaking automotive powered subwoofer. BassLink sets a new standard for in-vehicle bass reproduction.

• Infinity, the inventor of servo-controlled subwoofer systems, has adapted the technology developed for the finest home-audio loudspeakers to create BassLink, a groundbreaking automotive powered subwoofer. BassLink sets a new standard for in-vehicle bass reproduction.

• Four low-level inputs provide non-fading bass. Four high-level inputs also provide non-fading bass and the ability to easily interface BassLink with most factory sound systems.

• BassLink can be mounted vertically or horizontally thanks to its unique mounting system. Basslink provides user-adjustable input sensitivity, crossover frequency and bass-boost, allowing BassLink's performance to be optimized for any installation.

• BassLink features a 200W Class D subwoofer amplifier that provides all the horsepower needed to drive the 10" subwoofer/10" passive radiator combination.

jeep with powerful audio

This 2004 Jeep Liberty not only looks killer and slams - it will tear up the trails! The first thing that grabs your attention about this one-of-a-kind Liberty is the candy-orange color that "blings" in the sunlight. For go-anywhere Jeep fans who love to play in the dirt, this Liberty is fully equipped for any off-road challenge, boasting a 3" lift using Skyjacker suspension components, a Borla exhaust system for a little extra power, a custom-built aluminum roof rack for holding all your gear, a front-mounted winch to help pull other guys out of the mud, and a full lineup of Jeep accessories, including custom-built rock guards, a roof-mounted light bar for nighttime trail driving and custom wheels.

You want to be comfy while you're hitting the trails and rocking out. The Liberty comes with custom leather seats from Katzkins that feel great and look even better. Kimball's Mobile Electronics outfitted the Liberty with an awesome custom sound-system install, featuring a full line of Infinity® products. For the front soundstage, the Liberty uses a pair of brand-new 6.5" Kappa® components in custom door pods utilizing our new technology of woven glass cones for smooth and powerful midbass; the rear doors sport a pair of new Kappa coaxials.

Good thing we've got that rack up top, because the rear is packed full of bass! Two 12" Kappa Perfect VQ subs in a custom ported enclosure hammer this Liberty. Powering the entire system are two Infinity 7541 four-channel amps and an Infinity 1211a subwoofer amp, all seated nicely on a sweet motorized amp rack. A Panasonic flip-out touchscreen DVD/CD head unit serves as the Liberty's source. We've even installed a Panasonic screen in a custom-molded center console for the enjoyment of rear-seat passengers.

Basic audio system

BASIC CAR AUDIO SYSTEM SPECIFICATION UPGRADE INSTALLATION PRICE

By kdi • Aug 8th, 2009 • Category: >" rel="category tag">! WEEKLY CAR HIGHLIGHTS >>

I would like to share some important information when you want to upgrade your car audio system especially in Malaysia. The audio system is a too subjective issue. It depends on what your target is whether for your own satisfaction or more to extreme level for autoshow etc. But I am sure many of us want to have it for own satisfaction. The budget depends on what brand and material quality that you want.

BASIC CAR AUDIO SYSTEM SPECIFICATION UPGRADE INSTALLATION PRICE

Beware of so many fake audio component like speakers and amplifier. Do the sound test to make sure it pays for the price you buy. But some of the well known brand which is cheap are coming from China and taiwan which is acceptable.

The basic stuff to upgrade for your car audio system should be the speaker + amplifier + subwoofer + head unit cd player.

I will describe generally about those stuff so that you will easily understand about it.

What is Head Unit CD Player?

audio player

Head Unit CD Player is the common stuff in audio system that you must have. Why CD player? because it provide the maximum clarity of sound not like cassette or fm modulator. Normally the best good brand is Pioneer, Kenwood and Sony. This branded head unit provide clearer sound and more sound setting for your satisfaction. The price range for satisfaction level is between RM200-RM300. You also can buy the double Din player which has the touch screen LCD and the price range is between RM600-RM1000. If you want a cheap LCD CD player just buy the CD player sun visor for RM250 or the cheap LCD display RM230. Some of standard player did not have the plug for amplifier so you must buy a connector or just replace the head unit. They will take the standard player for trade in new player.

The speaker is the most important stuff after head unit. If you have a good speaker already integrated in your car like clarion from Proton, then it should be ok not to change it. But it is even better if you can upgrade to 3 way speaker which have the mid bass and tweeter in one set. The price range for the component speaker is from RM150 to RM300 for satisfaction level. More than that is already in extreme level which have more than 300 watts power.

With the head unit and component speaker, you now have a good audio system already. Then to get the maximum bass effect, you can add amplifier and subwoofer. The specification of amplifier generally is like below:

Amplifier specification definition

“250watts RMS X 2 channels continuously into 4 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz”

The “250watts” part is the one we notice first and everything else qualifies how that “250watts” was measured. Having enough power is what most people look for in an amp. The output maximum power must match the input power of the speaker and subwoofer. Be careful there are two statement which is 250watt x 2 and 300 watt. The 250 watt x 2 is equal to total 500 watt. Higher watt is better.

The “X2″ implies that the amp has 2 output channels to supply power to 2 different component speaker or subwoofer. The “RMS” stands for “root mean square” and is a method of measuring an AC waveform. More importantly here it implies that the power rating is not just a peak rating but continuous. Usually there are two power rating which is Peak Power (Maximum) and Continuous power (normal power range). RMS value shows the continuous power value. The higher the better.

A power rating into 2 ohms is better (low resistance = higher current) then you know that the amp is built strongly enough that it can deliver enough current to drive a 2 ohm load. Normally car audio system is 4 ohm resistance.

“from 20Hz to 20kHz” tells us the frequency range into which this amp can produce its rated power. The wider range is the better.

The trusted brand for amplifier is the Bumper USA, Sony Xplode, Pioneer, BOSCHMANN, Mohawk, SOUNDSTREAM, MB Quart, Night Kids, Kenwood & Alpine.

Subwoofer

The subwoofer is the most important stuff to express bass output in your car audio system. There are many brand available but it is adviseable for you to test each of the sound quality. Some brand is famous but the spec is low. The good specification of a car audio system should be higher power handling, higher quality of cone material, solid woofer box, dual voice coil and double magnet if possible for your satisfaction level to provide clearer bass. the more wide the diameter of your woofer is the better. normally between 8″-12″ for your satisfaction level. The price range of subwoofer only is from RM150 to RM300. The woofer box is from RM50 to RM150.

woofer box

Normally, the installation charges plus the wire and fuse is around RM100-RM200. That is all the basic stuff you can do for your car audio system. Hope this helps and if you have any experience handling the audio system, please share with us and the readers here.

Installing an amplifier yourself

How to install your Amp......

Amplifiers can really turn your system on. With more power you’ll achieve a cleaner, more dynamic sound at higher volumes. But installing an amplifier yourself can be tricky. Be sure to plan your installation carefully.

Never mount amps or other components directly to the metal of your car. (That’s just asking for noise problems.)

Instead, use screws with rubber isolators when you have to mount to metal, or mount the component to a non-conductive board and then mount the board to your car’s body. And before you drill holes to mount anything, hook the component up and give it a test run in your chosen location. How smug will you feel after finding that noise problem can be fixed simply by moving your amp to a new location… before you’ve drilled?

Amps are sensitive to electrical and motor noise, and they can interfere with your radio reception. They should be mounted at least 3 feet away from your head unit.

You can mount an amp under a front seat. This is close to your head unit, so you’ll be able to use shorter cables to both the head unit and the speakers, but larger amps won’t work here.

Mount an amp on the passenger side firewall; you won’t have to remove the seat, but again only a very small amp will fit.

Better yet, mount your amp in your trunk, where it will have plenty of room to breathe, which is important because…

Amps produce a lot of heat. You’ll see cooling fins on an amp. They radiate that heat into the surrounding air to help cool the amp. For these fins to operate properly, they need a few inches of air space around them at all times. Also, try to keep them vertical. Amps should not be mounted with the fins facing downward (because heat will radiate back up into the amp).