14 DAY TRIAL // The "infamous" USB port has penetrated just about every aspect of our daily lives, from the computers we use on a daily basis to the vehicles that take us to work, since even the manufacturers of various car A/V accessories have realized the importance of that little slot. And this is the reason why the Blaupunkt company has just announced the New Orleans MP58, a car radio designed to give users uninterrupted access to vast libraries of digital audio files on MP3-CDs, USB flash drives and large-format portable hard-drives.
One of the most important selling points of the new device from Blaupunkt is the fact that, unlike most car stereos, where MP3 playback is interrupted when searching digital play lists, the Blaupunkt New Orleans MP58 offers no-interrupt browsing capability of file menus and ID3 tag information without interfering with playback of the current track. Moreover, since it's designed to work seamlessly with various external storage solutions, the New Orleans MP58 comes packed with a fixed 1-meter USB cable for connection and flexible placement of the respective devices. Furthermore, it also has an MP3-compatible CD transport, plus optional interface modules for Bluetooth capability and iPod control.
All music sources are accessed and controlled through the radio's front panel controls, including convenient and easy-to-read presentation of ID3 tag information on the three-line LCD display. And since we're on the subject of the display, it's also worth mentioning the fact that the New Orleans MP58 also features Blaupunkt's exclusive Variocolor display technology, which allows consumers to choose from any of 4,096 possible display colors to match the instrument panel lighting.
Moreover, the device has been equipped with a high-performance AM/FM tuner, plus a powerful four-channel amplifier section capable of delivering up to 50 watts per channel. Acoustic performance can be individually tailored to suit car interiors and listener taste with a three-band parametric equalizer. The unit also includes four-channel pre-outs, subwoofer output, and an auxiliary input on the rear panel, making it simple to expand the car audio system with additional source components and external power amplifiers.
The New Orleans MP58 from Blaupunkt will hit the shelves for around $259.95, not that high a price tag, actually, if we take a look at everything this audio system has to offer.
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