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The AVIC-N4 from Pioneer: GPS Meets iPod Meets Bluetooth Meets...A complex and feature-packed car infotainment system |
By Alex Vochin, Technology Editor
30th of August 2007, 07:36 GMT
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The people over at Pioneer have launched quite an extensive number of in-dash infotainment solutions over the past two years, each of them providing both enhanced navigation features and advanced multimedia playback capabilities. And that's exactly the case with the company's latest offering, namely the AVIC-N4, a device that provides just about every necessary tool for making a car trip both safer and a lot more entertaining.
The most important features provided by the AVIC-N4 are quite obviously related to navigation. Thus, the device comes with detailed mapping and guidance for the entire United States, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii utilizing two regional DVD ROM discs, which also include 12-million points of interest (POIs) divided in 271 categories. Once a destination is entered, the system provides easy to follow, step-by-step route guidance
followed up with helpful audio prompts to assist drivers. Moreover, the system displays detailed lane information at complex highway interchanges to further prepare drivers for upcoming turns and exits.
Moreover, the device supports the connection of a Pioneer GEX-P10XMT XM traffic tuner, thus allowing the users to be alerted to current traffic incidents and traffic flow conditions, while the device suggests alternative routes based on the aforementioned data.
The second most important function of the AVIC-N4 is related to multimedia playback. Thus, the device plays different forms of discs including DVD video, CD-R/RW and DVD-R/RW filled with MP3, WMA, AAC or DivX video and also employs dual zone capability, to provide rear seat passengers with DVD video or CD audio content through additional rear screens and headsets. Moreover, the infotainment system has also been fitted with a built-in iPod Direct control feature to connect to an iPod audio/video player using Pioneer's optional iPod cable (CD-I200), the music content and information being displayed directly on the large touch screen monitor.
Moreover, by using Pioneer's optional CD-BTB200 adapter, Bluetooth-enabled cell phones can be synched to the system for complete hands-free operation allowing users to carry out phone conversations through the vehicle's internal speakers and included microphone. The device also supports the A2DP Bluetooth protocol, thus allowing wireless audio streaming from Bluetooth enabled audio players.
"The need to enhance the driving experience is so prevalent among drivers these days. The amount of time spent in the car has increased significantly making products like the AVIC-N4 a necessity for driving consumers," said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for the mobile entertainment division at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "The AVIC-N4 will deliver a heightened driving experience with its multi-functional capabilities."
However, all the aforementioned features do come at a price and it's by no means a very low one. Thus, the AVIC-N4 has a MSRP of around $1600, which means that the device is clearly targeting mid-range and high-end consumers who are willing to fork out this amount in order to enjoy a superior in-car infotainment experience.
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