From The Manufacturer's Mouth: re-Q5 Explained

With all the new OEM integration products coming to market recently, it can be confusing which one is right for your install. One of the more recent products to come to market is the new re-Q⁵. They have a great website dedicated to the re-Q family of products, but I wanted to know more so I hit up the guys at re-Q for a better explanation.

Why would you use the re-Q⁵ over some other product? What benefits does the re-Q⁵ offer? Why the heck would I even use one of these? Can't I just drop-in an amp, subs and new speakers to my car? Isn't a product like this just overkill?? Nope. Absolutely not. Follow the jump to find out why!

Friends Don't Let Friends Rock Factory!

It's no secret that OEM audio systems are sounding better and better these days, but they're still not great. Car manufacturers have finally started to realize that their customers actually care about mobile electronics and have recognized that a good sounding audio system can actually help sell a car. However there is always room to improve. Factory audio systems are designed for mass markets and not individuals, so the products are generally cheaper in quality and are probably missing some key features that only the aftermarket can supply. Manufacturers are also starting to integrate the radios into the vehicle's center stack, making it nearly impossible to upgrade without major customization. But all is not lost! The guys over at Mobile Edge, a car audio shop located in Lehighton, PA, have a great article explaining your options for upgrading your factory stereo from weak sauce to hot sauce. Better bass, clearer vocals, less noise, more functionality... It's all possible, and they explain how.

Source: Mobile Edge

Product Sneak Peek: Audison Bit1 Processor

I stopped by the Audison booth at SBN and was privileged enough to get a sneak peek of the new Audison Bit1 processor. This amazing little black box is similar to the processing capabilities of the Rockford 3Sixty and JL Audio Clean Sweep, but oh-so-much-more. This unit is perfect for OEM upgrades where the factory radio is retained but the rest of the audio system is upgraded, but is also designed for aftermarket integration as well. Follow the jump for more pics and the pretty impressive feature list!

Video How-To: Aux-In Interface Installation in Chevy Silverado

The guys at Scosche recently uploaded a bunch of video to their CarDomain video page, and there is quite an informative collection available, with information ranging from cool 'How-To" videos like the one below, to basic informational videos on things like their BlueLife line of Bluetooth products and walk-through of the demo/show cars. We'll continue to post up videos in the blog as Scosche makes them available, but feel free to check out the entire Scosche library over at CarDomain video.   

The following video gives a quick run-through of what's involved with adding its AXIPGMLAN auxiliary input interface in a 2007 Chevy Silverado. The AXIPGMLAN works with all 2007-up GM vehicles with LAN. Offering an auxiliary interface, the Scosche piece offers complete iPod control through the factory head unit. The video walks through installation and functionality.

in the forums!

Scosche Makes Bluetooth Simple

Scosche is known throughout the industry as a leader and innovator in installation accessories and vehicle-specific car audio installation parts, not to mention their expert technical support and R&D team. But another area where Scosche has recently excelled is the Bluetooth accessory industry. The BlueLife line from Scosche is a collection of pretty unique, easy-to-use, easy-to-install accessories that won't break the bank getting you connected. The collection includes anything from feature-packed OEM Bluetooth adapters that add Bluetooth functionality and mobile phone control to your OEM radio, to home audio solutions, and even extremely simple and universal interfaces.

One of the newest additions to the Universal line of BlueLife products is the DIYBRH. Designed for newer OEM and aftermarket radios with front auxiliary input jacks, the DIYBRH is a simple solution that adds wireless audio and handsfree cell phone capabilities to your ride. Powered by the standard 12-volt outlet (cigarette lighter socket) in your car, ....

(More info and pics after the jump)

in the forums!