Navisurfer II: Single DIN CarPC Goodness

Up until the little gem you see above came out, anybody interested in installing a carPC either had to use a double-DIN all-in-one car PC, or go with a separate screen and a remote-mounted computer. With the Navisurfer II, the PC and screen are built together in a single-DIN solution, a first for CarPCs that we're aware of (feel free to correct us, and the Clarion AutoPC does not count!).
The Navisurfer II features a 7" touchscreen with a 800x480 resolution and runs a specially configured XP-for-car or Linux. The software package also includes GPS, a media player, and diagnostics software. The unit also sports an AV input for a back-up camera, and USB. Different packages are available with varying amounts of HDD space, memory, and processor speeds. Prices range from $578 to $656. Check out the manufacturer's site for full specs and more info.

For a low-cost carPC, this is great way to start. I woudln't expect lighting performance or huge multimedia capabilities from this unit, but if you want something a little different in your dash it's probably a great way to go. A "starter carPC" essentially.

in the forums!

Source: GadgetVenue.com

Takata CSW: A Heads-Up Display at Your Fingertips

What you see here is a pretty bad-ass concept developed jointly by Navigon and Takata. If you've followed this blog, you'd know that the new Navigon 7100 is one of the most cutting edge and sexy PND's (Portable Navigation Devices) for 2008. But Takata is a name you've probably never heard before. Takata is pretty well-known in the OEM automotive industry and develops little things like airbags, seat belts, fabrics, steering wheels, and other automotive safety devices.

Well in a small corner of Navigon's CES booth, was the display you see here. I was able to get a little bit of information out of the Navigon guys, but they weren't allowed to divulge much more than what was on the show display. So what is this funky steering wheel, what does it do, and why is it so special?
Click through at the jump to find out and to check out more pics!

Video: How to Make Your Own Tubes

Tube amplifiers have been around for around 100 years, with home audio applications emerging around the 50's, and their availability for the car has come and gone over the last 20 years or so. Milbert is one of oldest names in tube car audio. Butler is probably the most well recognized. Phaze Audio was around for awhile, initially using Butler's technology and then developing their own amplifiers when Butler purchased PPI shortly after. US Amps has developed their own line of tube amps. Genesis announced the P15 for CES 2007, but I can't seem to find any info on it. And TRU Technology has their beast of a tube amp as well. Many purists and audiophiles argue that tubes offer superior sound quality to today's transistor-based amplifiers. Transistors came into play in the 60's and 70's and basically extincted tubes in the home audio world.

While I've never had the chance to experience the differences between tube and transistor (hopefully that will change soon), I can appreciate the elegance of the technology. SoundDomain member Keep_Hope_Alive stumbled on this cool video from the guys over at Make magazine of a old French radio operator who manufacturers his own tubes from scratch. It's not a terribly exciting video, but it is really cool to watch him develop everything from the glass tubes to the delicate internal structure, all by hand. Check out the video and Butler's explanation as to why tubes sound better than transistors after the jump.

Attn Audiophiles: Pioneer Isn't Messing Around

Most people wouldn't believe that the world's loudest vehicle uses Pioneer subwoofers and amplifiers, but it's true. Similarly, most of Pioneer's high end Premier line doesn't get the props it should. At CES, they were showing some new products that showcase some of Pioneer's decades of R & D in speakers and electronics. 

The DEH-P800PRS is the replacement for the DEH-P880PRS.  This is one of the premier decks for the high end car audio guy who wants to run a full active system (all crossovers built into the head unit instead of using the passive crossovers you would get with a set of component speakers). The new model includes new cosmetics and also adds the ability to play media through a USB port.

On the amplifier side, they were showing a no holds barred 4-channel amp that had all the high end goodies you'd expect from a high end audiophile home amp. The PRS-A900 was so new in fact, that Pioneer didn't have any info available except what was on the display card. We'll be sure to keep in touch and get all the details. We can tell you that is a pure Class A-amp, and features one of the beefiest and most researched circuit boards, cooling systems, and chassis design and configuration. The amp is a filter-less design - no crossovers or signal enhancers to possibly augment the pure signal. Pioneer engineers also spent a lot of time testing multiple chassis designs to find the most stable and rigid design to reduce (nearly eliminate) any vibration transfer. Thick copper bars separate the individual channels from each other and the power supply section. And of course, gold-plated terminals offer a nice clean signal transfer , ensuring "not a single micro-volt is lost..." according to Pioneer. With an MSRP of $1500, this is probably one of the most expensive amps you could slap in your car, but it will probably be one of the best sounding as well.

Pics of the amp are available after the jump.

Honda to Add Black Box Recorders To Vehicles

A few months ago we reported on Eclipse's "Black Box" drive recorder, a device that detects when an accident is about to occur and records pre- and post-accident video. This device is not available in the US yet, but over in Japan their numbers are growing, and now the OEM's are embracing the technology for new vehicles.
Honda announced they will start offer drive recorders on new Hondas as a dealer-installed option. According to a company rep, the device is not designed for "recording how an accident occurred", but is intended as a preventative measure. Honda is assuming drivers will be more cautious and aware if they know their driving is being recorded. I'm not sure I believe that, nor would I really prefer to have my own personal "Big Brother" installed in my car, but to each their own.