New Car Audio Systems from Blaupunkt
Aiming to make further inroads into the Malaysian market, Bosch is introducing two new car multimedia systems under its Blaupunkt brand. The two new systems – Skyline III and Funline 4 – come hot on the heels of the Skyline II range which was introduced last year.
Six new models (Los Angeles MP72, Seattle CD72, Orlando CD72, Miami CD72, Madrid CD72 and Nevada CD72) are available in the third generation Skyline range which has prices ranging from RM1,400 to RM2,100. They feature power-driven flip-down front panels, CR-RW and CD text enabled drives, and a 4x50W output stage and cooling concept. There’s also a 6-chamber ISO connection box for a wide variety of individual connection configurations, something which should please enthusiasts who must have things exactly their own way.
A new KeyCard system using a postage stamp-sized multimedia card gives better theft protection. Unlike earlier security concepts, this card does not have to stay in the unit for continued operation; it is only required to “unlock” the unit for first-time operation or to re-start it after the unit has been disconnected from the car battery. Thus, without the KeyCard, a thief would be useless to a thief and make it pointless stealing the unit (of course, thieves will first have to be ‘informed’ of the new system and why it would be futile for them to steal it!).
The highlight of the new Skyline III range is the ability to play MP3 music (up to 2 hours) from both CDs as well as MultiMedia Cards (MMCs), thus providing compatibility with other portable MP3 players, PDAs and the new generation of mobilephones which have integrated MP3 players. This MP3 feature is only available in the top model, the Los Angeles MP72 which supports all popular bit rates and will provide comprehensive track data.
Other features include a DigiCeiver tuner, SHARX channel separation system and a self-calibrating Digital Equalizer (DEQ).
As with all Blaupunkt units, user-friendliness in the Skyline IIIs is very good and operation while driving is safe and convenient. The multi-colour displays are large and legible in daylight while six keys alongside the display provide function access.
The Skyline units are compatible with Blaupunkt’s innovative MP3 CompactDrive, a player specially designed for in-car use which can download MP3 files from a PC to provide as much as 18 hours of entertainment. It uses a 1GB IBM Microdrive as storage media and can be connected to Windows-based PCs (but not Win XP yet) using a USB link.
The fourth generation of the Funline series – with prices ranging from RM900 to RM1,600 – features a diverse range of attractive, high-tech and classy car radios with affordable pricetags. Well aware that the brand is perceived as ‘conservative’, having been around for decades, Bosch has given the new Funline units more youthfulness and elegance in presentation. The addition of illuminating LEDs in red, blue, green and orange gives exceptional clarity both at night as well as in the daytime.
All units have a 4x50W output stage and depending on the model, playback can be by either MP3, CD or cassette. Fold-down front panels conceal the drives while the tuners are equipped with CodemIII+RDS or DigiCeiver technology to ensure top-quality reception and good sound quality.
Most of the Funline units offer speed-dependent volume adjustment as well as a 5-band digital equalizer (DEQ) to customize the music to personal tastes and cabin environment. They can be linked to CD-changers, accommodate handsfree mobilephone accessories and also play CR-RWs.
“We are confident that the Funline 4 and Skyline III series will have a strong impact in Malaysia and also in the region. As drivers spend more and more time behind the wheel, we believe that they should be entertained with a mobile audio system that offers not only good looks but also the latest innovations available,” said Martin Low, Sales & Marketing Manager (Car Multimedia Division) of Robert Bosch (SEA) Pte Ltd.
