What Is HD Radio And Is It Worth The Money?

HD or Hybrid-Digital radio is the latest technology in how FM and AM radio signals are transmitted. It is the transition to digital signals from the old analog signals. It provides a clear sound that's almost album quality. The term "HD Radio" is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation who started the technology. The HD Radio has become the IBOC (In-Band On Channel) standard for the United States and is giving American motorists a higher class of on-road listening experience.

This technology works by allowing in-dash stereos to transmit digital signals that dramatically improve the sound. Various radio stations send out compressed analog and digital signals, with an additional layer for text data. The equipment installed in the cars successfully receives the signal, producing a crisp sound.

With a hybrid-digital radio, there are no more static crackles or pops that annoy listeners. The sound coming from a HD radio is far clearer than what the standard radio produces. With a HD radio, the listening options are increased with the option of multicasting. It allows listeners to simultaneously listen to two or more radio programs without missing anything. Whether it may be a news program, a radio show, or a sports broadcast, the HD radio keeps everyone on track.

Unlike the normal radio that lets songs pass by without the possibility of remembering the song. The HD radio allows the transmission of information, such as song titles, artists and album names, so each song sticks to memory in an easy, hassle-free way. It also allows motorists to tag songs that can be purchased on iTunes.

Getting a Hybrid-Digital radio is worth every penny. Unlike satellite radio, getting a HD radio is not based on a subscription that needs to be paid each month. It works on the same cost-free radio signals we have enjoyed for decades, only with a significantly better sound and a wider array of choices and functions.

For more great news and photos and to see the latest in car audio and video check out Sound Domain.

From Ryan - The King of Car Audio and Visual Equipment

The Easiest Way to Install Amplifier for Car's Audio System

Listening to music while you are driving the car is enjoyable. Rather than using an iPhone, you can consider installing amplifier to power the speakers and get amazing effect of your car's audio system that other people in your car can also listen to your favorite music. Hence, with this article we want to help you install an amplifier in your car.

The first thing to consider is the location where you want to put the amplifier. It is better to place the amplifier under the passenger's seat if you want to power the main speakers. For wiring, buy a thick power cable, 3 feet of ground cable with the same thickness as the power cable, an RCA signal cable, 16-gauge wire to power the main speaker with 12 feet per speaker, and a 'remote on' wire.

Now you need to prepare some tools, such as wire cutters, pliers, wire strippers, screwdrivers, sandpaper, a knife, and masking tape. Since you are going to power the main speakers you will need 2 crimp-on female spade connectors for every speaker in your car. If you have everything prepared, try to get some manual with instructions to take off the car dashboard. Actually you only need to take off the head unit, not the whole dashboard. It is needed to hook the wires to the back.

Now you can start the installation. You have to make sure that everything is disconnected to electricity. This is for safety. Hence, you need to disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Take the side with the fuse of the red (positive) power cable and attach it to the connector on the positive terminal of the battery. Then you can place the fuse of the cable in the fuse holder.

Now you can attach the power cable through the firewall of your car and to the amp. Just be careful where you want to run the wire. Don't set the power cables close to the speaker wires or signal. After that, you can find a metal screw in your car which is close to the amplifier to connect the negative cable. Make sure the distance is less than 3 feet. Unscrew the bolt and clean the surface with sandpaper. Then, attach the ground to it with some o-ring. If you have done with it, fasten the screw again.

Now you have to connect the RCA connectors and the remote on wire to the back of your head unit. Then you can put everything back together. At last, do some checking to make sure that everything works well.

Speaking about car, you might consider garage and its equipment. Hence, we suggest that you take a look at Raynor garage door opener to help you open and close the door easily. Or, you may visit www.garagedoorsopeners.org to find another option which meets your need.

Installation and Benefits of a Rearview Mirror Monitor Explained in Detail

In addition to the safety features of having a rear-view camera mirror, to clearly see behind you when reversing or backing up, vehicle owners are demanding more in functionality. As a result, the creation of unique models such as the Bluetooth rear view mirror and GPS rear view mirror were made available.

Units that come with the backup/reverse camera accessory are a favourite amongst individuals who are safety conscious or just do not feel that their driving skills are adequate enough to properly park their vehicle without bumping into something behind them. They are very useful to prevent accidents or damage to your vehicle as they allow you to clearly see what is behind you when you are reversing.

With many new laws banning the use of cell phone use while driving, the Bluetooth function has become not only increasingly more popular but a necessity. With these new units they are able to alert the drivers of an incoming call on their mobile phone as well as displaying the actual caller number and name on the mirror itself. The fancier units even provide an audible voice which will read the name and number so you don't have to take your eyes off the road.

GPS enabled mirrors are popular with both families and entrepreneurs alike since they are great for personal or business road trips. In short, people who like to vacation, or have to travel for business a lot, will definitely appreciate this feature as it provides them the necessary maps and information to get them to their destination easily. Higher models also include turn-by-turn directions via an audible voice so you do not have to refer to the monitor while you are driving which causes less distraction. Furthermore, it is one less piece of equipment to carry around since it is all-inclusive and built right into the mirror itself.

Once you have decided which unit is best suited for your needs it is now time to install the unit into your car, van, truck or SUV. It basically plugs directly into your automobile's video system and displays the images right on the TFT LCD screen. When it is not in use, the unit acts and looks just like a regular rearview mirror.

To start with you will need to disconnect your car battery cables from the actual battery itself before starting your installation. Use a regular or socket wrench to remove the battery cables. If in doubt, refer to your vehicle's manual for the proper wrench or socket size.

Depending on the model you choose you will either have to remove the original mirror from your car or simply mount it over your existing one if it is a clip-on. For the non clip-on models you will need to remove your stock mirror and leave the mounting bracket on the windshield as you will need to attach the mirror monitor to it. Carefully look over the mounting screw to determine what size screwdriver you will need.

Insert the monitor into the existing mounting bracket that is attached to your windshield. Utilize the bolt supplied with the monitor to secure the device in the mounting bracket. You will then need to route an A/V power cable from the A/V selector box directly to the monitor itself. Then, connect the A/V cable from the monitor to the A/V power cable. Get some cable ties to secure the cables and prevent them from hanging.

Now it is time to reconnect your battery to restore power to your vehicle. Start your vehicle and select the rearview mirror monitor on the A/V selector box. If it is properly installed the video monitor should come on right away with prompt to setup the unit and preferences.

Some things to be aware of when installing a rearview mirror monitor are that you may need to remove panels to route the A/V cable. Again, refer to your vehicle's manual for directions on panel removal. The reason we suggested disconnecting the battery is because by ignoring this rule it could result in a serious electric shock and damage your GPS rear-view mirror. Do not used your rear-view camera mirror for things like watching a video while you are driving as it is not only illegal but dangerous. Lastly, as a final precaution if you are not completely confident about installing your Bluetooth rear-view mirror, hire a professional do it.

The Parrot Asteroid: A New Car Stereo Receiver Previewed at CES 2011

Parrot are well known as a company that muscled into the Bluetooth hands free call market with a car speakerphone system that worked a whole lot better than Motorola's then dominant models. The great advantage Parrot offered was voice commands that worked. Most voice controlled technology only responds to those few people who sound like machines! Since then, Parrot has come up with some surprising devices. Including a radio controlled helicopter that can be controlled with an iPhone or iPad.

Parrot's new Asteroid, a new car stereo announced at CES 2011 is closer to the company's roots. The Asteroid has voice control for hands free calls via its speakers and an AM/FM radio. It is also a hub with 3 USB inputs so that you can connect in an MP3 player, smart phone, tablet PC or laptop. One nice irony is that the Asteroid uses Android as its operating system but is very happy to hook up to Apple devices like the iPod.

An optional 3G dongle can be used in one of the USB ports and the unit ships with a GPS dongle. Use both and it allows the stereo to know where it is, as well as having internet access. It can then give you relevant traffic updates and even turn by turn navigation with the Parrot Maps app.

Like any conventional upscale car stereo, part of the device is detachable so you can take it with you as a security measure. Half an Asteroid is hardly worth hauling away for any criminal.

The LCD screen is a generous 3.2-inch LCD. This will give you song name and artist information in conjunction with internet radio services like Pandora. It is also possible to get the same information verbally by pressing a button. A voice synthesizer converts the information embedded in the song into sound. This slightly strange feature will probably help those drivers who hate to look away from the road for even a moment.

The system is due for release in late 2011 but no price has been given at the time of writing.

Will it succeed?

At first glance, the Asteroid seems unnecessary. Cars come supplied with stereos and there are FM transmitters to hook up phones and iPods very easily. GPS navigation devices are also widespread and many have hands free call capability when integrated with a smart phone. At the same time, three USB ports, the ability to get traffic updates and navigation, internet radio and make hands free calls will certainly appeal. For me it covers all the important things I want in car. For some people it might just be too much and unnecessarily complex.

Jack Arthur writes extensively on mobile devices.

If you want to look at more car speaker phone systems try Best Bluetooth Car Speakerphone guide. You might also be interested in Best iPhone 4 FM Transmitter guide.