iPod Video Driving
01.04.07 - 03:46pm
Cars have been integrated with iPod adaption by more than 70% for 2007. Now car manufacturers are not only playing the music, they are also streaming the video.
Car-stereo units are being integrated into cars allowing consumers to download video from their iPod and play it on backseat video screens. The units are not leaving the driver out either as some allow for the video to be played on the vehicles navigation screen, albeit only when the car is in park.
Alpine Electronics has just introduced an adapter the KCE-415i which has been available in Europe since July and retails for $90. The adapter connects video iPods to the car’s entertainment system. Vice President Stephen Witt says “It’s going to be very popular. The consumer wants to bring these portables into their vehicles.”
Pioneer will also be introducing a new system that will be built into a flagship in-dash audio and navigation system. The system will allow the driver to work the navigation screen while others are watching video in back. Pioneer will debut it’s new system at CES in Las Vegas, no word on pricing yet, availability is set for April.
Other adapters for the video iPod currently on the road are: the Clarion mobile entertainment system – priced at $1,099.99 – released last February and an in-dash stereo from Sony which plays videos on a 7-inch touchscreen – priced at $1,399.
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