Clarion’s In-Dash Navigation Ready Source Unit Product Offerings Explode In 2009

Clarion, a global leader of mobile electronics entertainment systems, introduces new head units that are navigation ready. Clarion’s focus on navigation in 2009 is greater than ever before. Five navigation ready units alone, the VX709, VZ709, VZ509, VX409 and VZ409, not to mention their built-in navigation units and portable devices.

Clarion VX709

“Clarion navigation product offerings in 2009 have experienced huge growth,” states Adam Thomas, Vice President of Marketing, Clarion. “We are excited to be a player in this key product segment. We foresee future growth opportunities in this arena especially with cost effective solutions.”

Clarion’s key navigation ready source units, the VX709 and VZ709 are compatible with two different black box (BB) navigation options. The hide-away 2GB flash memory navigation system (NP509) with the CeNET converter (CCB509) or the stand-alone NAX980HD 40GB high-speed hard disc drive.

Both BB navigation solutions offer touch-screen control, audible voice commands, turn-by-turn voice prompts and automatic route recalculation.

Clarion’s VX709 and VZ709 are premium DVD multimedia and navigation ready source units equipped with motorized 7-inch QVGA LCD displays, touch-panel control and CeNET. The only difference between these units is their packaging. The VZ709 is a one DIN unit and the VX709 is a double DIN. Both are full-featured multimedia units with DVD and DivX video playback, built-in bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod direct control via USB and are XM Mini-tuner ready.

The VZ509 has sleek styling in a one DIN source unit package with a multitude of multimedia and navigational capabilities. Clarion’s VZ509 has a beautifully enhanced high-resolution 7 inch on-screen display, motorized flip out color TFT touch-screen with easy and intuitive Human Machine Interface (H.M.I.). The user interface is simplified with only 4 physical buttons. All other controls are via the slick touch-panel integrated with video IC, so the icon graphics and touch control is quick and smooth. The VZ509 offers DVD video, DivX, CD/ MP3/ WMA/ AAC playback, direct USB iPod control and direct connect black box navigation. The navigation ready feature with direct connect to the NP509 hide-away memory navigation system, allows full navigation control via the touch-screen.

The VX409 and VZ409 both offer equally the same bells and whistles expected in a mid-level DVD multimedia station just one and two DIN sizing. The VX409 double DIN unit boasts a stationary 6.5-inch QVGA LCD display. The VZ409 single DIN unit has a 7-inch motorized sloping QVGA LCD display. Their high-resolution displays have superb imagery and touch-panel control that are smooth as silk.

Clarion’s VX409 and VZ409 connect to a Sirius satellite radio receiver directly no interface box is necessary. The units are bluetooth interface ready (BLT370), offer optional iPod direct control with CCUIPOD2 and are an excellent value for the money.

Clarion’s new navigation ready source units will be available in the first quarter of 2009.

VX709 and VZ709 Features: MSRP $999.99

• 1DIN DVD Multimedia Station (VZ709)
• 2DIN DVD Multimedia Station (VX709)
• DVD-Video/ DVD±R/DVD±RW/ CD-DA/ CD-R/RW Ready
• MP3/ WMA/ AAC Compatible with ID3-TAG display
• Fully motorized 7 inch TFT Color LCD Monitor
• Touch Panel Control
• Official DivX certified product
• Plays all version of DivX video
• iPod Direct Control (CCA723 required for iPod video playback)
• Rear USB connector
• XM Mini-Tuner Direct Connect Ready
• Navigation Ready (NP509 + CCB509 or NAX980HD
• 2 AV inputs
• Rear vision camera RCA input
• Subwoofer volume control
• 24-bit D/A converter
• BBE® MP for compressed audio sound improvement
• BEAT MP for compressed audio sound adjustment
• MAGNA BASS EX dynamic bass enhancement
• Built-in LPF/ HPF
• 2-zone entertainment (front and rear separate source control)
• 6ch RCA Output (F/ R/ SW) + 2 zone output
• 50W x 4 Built-in amplifier
• 18 FM/ 6 AM Presets
• OEM Steering Wheel Remote Ready
• Remote control included

VX409 and VZ409 Features: MSRP $999.99

• 1DIN DVD Multimedia Station (VZ409)
• 2DIN DVD Multimedia Station (VX409)
• DVD-Video/ DVD±R/DVD±RW/ CD-DA/ HDCD/ CD-R/RW Ready
• MP3/ WMA Compatible with ID3-TAG display
• Fully motorized QVGA Color LCD Monitor ( VZ409- 7” -VX409 – 6.5”)
• Adjustable display brightness
• Tilt angle 5 positions display (VZ409)
• Touch Panel Control
• Smart rotary volume control
• iPod Direct Control (optional CCUIPOD2)
• Rear AV input and output
• Sirius SSP Direct Connect
• Navigation Ready RCA input (NP509 + SA509)
• Bluetooth Interface Ready (BLT370)
• Subwoofer volume control
• 24-bit D/A converter
• 6ch RCA Output (F/ R/ SW)
• 40W x 4 Built-in amplifier
• 18 FM/ 6 AM Presets
• OEM Steering Wheel Remote Ready
• Remote control included

VZ509 Features: MSRP $1199.99

• 1DIN DVD Multimedia Station
• DVD-Video/ DVD±R/DVD±RW/ CD-DA/ CD-R/RW Ready
• MP3/ WMA/ AAC Compatible with ID3-TAG display
• Fully motorized 7 inch TFT Color LCD Monitor
• Touch Panel Control
• Official DivX certified product
• Plays all version of DivX video
• iPod Direct Control (CCA723 required for iPod video playback)
• Rear USB connector
• Satellite Radio Ready
• Navigation Ready (NP509 + CCB509
• Bluetooth Interface Ready (BLT370)
• 2 AV inputs
• Rear vision camera RCA input
• Subwoofer volume control
• 24-bit D/A converter
• BBE® MP for compressed audio sound improvement
• BEAT MP for compressed audio sound adjustment
• MAGNA BASS EX dynamic bass enhancement
• Built-in LPF/ HPF
• 2-zone entertainment (front and rear separate source control)
• 6ch RCA Output (F/ R/ SW) + 2 zone output
• 50W x 4 Built-in amplifier
• 18 FM/ 6 AM Presets
• OEM Steering Wheel Remote Ready
• Remote control included

NP509 Features: MSRP $499.99

• Hide-away memory navigation system
• Compatible with VZ709/ VX709 and VZ509
• 2GB Flash Memory (map data pre-loaded)
• Touch-screen operation
• Audible voice commands in 3 languages (English/ French/ Spanish)
• 12 Million POI’s
• Built-in GPS Receiver
• 2 Different User Modes (simple and advanced)
• Quick access to Quick Menu
• 3D Display Mode (Maps, Landmarks, Terrain features and Icons)
• Lane and sign post information
• Automatic Route Recalculation
• Turn-by-Turn Voice Prompts
• No VSS connection required

CCB509 Features: MSRP $129.99

• CeNET Converter
• Compatible with VX709/ VZ709/ MAX685BT/ VRX785BT/ MAX675VDII and the VRX785VD
• 1RGB output and CeNET Connector