Sony Introduced New Advanced In-Car Entertainment Products

Today, Sony introduced four new in-dash A/V receivers featuring smartphone connectivity, superior display technology, and an advanced interface design. A new line of amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers was also unveiled.

Sony XAV-701HD

“Sony continues to deliver state of the art mobile audio technologies, meeting the need for advanced connectivity, convenience and entertainment,” said Andrew Sivori, Vice President of the Personal Audio Group at Sony Electronics Inc. “With our 2012 lineup, we’re providing a seamless in-car connectivity and entertainment experience.”

Universal Smartphone Connectivity

The new XAV-701HD and XAV-601BT in-dash A/V receivers feature high-quality WVGA panel displays with full touch screen capability and universal smartphone connectivity, enabling users to control music and apps on their compatible smartphones. Sony plans for the A/V recievers to undergo MirrorLink™ testing and certification. MirrorLink is a technology standard developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium that enables streaming of compatible smartphone screen content to in-dash receivers, facilitating control of applications and music on the receiver’s touch screen.

The new models also feature Passenger App Control®, which allows connection of an iPhone® or iPod® (via USB) to project video and compatible applications onto the screen of the receiver. In addition, the receivers support projection and control of GPS by Telenav®, a leading navigation application available from the App Store® on iTunes®.

For map guidance without a smartphone, an optional TomTom navigation system with external GPS unit upgrade is available on the reciever, providing access to pre-loaded maps of the United States and Canada.

3D Graphics and Superb Quality Design

Both models feature an advanced graphical user interface with three-dimensional screen visualizers and ultra-fast response. Users have the freedom to customize the receiver’s wallpaper or choose from a number of preset screen visualizers. The interface also displays album artwork during music playback.

The systems work with Pandora® on iPhone®, Android®, and Blackberry® phones, and are SiriusXM Satellite Radio ready. Sony’s Advanced Sound Engine allows customization of audio settings for an optimal listening experience. In addition, the XAV-701HD model features a built-in HD Radio tuner with iTunes Tagging, while the XAV-601BT model has a fully detachable faceplate.

Rounding-out the lineup, the entry-level A/V receivers including XAV-63 and XAV-64BT models feature 6.1 inch high-quality WVGA displays and passenger app control for iPhone and iPod. Similar to the higher-end units, each features an enhanced interface with fast response time. The XAV-64BT model also provides Bluetooth connectivity, supporting Pandora® Internet radio for Android and Blackberry phones.

The XAV-701HD, XAV-601BT, XAV-64BT and XAV-63 AV receivers will be available this spring and summer for about $700, $550, $400 and $350, respectively.

Integrated Bluetooth® Technology

Drivers can stream Pandora® Internet radio and enjoy hands-free calling with the MEX-BT4000P and MEX-BT3000P CD receivers, featuring integrated Bluetooth® technology. Bluetooth head units from Sony support a complete music streaming experience, allowing wireless playback, track control, and display of song information from Bluetooth enabled MP3 player or smartphone. The MEX-BT4000P receiver also offers front USB input for iPhone, iPad and other music players.

Pump up the Volume

The new line of Sony GS series of amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers offers high power output and superior sound quality. The XM-GS400 amplifier delivers 700 watts max, while the XM-GS100 mono amplifier with Class D technology provides 1100 watts max. The GS speakers features MRC (Mica Reinforced Cellular) woofer cones for tight, deep bass and aluminum dome tweeters for crisp highs. New GS subwoofers feature woven glass fiber reinforced with mica composite for low distortion and increased bass response. Models include the single voice coil XS-GS120L with 1300W peak power handling and the dual voice coil XS-GS120LD with 1500 watts peak power handling.

The GS series speakers and subwoofers will begin shipping this month for about $130, and GS series amplifiers will begin shipping in March for about $350.