Car audio enthusiasts probably know that technological developments in car audio systems follow trends set forth by its home audio counterparts and the computer industry.
Finally small-sized pictures used in cars now have a 800 x 480 resolution digital LED touch screen with 1.15 million pixels by Kamaz.
This is Thailand’s first car audio component to use an LED digital with 2 DIN size head unit/DVD/tuner/navigation system. But this component has no built-in TV tuner.
Pricing is high, at about B60,000, but offers a variety of features:
- Twin processor separated into two units: for the audio system and the other for the navigation (Speed Navi) system. The video and audio systems from this processor enable fast and efficient assigning and operation of navigation and AV commands on the display. There is no lag.
- Three separate video zones from auxiliary input with two more additional sources for two more external displays. For example, the Aux 1 is connected to a Playstation II and the Aux 2 is connected to an iPOD. You can assign the video and audio feeds to appear on the desired screens or on all three screen displays if necessary.
- Bluetooth connection supports A2DP devices, play songs from the mobile phone. The difference from conventional Bluetooth is that it has private function. When you use it with a cellular phone but want to use it with a mobile unit for private conversation, it is possible. Many other major manufacturers do not have this feature.
- This Kamaz device has Muek Daeng food recommendations in its database.
- The display quality of the LED display is much better than conventional LCD displays. The brightness, contrast, colours and angles are enhanced greatly for better viewing. Map graphics display for navigation has a 800 x 480 resolution allowing for clear and detailed descriptions.
- Steering wheel remote control recognition can be used with any model with a multi-function steering wheel of any brand or model (however, the Hyundai has no test data yet). You can assign commands from the steering wheel just like any factory-issue audio system.
Based on the price tag of the Kamaz RUNZ C1-7100, I think it should have a built-in TV tuner. But if you have the budget for the C1-7100, then it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
If there is any problem, then it will have to be aftersales maintenance. If you install the TV tuner and have viewing problems, it will be hard to find anyone to take care of the warranty and claims.
More importantly, you have to pay extra for a good quality signal cable to match the quality of the LED display. I am guessing another extra expense of B10,000.
In total, it comes to B70,000 just for the head unit. A new audio system is about B200,000. At the end of the day, it depends on your ability to use the product to its full potential and the investment incurred.