Archive for the ‘Audio & Video’ Category

What are the components of a Car Audio System?

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

There are many components of a Car audio system. These together determine the quality of the sound and music produced by the Car Audio.

But first there is the issue of Installation. There are two types of installation done by people. General Audio installation consists of usually a head unit, one or two amplifiers, splits, and either a pair of 6 x 9 speakers or a sub woofer to take care of bass. The other installation is for competition Sound-offs. These are also named as Decibels (DB).The purpose of competition is to get the highest DB through a sensitive microphone installed at an exact point in all cars.

Then come the components of the audio system.

First is the Head Unit-It is the primary control system for the car audio unit and is installed in the dash panel between the driver and the passenger. It contains various media devices such as radio receiver/ tuner, a tape player, a CD player or an MP3 player

Next come the speakers. They are similar to other loud speakers but adapted to mobile usage. They are multi axially mounted and come in non circular cone shapes for ergonomic design. In modern design speakers are placed at the dash or front deck, the rear deck, the kick panel or the doors.

Amplifier: A dedicated amplifier separated from other parts of the music systems in car audio. Most head units have an amplifier. They convert low power signals received by car speakers to high power signals thus improving their quality of sound and loudness. Most amplifiers work with a Pre-amp which delivers initial boost to low power signals before sending them to the amplifier.

Sub woofers: Play an important role in car audio. Reproduce sound in the lowest frequencies that are audible and that which produces a deep bass that makes the car vibrate. It makes sound come alive better than a standard speaker. It is usually installed at the centre of the trunk of the car to evenly distribute sound.

Capacitors: They are used to store energy which is drawn up by the amplifier. They cater to the short burst of electrical demands of a car audio system that have exceeded the electrical capabilities of the vehicle.

All these components together make for a fully functional Car Audio System

Looking at Some Audio Accessories for your Car

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

You may have different audio systems in your car like radio, CD or MP 3. But for the right audio experience you require the right audio-accessories. Finding the right accessories requires some amount of research and hard work. There are some highly developed accessories that improve the performance of the audio system in the car and they are sub woofers, tweeters, speakers, amplifiers, iPod adapters etc.

The speaker is a crucial consideration because it is the system responsible for real reproduction of sound that emanates from the electrical energy. For any car audio system, the right speakers are vital, because they are the system responsible for actual production of sound emanating from the stereo. While purchasing speakers consider only the higher end and you must carefully look out for certain features and considerations. There are a huge variety of speakers that one will encounter once you go out for purchasing audio systems. Some of them are given as follows.

A woofer is a large speaker capable of reproducing lower frequencies. Then there are mid speakers which are medium sized speakers capable of middle frequency reproduction. Tweeter is quite smaller in size and produces high sounds. Meanwhile, a sub woofer reproduces the lowest sound spectrum and produces a different bass dimension. A super tweeter reproduces the highest spectrum of sound.

Amplifiers are instruments that make use of small pre-amp audio signals, some bit of power from batteries while transporting them as large signals to work speakers. The power available should be enough to derive the highest quality of sound. Amplifiers deliver sound with precision. Originally, factory fitted radios had low power outputs amounting to 3 to 5 watts. Compare that to power output of standard models of recent radios in the market amounting to Forty Five watts X 4. Providing them with 45 watts of maximum power classifies them into a set of amplifiers that are very efficient with a top range of Ninety percent.

Before purchasing audio equipment, it is vital to check the materials for installation and ascertain the price. This is essential so that a car owner is left with an audio system of high quality. So go for the best audio accessories for your car.

Boost the Power of an Audio System with Car Amplifiers

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

What we know of amplifiers is that these are circuit devices used to increase amplitude of signals fed into them. Car amplifiers step up the audio power of an audio head unit making it possible to increase the volume power of your speakers. It also augments the sound quality produced. This is an important operation since the magnitude of sound needs to conform to the available car space and avoid reverberations of the speakers. Usually two and four channel car amplifiers are used to boost the sound with a subwoofer and front speakers.

Most car amplifiers are not used for rear speakers since the unit head provides enough power to feel the sound more than hear it. In selecting car amplifiers you should keep the following points in mind

  • Look to buy a single car amplifier which will power all speakers in your car
  • Look for a car amplifier which consists of its own cross-over as the amplifier circuits split sound frequency so that highs sounds are sent to the front speakers and low sounds to the back
  • Look also at the method of control – if it is a rotary control or inset control
  • A soft start circuit system removes reverberations of sounds
  • Accommodate enough for all the speakers while leaving space reserved for a future upgrade.

Car amplifiers are available with so many features which give you a great control over your system and help cut down on the number of components. These can help the amplifier deal with a tough environment in the car. Mono power is used with sub woofers to accommodate the difference of mono sounds of low frequencies.

Buy a Fine Car Radio for your Automobile

Monday, September 28th, 2009

Radio has entertained man from the beginning of the 20th Century. However, with time radio entertainment has evolved too. With the advent of FM radio, radio entertainment has become more personalized and intimate. Thus, a car radio has also become a quintessential part of modern life. In the 21st century, a radio is omnipresent in its brand new avatar of car radio.

A car radio is a car accessory per excellence. With the fast pace of modern life we are often too hard-pressed for time to sit down and listen some great music. However, a good car radio would not only be able to enliven the monotony of driving down a long distance it would also provide you an opportunity to make optimum use of your driving time to entertain yourself.

Nowadays you don’t have to make time from your busy schedule to go to shop and procure a car radio. There are online shops galore which compare and sell a wide array of car accessories like:

  • Car Radio
  • Car Amplifiers
  • Car Stereo
  • GPS Navigation Systems etc.
    • Thus, if you want to buy a car radio then all you have to do is to log into one of these websites and peruse through the wide collection of car radios they might have. These websites sell radios of various brands to suit the needs of different types of customers. If you want to adorn your car with a top-end car radio which boasts of a wide gamut of features then you can opt for radio manufactured by renowned brands. However, if you are operating on a shoe string budget you would also find Chinese manufactured lesser known Radio brands which would come quite cheap.

      Some of these websites selling car radios would also provide you with the unique facility of price comparison. So, you don’t have to go website hopping to find out the individual prices of car radios manufactured by different electronic brands. You can just take a glimpse of the comparative charts of these website selling car radios and you would be able to zero on that particular car radio which fits into your budget.

Make your Trips Pleasant through Car Audio Video

Friday, September 25th, 2009

Now days, everybody looks for high value equipments when talking about entertainment. If one is going out for long trip, how pleasant and entertaining it will be if some car audio video are installed beforehand.

Every day when one drives to their office, they really desire some music that helps to keep them refreshing throughout the day. When somebody buys a new car, they want to out fit it with the extra gadgets like car audio video. Many companies like Pioneer, Boss, JVC, RCA, etc. come with variety of speakers, DVD players, receivers and flip down monitors etc.

There are many external audio systems coming into the market from radio to ipods that enable music lovers to drive safely. Some of the car audio video equipments are:

  • Amplifiers or simply amp is used to increase the amplitude of signal. Some times head units miss the amplifier or lack some required features or is insufficient say lack to power the subwoofer, which can be solved by external amplifier. Mono subwoofer amps, multi channel amps and 2-channel amps are examples of amplifiers.
  • Car speakers give the good quality to sound system and playback options. They are various size of speakers say 3 ½”, 5”x7”, etc.
  • Car subwoofers are low frequency loudspeakers and are used when existing one is not satisfactory be it in volume or in frequency range. There are a range of space conscious subwoofers offered in market.
  • Sound processors are also a great way to improve factory sound system.
  • In-dash DVD receivers have features like touch screen control. One can visit to some good web electronics store that provides complete assistance by showing similar products of various brands with price analysis.
  • Headrest screens/ monitors are ultimate solution to add video for rear seat passengers.
  • Overhead video monitor can also be installed in vehicle.

There are also wide range car audio video accessories like speaker wire and connectors, power distribution and upgrades, sound deadening kits, etc.

Making Car Driving Entertaining Using a Car CD player

Friday, September 25th, 2009

A car CD player is essentially a device to play music. You can install it in the dashboard of your car. Most of these can read CD-RW as well as CD-R format of music files. There are many others capable of playing audio file formats like MP3 and WMA. The use of a car CD player is not anymore a luxury item but a necessity for entertainment during lone car drives.

A car CD player system is available in three different types. A model type that is built-in the car is most popular and also common. This type is connected to the car battery power supply. The second type of car CD player is a CD Changer. This kind of car CD player automatically plays each CD loaded one by one in the order that you stack it in the changer. Another or rather the third type of Car CD Player is the portable variety which can be removed from one vehicle and plugged into another. It may be run on batteries or on the power supply of the car.

If you intend buying a Car CD Player you should keep these tips in mind:

  • Look for a type of car CD player that can play a wide variety of music file formats to enable you to play a wider range of music
  • Get a car CD player with a color and look that blends with your car dashboard
  • Ensure features like tuner sensitivity and search features of seek or scan files is available to let you drive comfortably and not juggle between searching for your favorite music and rather concentrate on handling the steering
  • Remember to test the car CD player before you actually buy it.
  • Be also sure to have your new player is installed into your dashboard properly.

If you wish you can use a car cassette adaptor to play music discs or MP3 files. It is fitted with an adaptor which links your car CD player to the car stereo. A jack is used to connect the CD player to the cassette player and then play your music compact disc. It even works with IPods and enables you the use of headphones too. Check out some websites for latest car CD player brands and models as well as prices and discounts all at once without having to surf through a plethora of different websites.

Enjoy the Thumping Bass with Car Subwoofers

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Most of the people with a car audio device installed in their car prefer deep bass which is commonly not provided by factory stereo. This desire of music lovers can be fulfilled by installing car subwoofers. Subwoofer is the loudspeaker of special type for low frequency results.

The sound clarity and high quality is achieved through subwoofers enclosures and they require more power as compared to other speakers. One can get the custom enclosure or buy the one that is designed for your car model.

Before one goes ahead buying car subwoofers, consider some points like:

  • The type of music one is interested in, i.e., more bass will require big subwoofers and good budget and also amplifiers to power subwoofers.
  • One subwoofer will do good if one likes classical or country music and go for two if interested in techno or rap.
  • Consider the wattage and sensitivity part - how much power the subwoofer can handle. More power will produce more sound.
  • Ask for the surrounds- Foam surround after the rubber one will prove better rather than urethane ones.
  • Also look for the cone, i.e. what material is used whether aluminum, carbon fiber, polypropylene or any other. Never choose the paper cone.
  • Last but not least, think about space in your car model and make. There are multiple options available in the market to suit different car space. For example, options are there to install car subwoofers with enclosures in side panels or under the seat or in the trunk and are available in different sizes.

There are two types of sub boxes:

  • Ported box and
  • Sealed box; the former is louder but less consistent as compared to later one. One can also get fiberglass on box for superior sound.

Your car subwoofers should be compatible with amplifier. Cover up the vibrations if exists or use the sound deadening material that will kill vibrations as well as make sound louder.

Bedeck your car with Premium Car Speakers

Monday, September 21st, 2009

Almost all of us nurture the dream of possessing awesome cars which are decorated with jazzy car accessories. That is why various car accessories like car radios, car speakers and car amplifiers have become quite a rage among car owners all over the world. Car speakers are especially popular among automobile owners because these allow the car owners to enjoy loud pulsating music while driving down the motorway.

Swaying to the beats of vivacious music definitely helps to accentuate fun of driving. No matter how high-end and state of the art your car stereo may be, you won’t get to enjoy its full benefits till you install some good car speaker in your car. That is why a pounding car speaker is a must for every car owner who just can’t do without their daily dose of music.

However, before spending your hard earned money on some shoddy car speakers you should furbish yourself with adequate know-how about car speakers. Now you don’t have to take rounds of brick and mortar shops to procure some state of the art car speakers for your car. The advent of internet has revolutionized the way we shop and hence you can easily purchases some good car speakers from the various websites available in the internet.

Car speakers are available in various shapes and sizes. You can even buy car speakers in various colors which would match the interior and upholstery of your car. Some of the leading brands which produce quality car speakers are:

• Sony
• Kenwood
• Pioneer
• Boss

It would depend on your choice whether you want to buy a powerful car speaker which would blast you away with its powerful sound or you want buy car speaker which would provide you with moderate sound. As per your specification you can buy car speaker with different wattage.

Car speakers can be fitted at the back of the car through the boot or at the side of the car just beside the doors. In certain cases you might install speakers both at the back of the car as well as the sides for a surround sound quality. So, don’t wait and dilly dally, log into one of these websites and buy some great car speakers.

Have Immense Enjoyment while Driving with Great Car Amplifiers

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Just imagine crossing those irritating traffic snarls while you commute to office without listening to some favorite songs played in the car stereo. However, buying a car stereo doesn’t often suffice. If you don’t have good amplifiers blaring out great music in your car then half the fun of the listening to some pulsating music fades away. Thus, whether it is a foot tapping rock music you prefer or the soulful tunes of jazz attracts you, you would surely benefit by purchasing top-quality car amplifiers.

A Car amplifier thus forms an exemplary car accessory for most automobile owners. It is quite natural that as a car owner you would also want to embellish your car with some great car amplifiers. However, you should glean extensive information about them before buying these. While buying car amplifiers you should try to zero on those amplifiers which would provide you with the following benefits:

  • Economical Price
  • Fine Looks
  • Great Sound Quality
  • User Friendly Features
  • Long-use Warranty

You can find out a car amplifier which boasts of all these features by browsing through those websites which sell car accessories. There are some car amplifiers which have the subwoofer features in them. These sub woofers produce delightful bass sound from the amplifiers. Try to find amplifiers which produce woofer quality sound. Some state of the art car amplifiers also possess up to 5 channels for surround sound quality.

There are wide gamuts of e-shops available in the internet which sells car amplifiers of different brands, different makes and different price range. You can glance through the pictorial description of the various types of car amplifiers produced by top brands like Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer and Boss from these e-shops and find out one which would suit your budget and provide you great service.

Some of these websites also provide you with comparative price chart which provide you extensive information about the price of amplifiers manufactured by different electronics giants. Such customer friendly features of these websites would make it quite easy for you to find the car amplifier of your choice.

Most of these websites provide free shipping of the products you buy from them. That is why whichever part of USA you might reside you don’t have to worry about the distance. You can simply order your product of choice from these e-shops and pay through your credit card and your chosen car amplifiers would reach your doorsteps and that too absolutely free of shipping charges.

Understanding Car CD Players - An Important Car Audio product

Friday, July 31st, 2009

Car CD Players is an electronic Device found in most of the cars around the globe. The Evolution of CD Players dates back to 1969 when a Dutch Physicist Klass Compaan researched on laser technologies which made the discipline of Compact Disc possible.

The data is stored as bumps in the CD. The bumps are very miniature in nature and as such the device has to be very accurate and precise. There are three major components in a CD player:

  • Lens System & Laser: The data is read through the lens system and therefore it has to be of high quality.
  • Motor: This part of CD player rotates the disc and is responsible for accurate reading.
  • Tracking System: This assembly of this system moves the laser beam in spiral track to make the reading possible.

Car CD players have a bulk share of car stereo market, and are available in different variety from Single, 3 CD changers to 5 CD Changers. There are new models of car CD Players launched very often, so one should keep track of new releases on net from sites which are updated regularly. The new versions of players come in variety of colour to match the interiors of your car. Also we need to look for the correct size to fit into our dash. Almost all models come with a wireless remote.

Things required while installing car CD players.

  1. Mounting Kits – These are used to install players purchased from other than car manufacturer if it does not fit the dash.
  2. Wiring Kit – These are colour coded wires and connectors which can be connected to matching stock connectors in car. Some connectors are extra and will be left blank.
  3. Antenna Adapter – Sometimes an antenna adaptor is required in some cars.
  4. Drill Machine, Electrical Tape, Wire Cutters, Crimpers, Test Light, Multimeter and Soldering Gun should be kept handy.

Car CD Players mostly come with detachable faces to discourage thieves. Vendors of auto electronics products provide toll free numbers to customers to help in installation and as part of after sales service to avoid increasing number of returns from unsatisfied customers. Customers have to quote their sale slip’s number for identification.

One need not go to a mall or a branded store to buy a CD player instead you can browse one of the web electronics store and see all the models displayed along with price and you can compare all brands available within seconds and make a right decision.