Car Audio


Car audio/video (car AV), auto radio, mobile audio, 12-volt and other terms are used to 
describe the sound or video system fitted in an automobile. While 12-volt audio and
video systems are also used, marketed, or manufactured for marine, aviation, and buses,
this article focuses on cars as the most common application. From the earliest days of 
radio, enthusiasts had adapted domestic equipment to use in their cars. In the 1960s,
tape players using reel-to-reel equipment, Compact Cassettes, and then 8-track cartridges
 were introduced for in-car use.


A stock car audio system refers to the Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)
 application that the vehicle's manufacturer specified to be installed when the car
was built. A large after market industry exists where the consumer can at their desire 
replace many or all components of the stock system. In modern cars, the primary control 
device for an audio system is commonly referred to as a head nit,
Head UnitThis is the primary control devise of a car audio system usually placed in the 
dash panel. The head unit consists of multiple components like the radio receiver, 
tuner, amplifier, tape player, CD player, DVD Player and USB flash memory etc. 
In short it is the most important visible part of the audio system.
SpeakersThere is not much difference between car speakers and other normal loud speaker 
except for the fact that it contains certain important key components meant
 to be used in the case of mobile environments. The speaker is a very important
 part of the audio system since this is the unit responsible for the actual reproduction
 of the sound that electrical energy produces.
AmplifiersThe amplifier is generally fitted in the head unit itself most of the times. But
sometimes the head units do not contain the amplifier in that case an external
amplifier could be fitted to the system. The quality of an amplifier is really important
 for car audio system because it is the function of the amplifier to increase or amplify a signal.
SubwoofersSubwoofers is a type of loudspeaker that reduces frequency reproduction. 
  • Desirable features of a car Audio system
  • Large and well spaced Buttons
  • Separate subwoofers
  • Front loading CD changer
  • Excellent power amp
  • Large display LCD
Features 
Previously a car stereo would feature a radio and cassette player, linked to stereo speakers
 around the car, but in recent years CD players have replaced the cassette function, 
and there is a wider range of speakers and amplifiers to choose from. Although some 
modern car audio systems can be a big investment, it's also easy to find less expensive 
models, as long as you bear in mind that prices rise according to the number of features, 
power, and functionality of the car stereo system.
Car stereos usually come with a CD player, but models of car stereo with a 
DVD player are becoming increasingly popular. To help you decide what type of 
car stereo is best for you, here are the key features to look out for :
Radio
Look out for a car stereo that comes with an RDS (Radio Station Display) radio, 
which displays the name of the radio station you are listening to. FM and AM frequencies 
are ideal, especially for keeping in touch with traffic news, but it-s worth considering
 getting a DAB radio car stereo for better reception and a wider range of radio stations.
CD Players
The car stereo CD player function enables you to listen to pre-recorded music on a variety
 of formats. The best types of CD player are ones which can play MP3 CDs, which can hold 
around ten times the amount of tracks as standard CDs - ideal for longer journeys! Also 
look out for CD players that play CD-R and CD-RW discs, and consider getting a multi-disc 
changer, for even more music storage.
DVD Players
Often with small colour screens, DVD player car stereos are incredibly versatile, playing 
both audio and video. You can even view photographs on the DVD player car stereo. 
With a digital optical output, you can connect the car stereo DVD player to monitors,
 so passengers can view movies while on the move.
USB
Car stereos with a USB port can run USB devices, such as portable music players, 
by an easy to use connector. Rather than carry bulky discs or DVDs, you can simply
 plug in your iPod and listen to your favourite songs.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth-enabled car stereos enable you to make telephone calls through your car stereo,
 using the car stereo screen to manage telephone contacts and manage calls. Bluetooth 
can also wirelessly play music from your