New car console offers more in entertainment, navigation

WASILLA -- A new in-dashboard, all-purpose navigation system, new to the country in general and the Valley in particular, is on its way. An after-market addition designed to complement existing stereo and sound systems in suitable vehicles, the AVIC-N1 is sure to please roadtrippers and gadget enthusiasts alike.

The AVIC-N1 from Pioneer Navigation comes complete with a searchable database of more than 12 million different locations such as restaurants, movie theatres and supermarkets, with navigation information, addresses, and even phone numbers for all of them. The device uses GPS technology to map routes and plan the best roads to take to reach these destinations. The locations themselves are stored on a number of navigation discs, from which they are automatically copied into the device's internal memory, freeing up the disc drive for CD or DVD playback, using a new process known as the Memory Navigation System. The AVIC-N1 also has tri-zone capabilities, which make it possible for the navigation system, DVD player and radio to function simultaneously.

The touch-sensitive screen permits easy control of the device even while driving, and up to eight different vehicle performance monitors allow the driver to check on the status of the automobile as well. These screens provide information on acceleration, lateral G-force, speed, velocity, slope and bearing. An optional voice-activated search function allows the driver to simply speak the name of a destination and call it up on the screen. More than five different views of the surrounding terrain are accessible from the console, permitting navigation on a number of levels.

The device also features a CD and DVD player for entertainment on the go. Since using electronic entertainment devices while driving is illegal in most states, DVD playback is only accessible from the back seat. The CD player doubles as an MP3 player connected to the stereo system. The AVIC-N1 also offers an optional satellite radio service, an optional rear-seat remote, and an add-on rearview camera to keep tabs on anything being hauled behind the vehicle.

Image Audio on the Seward-Meridian Parkway states that it should have the new navigation system in stock sometime this week.

The AVIC-N1's suggested retail price is $2,200.

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.