Blaupunkt, the renowned car entertainment and audio systems
manufacturer, has launched the San Diego 530, its new high-end car
multimedia and navigation system, in India at a compelling price of
Rs. 30,990. The dashboard-mounted double DIN system is based on
Windows CE, the same operating system on which Windows Phone 7 was
based, although the phone platform used a later version.
Hardware
The San Diego 530 features a 6.2-inch TFT resistive touch screen
with a display resolution of 840 x 480 pixels. The feed from a rear
view camera for use in reverse gear can be hooked up to the
display. The system can also be coupled with an independent
secondary display for use by rear-seat passengers. This enables a
scenario where the driver can focus on navigation, while the
passengers can enjoy a movie at the same time.
The San Diego 530 comes with an infrared remote control. It is
also compatible with most remote controls built into a car's
steering wheel, in addition to Blaupunkt's own programmable
steering wheel remote control accessory.
Multimedia
Media can be played back from a CD, DVD or microSD card, as well
as from a storage device connected to the full-size USB 2.0 port.
Users can listen to MP3 and WMA music files, while the video
formats supported are MPEG, AVI and Xvid. Viewing of JPEG images is
also supported. Up to 5 devices can be paired with the system via
Bluetooth. The built-in and external microphones facilitate
hands-free calling.
The FM and AM radios make use of a high-power DSP tuner that is
able to suppress noise and process weak signals. The system can be
connected to up to 4 speakers, with a power output of 45W per
speaker. A 10-band parametric equalizer with a number of presets is
included.
Navigation
The San Diego 530 uses the iGO primo software from NNG for
navigation and the latest map data from TomTom. The maps are stored
in a bundled microSD card, which makes it easy to download and
install map updates from the Blaupunkt website onto the card. The
downside to this, however, is that navigation cannot be used
without the card inserted.
As I understand it, users will be able to update their maps up
to 2 times in a span of 2 years for no cost. Any additional and
future updates will have to be paid for.
Navigation features include voice guidance, Intelligent Quick
Search (IQS), history tracking, parking guidance and congestion
detour handling. The system houses a built-in navigation processor,
thus eliminating the need for an external black box.
The San Diego 530 is available for purchase and Blaupunkt is
offering 1 year of insurance against theft, flood and fire for
free.
Image credit: [1] Blaupunkt India