KERPEN, Germany, June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital television is now
available for vehicle applications from Visteon Corporation (NYSE: VC).
Visteon, one of the leading specialists for in-car entertainment, is bringing
DigiTune(TM) DVB-M1 to market. Now, travel won't prevent you from watching
such important events as the European football championships or the Olympic
Games.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO )
Visteon's DigiTune DVB-M1 digital television gives passengers the benefits
of interactive viewing while on the move. The terrestrial digital video
broadcast technology offers a wide variety of channels and clear, sharp
digital picture quality. The digital TV tuner adds TV reception to in-car
infotainment options and is fully compatible with Visteon's overhead
entertainment systems.
The high quality TV receiver is suited for the aftermarket as it can be
easily retrofitted. For the first live trial with digital TV in German cars,
Visteon equipped a test vehicle with DigiTune DVB-M1 and its overhead system,
OH-7000. During the test drive near Cologne, all 21 channels currently
available were received with optimum picture and sound quality in a wide range
of driving situations.
"An important aspect of mobile DVB-T system with the OH-7000 is that the
Visteon overhead system is mounted on the roofliner in the rear of the car,
out of sight for the driver -- an important feature in ensuring the driver
keeps their eyes on the road," stresses Hans Eric Destree, commercial director
mobile electronics for Visteon Aftermarket Europe and South America. "We were
careful to consider safety aspects in the design phase. The TV is operated
via remote control using infrared headphones. This allows operation while
wearing a seatbelt and eliminate needless wires within the vehicle. In
addition, there's enhanced functionality because the display folds away when
using the reverse gear."
Safety features are an important consideration in the design phase for
carmakers and automotive suppliers. According to Dr. Frank Schierge, from the
innovation, market and consumer research department at the renown TUV
Technical Inspectorate, "Watching TV in the car is a completely new feature in
the area of consumer electronics. We expect a quick and high acceptance rate,
since TV plays an important role in our society. Traffic safety needs to be a
key focus for the auto industry when developing in-car entertainment systems.
The driver should not be able to see a TV or entertainment monitor or the
monitor should automatically switch off when the car starts so as not to
distract the driver."
Another aspect that contributes to driving safety is high user
friendliness. "Care should be taken to ensure that the operation of the
system is not unnecessarily complicated -- so as to prevent a wave of
discussion on the subject of driving safety -- as has been the case, for
example, with several navigation systems," says Johann Nowicki, Allgemeiner
Deutscher Automobil-Club e.V. specialist, consumer protection electronics
systems. "During a trip it should be easy to program an audio, video or
navigation system with simple pushbutton operation. It becomes problematic if
a button has to be pressed twice and if three presses are required, it can be
considered a distraction for the driver."
Visteon has extensive know-how in system integration and is one of the
leaders in design, development and supply of in-car entertainment systems,
audio systems and vehicle electronics such as instrument clusters and voice
technology. As a result, Visteon can ensure that the new DigiTune DVB-M1
system is professionally suited to user requirements and can be installed in
practically every vehicle -- whether car, truck or coach. The system is a
real plug-and-play solution and enables trouble-free upgrading of existing
analog TV in-car entertainment systems as well as easy and safe use during the
trip.
The key features and benefits of Visteon DigiTune DVB-M1 are:
* Clear, sharp digital picture quality - DVB-M1 delivers improved
reception capability and reduced interference - none of the ghosting or
blurred pictures usually associated with analog systems
* Access to free-to-view terrestrial digital channels - DVB-M1 opens up a
wide choice of channels, including TV and radio stations
* Interactive viewing - DVB-M1 provides access to an electronic program
guide, plus other interactive digital services like teletext and on-screen
subtitles, where available
* Multiple screen format options - DVB-M1 on-screen menu selection
includes 4:3, 16:9 and wide screen viewing formats
* Automatic station tuning - DVB-M1 is easy to set up and use with an
automatic station tuning function and a clear on-screen menu guide
* Safe and simple operation via infrared remote control - DVB-M1
functions operate with full remote control, so rear-seat passengers can adjust
the TV without removing their seat belts
* Compatible with premium quality in-car entertainment systems - DVB-M1
is fully functional with most premium quality in-car entertainment systems,
and is fully compatible with Visteon entertainment products
* Quick and easy plug and play installation - DVB-M1 is quick and easy to
install, so upgrading an existing entertainment system, or fitting DVB-M1 for
the first time, is simple and straightforward. The software supports future
upgrades with extra functions.
Since May it has been possible to receive DVB-T digital television in
parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, the region of Hannover/Braunschweig and
around Bremen -- a major milestone for the broadcast industry after having
already tested the technology in Berlin and Munich for several years. In
November 2004 and in spring 2005 additional regions will be covered with
DVB-T. This innovative, terrestrial, antenna-based solution will replace the
current analog antenna television standard, which is expected to be terminated
in Germany by 2010.
Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers
consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide and
through multiple channels within the global automotive aftermarket. Visteon
has about 72,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 200
technical, manufacturing, sales and service facilities located in 25
countries.
SOURCE Visteon Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.visteon.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Britta Lange, (+49) 2273 575 2667,
blange5@visteon.com , or Dolores Muniz, (+49) 2273 595 2828,
dmuniz@visteon.com , both of Visteon Deutschland GmbH; or Robin
Pannecouk of Visteon Corporation, +1-313-755-9121,
rpanneco@visteon.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: Visteon news releases, photographs and product
specification details are available at http://www.visteon.com
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