Pioneer Electronics is introducing a new in-dash navigation system called the AVIC-D3 which aims to offers navigation (of course), entertainment, and connectivity features. The AVIC-D3 will feature XM NavTraffic integration, voice prompting, telephone number searches, multimedia capabilities, iPod connectivity, and Bluetooth support for hands free phone conversations and wireless audio streaming. Clearly the new Pioneer AVIC-D3 is more than just about navigation!

The AVIC-D3 will fit into most DIN dash openings and will come with a 6.1 inch touch panel display with an intuitive user interface. Features include:

Navigation:

  • Maps for 50 cities
  • 11 million points of interest

Multimedia:

  • Supports MP3, WMA, AAC, DivX and DVD video disc playback
  • XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio optons are available
  • Built in iPod Direct Control feature along with optional iPod cable
  • Users can control the iPod via the onscreen controls

Bluetooth:

  • Bluetooth enabled cell phones can be paired to the AVIC-D3 using an optional Bluetooth adapter for hands-free operation
  • AVIC-D3 will display incoming calls and mute the car audio
  • Caller ID support with internal phone book

The AVIC-D3 wil be available in March of 2007. No price has been set. Our only complaint thus far – seems like the AVIC-D3 comes with a lot of optional features. One has to wonder how much all of this will cost if you want all of the features.

We’re also still waiting on a picture

[Check it out]

 

Next Generation Pioneer In-Dash Navigation System Headed in the Right Direction: Adding Features to Increase Consumer Appeal

Pioneer AVIC-D3 Enhances Navigation, Entertainment and Connectivity Features

LAS VEGAS –(Business Wire)– Oct. 31, 2006 With the navigation market expected to increase 163 percent in 2007, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. will continue to lead the in-dash category with the AVIC-D3, a new product that combines features of navigation, entertainment, and connectivity for maximum consumer appeal. The full-featured route guidance system offers nearly 11 million points of interest, XM NavTraffic(R) integration, voice prompting and telephone number search. For entertainment, the AVIC-D3 offers MP3, WMA, AAC, DivX(R) and DVD-video disc playback. It also provides iPod(R) Direct connection for fast and easy control of iPod audio and video players and expanded Bluetooth(R) capabilities for hands-free cellular phone conversations and wireless audio streaming.

“On top of navigation, an in-dash system changes the driving experience altogether by introducing new media for entertainment and better integration of commonly used portable devices into the vehicle,” said Karen Rubin, director of marketing and product planning for navigation products at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “The AVIC-D3 offers the right mix of function and design to get consumers excited and continue the growth of the in-dash navigation category.”

The AVIC-D3 fits into most double DIN (7″ X 4″) dash openings providing the look and feel of a factory-installed system. A 6.1-inch touch panel display offers intuitive operation of all sources. Users can customize the illumination and select from eight preset colors and five graphical user interface colors, to match any dashboard and make it easy to read. RGB buttons offer more than 32,000 color variations.

Navigation

Through the aid of the AVIC-D3, consumers are provided with mapping and guidance for the entire United States and Canada. The system provides users with detailed mapping and detailed lane information in 50 cities. Included in the system are nearly 11 million points of interest such as ATMs, gas stations, hotels and restaurants, which can be overlaid directly onto the map. The system utilizes more than 50 brand icons for quick identification of familiar POIs.

With an optional traffic tuner, GEX-P10XMT, and a subscription to XM NavTraffic service, the system quickly alerts drivers of current traffic incidents and traffic flow conditions, by intuitively overlaying the information onto the map screen with flashing lines and icons. The dynamic system also suggests alternate routes to avoid traffic congestion when it is detected.

XM NavTraffic, a subscription service of XM Satellite Radio powered by NAVTEQ(R) Traffic, provides the Pioneer AVIC-D3 system with in-depth traffic data for 44 markets across the nation. The optional traffic tuner and subscription allows for both the XM NavTraffic service and XM Satellite Radio’s more than 170 digital radio channels of commercial-free music and premier sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming. The subscription price is $16.94 a month for a bundled offering of XM NavTraffic and XM Radio.

Audio, Video, and new Media

The AVIC-D3 is a high quality entertainment system providing audio and video playback capabilities. Compressed audio formats on recorded discs, including MP3, WMA and AAC, are all accepted by the system. A “Shuffle All” function allows for compressed audio tracks to be played randomly. DivX video format on DVD is also supported.

The CD/DVD slot remains available while the system provides route guidance, utilizing a memory navigation feature, allowing CD or DVD playback for rear-seat passengers. When a destination is entered, the route and necessary mapping information is stored into its internal memory.

XM and SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio are available options, in addition to other attached components such as iPod or music players with mini input jacks.

iPod Direct Control

The AVIC-D3 features a built-in iPod Direct control feature, utilizing an optional iPod cable (CD-I200) that connects to the back of the unit. Controls of the popular device are fast and easy with music content and information displayed on the touch screen monitor. The search bar (similar to the scroll wheel on an iPod) appears on the AVIC-D3 display users can view the play lists, genre, album and artist folders. With iPod videos and podcasts, viewing is just as simple with controls directly overlaid onto the screen.

Bluetooth Capability

Bluetooth-enabled cell phones can be synched to the system using an optional Bluetooth adapter for hands-free operation letting users carry out phone conversations through the vehicle’s internal speakers and the microphone included with the adapter. When a connected cell phone receives a call or is in use, the AVIC-D3 automatically displays the number of the incoming call and mutes the audio. The system also features caller identification when phone numbers are stored in its internal phone book. Phone numbers can be stored and dialed through the unit’s touch display or pushed wirelessly directly from a cell phone.

The system also features the A2DP Bluetooth protocol, allowing wireless audio streaming from Bluetooth enabled audio players. In addition, the AVRCP protocol is supported allowing for simple operation of the audio player via the touch screen.

The AVIC-D3 will be available in March 2007 with a retail price to be determined at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is http://www.pioneerelectronics.com. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video and computer equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD and Blu-ray Disc, display technologies, navigation and Digital Network Entertainment.(TM)

PIONEER is a registered trademark of Pioneer Corporation.

DIVX is a registered trademark of DivX, Inc.

BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

IPOD is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

XM is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

XM NavTraffic is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

SIRIUS is a registered trademark of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.

NAVTEQ is a trademark of NAVTEQ Corporation.

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