Panasonic New In-Dash Unit Features DVD Player, LCD Monitor, TV & Radio Tuner
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by Alan Sheckter, SmartTV & Sound news editor
Convinced that consumers want access to all of their home theater capabilities while in their cars, Panasonic has unveiled two multimedia products that each feature an in-dash DVD player, 7-inch widescreen color LCD monitor, TV tuner and antenna, as well as conventional radio tuner.
The units, CQ-VAD7200U (MSRP $2,400) and CQ-VAD9200U (MSRP $2,700) are expected for release in July. They each feature a TV tuner that include Channels 2 to 69 and a special antenna designed to provide the best possible TV reception, even in weak signal areas. A Video Capture feature is designed to allow consumers to download and display up to three screen-saver images from a digital still camera or a freeze-frame from a DVD movie. The units’ Private Mode, Panasonic said, allows front- and rear-seated passengers to take in two independent sources. While the driver and front-seat passenger listen to the radio or a CD, the kids in the back could watch a DVD movie and listen to it on (traditional or wireless) headphones
Both models, which feature 4-channel 45-watt amps, also play back CDs as well as MP3 files on CD-R and CD-RW discs. In addition, the CQ-VAD9200U adds a 35-watt amp for surround sound, plus built-in Dolby Digital.