Car radio is an integral part of any car. And listen to the news, and your favorite songs in traffic or a long journey will cheer you up. If earlier this device performed only its direct function - playing music from various media, now the radio has become a multifunctional device. It can combine a phone, a navigator and even a rear view camera. It is about such useful devices that will be discussed later.
Content
What is this din?
When you go to the store and ask the sales assistant to show and tell what models of car radios are available, his first question will be: “Do you need 1-din or 2-din?”. What is this din?
In simple terms, din is the size of a radio. 1-din - 180x50 mm, and 2-din - 180x100 mm. The difference is quite large, so it is difficult to mix up the look.
This standard was established by the Germans in 1984, and it is still relevant.
As for depth, there is no specific standard. The average is usually 160 mm.
1-din radio tape recorders are standard in budget and middle class cars. 2-din are also found as full-time in prestigious cars, although there are exceptions.
But there are no 1-din devices with an exit display of integrated navigation.
What you need to know and what to look for when choosing a car radio
Is your device out of date, broken or just want to install a multifunctional novelty? Now we will answer the question of how to choose a car radio with a navigator and what to look for.
- So, the first thing to study is the size of the place under the head unit. Especially if you are going to buy online. There are manufacturers who make models specifically for a particular brand of machine, so to speak “under the standard”. Such a device will ideally fall into place and will not spoil the interior of the cabin. But there is a snag - models of these brands are quite expensive, and often not justified. Yes, and the choice is small.
- If the model you like is less than the regular place - this is not a problem. Now almost everywhere you can buy special stub frames of different sizes.
- Next, you need to decide whether you need a built-in navigator or just the ability to connect it. The second option, of course, will be slightly cheaper, but only if the buyer has the navigator itself. If it is not, it is definitely more profitable to take the first option.
Perhaps these are the main aspects that you need to rely on when choosing. It is also worth paying attention to manufacturers.
So, in Russia, car radios with a built-in display and navigation of 2 din size from the following manufacturers are popular:
- Alpine (supports iGo Primo 2 or Navitel, expensive, "under the standard");
- Kenwood (supports Garmin);
- Pioneer (blank cards);
- Prology (Navitel, budget models).
What are the radio with camera and navigation
Clear business, car radios with a navigator and a rear-view camera should have a screen and rather big. On the radio, a 2-din display occupies the entire height (about 100 mm), and on a 1-din screen, it’s as if connected to the device from the outside.
At first glance, there are concerns that the 1-din radio is easy to steal. In fact, you can not panic, because the screen, like the panel, are removed.
Receivers with 1-din with a navigator and a rear view camera can be safely considered multimedia. Navigation can be built-in or purchased separately. In the second case, the device has the ability to connect it.
Their diagonal is usually not more than 7 inches, but this is quite enough for full work with the device.
Most of these multifunctional radios also act as a TV. If a TV tuner is built into the model, you just need to get a good antenna.
If you describe this miracle of technology in a nutshell - this is an Android-based tablet with a remote control and many features:
- channel view;
- radio;
- navigator;
- Rear View Camera;
- installation of various applications;
- the ability to watch movies or listen to music from third-party media (SD-cards, USB-flash drives, and so on).
Equipment
So, buying a car radio with a navigator, in addition to the device itself, in the box you will find:
- a flash card with files recorded on it for the navigator. Often you have to update or download new routes, as it is not always necessary for the media you need;
- user manual with a description of the device. Usually in English, but it’s not scary, because on the Internet you can find everything;
- Elements necessary for installation and operation: wires, remote control, connector for connecting, front panel, frame and, of course, warranty card.
Many modern devices have a reverse camera connector. But in order to use such a convenient function, you need to first install the camera itself and stretch the wires from it to the radio. In this case, when you turn on the reverse, the image from the camera will appear on the screen. When you turn off the transmission, the picture disappears.
You can install the radio on your own (if you understand this at least a little) or drove into any car service (if you do not want to go into details).
What about the prices?
Multifunction radios are available in various price categories.
For example, the most budgetary model with a navigator is SUPRA SWD-607NV for 6000 rubles.
But judging by the reviews, this is far from the best option.
The most expensive model is the Alpine X800D-U, costing up to 120,000 rubles. Although, according to reviews, is also not perfect.
The most popular models at the moment are Pioneer SPH-DA120 for 25-30 thousand rubles and Prology DNU-2630 for 12-15 thousand rubles. These models are still at the top of ratings, reviews and specifications among universal radio tape recorders.
Also highly appreciated are car radios for certain car models. By the way, among them you can find a more or less budget option.
Conclusion
We hope that this article will help to make such a difficult choice of a new multifunctional car radio a little easier.
Roads without traffic jams and clear sound!
