The Car Entertainment System

Abstract

In recent years, we spent more and more time in our cars. So it became obvious to implement Car Entertainment Systems into the car for comfort and driver information. We can differ between driver information devices and passenger entertainment devices. Car entertainment began with AM-reception. FM-tuners followed soon, with stereo sound, cassette players and CD-players to entertain passengers. Today we know a number of different analogand digital broadcasting systems, such as DAB, DMB, DRM, DVB and player standards like MP3, MP4, DVD, BlueRay and many more, which are integrated into the car console. With the variety of different entertainment sources in the car, each passenger in the vehicle may wish for their own program. For this, rear-seat entertainment systems are implemented. For driver information, modern navigation systems not only help to find the most efficient route, but also give an overview of traffic situation. New concepts of user interaction shall provide comfort and intuitive usage of the devices. So the man-machineinterface is an important marketing feature, on which car manufacture philosophy is mirrored. Touch-screens provide an intuitive operation as information and buttons merge to one device. This Chapter is structured into different subsections, explaining the tool chain of vehicular entertainment systems from reception of radio waves, demodulation and distribution of signal to the audio and visual end. We begin with a brief historical overview of car entertainment and show modern installations in contrast. In order to understand the evolution better, we give a list of existing broadcasting standards and explain tuner concepts and diversity reception to combat fading effects for analog and digital broadcasting systems. When the signal is demodulated it needs to be distributed to the audio subsystem. The audio system consists of amplifier, equalizer and loudspeakers. We unveil the secrets of high quality sound. As passengers wish to get their own entertainment source, the distribution of these sources in a rear-seat entertainment system is described. For driver information, navigation systems offer intelligent route guidance, road status and helpful information on and along the way. In the recent years the development of navigation systems is advancing. So the proand contras for portable navigators in contrast to integrated systems are discussed.