Unwired Plans Improved Sound For Car Video

Staff On Dec 18 2000 - 8:00am

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. -Unwired expects to offer at CES the first FM modulator for car video that combines with a 49MHz transmitter to circumvent FCC restrictions and deliver substantially improved sound, according to president Larry Richenstein.

"The problem with FM modulators is that the FCC limits the strength of its signal so it will not interfere with the radio," explained Richenstein. "But by combining the modulator with a 49MHz transmitter, which broadcasts below the FM radio signal, we can offer a stronger signal."

FM modulators allow installers to run the audio from a trunk-mounted DVD or VCP through the car speakers without snaking wires up to the radio. The 49MHz transmitter is placed at the video unit and then broadcasts the audio to the FM modulator at the head unit.

Unwired's new FM Modulator/ 49MHz is expected to carry a suggested retail price of $60 with shipping scheduled for March.

Unwired also recently introduced a wireless IR transmitter for its headphones measuring half the size of its predecessor for easier installation in a car's headliner. A unit for the automotive market was shown at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in November, with an upgraded aftermarket version expected to be unveiled at CES.

The new IR transmitter has eight high-powered LEDs for better signal coverage in larger vehicles and is expected to carry a suggested retail price of approximately $150 in the aftermarket version. Also shown at SEMA were new three-channel RF headphones at an anticipated retail price of $50.