Las Vegas – Clarion
will get a head start on the 2012 aftermarket model year with a SEMA show
launch today of the company’s first head unit to control the Pandora Internet
radio app on a USB-connected iPhone.
The
Pandora-controlling head unit is the single-DIN CZ202 CD receiver, which will
be among the lowest-priced Pandora-controlling radios on the market at a
suggested $129, said marketing VP Adam Thomas. From the head unit, consumers
will be able to control basic Pandora-app features as well as the app’s thumbs
up feature.
At least one other
aftermarket mobile electronics company, Sony, recently launched a
that controls Pandora on a USB-connected iPhone.
Also at SEMA,
Clarion is unveiling a new entry-level single-DIN CD receiver at a suggested
$99.
Both in-dash Clarion
heads will ship in December to anchor Clarion’s 2012 entry-level lineup. Both
are promoted as offering advanced features at entry-level prices and offering the
same look and feel as new high-end CD products that the company will display at
January’s CES.
Both models feature
detachable face, front auxiliary input, CD/MP3/WMA playback, Beat EQ and Magna
Bass EX sound enhancements, a low-pass filter for adding a subwoofer, three-band
parametric EQ, and ability to interface with factory steering-wheel remote
controls with the addition of an accessory.
The CZ202 adds
such step-up features as iPod/iPhone USB port with slide cover, ability to
capture iPod/iPhone audio in digital PCM form, and head-unit control of
Pandora’s app on a USB-connected iPhone.
The CZ202 doesn’t
connect to the new Sirius XM hide-away universal satellite-radio tuner, nor
does it feature Bluetooth.
Other CZ202
features include blue key illumination, 4×45-watt MOSFET amp, 2-volt
four-channel RCA preamp outputs, detachable control panel, IR remote, and 10-digit
by one-line display.
Among the features
of the $99-suggested CZ102 single-DIN CD receiver are wireless remote control, red
key illumination, 4×45-watt MOSFET amplifier, 2-volt switchable rear/subwoofer
preamp out, and 10-digit by one-line display.
