LAS VEGAS — Dual Electronics is expanding its selection of Dual-branded in-dash multimedia head units, launching nine new models that include its first model with two-way DualMirror technology.
Two-way DualMirror technology enables touchscreen control of all apps running on HDMI-connected Android phones.
As in the 2014 line, three multimedia head units feature one-way DualMirror technology, which mirrors the display of HDMI-connected Android phones and iPhones without enabling touchscreen control of phone apps.
The 2015 multimedia lineup includes two models with 9-inch touchscreens. Both are single-DIN models, and they join a 2014 model with detachable 10.1-inchscreen. Seven of nine new models feature Bluetooth. The lineup is priced from a suggested $199 to $399.
Separately, Dual Electronics is launching its first outboard processor with built-in stereo Bluetooth. It connects between an OEM or aftermarket head unit and an aftermarket amp to add Bluetooth streaming to a sound system.
The Wireless Smart EQ Processor also enables Android and Apple smartphone control of select processor functions when the phones run a free app. The app controls the processor’s volume, fader, balance, and seven-band EQ with custom presets. The app also provides independent volume control of the front, rear and subwoofer inputs.
The 7 inch by 4.1 inch by 1.2 inch processor will be available in late January under the Dual and Axxera brands. Pricing was unavailable.
Of the multimedia heads, the four HDMI-equipped models offer digital-to-digital HDMI converting circuit, said to preserve the quality of the digital video signal coming from a smartphone to deliver the highest quality picture reproduction on the receiver’s screen.
The four DualMirror models include the top-end $349 double-DIN 6.2-inch DV695MMB with two-way DualMirror. The other three, which feature one-way DualMirror, are the $399 single-DIN 9-inch DV925BH, $249 single-DIN 7-inch DV725BH, and $269 double-DIN 6.2-inch DV625BH.
When an Android phone with HDMI or MHL output is connected to one of the four receivers, the receiver’s screen mirrors the smartphone’s touchscreen. The top model adds Bluetooth HID to navigate and control an Android smartphone’s apps. iPhones lack Bluetooth HID, so receivers only mirror an iPhone or iPad display without control from the head unit’s touchscreen.
All new models feature built-in programmable steering- wheel interface, three-band parametric EQ, seven EQ presets, front-panel USB (5-volt/1-amp) for phone playback and charging, and front 3.5mm audio aux in. All but two feature built-in HFP, stereo, and AVRCP 1.5 Bluetooth with ID3 Tag, which displays the artist, album, track name, and genre of the track playing. AVRCP 1.5 enables music-library browsing of connected devices to search by artist, album, song title, and playlist as well as deliver basic controls.
One head supports up to 1080p video playback via USB, and four feature rear-panel 5-volt/2.1-amp USB for charging tablets. None features feature iPod/iPhone USB, Android AOA or MTP.
