The Evolution: From Car Audio to Digital Mobile Multimedia

New advances in wireless and digital communication technologies are causing the traditional car audio system to undergo a radical transformation. The historic function of providing high-quality music and sound reproduction to the consumer will continue; however, additional data and information services will soon be available to consumers using ancillary high-speed data channels available in the new Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) systems.

The European developed EUREKA/147 DAB system represents leading-edge technology and has already been introduced in several global markets. This proven system has demonstrated the capability for providing excellent quality music, along with significant data-casting capabilities. Potential benefits to the consumer include the ability to receive traffic management information, digital news and weather services, slow-speed video images, and even subscription services such as personal paging and messages. The traditional “audio” system will soon become an integral part of the wireless-link to the many information and data-services which are currently available.