If you want to improve the dashboard technology, you need to pay some attention to the car radio. If you do this, you will have a whole new experience. There are some features to focus on if you only want to choose the best.
The receiver is the main component and is referred to as the deck or head unit. It is the heart and brain of the system. This is what you end up interacting with when you use your car. The receiver locks the audio sources, expandability and functionality of all other systems. Here are some of the tips that can help you end up with the best.
audio sources
You need to determine which audio sources you use frequently. Consider whether you need a CD player, whether you need DVD playback, and so on. Consider whether you also want to use digital media. Once you’ve made your choice, you need to decide whether you want a traditional disc receiver, a peerless receiver, or an A/V receiver.
If you settle for a CD player, there’s still a chance a passenger might want a media player or want to plug in their phone in the car. It makes sense to have a receiver that also has a USB port so that you can use different storage media.
Smartphone and app integration
Nowadays, smartphones are very common, as are the apps. So it’s a good idea to have a receiver that connects to your phone. You should look for a USB port and make sure it actually supports your device. Make sure the receiver is compatible with your device before making the switch. If you’re a heavy app user, make sure the recipient you choose has some controls over the apps. These should be accessible to you whether you are traveling or not.
Satellite and local radio
Most receivers have AM/FM radios that can access local stations. If you want to improve this, choose one with HD Radio decoding. This improves the audio quality of your local stations as they use a digital format. It also allows you to select different digital sub-programs. This gives you access to more stations.
Navigation and GPS
The receivers are not just about playing music. They can also help you if you want to find your way around using GPS navigation. Make sure the GPS module set in the receiver can support you and give you the right directions.
Physical Controls and Dimensions
It’s important to think about the physical dimensions of the receiver. There are options that take up very little space, while others take up more. If you want DVD playback, app mirroring and GPS navigation, the receiver will end up taking up more space. You also need to consider the controls. While a touchscreen might be a handy idea, it might not work well when you’re on the go.