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How to Design and Install In-Car Entertainment Systems
Years ago, enthusiasts had limited in-car entertainment system options. One could install a high-performance head unit, amp, speakers, and upgrade a few other components, and that was about it. Today, in-car entertainment system options are virtually limitless, and they are one of the most popular automotive upgrades. In fact, upgrading or replacing a stock stereo system is just the tip of the in-car entertainment iceberg.
Enthusiasts can install a complete entertainment system, including audio and video, MP3 player (iPod), HD radio, satellite radio, and more. Video monitors for DVD and game systems can be incorporated in the dash, head rest, or anywhere else. When you consider GPS navigation and hands-free Bluetooth® cell phone systems, the options are only limited by a person's creativity and budget.
How to Design and Install In-Car Entertainment Systems presents the entire spectrum of audio/video, navigation, communication, and entertainment technology, and explains how you can create a complete custom system or an integrated stock/aftermarket system. It explains how to plan, select, integrate, and install popular systems under a specific budget for a certain level of performance. This includes design and installation considerations for amps, head units, GPS navigation, iPod integration with head units, satellite radio, digital audio broadcasting, and even computers (carputers). It features how-to installations, thorough explanations for building subwoofer boxes, fabricating kick panels, electrical upgrades such as charging systems, and a comprehensive resource guide.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Acoustic and Electrical Fundamentals
Five Components of Sound Quality
Two Aspects of Installation
Automotive Acoustic Physics
Electrical Theory
CEA2006 Standards
Chapter 2: System Planning and Component Selection
Defining Audio System Performance
High Fidelity on a Budget
Laying Out the System
Selecting the Right Components
Putting It All Together—System Assembly Plan
Finalizing the Plan
Chapter 3: Tools and Installation Basics
Essential Tools
Common Tools
Advanced Tools
Professional-Grade Tools
Installation Plans for Specific Models
Troubleshooting
Chapter 4: Personal Media Players and Connectivity
Digital File Coding and Compression
Bluetooth Connectivity
Enhancing Personal Media Players
In-Car Communications
Chapter 5: Source Units, Satellite and HD Radio
Crossovers
Equalization
Head Unit Pre-Outs
Sirius XM Satellite Radio
HD Radio
Internet Radio
Factory Head Unit Interfaces
Head Unit Types
Head Unit Installation Procedures
Testing Factory Wires
Chapter 6: Equalizers, Signal Processors and Crossover Networks
Equalizer
Signal Processors
Crossover Networks
Crossover Components
Chapter 7: Mid- and High-Range Speakers
Speaker Components
Location, Location, Location: The Haas Effect
Rear Fill?
Chapter 8: Subwoofers
Subwoofer Sizes
Coupling the Bass
Motor Structure
Surround
Material
Cone
Basket
Mounting
Terminals
Voice Coils
Spider
Venting
Selecting the Ideal Subwoofer
Enclosures
Chapter 9: Amplification
Input Stage
Power Supply
Driver Stage
Factors to Consider
Wiring
RCAs
Batteries, Alternators and Capacitors
Mounting Considerations
Chapter 10: Mobile Video and Entertainment
Source Options
Screen Types
Power Inverters
Other Video Source Options
Video Components
Chapter 11: Navigation
System Options
On-Dash AVICs
Mobile Electronics Installation Planning Sheet
Source Guide
Years ago, enthusiasts had limited in-car entertainment system options. One could install a high-performance head unit, amp, speakers, and upgrade a few other components, and that was about it. Today, in-car entertainment system options are virtually limitless, and they are one of the most popular automotive upgrades. In fact, upgrading or replacing a stock stereo system is just the tip of the in-car entertainment iceberg.
Enthusiasts can install a complete entertainment system, including audio and video, MP3 player (iPod), HD radio, satellite radio, and more. Video monitors for DVD and game systems can be incorporated in the dash, head rest, or anywhere else. When you consider GPS navigation and hands-free Bluetooth® cell phone systems, the options are only limited by a person's creativity and budget.
How to Design and Install In-Car Entertainment Systems presents the entire spectrum of audio/video, navigation, communication, and entertainment technology, and explains how you can create a complete custom system or an integrated stock/aftermarket system. It explains how to plan, select, integrate, and install popular systems under a specific budget for a certain level of performance. This includes design and installation considerations for amps, head units, GPS navigation, iPod integration with head units, satellite radio, digital audio broadcasting, and even computers (carputers). It features how-to installations, thorough explanations for building subwoofer boxes, fabricating kick panels, electrical upgrades such as charging systems, and a comprehensive resource guide.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Acoustic and Electrical Fundamentals
Five Components of Sound Quality
Two Aspects of Installation
Automotive Acoustic Physics
Electrical Theory
CEA2006 Standards
Chapter 2: System Planning and Component Selection
Defining Audio System Performance
High Fidelity on a Budget
Laying Out the System
Selecting the Right Components
Putting It All Together—System Assembly Plan
Finalizing the Plan
Chapter 3: Tools and Installation Basics
Essential Tools
Common Tools
Advanced Tools
Professional-Grade Tools
Installation Plans for Specific Models
Troubleshooting
Chapter 4: Personal Media Players and Connectivity
Digital File Coding and Compression
Bluetooth Connectivity
Enhancing Personal Media Players
In-Car Communications
Chapter 5: Source Units, Satellite and HD Radio
Crossovers
Equalization
Head Unit Pre-Outs
Sirius XM Satellite Radio
HD Radio
Internet Radio
Factory Head Unit Interfaces
Head Unit Types
Head Unit Installation Procedures
Testing Factory Wires
Chapter 6: Equalizers, Signal Processors and Crossover Networks
Equalizer
Signal Processors
Crossover Networks
Crossover Components
Chapter 7: Mid- and High-Range Speakers
Speaker Components
Location, Location, Location: The Haas Effect
Rear Fill?
Chapter 8: Subwoofers
Subwoofer Sizes
Coupling the Bass
Motor Structure
Surround
Material
Cone
Basket
Mounting
Terminals
Voice Coils
Spider
Venting
Selecting the Ideal Subwoofer
Enclosures
Chapter 9: Amplification
Input Stage
Power Supply
Driver Stage
Factors to Consider
Wiring
RCAs
Batteries, Alternators and Capacitors
Mounting Considerations
Chapter 10: Mobile Video and Entertainment
Source Options
Screen Types
Power Inverters
Other Video Source Options
Video Components
Chapter 11: Navigation
System Options
On-Dash AVICs
Mobile Electronics Installation Planning Sheet
Source Guide
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