Memphis MP66: The First Car Audio System with a USB port from Blaupunkt

Singapore, September 25, 2006 - With the inclusion of a USB port in its latest car audio system model, the Memphis MP66 from Blaupunkt, a Bosch subsidiary, opens up a new world of connection options for the car audio system market. The USB port allows for instant USB connectivity and enables users to connect and control USB devices, MP3 players and mobile hard-disk drives via the car audio system. This allows users to have an additional vast source of music to listen to, depending on their additional USB device connected. The USB device can be conveniently controlled via the car radio. The Memphis MP66 comes with the latest USB 2.0 cable that can be easily installed in the glove compartment or console. Placing the USB port at the back of the radio unit, instead of the front, complies with the corresponding EU agreements. This demonstrates Blaupunkt’s competency in the field of technology for in-vehicle entertainment. This enhances safety because a USB device protruding from the front of the car audio system unit may endanger passengers in the event of an accident.

OneShift Editorial Team

26 Sep 2006

Alternatively, music files can also be read via a separate slot for MMC/SD memory cards. This allows Blaupunkt’s new generation of car audio systems to accommodate consumer needs such as the ability to read compressed file formats like mp3 and wav from portable storage devices.

The Memphis MP66 is also compatible with the optional Bluetooth interface that incorporates an integrated microphone, allowing users to connect a handphone to the car audio system and make hands-free calls wirelessly through the car speakers.

With its extensive range of technical features, the Memphis MP66 is not only functional; it also exhibits a very striking design. The first thing you will notice about a Memphis MP66 is its impressive operating panel, which incorporates an animated 3.2-inch TFT full graphic display screen and an illuminated rocker switch. This screen guarantees a brilliant visual display with a resolution of 270 x 96 pixels in basic orange-blue colour.

The display of the Memphis MP66 car audio system unit can also be customised. Users who wish to do so can upload a background picture in photo quality via the USB port or the SD memory card slot. A great software tool is available for download via the Blaupunkt homepage and users can utilise this software to convert their digital JPEG photographs into a format that is compatible with the Memphis’s graphic display screen.

The Memphis MP66 features an easy to use soft-key user interface that utilises six soft keys, three on each side of the display panel, that indicate the various functions available for selected modes. The minimal number of keys reduces the number of buttons users have to push for any operation and enhances usability.

For serious audiophiles, the digital 6-band parametric equalizer is a dream come true. This equalizer can be configured manually and offers a number of different presets that can be tailored to different listening preferences or provide the ultimate sound performance.

An optional calibration microphone is available from Blaupunkt which allows the equalizer to be specially customised to accommodate acoustic conditions and speaker configurations in any given vehicle. With the optional calibration microphone, the equalizer can be adjusted when the vehicle’s speaker setup is changed or when components like a subwoofer is added.

And it goes without saying that a car audio system of this calibre is equipped with everything you would expect, like four-channel output stage connections and a variable subwoofer output.

For those looking for the same high performance levels but a bit more simplicity, the St. Louis is technically identical to the Memphis MP66, but comes without the Memphis’s picture upload function & sports a monochrome display instead of colour display.

The Memphis MP66 is retailing at S$799 and the St. Louis is retailing at $629. They are available at all authorised Blaupunkt dealers from Oct 2006 onwards. For dealer locations, contact 6350 5471 or visit www.blaupunktpromo.com.sg for more information.

Credits: Oneshift News Team