Sony today announced its first Super Audio CD-based car audio/video system centering on the new XAV-W1 in-car video head unit.

It is also Sony's first double din-sized visual entertainment system for the car, providing outstanding picture and sound quality, easy connectivity to MP3 players and personalization options.

"This system offers the easiest way to create the ultimate in-car listening environment," said Brennan Mullin, vice president of audio in the Digital Imaging and Audio Division at Sony Electronics. "You'll see and hear the difference."

Outstanding Audio and Video Performance

The new XAV-W1 video head unit not only features the SA-CD audio format but also the accompanying 5.1-Channel surround sound option. It has a 7-inch video screen (measured diagonally) that incorporates the WVGA TFT high-end standard for picture quality.

The system lets passengers enjoy CDs, DVD videos and Super Audio CDs. The player supports Dolby(R) Digital surround sound and dts Digital Surround Processing playback, along with the JPEG video format, as well as Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MP3 audio formats.

Super Audio CD

The integrated SA-CD high-resolution audio format is based upon Direct Stream Digital (TM) (DSD) technology. DSD records music signals at a sampling frequency of 2.822 MHz and converts them to 1-bit data.

Mullin said that this achieves "unprecedented sound quality," without the decimation and additional stages associated with conventional Pulse Code Modulation technology.

Easy-to-Connect Digital Music

The video entertainment system's intuitive user interface makes it easy to connect to and control external connected entertainment hardware devices and play video or digital music files. The model is satellite radio and iPod ready, so drivers can hook up their iPod player and, with a controller device sold separately, control their digital music libraries on the road. When connected to Sony's HD Radio tuner, users can enjoy additional HD Radio channels, including many that feed rich information like artist names and song titles to the car stereo's display. HD Radio can also display radio station names and genres, where available.

Drivers can command their digital music from behind the wheel or the back Seat with a supplied remote card. They can connect through the rear auxiliary input with an audio cable (not included) to playback from portable MP3 players through the universal 3.5mm mini-plug input. The system offers a wide selection of playback options including DVD+/-, DVD-R/RW, SA-CD, VCD, CD and CD-R. For a smooth sound during a bumpy ride, the Sony Drive S II feature makes the head unit resistant to interference from road vibrations.

Personalize It

To match drivers' tastes, the XAV-W1 unit comes with personalization features that let them customize their display and sound settings. Using the capture function, drivers can set their wallpaper so their favorite image appears on screen. The time alignment, digital EQ7, and center speaker organizer features align sound from the car speakers and deliver it to car passengers' ears simultaneously, ensuring one seamless sound no matter where they're sitting. The system delivers 52 watts across four channels ensuring rich, clear sound.

While the 3AV input is used to connect to other audio-video devices, such as games or video cameras, the camera input connects with a rear-monitor camera and displays the image on the player's screen to help you drive. With Zone by Zone capability, passengers can set separate audio zones for the front and rear seats.

Sony's Multi-Channel Car Stereos

For drivers who want a single-din option with multi-channel playback, Sony also offers the MEX-DV2000 car stereo. Like the XAV-W1 video player, the MEX-DV2000 player supports Dolby Digital surround sound and DTS Digital Surround Processing playback, along with Windows Media Audio (WMA) and MP3 audio formats. Sony's X-DSP, CSO and intelligent time alignment technologies ensure high-quality sound from anywhere in the car. The single-din sized player delivers 52 watts across four channels for clear sound. White key illumination compliments the dashboard, while a detachable faceplate provides an added measure of security.

It supports satellite radio, HD Radio and has iPod control readiness. The unit comes with a remote card and has an auxiliary input on the faceplate. Playback options include DVD+/-, DVD-R/RW, SA-CD, VCD, CD and CD-R. It also has the Sony Drive S II feature.

Pricing and Availability

The XAV-W1 car video system featuring SA-CD audio will be available in August for about $800. The MEX-DV2000 player is available for about $280 at authorized dealers nationwide. More information about these players is available online at http://www.sony.com/xplod.