Anyone that has ever operated the iPod in a vehicle knows that this is no easy task. You must take your eyes off the road, and operating the click wheel while the vehicle is moving is difficult and dangerous.
You can think of Harman Kardon's new Drive+Play as the iPod broken down into three pieces:
The Drive+Play display can be mounted on top of the dash or on the windscreen, getting it up high and in view while driving. The bright, multi-line LCD screen displays all the iPod track information, as well as playlist and setup menu functions. Customise the display with adjustable contrast, dimming, font size, and more.
The Drive+Play controller will be familiar to iPod users as it has a rotating dial around its perimeter, four corner buttons, and a push to enter in the middle. This can be mounted where comfortable whilst driving - down on the center console is a great place. The iPod can be simply put in the glove box or center console as you will not need to access it when using Drive+Play.
The main unit houses all of the electronics and is what the iPod, display, and controller connect to. There is also a wirelss FM modulator built in. This broadcasts your iPod music to one of 5 factory set frequencies or one that you define yourself. In addition, the audio output jack can connect the Drive+Play to vehicles that have an auxiliary input or to an aftermarket receiver that has an auxiliary input. This connection will provide the best quality audio. The main unit also has an auxiliary input allowing you to use the Drive+Play to route other audio signals into the vehicle's audio system. You can connect audio from a portable navigation unit, or even a mobile phone. A handy signal-sense feature automatically switches to the auxiliary input when audio is detected.
Details of Harmans official fitting service (wecanfit.co.uk) is included when you purchase this system.