In Car Entertainment Guide

In-Car Entertainment (I.C.E)
 

HEAD UNITS                                                                                                                                     
The head unit links and controls every system component used. It pays to buy a head unit capable of more than
you initially require, this will eliminate the need to upgrade later on. If your budget is tight, a basic head unit that receives radio and plays CD/CD-RW/MP3 is the route to take. But ensure it can be linked to a CD/DVD multi-changer. A midrange unit packing RDS radio, six CD and remote control is a better option. Saving up for a cutting edge unit would be the ultimate. These have features such as Mini-Disc drives, TV screens and multi-CD drives. Buying a head unit with built-in flip-out screen will save hassle when you fit a video or games console. 
 

DISPLAY SCREENS
These flat, liquid crystal screens enable you and your occupants to watch TV and play computer games. When
the car isn't moving, of course. Aim for a head unit screen or a flush-mount screen. Head unit-screens are top bits of kit - with automated screen eject and retract and touch screen controls. Some even
feature a widescreen option for DVD films.

CD/DVD CHANGER (With MP3)
A CD changer (or multi-changer) stores a number of CD's in a magazine which are accessed by you head unit.
Ensure the changer you by will work alongside your present head unit - as many companies use dedicated
connectors eg: Blaupunkt. Ensure the changer is mounted as specified in the instructions or tracks will skip, or stop altogether, when you hit a bump or the road surface deteriorates.

GAMES CONSOLES   
The games console you use at home, whether XBox or Playstation, can be converted to work alongside your
car's ICE install. You can use your home system, linked to a power converter plugged into your car's cigarette lighter socket. But if you can afford a new console, a 12V-conversion board can replace the power board. This will enable a skilled installer to permanently link the console to your ICE system-flush mounting the unit in a custom parcel shelf.


SPEAKERS

TWEETERS                                                                                                                                         
Like any other speakers, tweeters produce sound by vibrating at various frequencies. However, they have tiny
cones that handle the high frequency notes normal speakers struggle to produce.
High frequency notes don't travel well, so tweeters are designed for installation in line with the listener's ears.
To help you achieve this some come with ball-and-socket mounting for easy set-up.
 

MIDRANGE SPEAKERS
Midrange speakers produce all sound that is not pure treble or bass. They can make or break a system, so
avoid fitting cheap midrange speakers to a quality head unit. Cheap midrange speakers are prone to blowing when driven at high volumes for long periods. If you run your system hard, you must fit good quality midrange speakers.
Top quality midrange speakers use cast-alloy baskets, composite cones, twin voice coils and gold connector
terminals - all of which improve sound quality and performance. 6x9's use a six-inch by nine-inch midrange cone, with a centralised tweeter on top. They are designed to ensure that back seat passengers get the full, rounded sound - not just heavy bass. They can be installed up front and give a good sound. However, a large door-build would be required and a combination of midrange and tweeters would be far more flexible.
 

SUBWOOFERS       
Subs utilise massive magnets, huge cones and sizeable voice-coils to move the cone by the amount required to
produce shaking bass tones. The two styles of subs available are free-air and enclosed.
Free-air subs use your car's boot as its pressure box. Enclosed subs require a sealed and ported box of set
dimensions - these are more flexible and set friendly. Sizes range from small eight-inch cone units (ideal for
rapid punchy bass), to a massive fifteen-inch cones for deep, long bass tones. For hatchbacks Bass Tubes are available which can easily be kept in the boot and take out when luggage needs to be carried. Bass tubes also dont need any cutting of the rear parcel tray.
 

AMPLIFIERS                                                                                                                                
As their name suggests, these amplify the signals sent from your head unit to the speakers.
Amps are packed with components that boost sound output. Transformers distribute and regulate power flow.
Power storage capacitors ensure the amps power level is not sucked dry by heavy bass lines. Passive crossovers
break down the output signal into bass, midrange and treble. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the amp, the more powerful it is. The size of the amp required depends on your system, and what you expect from it. If you're content with a basic system, a two-channel amp will work fine. But if you continually upgrade, you'll need the extra power and flexibility of a four, six or eight channel amp.
 

CABLES         
Cables connect all the components in an ICE install transferring either power or signals.
RCA leads can make a big difference to the sound your system puts out. Their resistance, capacitance and
inductance affect response and quality of signal. Speaker leads and power cables come in a wide variety
of types and colours, and vary massively in price.

SOUND DEADENING
Sound deadening does as its name suggests - reduces noise. In terms of use within an ICE install, sound
deadening reduces road noise intrusion, and panel vibration in cars with high output systems.
It is cheap, easy to fit and gives fantastic results.