JVC Sales & Services (M) Sdn Bhd has stepped up its challenge in the mobile entertainment systems market this year with new products that include the In-Dash with a seven-inch Detachable Touch Panel Monitor, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, the world’s smallest amplifier and a new multi-lingual display.

The seven-inch, double-DIN (double-DIN refers to the height – single-DIN configuration is what’s commonly found in most in-car player) KW-AVX810 multimedia receiver comes with a detachable, touch-screen panel that gives consumers extensive connectivity, a proximity sensor, Bluetooth connectivity, high-definition and satellite radio, CD changer and rear-view camera (for ease of reversing).

The KW-AVX810 also features an iPod-compatible USB 2.0 port, which supports video-in for the iPod through a KS-U20 cable. A split-screen display also lists searchable options, menus, song categories and even displays the album jacket artwork while the album is playing.

A three-dimensional animated graphical user interface (GUI), headphone surround sound in Dolby 5.1, MOSFET 50 watts x 4, seven-band iEQ, high-voltage five-volt line and subwoofer pre-outs make up the rest of the KW-AVX810 AV’s features list.

JVC also has a single-DIN flip-out seven-inch monitor DVD/CD multimedia receiver in the form of the KD-AV7100 while the KD-BT11 offers Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming through advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) and

audio/video remote control profile (AVRCP), hands-free calls, voice dialling from the mobile phone, SMS notification and full compatibility with all newer mobile phones.

JVC’s smallest amplifier sizes up to about a B5 paper. Available as the KS-AR8001D (digital mono power), KS-AR8004D (bridgable digital four-channel) and KS-AR8002D (bridgable digital two-channel), the company co-developed these amplifiers with an integrated circuit manufacturer to provide high-quality sound that exceeds most in-car entertainment prowess.

While some may argue that it would seem irresponsible for a company to come out with an in-car entertainment system that distracts the driver such as the DVD/CD multimedia receiver that plays video, JVC Malaysia’s managing director Hirokazu Tamura explained that it is a growing trend in Japan and appeals to customers.

Pricing starts from RM799 for the KD-BT11 and works up to RM2,999 for the KW-AVX810. For details, visit www.jvc.com.my.