07.03.2008
Pioneer Electronics Australia announces a new versatile navigation system.
 Introducing the latest addition to the Pioneer Electronics Australia’s navigation range the AVIC-F500BT, a system that combines the power of an in-dash navigation unit with the convenience of a portable device. Designed to connect with virtually any in-car factory audio system, the AVIC-F500BT delivers unparalleled navigation, comprehensive entertainment capabilities and offers advanced control and convenience for portable devices such as Apple iPod™ music players and Bluetooth™ enabled mobile phones. 
“There is nothing like AVIC-F500BT on the market. It is the world’s first navigation system to have all the features and power of a fixed in-car system with the flexibility of a portable device.
The AVIC-F500BT goes beyond navigation; it is a complete audio and visual experience and it communicates and controls all your portable devices in the car while enhancing your cars’ existing sound system” Said Paul Baddeley, Product Planning Manager Pioneer Mobile Entertainment Group
 
 
Media Centre
 
The AVIC-F500BT significantly enhances the audio experience in the car with its ability to accept portable devices with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection and/or music-filled SD memory cards. The design allows for quick connection to MP3 or iPod™ music players as well as SD cards containing MP3 and WMA music data. All source units are controlled via the touch panel display. All audio - including the sound of the original car radio - is amplified by Pioneer’s highly regarded 4X50 MosFET amplifier and delivered through the vehicle’s speakers.
 
And due to the powerful processor, features such as iPod™ playback and navigation can be used concurrently with the AVIC-F500BT’s detachable screen (complete with integrated battery) you can access video and music from your iPod™ wherever you choose.
 
For safety and convenience, the AVIC-F500BT is equipped with an optional camera input and back-up trigger. The system automatically displays images from a connected camera when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. The feature is extremely useful when used in large vehicles when it is more difficult see what is behind the vehicle.
 
Safety is further promoted, with the integration of a Parrot® hands-free Bluetooth® phone interface. The mobile phone can be left anywhere in the vehicle and contacts are displayed and called through the touch screen. Conversations are relayed in crystal clarity via the vehicles’ speakers.
 
Navigation
As powerful as an in-dash navigation system, the AVIC-F500BT comes complete with Whereis®   mapping preinstalled on the integrated flash memory. The 5.8-inch high resolution WVGA screen shows mapping details with two view modes: overhead and moveable 3D. When a destination is input via touch screen, the user is assisted with easy to follow, step-by-step route guidance followed with helpful audio prompts through the speakers in the car. The system also employs a Text-to-Speech (TTS) engine to further enhance its assistance capabilities by pronouncing street names. 
 
Installation
The unit can be integrated with virtually any vehicle. The 4X50 MosFET amplifier is hidden from view while the touch screen unit is detachable so that it can be used in a second vehicle. 
 
Personalise
The system can be personalised by creating points of interest; by using a custom, web-based application location coordinates can be found and loaded (together with a representative icon of the location) onto the unit’s maps.
 
Pioneer has a long history with navigation having launched the world’s first GPS car navigation system designed for the Japanese consumer market in June 1990, followed by the European and North American consumer markets in 1999, Chinese market in March 2006, and Russian market at the end of 2006. June 2007 Pioneer Electronics Australia announced the arrival of the AVIC-HD3 and AVIC-S2 to the Australian market
 
The AVIC-F900BT will be available in Australia from late autumn 2008 from Pioneer dealerships. Price to be confirmed
 
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