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For audiophiles and those that like to have top-notch products, the market offers full-blown MP3 players for automobiles. One such company, PhatNoise (www.phatnoise.com), has a variety of MP3 players that can be installed in cars with specific existing stereo systems (e.g., Kenwood) or purchased as options with new cars. The PhatNoise Digital Media Player retails at 700 dollars and up, depending on the make and model of the car involved, or the individual system.
Phatnoise's MP3 player is really a Linux-based hardware system with a removable 20-gigabyte cartridge. The system is installed in a car's trunk, taking up a minimal amount of space. Tracks can be searched for and played using the existing buttons on a car's audio receiver, although when the Phatnoise player is installed in a new car, the car may come with special controls on the dash or steering wheel. Loading new music onto the PhatNoise system is easy. The 20-gigabyte cartridge is removed from its casing in the trunk and attached to a computer using a USB connection. Once the cartridge is connected to the computer, audio files can be transmitted to the cartridge for use in the car stereo system.
As with other MP3 playing options for home and car stereos, it is important to use high-quality MP3s in order to ensure proper sound quality. With the PhatNoise MP3 player, it may be wise to utilize MP3s that have been encoded at no less than 192 Kbps. Otherwise, the inferior sound quality will be amplified when broadcasted over the car stereo system. PhatNoise provides CD ripping software to this end, although any CD ripping software will do.
Numerous options exist for MP3 consumers who wish to attach their iPods to their home or car stereos. Simple RCA cables, cassette adapters, FM transmitters, and USB cables all allow the discerning user to integrate an iPod into an expensive stereo system. MP3 playing systems specifically designed for cars are also a viable option. MP3 playing options will continue to mature as the digital century continues to unfold. Once the peace is made between reactionary record companies and counter-reactionary consumers, the market will become even more flooded with products that will improve the compatibility of MP3s and quality stereo equipment.
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What does it do: Connects your iPod to a stereo
What does it do: Transmits your iPod to an FM stereo, home or car
What does it do: Transmits your iPod to an FM stereo, home or car 
What does it do: Transmits your iPod to an FM stereo, home or car
What does it do: Connects an iPod to a tape deck, home or car
What does it do: Connects an iPod to a tape deck, home or car
What does it do: MP3 stereo system for automobiles | |
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