ALPINE has launched the IVA-D310R in-car system, which combines satellite navigation with entertainment. A touch-screen unit gives access to the navigation system, which also has TMC, a traffic alert which tells drivers of delays ahead and suggests alternative routes.

The main unit has a removable front with white LED display graphics. The touch screen enables users to play CDs, MP3s or DVDs and iPod users can also tap into the system, which enables users to listen to music from the portable carrier.

Price: £2,200

Contact: www.alpine-europe.com

Kenwood

KENWOOD’S digital media management and playback system makes it easier for users to manage, organise, edit and transfer their digital music collections on to a disc to play in a vehicle. The in-car system/CD receiver will play back music from all formats, including MP3 and iPod. The system will display album covers in different colours on its high-resolution display and the CD player provides audio sounds telling users the album’s name when they change from track to track.

Voice Index browsing provides an audible search function and Kenwood’s Media Manager™ PC software is compatible with the system.

Price: £499

Contact: www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk

Siemens VDO

SIEMENS DOM 6500 is a roof-mounted system which enables back-seat passengers to watch DVDs or listen to music.

It has an eight-inch monitor which can be mounted in most vehicles, comes with a remote control and headphones and also plays music in MP3 format or from a CD.

Digital video cameras or games consoles can be used on the system alongside VDO Dayton navigation systems.

The screen folds out of the unit and, when it is not in use, passengers can access two reading lights.

Price: TBC

Contact: www.vdodayton.com

Pioneer

PIONEER’S AVIC-X1 is a DVD audio-visual entertainment system with memory navigation. Once the driver’s route has been uploaded, the system can be replaced with a DVD, allowing back-seat passengers to watch a film while the driver listens to the radio and uses the in-dash visual map to navigate.

All functions are completed from the one system. A touch screen operates mapping functions but it also responds using a voice recognition system that enables drivers to carry out address searches by speaking commands. The system has a traffic message channel, MP3 player and rear-view parking camera.

Price: from £2,000

Contact: www.pioneer.co.uk

Clarion

CLARION’S flagship CD/tuner has a colour touch-screen display and a built-in hard drive, which can record, store or replay up to six of the user’s favourite CDs. The system, called the DXZ958RMC, has a range of sound management features for cinema-like surround sound and a 4 x 53w integral amplifier.

The CD player is WMA, MP3 and CD-R compatible. It has a three-waveband radio tuner and a stainless steel fascia which is portable and can be removed from the vehicle.

Price: £599

Contact: www.clarion.co.uk or call 01793 870400

Halfords

THE Halfords in-car system is a portable media player with a five-inch LCD monitor display.

The system can play DVD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 and transmits sound through built-in stereo speakers.

It comes with a built-in anti-shock circuit and re-chargeable polymer battery pack which re-charges the unit in just over two hours.

If passengers are using the system, they have the option of headphones to minimise distraction for the driver.

The unit also comes with a remote control and carry case for transportation.

Price: £139.99

Contact: local Halford’s store