Automotive head units, often called car receivers or infotainment systems, have evolved far beyond the past’s basic AM/FM radios.

In this article, we’ll look into the multifaceted world of vehicle audio, exploring the myriad features and functionalities of modern head units.

From traditional radio and CDs to cutting-edge technologies like Android Auto and gesture recognition, these devices have become essential for a transformative in-car experience.

Join us as we demystify the realm of automotive head units and help you navigate the options available from popular aftermarket brands like Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, and Alpine.

Car Receiver Types

Car receivers come in various sizes and formats, with single-DIN and double-DIN units being the most common. Let’s look into the differences between these two types and their distinctive features.

1. Single-DIN Units:

• Size: Single-DIN receivers typically measure about 2 inches (50mm) in height and 7 inches (180mm) in width. They are the standard size for most car stereos.
• Features: While they may have a smaller form factor, single-DIN units still offer a wide range of features. These include AM/FM radio, CD players, USB ports for music playback, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, and often support for smartphone integration like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• Benefits: Single-DIN units are a good choice for vehicles with limited dashboard space. They are also relatively easy to install and are compatible with a wide range of car models.

2. Double-DIN Units:

• Size: Double-DIN receivers are twice the height of single-DIN units, measuring approximately 4 inches (100mm) in height and 7 inches (180mm) in width. This larger size allows for more screen real estate.
• Features: Double-DIN units excel in offering larger touchscreen displays, which are ideal for GPS navigation, multimedia, and viewing vehicle information. They often have advanced entertainment features, including higher-quality audio components, larger touchscreen interfaces, and more connectivity options.
• Benefits: These units provide a more immersive and user-friendly experience, especially for tasks like navigating and operating multimedia features. They are popular for those who prioritise a rich in-car entertainment experience.

Audio Sources on Head Units

Modern head units in cars offer various audio sources beyond music to enhance the in-car entertainment experience. These sources cater to diverse preferences and technological advancements. Here are some of the audio sources you can find in modern head units:

1. AM/FM Radio: Traditional AM and FM radio reception remains a standard feature in most head units, allowing drivers to tune in to local stations for news, talk shows, and more.
2. Satellite Radio: Many head units are equipped with satellite radio receivers, offering access to various channels with music, talk shows, sports, and other content, often with no commercials.
3. CDs and Cassettes: While less common than before, some vehicles still include CD players and even cassette decks, allowing drivers to enjoy their physical music collections.
4. USB Ports: Most modern head units come with USB ports, enabling you to connect USB drives loaded with your favourite songs. This is a convenient way to bring your music library on the road.
5. Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth technology allows drivers to pair their smartphones or other devices with the head unit. This enables wireless audio streaming, hands-free calling, and access to voice assistants.
6. Auxiliary Input: An auxiliary (AUX) input is often available for connecting external devices like MP3 players, smartphones, or portable music players through a 3.5mm audio cable.
7. Streaming Services: Many head units now support popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora. Drivers can access these services via a smartphone connection or integrated apps.
8. Navigation Guidance: Some head units provide guidance with voice prompts, enhancing the in-car experience by offering directions and real-time traffic updates.
9. Podcasts and Audiobooks: With Bluetooth or smartphone integration, you can listen to podcasts and audiobooks during your drive, expanding your entertainment options beyond music.
10. Voice Control: Advanced head units may have voice control features that allow you to change tracks, make calls, or access apps without taking your hands off the wheel.
11. DVD and Video Playback: In some vehicles, head units have screens for playing DVDs or digital video files. Passengers can enjoy movies and videos during long journeys.
12. HD Radio: High-definition (HD) radio provides improved audio quality and additional sub-channels within AM and FM frequencies, offering more content options.
13. CarPlay and Android Auto: These smartphone integration platforms allow you to mirror your phone’s interface on the head unit’s screen, providing access to apps, navigation, and messaging.

Modern head units are designed to provide a diverse range of audio sources to cater to the preferences of drivers and passengers, making the in-car entertainment experience more enjoyable and customisable. Whether you prefer traditional radio, your own music collection, or the latest streaming services, there’s likely an option to suit your needs.

Connectivity Features

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and smartphone integration, particularly through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, have revolutionised the in-car experience by offering seamless connectivity and enhancing safety.

Bluetooth connectivity allows drivers to wirelessly pair their smartphones with the car’s head unit. This enables hands-free calling, music streaming, and access to voice assistants, reducing distractions and improving safety on the road. It’s a vital feature for maintaining connectivity while keeping focus on driving.

Wi-Fi connectivity is increasingly important, enabling real-time updates for maps, traffic information, and software upgrades. Passengers can also stay connected to the internet, making long journeys more enjoyable and productive.

Additionally, Wi-Fi can facilitate over-the-air updates, keeping the car’s software up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay take smartphone integration to the next level by mirroring the phone’s interface on the car’s touchscreen. This means seamless access to navigation, music apps, messaging, and more, all while keeping the driver’s eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

These systems make it easy to integrate the capabilities of smartphones into the car’s infotainment system, ensuring a safe and connected driving experience.

Audio Enhancements

Audio enhancements integrated into modern head units are pivotal in elevating the in-car audio experience. These enhancements not only improve sound quality but also offer a range of features that cater to diverse audio preferences:

1. High-Resolution Audio Support: Many modern head units support high-resolution audio formats, delivering pristine sound quality with greater detail and clarity for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
2. Equalisation and Sound Customization: Advanced equaliser settings allow users to fine-tune the audio to their liking, adjusting bass, treble, and other parameters to create a personalised sound profile.
3. Time Alignment: Time alignment technology helps align the audio from each speaker to ensure that sound reaches the listener’s ears simultaneously, resulting in a more natural and immersive listening experience.
4. Digital Signal Processing (DSP): DSP technology enables precise audio processing, correcting sound imperfections and creating a more balanced and enjoyable soundstage.
5. Crossfade and Mixing: Some head units offer crossfade and mixing features, enabling seamless transitions between tracks and the ability to create customised playlists or DJ-like effects.
6. Audio Source Compatibility: Modern head units support a wide range of audio sources, including CDs, USB drives, Bluetooth streaming, and smartphone integration, ensuring flexibility in accessing music.
7. HD Radio: Support for HD Radio technology enhances the quality of FM and AM broadcasts, delivering improved sound and additional content options.
8. Subwoofer and Speaker Management: Head units often include settings for managing subwoofers and speakers, allowing users to optimise the balance of bass and treble frequencies.
9. Voice Commands: Some head units come equipped with voice control features, enabling drivers to adjust audio settings, change tracks, or make calls without taking their hands off the wheel.
10. Multi-Zone Audio: In vehicles with multiple audio zones, head units can control and customise audio output for different areas within the car, providing a tailored listening experience for passengers.
11. Integration with Smartphone Apps: Integration with apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and podcasts enhances the head unit’s capabilities, allowing users to access their favourite content seamlessly.
12. Wireless Audio Streaming: Bluetooth connectivity allows wireless audio streaming from smartphones and other devices, making playing music without physical connections easy.

Modern head units with audio enhancements provide a versatile and immersive audio experience for drivers and passengers.

These features cater to individual audio preferences, offer advanced sound customisation, and ensure compatibility with a wide range of audio sources, ultimately enhancing the enjoyment of music and audio content during car journeys.

Aftermarket Brands

Several prominent aftermarket head unit brands have earned recognition for their innovative and high-quality audio and infotainment solutions.

Pioneer stands out for its advanced features and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Sony offers sleek designs, vibrant displays, and excellent sound quality.

Alpine focuses on premium head units known for exceptional audio quality and advanced sound tuning.

Kenwood delivers versatile options with extensive connectivity and support for various audio formats.

JVC offers affordability without compromising performance, making it a popular choice among consumers.

Eclipse is known for high-end units prioritising audio precision, while Boyo specialises in multimedia head units and rearview camera compatibility.

Dual offers budget-friendly units with essential features, and Visteon collaborates with automakers to provide integrated infotainment solutions.

Advent emphasises connectivity and convenience, and Blaupunkt has a longstanding history of in-car audio and infotainment with durable and user-friendly units.

These aftermarket head unit brands cater to a diverse range of consumers, from those seeking premium audio quality and advanced features to those looking for budget-friendly options with essential connectivity.

Each brand brings its unique blend of technology and innovation to enhance the in-car entertainment and connectivity experience.

Head Unit Installation

At Tower Audio in Melbourne, our dedicated team of experts goes the extra mile to ensure that customers receive the perfect head unit for their vehicles and enjoy top-notch installation services.

We start by offering personalised consultations, taking the time to understand each customer’s unique requirements and preferences.

This enables us to recommend the most suitable head unit options from our extensive selection of leading brands, whether they’re seeking advanced features, smartphone integration, or budget-friendly choices.

Our commitment to excellence extends to the head unit installation process, where our highly skilled technicians meticulously integrate the chosen head unit into the vehicle.

We pay close attention to every detail, from wiring and mounting to testing and quality assurance. We aim to provide customers with a seamless and reliable installation that enhances their in-car audio and infotainment experience.

At Tower Audio, customer satisfaction is at the forefront of everything we do. We believe in building lasting relationships with our customers, and our support doesn’t end with the installation.

We offer warranties on both the head units and the installation, ensuring that customers have peace of mind and can rely on our ongoing assistance.

With our expertise, product knowledge, and unwavering commitment to quality, Tower Audio strives to deliver one of Melbourne’s best head unit installation experiences.