How to Design and Install In-Car Entertainment Systems

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Years ago, enthusiasts had limited in-car entertainment system options. One could install a high-performance head unit, amp, speakers, and upgrade a few other components, and that was about it. Today, in-car entertainment system options are virtually limitless, and they are one of the most popular automotive upgrades. In fact, upgrading or replacing a stock stereo system is just the tip of the in-car entertainment iceberg.

Enthusiasts can install a complete entertainment system, including audio and video, MP3 player (iPod), HD radio, satellite radio, and more. Video monitors for DVD and game systems can be incorporated in the dash, head rest, or anywhere else. When you consider GPS navigation and hands-free Bluetooth? cell phone systems, the options are only limited by a person's creativity and budget.

Table of Contents:

Acknowledgments | Introduction

Chapter 1: Acoustic and Electrical Fundamentals
Five Components of Sound Quality | Two Aspects of Installation | Automotive Acoustic Physics | Electrical Theory | CEA2006 Standards

Chapter 2: System Planning and Component Selection
Defining Audio System Performance | High Fidelity on a Budget | Laying Out the System | Selecting the Right Components | Putting It All Together — System Assembly Plan | Finalizing the Plan

Chapter 3: Tools and Installation Basics
Essential Tools | Common Tools | Advanced Tools | Professional-Grade Tools | Installation Plans for Specific Models | Troubleshooting

Chapter 4: Personal Media Players and Connectivity
Digital File Coding and Compression | Bluetooth Connectivity | Enhancing Personal Media Players | In-Car Communications

Chapter 5: Source Units, Satellite and HD Radio
Crossovers | Equalization | Head Unit Pre-Outs | Sirius XM Satellite Radio | HD Radio | Internet Radio | Factory Head Unit Interfaces | Head Unit Types | Head Unit Installation Procedures | Testing Factory Wires

Chapter 6: Equalizers, Signal Processors and Crossover Networks
Equalizers | Signal Processors | Crossover Networks | Crossover Components

Chapter 7: Mid- and High-Range Speakers
Speaker Components | Location, Location, Location: The Haas Effect | Rear Fill?

Chapter 8: Subwoofers
Subwoofer Sizes | Coupling the Bass | Motor Structure | Surround | Material | Cone | Basket | Mounting | Terminals | Voice Coils | Spider | Venting | Selecting the Ideal Subwoofer | Enclosures

Chapter 9: Amplification
Input Stage | Power Supply | Driver Stage | Factors to Consider | Wiring | RCAs | Batteries, Alternators, and Capacitors | Mounting Considerations

Chapter 10: Mobile Video and Entertainment
Source Options | Screen Types | Power Inverters | Other Video Source Options | Video Components

Chapter 11: Navigation
System Options | On-Dash AVICs

Mobile Electronics Installation
Planning Sheet

Source Guide

How to Design and Install In-Car Entertainment Systems presents the entire spectrum of audio/video, navigation, communication, and entertainment technology, and explains how you can create a complete custom system or an integrated stock/aftermarket system. It explains how to plan, select, integrate, and install popular systems under a specific budget for a certain level of performance.

This includes design and installation considerations for amps, head units, GPS navigation, iPod integration with head units, satellite radio, digital audio broadcasting, and even computers (carputers). It features how-to installations, thorough explanations for building subwoofer boxes, fabricating kick panels, electrical upgrades such as charging systems, and a comprehensive resource guide.