head unit

The control center and user interface for an automobile's entertainment center, which typically resides in the center of the dashboard. It provides the main controls for the radios (any combination of AM, FM, XM, Sirius, HD Radio) as well as a CD/DVD player, GPS navigation, Bluetooth cellphone integration, hard disk storage for music and iPod connector. There may be auxiliary controls on the steering wheel.

Self Contained

The head units have their own amplifiers for powering the speakers, but may have optional outputs for more powerful, stand-alone amplifiers. After market products typically have the most flexibility, although head units in luxury cars have very elaborate audio systems.

After Market Head Unit

This Pioneer model Z110 replaced the original equipment AM/FM/CD head unit in a 2008 Honda, but the speakers were not changed. The Z110 added GPS navigation, DVD and iPod playback, hands-free phoning and several other features.

Out of the Vehicle

The Eclipse after market navigation system on the left replaced the factory head unit on the right.

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car head unit	sony head unit