Clarion has dramatically moved the game on in mobile entertainment by announcing the world's first ever, standard size touch-sensitive in-car CD/radio.

The newcomer, which has immediately snapped up an international innovation award*, leads a range of no less than 15 new models that emphasise the Clarion brand's increasing vitality, innovation and style in the marketplace.
From highly affordable, high-specification entry models through to forward-thinking, radical design blending with previously un-seen technology, Clarion delivers a big boost to listener enjoyment, with increased user benefits, more style, better quality, and greater features.

The new Clarion audio flagship, DXZ948RMP, shatters the mould in both looks and technology, and sets the standard for high-end in-car audio CD/radio combinations.

A design and technology masterpiece, DXZ948RMP is designed expressly to showcase Clarion's new ‘Active MatriX' technology. This unique feature incorporates touch-panel operation - a world's first in a standard single DIN-sized unit - in three zones on the motorised flip-down facia, to simply and safely control much of the head unit's functionality - and hence the ultra-clean design and absence of buttons.

Departing completely from tradition, the facia has a sculptured, embryonic look, blending solid aluminium with soft-touch rubberised detailing to create an ultra-modern, dramatic look.

And this is the first Clarion audio head unit with ‘2 Zone' technology, enabling two different sound sources from the unit to be broadcast simultaneously, for speaker and headphone output, to different areas of the car.

The full specification of the DXZ948RMP and its sound quality mirrors its flagship status. A super-sophisticated AC Processor III features a 24-bit D/A converter and Dolby Pro-Logic II, which enables you to experience the amazing realism of surround sound. The processor is also equipped with an Anti-Distortion Filter that delivers faithful reproduction by correcting sound problems frequently associated with compressed audio formats. The built-in amplifier has a mighty 4x53w output, the unit features speed dependent volume control, and the integral CD player provides MP3/WMA compatibility. A host of great features such as a motorised sloping console, CD text facility and screensaver complete the award-winning picture.

What's more, Clarion's CeNet system enables connectivity to add-ons such as CD/MD changers, TV, DVD, and DAB tuner and TEL LINK hands-free technology.

The flurry of new technology also sees Clarion jetting into integral music storage, with the introduction of a further all-new audio head unit, the DXZ848RMC, which again includes unique award-winning technology.

This newcomer contains Clarion's exclusive ‘Music Catcher' system. The first of its kind, this innovative leap enables you to digitally download and store up to six CDs worth of music, all within the unit.

Music Catcher gives users the benefit of recording in WMA format (LP or HQ) up to six audio CDs in real time, and storing them within the unit's built-in memory - all with the touch of a single button.

Once recorded, Music Catcher saves the music directly into Clarion's user-friendly file management system, providing the functionality of a CD changer without sacrificing space inside the car. However, connectivity with an add-on Clarion CD autochanger - and other peripherals - still remains via Clarion's CeNet protocol.

DXZ848RMC also features a two-band parametric equaliser, Anti Distortion Filter, 6-channel line output, variable 80 colour LCD display and 4x53 watt output.

Aside from its high-tech innovations, the unit again boasts cutting-edge style. The pure aluminium facia, and rubberised, soft-touch detail joins with a host of features, including the choice of 80 different display/function button colours, screen saver and message information, and remote control.

The latest Clarion audio range, geared to suit all tastes and pockets, is now available from Clarion dealers throughout the UK. Typical selling prices are from £115 for the entry model DB148R - a 4x51w, radio/CDR/RW combination - to £399 for the DXZ848RMC, and £549 for the DXZ948RMP.

Editors' Note The Clarion's flagship models, DXZ848RMC and DXZ948RMP, scored an Innovation Awards double at the International Consumer Electronics Show in California, USA in January 2004, from The Consumer Electronics Association.

For further information, and copyright-free images please contact Michael Hodges at Clarion's Press Office.
Tel: 01491 411777
E-mail: michael.hodges@mph.co.uk

Clarion Press Office
MPH Communications
54a Queen Street
Henley-on-Thames
Oxon
RG9 1AP