Bose drops off Media System, Ferrari at FCC headquarters

Typically when you want your device tested by the FCC, you have to send over a real-world production unit so its radio emissions and communications capabilities can be tested in under (confined) real-world conditions. However, and maybe we're being just a little paranoid here, unlike Bose we probably wouldn't send over our gear housed in a $250,000 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. Actually, we can understand the need to impress the government organization that can make or break most any gadget's release, so if Bose did indeed send over its test sample Media System in a Scaglietti, as it appears they did, we can only hope those rough and tumble FCC testers returned it without so much as a scratch -- the Media System that is. Oh yeah, a few new details about the incoming in-dash nav system: it organizes and knows what's up with your media by using Gracenote and AMG's (All Media Guide) media metadata tech, and it uses maps by Navteq. Oh yeah, and one little bit they left out of the initial press release -- it tunes television. Not that you should be watching while driving, but if you pull an Erikkson with your Ferrari trying to catch the latest ep of Heroes, we are so going to laugh at you.

[Chris @ May 3rd 2007 12:37PM]

Too bad Bose is so grossly overrated that a real audiophile wouldn't ever touch its products with a ten-foot pole.

Poor choice, Ferrari.

[kadajawi @ May 3rd 2007 12:44PM]

The only place BOSE belongs in a car is in the suspension. Their new system appears to be great (using sensors and motors to keep the car floating over the street, eliminating any bump).

[Jason G @ May 3rd 2007 12:54PM]

Look at the right side of the stereo - looks like they ripped the leather dash getting the unit out :(

[mlucas2006 @ May 3rd 2007 12:56PM]

Government employees can't receive gifts over $15, or something absurd like that, so I doubt anyone will be taking the Ferrari home as a "thank you" gift.

[Zeke Skylar @ May 3rd 2007 12:59PM]

No highs - no lows - that's BOSE.

[Eric @ May 3rd 2007 1:02PM]

Bose should send over that Ferrari for me to evaluate its new systems. I think this is justified because literally 10's of people rely on my evaluations of electronics.

[peej @ May 3rd 2007 1:49PM]

That's a bose system? Looks like one of those cheap delphi systems you see in a rented pontiac.

[Darnell @ May 3rd 2007 2:00PM]

Eh? So what. My Garmin Does nav and I can take it out the car so thieves can't grab it. And my iPod does video. My truck doesn't do 200mph :( though I can fit more people :)

[W00ter @ May 3rd 2007 2:11PM]

Jason G

"Look at the right side of the stereo - looks like they ripped the leather dash getting the unit out :("

It's a $250K car - the dash is made of stitched leather. The "rip" you refer to is a stitched seam.

[mike @ May 3rd 2007 2:57PM]

Evidently the rip is too subtle for you.

[Jason G @ May 3rd 2007 4:57PM]

re: the rip -

no look again. it's ripped. click on the pictures in the link. also looks like they mangled the dash a bit as none of the lines match up...

[W00ter @ May 3rd 2007 5:07PM]

Yup, you guys are right. I didn't catch it the first time. Good eye for detail. Man, I would not want to be the installer who did that...

[boe @ May 3rd 2007 3:12PM]

Poor bastards - great car - crappy audio. I have an older Acura TL that came with a BOSE system - couldn't possibly suck more. Paper cones - 8 watts per channel (because paper cups tear if you try to drive them). There is an acronym for BOSE but I can't remember it. All I can say is that the newer Acuras have a "no name" radio now (probably matsushita or some such) that sounds MUCH MUCH better. First thing I'd do after picking up the car is drop it off at an audio place and have them replace the crappy bose system.

[Zip @ May 3rd 2007 4:08PM]

Thats ironic cause you cant hear the stereo in a Ferrari anyways. Have fun testing that when the engine is on.

[Rich @ May 3rd 2007 6:10PM]

The FCC doesn't actually do testing like that. They usually just review and process the paperwork. In this case, "Elite Electronic Engineering" did the testing.

...and in the test setup photos, it looks like they just put the Bose unit on a table in a special radio isolation chamber to test it. I don't see anything where the car was involved in the actual testing.

[Chris @ May 4th 2007 12:46AM]

'There is an acronym for BOSE but I can't remember it.'

Buy Other Sound Equipment?

[Steve @ May 4th 2007 2:43PM]

If I'm not mistaken, Ferrari commissioned Bose for the development of this radio. Bose didn't just decide to put it in a Ferrari for approval. The system includes lots of new thoughts on UI for radio - it categorizes radio stations by genre and auto-scans, so no matter where you drive your crazy-expensive radio holder, you can choose "rock" stations or "country" stations, etc.