Audiovox -- Engadget

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Audiovox integrates PlayStation 2 into rear-seat entertainment system

by Darren Murph posted Sep 23rd 2009 at 1:56PM

Tired of strapping muzzles on your youngsters whenever you have to make that eight hour trek to grandma's pad? So were a couple of engineers at Audiovox. The VOD10PS2 claims to be the planet's first fully integrated gaming system made for the car, with the overhead system not only packing a 10.2-inch display, but an honest-to-goodness PlayStation 2 console as well. Just so we're clear -- the $949.99 asking price nets you the box itself, a screen, a PS2, two wireless controllers, a built-in dome light, a pair of fold-flat IR wireless headphones and a copy of Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando and Hot Shots Golf 3. Heck, there's even a remote and FM transmitter, not to mention a pair of trim rings that'll obviously work with whatever drab interior color you selected for your minivan. So, willing to pay just under a grand to shut the little ones up forever? (Tempting, isn't it?)

Gallery: Audiovox integrates PlayStation 2 into rear-seat entertainment system

RCA's EZ209HD Small Wonder HD camcorder ships to retailers

by Darren Murph posted Jun 24th 2009 at 5:22PM

It may lack the buzz factor of a Flip Video unit, but RCA's delightfully bantam Small Wonder HD camcorder is apt to provide just as much enjoyment without attracting loads of paparazzi. First announced at CES this year, the EZ209HD captures clips at 1,280 x 720 (H.264) and checks in at around 0.5-inches thick. It's shipping out now to retailers across the nation for under a Benjamin, but you should probably include a 16GB SDHC card in your budget plans. You know, just in case you plan on shooting for longer than the 2.85 seconds allowed by the 256MB of internal memory.

Audiovox in-car MediaFLO hands-on

by Chris Ziegler posted Jan 10th 2009 at 7:58AM

Qualcomm's MediaFLO tech was originally intended for screens so small that resolution, artifacting, and wholesale crappiness don't really matter, but when you're building out a whole new wireless network for this thing, monetization is a high priority wherever you can find it. To that end, Audiovox is lending a helping hand with a new receiver launching later this year that'll plug into most in-car video systems and deliver MediaFLO programming straight to your back seat, your front seat, or whatever bizarre place (engine compartment, maybe?) you've mounted a display. We weren't terribly impressed with the video quality; generally speaking, DVD is probably the better entertainment option here, but if live shows are a must-have for you, this is just about the only cheap, easy way to roll. We're told 10 to 15 channels will be available at launch -- but unfortunately, Audiovox says that neither AT&T's nor Verizon's exclusive channels will be part of the lineup. Pricing hasn't been announced; if we had to guess, we'd figure on something like $20 per month, so you'd better really desperately need blurry TV when the drive gets boring.

Gallery: Audiovox in-car MediaFLO hands-on

Acoustic Research ARIR200 / ARIR600i WiFi radios bring weather alerts, iPod support

by Darren Murph posted Jan 8th 2009 at 8:28PM

Nothing too groundbreaking here, but Acoustic Research has a new pair of WiFi radios on tap at CES. The first one is the ARIR200 Infinite Radio, which pulls double duty as an internet / AM / FM radio and a traditional alarm clock. It provides direct access to Slacker content and comes bundled with a prepaid subscription to WeatherBug. Moving onto greener pastures, we've got the ARIR600i, which adds in a "subwoofer" and includes an iPod dock for charging your PMP and playing back tunes while docked. They'll be available in February / mid-May, respectively for $129.99 / $199.99.

Continue reading Acoustic Research ARIR200 / ARIR600i WiFi radios bring weather alerts, iPod support

RCA unveils 4GB / 8GB Lyra Slider PMP

by Darren Murph posted Sep 18th 2008 at 7:00PM

Whoa, wait up. You're telling us Audiovox hasn't abandoned the RCA Lyra moniker entirely? Storming back from ~~the grave~~ the unknown is the Lyra Slider, a PMP that could definitely go for $29.99 on contract from any major carrier with just a dial-pad and a CDMA radio. As it stands, this media player arrives with 4GB or 8GB of capacity and plays back audio, video, FM radio and photo slideshows. Furthermore, you'll find an integrated voice / media recorder, USB 2.0 port and a rechargeable battery good for up to 50 hours of music playback or 8 hours of video playback. Look for this to show up later in the fall for $79.99 (4GB) / $99.99 (8GB).

RCA trots out RIR205 tabletop internet radio

by Darren Murph posted Sep 18th 2008 at 7:00PM

Among the other low-rate gear unveiled this evening by Audiovox comes the RCA RIR205, a tabletop internet radio that may have gotten away with that design in 1992. Instead, we have no option but to recommend this one only for rarely used spare bedrooms, though the built-in AM / FM tuner, WiFi radio streaming (complete with a Slacker song tagging feature) and the integrated support for WeatherBug forecasts are quite nice. Additionally, users can record up to 10 hours of music and other radio programming onto the unit's 512MB of inbuilt memory, and of course, you can set the alarm to wake you with online music or your favorite local sports talk host. Not too shabby for $149.99, but that exterior could use some work.

Audiovox finally ships Homebase Digital Message Center

by Darren Murph posted Sep 18th 2008 at 7:00PM

Remember those way swank Digital Message Centers we peeked at CES this year? At long last, Audiovox has begun shipping the audio-only DPF710K ($149.99), which sticks upside your fridge and provides a 7-inch display, a dry erase board, digital clock, Post-it pad and a LED message indicator for good measure. If you haven't pieced it together, this thing seeks to simplify your family's lives by providing a base for leaving photos and messages, and we'll admit, it does have a smidgen of a Jetsons vibe to it. Those holding out for the video-capable DPF711K can lay down their $199.99 later this month. Nice hair, kiddo.

Gallery: Audiovox finally ships Homebase Digital Message Center

Acoustic Research doles out ARNC01 noise-canceling earbuds

by Darren Murph posted Sep 18th 2008 at 7:00PM

Audiovox's extravaganza is closing up with the introduction of the Acoustic Research ARNC01 ($59.99) earbuds, which promise to use whiz-bang active processing to reduce noise for airline addicts and those with a crib full of rambunctious youngsters. The circuitry is housed in an in-line module with an On / Off button and a compartment for a single AAAA (yes, AAAA) battery, which should last you around 50 hours. You know, plenty of time to head off to Akihabara and back for a few new Japanese exclusives.

Audiovox intros ACA250 wireless DIY back-up camera system

by Darren Murph posted Jun 17th 2008 at 8:55PM

We'll go ahead and state the obvious here: Audiovox claims this thing is made for DIY installations, but we'd highly recommend hiring a professional if you're totally green at this stuff. You know, considering the immense importance of alignment and the like when it comes to a rear-view back-up camera system. Anyways, the wireless ACA250 kit provides drivers with a color camera (110-degree viewing angle), infrared LEDs for night vision and a monitor that can be plugged into an AC adapter or hard-wired. Not too shabby for $129 -- assuming you're up to the task of putting it all together, that is. Full release after the jump.

Continue reading Audiovox intros ACA250 wireless DIY back-up camera system

Audiovox's CES 2008 booth tour

by Evan Blass posted Jan 9th 2008 at 8:35AM

Just in case you didn't get your fill of Audiovox from our liveblog of Monday's press conference, we've got a full booth tour for your to feast your eyes on, featuring new products from the 'Vox along with family members Jensen, RCA, TERK, and Acoustic Research. Sure, these companies might not produce the flashiest or most popular devices on the market, but what they lack in panache they make up for in affordability -- and in a few cases, as we noticed during our tour, unique functionality. Hit the link below for the full walkthrough, including a shot of a special Engadget fan.

Continue reading Audiovox's CES 2008 booth tour

Audiovox launches Lyra "by RCA" A6008 8GB slider DAP

by Paul Miller posted Jan 7th 2008 at 10:20PM

There might be few that mourned the virtual death of the RCA brand, but Audiovox was quick to point it out as the brand that "started the MP3 revolution." We're not really expecting this Lyra A6008 DAP to start another, but it's an interesting device nonetheless given the B-team efforts RCA historically put into its players. The A6008 features 8GB of storage and a 2.4-inch LCD for the quite reasonable pricetag of $200. The slider function unveils a scroll wheel, which we're guessing gives the unit a bit of unnecessary heft, but obviously allows for more player face dedicated to that screen -- it's always a give and take. No word on when exactly this'll hit.

Audiovox rolls out four digital picture frames

by Darren Murph posted Jan 7th 2008 at 4:40PM

Granted, the crux of Audiovox's presence today revolved around its snazzy new Digital Message Centers, but it did take time out to briefly introduce four all new digital photo frames. Not too many deets were doled out, but we do know to expect 5-, 7-, 8 and 10-inch versions with "features that include schedule / media software and built-in scaler technology." Furthermore, the whole lot will house 256MB of built-in memory, support interchangeable frames and play nice with USB, SD, MC, MS, xD and CF card formats. Sadly, there's no mention of a release date, but we do know that they'll run you $89.99, $99.99, $169.99 and $189.99 from smallest to largest.

Audiovox reveals Digital Message Centers: perfect for refrigerators

by Darren Murph posted Jan 7th 2008 at 4:25PM

Yeah, it's true -- we've got a soft spot for quirky refrigerator magnets, so we're inclined to take favor with Audiovox's Digital Message Centers. As you can see above, the fridge-mountable units enable users to display photos for family to see, and folks can even record audio or video messages (on the DPF711K only) for others via the integrated camera / microphone. As if that wasn't snazzy enough, you can even tag messages to a calender for playback on specific dates, and we'd imagine the content would look fairly decent on the 7-inch 480 x 234 display. Think your kitchen's ready for it? You can grab the video-capable DPF711K for $199.99 or the audio-only DPF710K for $40 less.

Live coverage from Audiovox's press event

by Evan Blass posted Jan 7th 2008 at 11:00AM

8:00AM - We're front row for Audiovox's 2008 CES press conference, ready to bring you all the exciting news from the world of the 'Vox and friends (Jensen and RCA). Stay tuned as we wait for presenters to take the podium.

8:08AM - Ok, we're getting started. Tom Malone, President of Audiovox, is on stage, talking about the RCA A/V Group acquisition. Gets into the eight CES Innovations awards that the company's products have won.

Keep reading after the break for the rest of the liveblog...

Continue reading Live coverage from Audiovox's press event

Audiovox must be kidding with its D1817PKG portable DVD player

by Darren Murph posted Dec 17th 2007 at 4:16PM

Sheesh -- what's it going to take to get a decent portable DVD player? Just after we'd been tricked into believing that it couldn't get any worse, along comes Audiovox to take things to a whole new low. This so-called conglomerate doesn't even bother sharing its screen resolution with us, but does take the time to showcase its rechargeable battery, integrated stereo speakers, pair of folding headphones and credit card sized remote. Additionally, you'll find a car power adapter, carrying case, and a controller to play the 30 surely riveting games that are built in. Here's a tip: take your $123 and do almost anything with it. Chances are you'll be better off than trying your luck with this thing.

Update: Audiovox pinged us to let us know the screen resolution is actually a halfway respectable 720 x 480 pixels, and it also touts composite video in / out along with headphone / RCA audio outputs.

[Via SlashGear]