Gear and Gadgets Transform Summer Roadtrips
LONG BEACH, Calif., May 13, 2003 -- As millions of Americans map out their weekend getaways and gear up to hit the highways, they are also looking for ways to make the journey as great as the final destination. Whether searching for in-car entertainment to keep the family happy, bringing the comforts from home on the road or anticipating every safety need, summer motorists seek out all the best in-car gadgets.
Eliminate the "Are we there yet?" with the latest in-car entertainment.
Kids are not as easily pacified anymore while sitting in the car for hours. They want to watch their favorite cartoon or movie on DVD, play the latest video game or even watch a little television while in the car.
Rear-seat entertainment packages from companies like Pioneer offer playback of DVD, CD and MP3 with exceptional audio and video quality. A 7-inch display enables you to select various functions with a touch of the screen. For added bonus, a dual-zoned entertainment system is designed so front-seat passengers can enjoy music while a movie is playing for rear-seat passengers. The new Pioneer AVH-P7500DVD also has a built-in diversity TV tuner.
Many travelers are interested in rear-seat display but do not want to permanently modify the vehicle or damage the upholstery. Pioneer's new AVD-W6200 offers a simple solution with a 6-1/2-inch video screen and quick install bracket that attaches to most double-poled headrests.
Avoid losing radio reception on a long car ride by signing up for XM Satellite Radio. Adding an XM tuner to a Pioneer car stereo, vacationers can experience 100 channels of programming with digital quality sound. From Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine users can enjoy the same 100 talk, sports and music stations with no fear of interference on the open road.
Bring the comforts of home on the road.
In order to make that vehicle as comfortable as possible, many specialty gadget stores offer massaging seat toppers. They change any car seat into a soothing therapeutic experience offering different speeds of massage for different zones of the back. Massaging seat toppers range in price from $30-100. Experts agree that drivers should look for a seat topper with good lumbar support to eliminate aches and pains and make the drive as comfortable as possible.
Without question someone on the road trip will end up spilling all of the trail mix or an entire package of potato chips. Try a small portable vacuum to pick up all of those crumbs. Many have the same suction power of a full size vacuum and come with rechargeable batteries for convenience or a plug-in cable for reliability. Look for units with a flexible hose to get under seats and cushions, shoulder strap for ease of use and dust cup designed to avoid the hassle of replacement bags.
The air inside the car on a long road trip may get very stale. Air purifiers emit negatively charged ions to neutralize odors, dust, bacteria, germs, allergens and mildew in the vehicle. Some ionic air purifiers plug directly into the power socket in the car. When Mother Nature won't allow for opening the windows, rely on an inexpensive alternative that will help everyone in the car breathe easier.
Safety comes first when preparing for summer road trips.
Fighting traffic and the uncertainty that accompanies driving in an unfamiliar area are universal sources of driving stress. Reading a map while the car is in motion or stopping to ask for directions at every gas station can quickly zap vacation fun and can lead to hazardous driving.
Pioneer's DVD-based navigation system can pinpoint exactly where you are and tell you how to get to your next destination. The unit features voice control operation for added safety and convenience. It offers instantaneous route calculation of as many as six different routes at one time. A built-in 3-D Hybrid sensor provides precise location and multiple guidance modes. It contains over two million points of interest (POI) so it can even help you plan where you can go for dinner or what hotel to stay in. By eliminating the worry of getting lost, the system lets you relax and concentrate on driving.
Under inflated tires are an accident waiting to happen on summer road trips. There are all types of tire gauges on the market. From a talking digital tire gauge to a tire cap that notifies the driver that tire pressure is low. Find products under $20-30 that help inflate tires to the factory specified pressure.
A safety essential on a summer drive is a gadget that includes a power supply and tire inflater. The 3-in-1 jump starter found at many travel stores can jumpstart a car, inflate tires and also be used as a power supply for small appliances. This gadget makes every drive a little safer.
Whether your biggest concern is making sure you don't get lost on the way to your final destination or making sure the kids don't tackle each other in the process of getting there, the time is right to start planning for an enjoyable summer road trip.
Pioneer's Mobile Entertainment Division is the leading manufacturer of audio, video and information products for in-car use. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation, and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and competitors. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Premier brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years for Premier products.
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com . Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation employs more than 34,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange .
For further information, please contact: Jaed Arzadon of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., +1-310-952-2451, jarzadon@pioneer-usa.com; or Steve Bonsignore, +1-212-537-8094, sbosignore@gcigroup.com, for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
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