Visteon's Digital Television Goes Live on German Roads

KERPEN, Germany, June 24 -- Digital television is now available for vehicle applications from Visteon Corporation . Visteon, one of the leading specialists for in-car entertainment, is bringing DigiTune(TM) DVB-M1 to market. Now, travel won't prevent you from watching such important events as the European football championships or the Olympic Games.

Visteon's DigiTune DVB-M1 digital television gives passengers the benefits of interactive viewing while on the move. The terrestrial digital video broadcast technology offers a wide variety of channels and clear, sharp digital picture quality. The digital TV tuner adds TV reception to in-car infotainment options and is fully compatible with Visteon's overhead entertainment systems.

The high quality TV receiver is suited for the aftermarket as it can be easily retrofitted. For the first live trial with digital TV in German cars, Visteon equipped a test vehicle with DigiTune DVB-M1 and its overhead system, OH-7000. During the test drive near Cologne, all 21 channels currently available were received with optimum picture and sound quality in a wide range of driving situations.

"An important aspect of mobile DVB-T system with the OH-7000 is that the Visteon overhead system is mounted on the roofliner in the rear of the car, out of sight for the driver -- an important feature in ensuring the driver keeps their eyes on the road," stresses Hans Eric Destree, commercial director mobile electronics for Visteon Aftermarket Europe and South America. "We were careful to consider safety aspects in the design phase. The TV is operated via remote control using infrared headphones. This allows operation while wearing a seatbelt and eliminate needless wires within the vehicle. In addition, there's enhanced functionality because the display folds away when using the reverse gear."

Safety features are an important consideration in the design phase for carmakers and automotive suppliers. According to Dr. Frank Schierge, from the innovation, market and consumer research department at the renown TUV Technical Inspectorate, "Watching TV in the car is a completely new feature in the area of consumer electronics. We expect a quick and high acceptance rate, since TV plays an important role in our society. Traffic safety needs to be a key focus for the auto industry when developing in-car entertainment systems. The driver should not be able to see a TV or entertainment monitor or the monitor should automatically switch off when the car starts so as not to distract the driver."

Another aspect that contributes to driving safety is high user friendliness. "Care should be taken to ensure that the operation of the system is not unnecessarily complicated -- so as to prevent a wave of discussion on the subject of driving safety -- as has been the case, for example, with several navigation systems," says Johann Nowicki, Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e.V. specialist, consumer protection electronics systems. "During a trip it should be easy to program an audio, video or navigation system with simple pushbutton operation. It becomes problematic if a button has to be pressed twice and if three presses are required, it can be considered a distraction for the driver."

Visteon has extensive know-how in system integration and is one of the leaders in design, development and supply of in-car entertainment systems, audio systems and vehicle electronics such as instrument clusters and voice technology. As a result, Visteon can ensure that the new DigiTune DVB-M1 system is professionally suited to user requirements and can be installed in practically every vehicle -- whether car, truck or coach. The system is a real plug-and-play solution and enables trouble-free upgrading of existing analog TV in-car entertainment systems as well as easy and safe use during the trip.

The key features and benefits of Visteon DigiTune DVB-M1 are:

* Clear, sharp digital picture quality - DVB-M1 delivers improved reception capability and reduced interference - none of the ghosting or blurred pictures usually associated with analog systems

* Access to free-to-view terrestrial digital channels - DVB-M1 opens up a wide choice of channels, including TV and radio stations

* Interactive viewing - DVB-M1 provides access to an electronic program guide, plus other interactive digital services like teletext and on-screen subtitles, where available

* Multiple screen format options - DVB-M1 on-screen menu selection includes 4:3, 16:9 and wide screen viewing formats

* Automatic station tuning - DVB-M1 is easy to set up and use with an automatic station tuning function and a clear on-screen menu guide

* Safe and simple operation via infrared remote control - DVB-M1 functions operate with full remote control, so rear-seat passengers can adjust the TV without removing their seat belts

* Compatible with premium quality in-car entertainment systems - DVB-M1 is fully functional with most premium quality in-car entertainment systems, and is fully compatible with Visteon entertainment products

* Quick and easy plug and play installation - DVB-M1 is quick and easy to install, so upgrading an existing entertainment system, or fitting DVB-M1 for the first time, is simple and straightforward. The software supports future upgrades with extra functions.

Since May it has been possible to receive DVB-T digital television in parts of North Rhine-Westphalia, the region of Hannover/Braunschweig and around Bremen -- a major milestone for the broadcast industry after having already tested the technology in Berlin and Munich for several years. In November 2004 and in spring 2005 additional regions will be covered with DVB-T. This innovative, terrestrial, antenna-based solution will replace the current analog antenna television standard, which is expected to be terminated in Germany by 2010.

Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service supplier that delivers consumer-driven technology solutions to automotive manufacturers worldwide and through multiple channels within the global automotive aftermarket. Visteon has about 72,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 200 technical, manufacturing, sales and service facilities located in 25 countries.