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| Mr. Mobile - Info Center - Glossary of Terms |
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2-stage Shock Sensor - Provides a warning chirp if your car is lightly bumped. A full siren blast occurs if the vehicle is hit hard enough to cause the alarm to trigger.
AAC [Advanced Audio Coding] – This is a more advanced compression technology them MP3 and is the audio coding used in MPEG2 and MPEG4.
Additional Sensor Inputs – Allows you to add additional sensors to give your vehicle more protection.
Always On or Full Time Navigation – means the navigation system is always on and working so if you change or get off course, the navigation system will get you back on course right away. You do not need to restart the unit or reinstall the navigation disc.
Amplifier Class – Amplifiers have different classes that are based on the way the amp and the circuitry are built. The most common classes of car amplifiers are:
Class AB Amplifiers - operation allows both output devices to be on at the same time but just barely. The output bias is set so that current flows in a specific output device appreciably more than a half cycle but less than the entire cycle. That is, only a small amount of current is allowed to flow through both devices, unlike the complete load current of Class A designs, but enough to keep each device operating so they respond instantly to input voltage demands. Thus the inherent non-linearity of Class B designs is eliminated, without the gross inefficiencies of the Class A design. It is this combination of good efficiency (around 50%) with excellent linearity that makes class AB the most popular audio amplifier design
Class D Amplifiers - Here the output devices are rapidly switched on and off at least twice for each cycle. Since the output devices are either completely on or completely off they do not theoretically dissipate any power. Consequently class D operation is theoretically 100% efficient, but this requires zero on-impedance switches with infinitely fast switching times -- a product we're still waiting for; meanwhile designs do exist with true efficiencies approaching 90%.
Class BD Amplifiers – Rockford Fosgate’s BD topology is a revolutionary patented design integrating a technology that is more efficient than typical class AB and has lower distortion than Class D designs. POWER BD amplifiers are 75-80% efficient vs. 50% efficient class AB amplifiers. What does that mean? It means, more power from your amplifier with less drain on your vehicles electrical and charging system
Antenna Included – The antenna is included in the box with your purchase.
Arming Modes – Passive Arming – when the alarm is set to automatically arm it self with in a specified time [30 sec, 1 min etc.] of you turning off the ignition and exiting the vehicle. Active Arming – Using the remote to arm the alarm.
Auto Movie Start – Automatically starts the movie you put in when the system is powered up.
Auto Sum – Takes the separate frequency outputs from a factory amp or crossover [highs, mids, bass] and combines them into a single full range signal. This feature is built into select aftermarket OEM upgrade processors such as the Rockford 360.
Auxiliary Input [aux input] – An additional input that allows you to connect and play another music source such as an MP3, iPod or satellite radio thru your car stereo. The aux input jack is usually a mini 3.5mm jack located on the face or back of the car stereo. Some vendors offer auxiliary input adapters that covert the CD changer control input into an auxiliary input via RCA connection to give you more flexibility.
Auxiliary Outputs - You can use your alarm remote to activate additional features via the auxiliary output to such as a power trunk release, roll up power windows and remote start (relays and additional modules may be required).
Baby Cam - A baby cam is an interior 360 degree fisheye camera that allows you see your baby or child in the rear seat[s] thru an add on monitor.
Backup Battery – Continues to power your alarm if your main battery dies or is disconnected by a thief.
Basket - The frame that holds all the components of a subwoofer or speaker together. The basket's rigidity and resistance to resonance help determine the subwoofer or speakers sound quality.
Bass Boost – Bass Boost is built into an amplifier that boosts the bass output, usually adjustable from 0 DB to 18 DB Can be turned on or off as desired.
Bass Boost Frequency – The frequency that the bass boosts will actually boost, such as 50 HZ. Some amplifiers have adjustable bass boost frequencies to give you more control of your sound.
Bass Blockers - A crossover component generally used on mid bass or smaller speakers to help prevent “blown” speakers by cutting of the bass frequencies that these speakers were not meant to reproduce.
Battery Life – How long the battery should operate the product before needing to be recharged [or replaced]
Bluetooth – Bluetooth allows you to talk on your Bluetooth enabled cell phone hands free wirelessly in your car. There are many ways to do this. You can purchase a Bluetooth compatible car stereo with a Bluetooth adapter, purchase a car stereo with Bluetooth built in or purchase a standalone Bluetooth system, some of which have a separate display to display the incoming/outgoing phone number and even display your entire phonebook.
Bridging - Combining both left and right stereo channels on an amplifier into one higher powered mono channel to produce bass or combining front and rear channels in a 4 channel amplifier into 2 higher powered stereo cannels for more power. When an amplifier is bridged, the impedance that the amplifier operates at is actuallyless than the impedance before bridging. When you bridge two 4 ohm channels, the amplifier will now operate at 2 ohms.
Box volume - This measurement, listed with each component subwoofer, tells you the manufacturers recommended interior volume in cubic feet that a subwoofer enclosure should have for optimum results.
Built in Amplifier [Enclosure] – The enclosure has an amplifier built in to power it, no external amplifier is required for the enclosure. This type of enclosure is easy to add on to any factory stereo to add bass.
Camera Type [Back up Safety] – The type of camera used in the system such as color, wide angle.
Capacitor – A capacitors act as a buffer zone between your amp and your car's electrical system. They store up a reservoir of power, which can supply the amplifier's peak demands (like a kick drum beat) without having to get additional current from the battery. All amplifiers have built-in capacitors, though high-performance amps use larger, more effective ones. You should add an external capacitor for optimal bass performance in a mid to high end system.
Car kit – Allows you to use your satellite radio or portable GPS unit your car or if you have multiple car kits, use the product in multiple cars. Usually consist of everything you need to use the unit, power source, mount and external antenna [if needed]
Carjack Protection - Level 1 - Triggers the alarm after the driver has been forced from the vehicle with the engine running. The alarm is delayed so you'll be a safe distance away from the carjacker before the siren blasts. This feature also engages the starter disable circuit.
Level 2 - A code must be entered every time you start your vehicle. This feature prevents someone who has stolen your keys and remote control from getting away with your car
Cassette Playback – Car stereo will playback cassettes.
CEA 2006 Compliant – A voluntary standard set by the CEA [Consumer Electronics Association] for measuring car stereos and amplifiers to get more uniform power output and signal to noise ratio ratings so consumers could better compare the true power output of car stereos and car power amplifiers. The RMS rating is the power output of the amplifier at 14.4 volts, at 4 ohms with a THD [total harmonic distortion] of 1% at a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20Khz. Signal-to-noise ratio is measured in decibels at 1 watt into 4 ohms. The same standard is used for car stereos and car amplifiers.
CD Text – Allows the car stereo to show artist and song information embedded on a CD on the units display.
CDR-CDRW playback – Means the car stereo is capable of playing back most CDR’s and CDRW’s as well as prerecorded CD’s.
CD Changer Control – A control that allows the car stereo to play and control a compatible CD changer. Most manufacturers also offer adapters that allow you to hook up additional items such as aux inputs, iPod controls, Bluetooth, USB and other items thru the CD changer input if you do not want to add a CD changer.
Charges iPod – Will charge your iPod while connected.
Channel configuration – Tells you how many channels the manufacturer set up the amplifier to run. Example - Most 2 channel amps can also be bridged to a mono amp, so that would be shown as a 2/1 channel amp.
Chassis Size – The size if the car stereos chassis. Din size is 7" wide x 2" high. Double din is 7" wide x 4" high. Length can vary slightly. Standard size is 1-Din, but many newer vehicles are coming with a much larger area for the car stereo, most of these are 2-Din.
City Mode - Helps eliminate false alarms from non-police X-band emissions encountered in urban areas. This is usually accomplished by reducing the detector's sensitivity since the ability to "see" long distances, which is not critical on city streets
Component Speaker System [Separates] - Component systems use a superior speaker design to give you the best possible sound. Most component speaker system includes 2 mid bass drivers, 2 tweeters, and 2 external crossovers — all of which are designed to work smoothly with one another. One of the big advantages of component speakers systems is the ability to position the tweeter for optimal stereo imaging. The crossovers are also vastly superior to their coaxial or triaxial counter parts. Overall component speakers will give you the best possible sound quality when compared to comparable coaxial and triaxial speakers.
Compatibility – Lets you know if the unit is universally compatible or works only with specific vehicles
Connector Type – In this case it is the type of connector used to connect the speaker wire to the subwoofer enclosure
Crossovers – Allows only certain frequencies to pass thru. Crossovers make sure your speakers are getting the frequencies they were meant to reproduce. ie: highs to tweeters, bass to woofers.
Low Pass Crossovers make sure only bass frequencies below the crossover point get to the subwoofer.
High Pass Crossovers make sure only the frequencies above the crossover point get to your speakers.
Crossover Slope - The rate at which the crossover attenuates the blocked frequencies. Slope is expressed as decibels [db] per octave [halving or doubling for a frequency]. A 6dB per octave crossover reduces signal level by 6dB in every octave starting at the crossover point. This means that every time the frequency of the audio signal is changed by a factor of 2 (one octave), the level of the audio signal will change by 6dB. For example, if your low-pass filter is set at 80Hz with a 6dB slope, you'll see a drop in level of 6dB at 160Hz. With slopes of 12dB and higher, you'll hear little output beyond the crossover point.
Current Sensing – Triggers the alarm when there is an additional “draw” to the vehicles electrical system such as the dome light going on when the door is opened.
Cutout Diameter or [Length] - The measurement of the diameter across the hole you need to cut to install the speaker or subwoofer.
D to A Converter [DAC] - Digital to analog converter. A component or circuit that is used to convert a digital signal into an analog signal for audio playback. All CD players have a D to A converter.
Damping Factor - The ability of an amplifier to control the movement of a speaker — the higher the damping factor, the greater the accuracy. Damping factor is calculated by dividing the speaker impedance by the output impedance of the amplifier. An amplifier's damping factor will decrease as the speaker's impedance decreases — that's why an amp running at 4 ohms will provide tighter bass than at 2 ohms.
Degree of Coverage [Back up Safety] – The area as measured in degrees that the camera covers. The coverage can be up to 180 degrees, which would be almsot everything that is behind your vehicle.
Depth – how deep in inches the unit is.
Detachable Face – All or part of the faceplate of the car stereo can be removed as you leave the vehicle. This is meant to help deter thieves from stealing your car stereo since it is useless since the controls of stereo are built into the faceplate.
Detection Bands – The bands of law enforcement radar that the radar detector will detect.
Dimensions – The overall size of the item in height, width and depth.
Disc Title Memory – Allows you to store a title for disc to be displays when the disc is selected.
Display Address Book – Displays your cell phones entire address books on the screen in a Bluetooth system. .
Display Color[s] – The color[s] of the display of the receiver. Some receivers have selectable colors, some have multiple colors, some have set colors.
Displays iPod folder info – Display all of you iPod folder information
Displays incoming/outgoing number – Displays the phone number of incoming or outgoing calls on the screen in a Bluetooth system.
Display Lines – Number of lines of information a display can show. Mainly used in satellite and HD radio to show the channel, signal strength, artist and song information, and text information such as sports scores and stock quotes.
Display Type – The type of display that the receiver has, such as full motion graphic displays, Alpine has a Biolite Display, Pioneer offer OEL displays. Each manufacturer has their own display terminology.
Docking Station [or Docks] - A docking station is a cradle with an adjustable stand that can be used in the car. The tuner can be transported easily from one permanently mounted docking station to another. Docking stations have many different uses in the mobile environment, such as home, car and portable boom box docks for Satellite and HD radio, second car docks for portable GPS receivers and docking station option for some of our iPod integration solutions.
Dome Light Supervision - Turns on the interior dome light when you disarm the alarm.
DivX Playback – DivX is a video compression format that lets you take any digital content, from home movies to personal DVD’s and save it on DVD for playback in a DivX compatible car stereo. You can even fit several movies on a single disc. Because it maintains such a high picture quality and is very convenient, it is becoming more popular.
Dolby® Digital - A discrete, multi-channel digital audio standard offering enhanced sonic realism. Dolby Digital is normally associated with 5.1 surround sound. A 5.1-channel offers five channels, left and right front channels in stereo, a center channel mainly for voice, two rear channels for the surround effect and a subwoofer for the impact of the ‘bass effect” such as explosions. Dolby Digital 5.1 movies/soundtracks will in most cases provide the best sound quality for a mobile theater system. Unless your in dash DVD player has its own built-in Dolby Digital decoder, you'll need to connect your player to a surround sound processor that can take the Dolby digital signal from the disc and convert it into 6 channels of audio.
DSM [Discreet Surface Mount] - An industry-leading manufacturing process pioneered by Rockford Fosgate, DSM utilize 1% tight-tolerances improving efficiency of the circuit, decreases cross-talk from other discrete components and lowers operating temperature
In dash DVD Players – Plays back DVD movies and in addition to CD’s and in most cases CDR, CDRW, MP3 and WMA discs. These types of receivers generally have a monitor built in to the receiver. There are also DVD/CD players without a built in monitor that can connect to monitors installed in the headrests or installed overhead.
Dual voice coil subwoofer [DVC] - While typical speakers have one voice coil, dual voice coil subwoofers have two voice coils. Two voice coils give you flexibility when wiring your subwoofers so you can get your amplifier to “see” the impedance it needs for optimum power and performance. Depending on the impedance and how you wire the voice coils, a dual voice coil subwoofer can be wired so your amplifier sees 2, 4 or 8 ohms.
Dual Zone Controls – Allows you to play two different sources at the same time, such as a video for the kids in the back and a CD, iPod, HD or satellite radio for the adults in the front..
Ear buds Included – Ear buds are a small listening device that fits in each ear and plugs into the unit so you can hear what is being played. This unit has these ear buds included in the box.
Efficiency rating - A rating that gives you the output level in decibels [db] of a speaker when measured at a prescribed distance at a standard power input; usually the output is measured at 1 watt of power at 1 meter of distance. The higher the db output, the louder the speaker will play at the same power level.
Enclosure [box] - The box that in which you mount a subwoofer for optimum bass performance. There are several types of enclosures such as:
Sealed box — The most popular type of enclosure. A sealed box is an airtight enclosure. A sealed box is best for any music that demands tight, accurate bass. Expect flat response, deep bass extension, and excellent power handling. Since a sealed enclosure tends to require more power than a ported box, use an amplifier with ample wattage for optimum performance.
Ported box [Vented box] — A ported box uses a port or vent that allows movement of air in and out of the enclosure chamber. This additional air movement reinforces low bass response. A ported box should be tuned to a specific frequency and would play louder than sealed box at the same level of amplifier output, but not as clean.
Band pass box — A band pass box is a special type of ported box designed for maximum slam. The woofer is mounted inside a dual-chambered box; the woofer fires from the sealed chamber into the ported chamber, and sound waves emerge from the ported side. Because the sound that comes out of the port is extra loud within a narrow frequency range, band pass boxes are considered super efficient. These will play louder than a simple ported or sealed box with the same amplifier output.
Entrance Trigger Delay – Delay’s the alarm from triggering for a preset time, 10 sec to 30 sec. when the door is opened and the alarm is armed.
Equalizer [EQ] – Car stereos with built in EQ’s will allow you to fine tune the sound of your stereo by giving you more control of the frequencies than the standard bass and treble control. These built in EQ’s generally have three to five frequency bands. Some of these EQ’s are adjustable, some have preset frequency points.
Equalizer Bands – the number of frequency bands the EQ can adjust.
Equalizer Presets - EQ presets allow you to set and save your favorite EQ setting[s] so you do not have to constantly change your EQ setting for different types of music, you can just hit the preset[s]. There may also be some EQ setting that are preset from the manufacturer that give you different EQ setting for certain types of music such as “jazz”, “live” etc.
Fan Cooling – Some amps have built in fans to keep them running cooler. These are great for the installations that you are installing an amp in tight, closed space. You can also purchase accessory fans that you can install to accomplish the same thing on amps that do not have built in fans.
FM Modulator – Is a Radio Frequency modulator that converts your satellite or HD radio, Ipod or mobile video signal to an FM frequency, so you can play that source thru your car stereo. You just tune your car stereo to one of the FM modulators frequencies to be able to listen.
FM Sensitivity – Measured in db, give you a measurement of how good the tuner is at picking up FM broadcasts. The higher the number, the clearer the reception and the better the range of the tuner.
Free Air Woofers – These types of woofers do not need an enclosure to work. They just need to be mounted in an area that is enclosed such as a trunk. Free Air woofers do not give you a great amount of bass.
Frequency Response – The measure of the frequency range that is being reproduced from low [bass] to high [treble] as measured in hertz. [Hz] The full musical spectrum is general considered to run from 20 Hz to 20K Hz, even though the human hearing cannot detect the highest and lowest end of this spectrum.
Front and Rear Sensor – A radar detector that has sensors in the front and the rear to give you maximum protection from radar.
Front Seat Controls – The system has controls in the front seat area so the driver or front seat passenger can control the backseat video system.
Front Seat Remote Control – The video system has sensors so the driver or front seat passenger can control the rear seat video system via remote control.
Fs – Free air resonance of the driver as measured in Hz. This is the frequency at which the speaker would naturally resonate.
Glass break sensor – Uses a small interior high frequency microphone to pick up the sound of glass breaking to trigger the alarm.
GPS - GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is a navigational system designed and operated by the U. S. Department of Defense (DOD). Coded satellite signals from three or more GPS satellites are processed by your vehicle's navigation computer every second, which then calculates the vehicle's velocity and geographical location
Headphone Capability – The quantity of headphones the system can handle
Heaphone[s] Included – The quantity of headphones included in the box.
HD Radio – A newer technology by which standard terrestrial radio is broadcast digitally. The result is AM sounds like FM; FM has CD quality sound and crystal clear reception with no audio distortion. HD radio stations can also do multicasting – which allows one radio station to broadcast two different stations at one time using the side band frequency. So a Classic Rock station can also broadcast a county station on its second frequency. Multicasting also allows for sending text information such as artist and song info and local traffic updates and stock tickers. HD Radio is free, no monthly charges. You just need to have an HD tuner or receiver to get an HD broadcast.
Hertz [Hz] - a measure of frequency. One hertz is equal to "one cycle" per second. A cycle of sound is the duration between similar portions of a sound wave (between two peaks, for instance). For example, if an electrical signal in a speaker circuit is going through one thousand cycles per second (1000Hz, or 1 kHz), the speaker will resonate at 1 kHz, producing a 1 kHz sound wave.
Hi Pass Slope – Measured in decibels per octave. Tells you at what rate in sound level and frequency the crossover will “roll off” the bass frequency to just let the higher frequencies above the crossover point thru. So a 6 DB per octave slope at 500 Hz the signal level will roll of 6 db at 1000 HZ and 12 db at 2000 HZ until it is inaudible.
Impedance: [also see ohms] - Impedance is a measure of electrical resistance specified in ohms. Car speakers are commonly rated at 4 ohms and subwoofers are generally at 2, 4 or 8 ohms. Amplifier outputs are generally rated at 4 or 2 ohms.
Input Voltage – Usually the voltage that the amplifier was seeing while it was being tested. Most amplifiers are rated at 14.4 volts, which is also CEA 2006 Compliant standard.
Interface – the method used to connect two items. Can be:
- Hardwire [The two connect directly to each other]
- FM modulator [two connect via the FM section of your car stereo]
- Optional [need to purchase a separate adapter to be able to interface]
Intro Scan – Lets you hear the first few seconds of a song on your CD. Once you hear the song you want, push a button to hear the complete song.
iPod Compatible - iPod compatible allows you to play and control your iPod through a compatible car stereo. You will need an iPod Interface that will connect your iPod to the car stereo, which are usually not included with the car stereo.
iPod Interface – An iPod Interface is an adapter or interface that allows you to play your iPod thru a car stereo. These interfaces are available for aftermarket car stereos and OEM [factory] car stereos.
K-Band - The most frequently used radar frequency band. The first K-band hand-held radar guns could only be used from a stationary position. Later, a "pulsed" version was introduced that could be used from a stationary or moving vehicle. K-Band radar guns have an effective range of about ¼ mile to up to 2 miles.
Ka-Band – Ka-Band was originally introduced in 1987 as the next frequency designated for police use. Ka – Band, when used with an automated camera system is called “photo radar”. The FCC later expanded Ka-band radar use to a broader frequency range. This became known as Ka Wide-Band. When “stalker” radar guns were introduced, manufacturers has to develop detectors with Ka Super wide-band technology that sweeps all of the Ka-band allocated to radar, as well as providing continued protection against X, K, and photo radar.
Laser Detection/Scrambling - Laser guns rely on a very narrow beam of light, (or small pulses of light) to target vehicles. This beam of light is fired at a vehicle at the speed of light. Once the light hits the target, the light bounces (reflects) off the object and back to the laser gun. As the reflected light pulses are received by the laser gun, it can calculate a vehicles speed based on the amount time it takes for the light pulses to come back to the gun. Multiple pulses are sent in less than a second. While the officer is firing the laser gun, the light bounces off of the target vehicle, and other objects around it. A good laser detector can easily see the laser source, and the reflected light signals that bounce off other objects. Usually, when a group of cars is targeted, a good laser detector will alert to the threat. There are approximately 35,000 laser guns in use today. Unlike radar, laser must be used from a stationary position. For this reason, laser is increasingly being used by police near highway overpasses and from interstate medians. Laser guns are affected by rain, fog and in most cases cannot be used through the glass.
Last Door Arming – The alarm is set to automatically arm when the last door is closed.
Live Traffic Service – Some GPS systems give you the ability to receive live traffic updates that show the traffic conditions right on the systems screen. Depending on the service provider, you can see approx speeds, accidents road closures and much more. Some units require the purchase of a module to get live traffic service. Live traffic subscriptions are sold separately.
Locks out iPod control – The iPods built in controls will not work while the iPod is being used with this item
Loudness Control – Lets you boost the bass at a set frequency for fuller sound at lower volume levels.
Low Light Capable – Means the back up camera can still give you a decent picture in low light situations.
Low Pass Slope - Measured in decibels per octave. Tells you at what rate in sound level and frequency the crossover will “roll off” the mid and high frequency to just let the lower frequencies above the crossover point thru. So if you have a 6 db per octave slope at 1000 Hz, the signal level will roll off on the high frequencies by 6 db at 500 Hz and 12 db at 250 Hz until the highs are inaudible.
Magnet Weight – The weight in oz. of the magnet structure of the speaker.
Material of the Box – the material the box is made out of. The best material to make the box out of is MDF. Some cheaper boxes are made out of particle board, but these will usually not sound as good.
Maps – The roadmaps of country [or countries] that are installed in the GPS unit.
Max Power – The highest Power rating a manufacturer gives for their product. [also see Peak Power]
Maximum RMS Power Handling [speaker] - Maximum RMS Power-Handling refers to the maximum amount of power a speaker can handle on a continuous basis.
Memory Card Compatible, [also Expandable Memory] – means you can use certain types of memory cards such as SD cards with the units. Such cards could be used to store MP3 files, pictures or additional maps which can then be downloaded to the SD compatible unit.
Monitor - A screen that converts a video signal into a picture. With mobile video systems, a monitor can be mounted in a headrest, on the vehicles the roof or as part of an in dash DVD player with a built in fixed monitor or motorized flip up monitor
Monitor System Type – The type of monitor included in the system:
- Headrest – Monitors mount or come already mounted in headrests
- Overhead – Monitor is installed on the inside roof of the vehicle.
- Stand Alone – The monitor can be installed anywhere you can find a place that you can mount or install it.
MOSFET [Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors] - Used in most modern, quality car audio amplifiers [and some car stereos] in the power supply (and sometimes in the output stage). MOSFET's run cooler than normal bipolar transistors, and have a faster switching speed.
Mounting angle Range – lets you know what the range in degrees that the CD changer can be mounted in and still play the disc properly.
Mounting Depth [Bottom] – The depth of the speaker in inches as measured from the underside of the speaker mounting ring.
Mounting Depth [Top] – The depth of the speaker in inches as measured from the top of the speaker ring
MP3 [MPEG1 Audio Coding 3] Playback – MP3 encoding compresses audio data at very high ratios, reducing the size of the files as much as 1/10th their original size. This compression is achieved by eliminating sounds that are inaudible to the human ear or masked by other sounds. You can then rip these MP3 computer files onto a CDR or CDRW which allows you store several hours of music one disc and play them back thru an MP3 compatible car stereo with near CD quality sound. You can also playback your portable MP3 player thru car stereos that have aux inputs or adapters that allow connection to your portable MP3 player.
Multi Car Operation - Lets one remote control operate other alarms of the same make and model installed in other cars
Multicasting – Subdividing the digital audio portion of a radio station's signal to send out different kinds of programming simultaneously. A multicasting station has the ability to broadcast Classic Rock programming as their primary analog and digital format, while multicasting an additional digital-only channel for Country, and a third digital channel for News/Talk. Multi casting also allows for the transmission of information such as stock quotes and traffic information.
Mutes Radio – Will automatically shut off the car stereo sound when the phone is in use or in the case of a navigation system, when the navigation system is updating you audibly.
Mute Switch [Radar Detectors] – Will mute the audible warning when activated.
Navigation System – In this case it tells us if the car stereo has a navigation system built in, is an option or if it not possible to add one at all.
Navigation Type – This tells you what media source is used for the navigation system. Types are DVD ROM, Media card such as an SD card or preloaded in the units built in memory.
Number of Zones – The number of area/triggers and alarm can cover. Examples of zones would be: doors, hood, trunk, sensors, etc.
OEM Integration – OEM integrations is when you integrate aftermarket mobile electronics equipment such as amplifiers, video systems, GPS systems, HD radio, satellite radio, iPod, Bluetooth, back up cameras with your OEM [factory] car stereo system.
Octave – The halving or doubling of a frequency. Example – the jump between 40 HZ and 80 HZ would be a one octave increase.
Ohm - is a measure of resistance and impedance that tells you how much a device (like a speaker) will resist the flow of current in a circuit. If the same exact signal is sent into two speakers, one rated at 4 ohms of impedance, the other at 8 ohms of impedance, twice as much current will flow through the 4 ohm speaker as will flow through the 8 ohm speaker. All things being equal, the 8 ohm speaker requires twice as much power to achieve the same volume level, as a 4 ohm speaker since power is proportional tocurrent.
Output Range – The range of frequencies as measured in Hz that the EQ can process.
Panic Button – A standard feature on all of the alarms we offer that lets you use your remote to set off the alarm in case of a personal emergency.
Pager Warning – If you have a two way pager remote – the pager waning notifies you if the alarm has been triggered and with some models, which zone triggered.
Parking Light Flash – Flashes your vehicles parking lights as a visual conformation when you arm and disarm your alarm.
Peak Power – Peak Power is generally the highest rated output a manufacturer can get out of their amplifier.
Plays MP3 – Can play your MP3 files via built in memory or a built in memory card reader
Plug-and-Play satellite radio receiver - A plug-and-play receiver can be moved from car to home or car to car simply by plugging the tuner into a docking station in either location. Some even have play dock and/or boom box options. A plug-and-play tuner has it’s own display and its own controls built in and connects via a line output to any receiver with an auxiliary input, or connects via an FM modulator or Sure Connect adapter to a factory stereo. Plug and Play receivers are available from both satellite radio companies, Sirius and XM.
POI’s [Points of Interest] – The amount of “points of interest” [hotels, restaurants, ATM locations, museums, amusement parks etc. that are pre loaded into the GPS systems map data base.
Portable Satellite Radio Receivers - A portable satellite radio receiver works much like a portable MP3 player — it lets you carry the receiver around and listen to “live” satellite radio via headphones anywhere you can find signal or listen to stored satellite radio and/or MP3 content. Portable satellite radio receivers feature built in memory, rechargeable batteries, built-in satellite radio antennas and various other accessories. You can also use them in your home or car by using the appropriate kit or dock, which may be optional depending on the receiver.
Preamp outputs [aka pre-outs] – These are RCA jacks that allow you to hook up an amplifier [or EQ] to a car stereo. Car stereos can have one pair for hooking up one amp, two pair for hooking up two amps or a four channel amp or three pair for hooking up three amps, a four channel amp and a sub amp or a 5/6 channel amp.[the third preamp out is usually a non fading, subwoofer pre-out with a built in crossover. You can also find pre-outs on some amplifiers so you can connect one amp to another amplifier if you are “daisy chaining” your amplifiers and on EQ’s and crossovers to be able to hook up to the amp.
Preamp Voltage – Preamp voltage is the measure of the voltage of the car stereos pre-amp outputs. The higher the voltage, the cleaner the sound.
Preloaded Woofer Enclosure – Means the box includes the woofers and they are preloaded in the box. You do not have to install them.
Presets – The number of radio stations you can store in memory. Most receivers today have 18 presets or more.
Private Mode - Lets you switch the call from Bluetooth handsfree to your cellular handset for a private call.
Proximity Sensor - Detects movement inside the vehicle. Some have dual zones that also detect movement outside the vehicle. When motion is detected outside, the alarm siren will chirp to “warn” the intruder that there is an alarm on your vehicle. If the interior of the vehicle is breached, the alarm will trigger
Qts - Total for the mechanical and electrical losses of the woofer at free air resonance
RDS [Radio Data System] – The standard for sending digital text information along with an analog FM signal. The RDS feed usually contains information such as station IDs plus song and artist information that will display on your RDS compatible car stereo’s display.
Rear Camera Input – Unit has an input to connect a back up camera. When the car is put in reverse, the back up camera image will show up automatically on the screen so you can see what is behind you while you back up.
Remote Buttons – The number of buttons that the alarm remote has
Remotes Included – The quantity of remotes that are included with a car alarm.
Remote Functions – The functions that the remote for the alarm could perform such as arm, disarm, lock/unlock doors, window roll up, trunk release, panic button, remote start etc.
Remote Door Lock/Unlock – Lock and unlock your vehicles power door locks with your alarm remote.
Unlock Drivers door only – Mainly for personal security since this feature will only unlock the driver's door when you first disarm the alarm in case someone is lurking about as you approach your vehicle. . Will unlock all doors with second push of the disarm button.
Remote Mount Radar Detector - A two-piece radar detector system in which a sensor is mounted behind your car's front grille, while the control and display are installed in or around the dash area. The two pieces are connected by a cable or wireless transceiver. With a remote-mount you sacrifice a small degree of sensitivity (the higher a detector is mounted, the better the range], but a remote mounted systems display can be custom installed to be hidden from view of thieves or whomever else you may not want to see it. Some offer two sensors for front and rear protection.
Remote Trunk Release – allows you to activate your vehicles power trunk release via your alarm remote. [may require additional parts]
Remote Types – There are different types of alarm remotes. There are “button type”, usually 2 to 4 buttons to control the functions, there are LCD Remotes - that not only have button, but a small display so you can visually see the function you are performing and Two Way Remotes that actually get a signal from the vehicles alarm when the alarm is triggered or to confirm a function has been performed.
Remote Window Roll up – Allows you to roll your vehicles power windows up when you arm your alarm. A separate module is required.
Replay Memory Time – Some satellite radio receivers have built in memory that allow you to replay programming that was just broadcast on the channel you were listening to in case you missed or wanted to listen to something over or allow you to pause live radio then restart it so you do not miss anything. The memory only works on the station you are listening to and only as long as the unit has power.
RIPS [Regulated Intelligent Power Supply] – JL Audio’s proprietary technology using a regulated power supply allows the amplifier to give a constant power output over a wide range of vehicle voltages from 11V to 14.5 V. This technology also monitors the output current to optimize the amplifiers output power over a wide range of load impedances from 1.5 ohms to 4 ohms per channel.
Remote Start – Allows you to start your vehicle using your alarm remote. Must be used only on fuel injected vehicles with automatic transmissions. Additional module[s] usually required.
RMS Power Rating [Root Mean Square] – This is the rating of the continuous “clean” power output of an amplifier or car stereo as measured in watts per channel. The higher the RMS power, the cleaner and louder your system will sound.
Random Play [Also know as “shuffle” play] - will playback all of your CD’s tracks in random order before it will repeat a track. With CD changers, it will playback all of the CD’s in your changer in random order before playing the same CD again.
S-video Inputs/Outputs - Special four-pin connectors that carry the chrominance (color) and luminance (brightness) portions of the video signal separately, for improved color accuracy and reduced distortion
Satellite Radio Ready – This means a car stereo has the ability to play and control either an XM Satellite Radio or SIRIUS Satellite Radio receiver. You will see the satellite radio channel, artist, and title information on your car stereos display and control all of the satellite radio functions thru your car stereo. You will need to purchase a compatible adapter and/or tuner for either XM or SIRIUS.
Scan Resistant Remotes [AKA Anti-code Grabbing] - This feature helps prevents thieves from using a special receiver to intercept your remote control code when you arm or disarm your alarm and making a duplicate remote.
Screen or Display Size – The size of the screen or display as measured diagonally.
# of Screens Included – The number of video screens included in the mobile video system
Scrolling Sports Scores and/or Stock Quotes – Some satellite radio receivers allow you to select or program certain sports scores and/or stock quotes so you can them see scrolling across the display of your satellite radio receiver.
Security – The type of anti theft security the unit comes with such as detachable face or code protection.
Sensitivity [speaker] - measured in db, is how loud a speaker plays with a given amount of power going into it. The standard measure is usually the sensitivity at 1 Watt at 1 meter. A higher sensitivity rating means that the speaker will play louder using the same amount of power as a speaker with a lower sensitivity rating
Sensitivity [Radar Detector] - A detector's ability to detect radar. The higher the sensitivity measure, the better the detection range. Most radar detector manufacturers increase sensitivity as they add features and move up the product line.
Sensor Pre-warn – Makes the siren chirp if the pre-warn stage of the sensor is triggered. With shock sensors, the pre-warn stage usually set at a light impact to the vehicle. With Proximity sensors, it is an invisible “zone”, usually set about 3 feet around the vehicle
# Of Sensors – The number of back up sensors that comes with the system
Sensor Size – the size of the back up sensors
Separate Display – Does not have a built in display so it may come with our have an option to purchase a separate display.
Service [Satellite/HD Radio] – The service that the unit is compatible with, XM, Sirius, or HD Radio.
Signal to Noise Ratio – This is the measure of how much background noise vs. music signal as measured in decibels [db]. A higher the db rating means less noise and cleaner
sound.
Siren Output – How loud the siren is when the alarm is triggered in decibels [db’s]
Song/Artist Alert – Some satellite radio receivers will alert you when songs and/or artists that you select are playing on another satellite radio station.
Sound Shaping Type – This is the different names that the manufactures use for their sound shaping systems such as Alpine Bass Engine, Kenwood’s System Q and System E, and Pioneers EE3. These all give you more control over how you music will sound.
Speaker Configuration – The way the speaker was set up when it was built. Configuration types include two ways [co-axial], three way [tri-axial] four ways, and component [separates]
Speaker-level input [aka High level inputs] - Speaker level inputs let you connect an amp to a car stereo that lacks RCA preamp outputs by allowing you to get the audio signal directly from the existing speaker wires and into the amplifier.
Speaker Type – In this case it means the speaker a: full range - a speaker with everything built into one speaker, [dual cone, co-axial, triaxial] or components [separates] – the tweeter, mid bass and crossover are all matched, but separate.
Spider [aka the damper] - controls the cone's movement and keeps the voice coil centered in the air gap. It acts like a shock absorber, smoothing out the cone's ride.
Speaker [Bluetooth] - Either uses a built in speaker, the car stereo speakers, an optional stand alone speaker so you can hear the call in a Bluetooth system.
SPL [Sound Pressure Level] - Measured in decibels (db) is a measure of loudness or volume, usually associated with subwoofers. The higher the SPL number, the louder the output. A 10db increase in SPL represents a doubling in volume. Live orchestral music reaches brief peaks in the 105db range and live rock easily goes over 120db.
Starter Disable – Helps Prevent starting of the engine after the alarm has been armed. This helps prevent a thief who has broken into your vehicle from driving it away. This type of starter disable can be defeated several ways by an experienced car thief.
High Security Starter Disable – Helps prevent a thief from starting your vehicle even if the alarm power has been disconnected
Steel Bumper Compatible – Has sensors that will seal properly when installed on a steel bumper.
Subsonic Filter - Also called an infrasonic filter, a subsonic filter cuts off extremely low bass (below the range of human hearing) that many speakers cannot effectively reproduce, thereby making the amp's power supply and output devices, and the speaker, more efficient. The subsonic filter has a set or adjustable frequency and has a slope measure in db per octave that it will roll off at.
Subwoofer Preamp output – A non fading preamp output meant just for hooking up a subwoofer amplifier. Subwoofer pre-outs will usually have a built in low pass crossover.
Super tweeter - A small speaker dedicated to reproducing ultra-high-frequencies. You can usually find super tweeters along with regular tweeters in 4- or 5-way speakers.
Surround – The part of the speakers or subwoofers suspension that attaches the speaker cone to the basket. The surround helps keeps the cone centered as it moves in and out of the basket. It's usually made of a durable material like treated foam or rubber in order to increase the durability and in the case of subwoofers, the demand and punishment of reproducing deep bass.
SWS [Safety Warning System] - SWS uses radar to promote highway safety by picking up the Safety Warning Signal and then sending a signal via the radar detector to alert you of changing or potentially hazardous road conditions such as highway construction sites or accidents. Not available in all areas.
Subwoofer [woofer] - The subwoofer reproduces the low bass notes. The larger the woofer, the more bass you should get. Woofers are made of stiff, yet light weight materials such as polypropylene, aluminum and many others give you great sound quality while also providing excellent durability in the car environment such as your vehicles trunk.
THD [Total harmonic distortion] - Refers to device [amplifier, car stereo] added harmonics that were not in the original signal. As measured as a %. The lower the number, the cleaner the sound.
Thiele/Small Parameters - These are terms used to describe certain specs of a particular subwoofer. They include resonance frequency of the driver, the woofer's excursion, and air displacement, among others. These figures are useful in predicting subwoofer performance and in constructing the appropriate enclosures.
Three-way speaker [Triaxial] - Three-way speakers take the separate mid bass and tweeter from a two-way design and add a midrange speaker for enhanced warmth and texture. Some three-ways use a super tweeter, instead of a midrange, for extended high-frequency response. Four-ways combine a woofer, a midrange, a tweeter, and a super tweeter for even more detail. All have a built in crossover.
Tilt [Motion] Sensor – Senses the jacking up or a substantial tilt of a vehicle. Great for sensing if someone is trying to tow your vehicle or steal your rims and tires.
Tilt/Swivel [monitor] – Lets you know if the monitor[s] tilt or swivel.
Time Correction – A sound shaping process that allows you to compensate for the “off center” listening environment of the car. Time correction allows you to delay the sound from the closest speaker to your listening position and sync it up to arrive at the same time as the sound from the speaker farthest from you to give you true stereo imaging in the car. Some of the highest end car stereos have and processors have Time Correction technology.
Touch Screen – Allows you to control the functions of the mobile video or GPS receiver by actually touching the icons on the screen.
Tuner Type – Most car stereo manufactures have different names for their tuners, such as Pioneers Super Tuner D and Super Tuner 3D.
Tweeter - A small speaker dedicated to reproducing high-frequencies. There are a variety of cone materials used in making tweeters. Soft dome tweeters create a softer sound than say a hard dome tweeter. Component speakers have separate tweeters, coaxial and triaxial speakers have tweeter mounted in the center of the speaker. Some coaxial speakers have angled or rotating tweeter to give you better dispersion and imaging.
Tweeter Type - The type of tweeter used in the speaker. Examples of tweeter types can be soft dome, hard dome, silk dome, balanced Dome ect.
Two-way speaker [or coaxial] - Two-way speakers have separate small tweeter mounted in the center of the mid bass speaker with a small crossover built in.
Type of Installation – This is the method of installation for the unit.
- Car to car – means the unit is easily installed and moved from one vehicle to another. May require a second car kit.
- Permanent – means the unit is permanently installed in the vehicle. To install in another vehicle would require the complete removal and reinstallation of the unit.
Type of Monitor [Back up Safety] – The type of monitor that is used in the system so you can visually see what is behind you.
- Standalone – a separate monitor that needs to be installed where the driver can see it
- Replaces Factory Mirror – The monitor is built in to a new rear view mirror. These can be generic, which can be used on most cars, some are vehicle specific which are mirros made to give you a more factory look and feel.
Type of mount included [Radar Detectors] – Tells you what type of mounting hardware in included in the box with the radar detector, a visor mount, suction cup mount etc.
Type of mount [tweeter] – tells you what kind of mounting hardware for the tweeters are included in the box. Types of mounting hardware include flush mount, swivel mount, fixed mount etc.
Type of unit – Radar Detectors – There are three types of radar detector
- Corded – plugs in and uses the cars power to operate
- Cordless – uses batteries to run, so no cords are used
- Remote – uses separate sensors mounted in the front of the car that are connected to a small control unit mounted near the dash.
USB Input – Allows you to connect devises via a USB input such as a jump drive so you can play and control stored content thru your car stereo. Some car stereos have a USB port built in; some require the purchase of a USB adapter.
Valet Switch – Allows you to temporarily bypass your alarm by using the hidden valet switch. Great for when you are going to use valet parking, go to the car wash or anytime you do not want anyone using your remote. High Security Valet Switch - takes the valet switch one step further and requires you to enter a “code” thru the valet switch so a thief cannot just find and defeat the valet switch without the code.
Vas - Volume of air as measured in liters, having the same acoustic compliance or “springiness” as the speaker’s suspension
Vehicle Theft Guarantee – A guarantee offered by some alarm manufactures that will pay you if your vehicle is stolen that is properly protected with one of their qualifying alarms. The terms and condition of each alarm manufacturers guarantee differs. Usually they will pay you an amount equal to your insurance deductible for theft. For more details see the manufactures web site.
VG-2 Radar Detector Detection - VG-2 is a new weapon used by law enforcement. VG-2 identifies vehicles with operating radar detectors. To counter VG-2, some radar detectors have VG-2 detection. What happens is once the radar detector detects the VG-2 signal; the radar detector will quickly shut down and alert you that VG-2 has been detected.
Video Controls – Give you control of your video source thru the unit.
Video Folder Access – Lets you access your iPod video folders thru the unit.
Visual Alert – Usually a flashing light or series of flashing lights that will alert you when the radar detector is triggered.
Voice coil - Located inside a speaker structure, the voice coil is a coil of wire that creates a magnetic field. With the help of other speaker components, the voice coil converts electrical signals into mechanical energy to produce sound.
Voice Dialing – Lets you dial the numbers stores in your cell phone with voice commands such as “phone home” or “phone office”.
WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) - A network of 25 ground reference stations, ranging from the US to Canada to Mexico, that monitor GPS satellite information and create a GPS correction message. This correction message accounts for disturbances in the ionosphere, and for timing and satellite orbit errors. The WAAS-corrected signal can give your GPS unit a position accuracy of less than 10 feet as compared to a typical 18 to 36 feet with the normal GPS signal.
Warranty – the manufacturers warranty period for that product.
Wireless Remote – Controls most functions of the product wirelessly via remote.
Woofer [Subwoofer] - The woofer reproduces the low bass. The larger the woofer, the more bass you should get. Woofer cones are made of stiff, yet light weight materials such as polypropylene, aluminum and many others give you great sound quality while also providing excellent durability in the car environment such as your vehicles trunk.
# Of Woofers – The quantity of woofers included with the enclosure or system or that the enclosure will hold.
Woofer Series – Each Manufacturer has different series of woofers, like Alpines “R” Series. A woofer in a series has all of the same key technical points and are built out of the same materials. Usually the only difference in the woofers in a series is the size and a few of the specs that go along with the size differential.
Woofer Size – the measurement in inches across the woofer cone and surround area from one side to the other.
X-Band - The first frequency band allocated for police radar back in the ‘50’s. X-band radar is the easiest to detect because of its lower frequency and higher power output. Depending on terrain, temperature and humidity, X-band radar can be detected from a distance of 2 to 4 miles, yet it can only take accurate readings of speed from a distance of 1/2 mile or less. Unfortunately, police radar is not the only source of X-band signals. Garage door openers, microwave intrusion alarms, microwave towers, and other high-tech equipment can fool a radar detector into giving off a “false” X-band alert. Filters and redundant sampling are used to combat this "falsing."
Xmax – The maximum excursion from the center of the woofer at normal operation
XM NavTraffic™ Service - When used in conjunction with a compatible GPS satellite navigation receiver, NavTraffic updates you on road conditions, accidents, lane closures, traffic flow and delays along the route you've programmed. It'll alert you to scheduled traffic incidents, such as traffic diversions because of sporting events, and road construction. It also monitors the speed of traffic flow on the roads you'll take, and warns you of impending traffic jams. NavTraffic's information comes from a continuous satellite feed, supplemented by information gathered by a variety of sources, including commercial traffic data providers, departments of transportation, emergency services, cameras, and aerial traffic reports. To get NavTraffic, you'll need a compatible navigation receiver and a special XM/NavTraffic tuner. An additional subscription fee subscription on top of your regular XM subscription fee will be required.
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