Over time, we've seen Clarion launching quite a large number of very interesting products designed specifically for the automotive segment, including here a lot of car audio systems. And one of its latest releases in this field is the FZ409 model, which delivers good quality audio, a host of useful and interesting connectivity options, plus a very user-friendly interface on the side.

So, one of the most important selling points of the fresh FZ409 audio system from Clarion is the fact that it greatly simplifies operation, so that now it is just a matter of touching a few iconized illuminated capacitive sensor buttons. This is an example of the intuitive H.M.I. design that minimizes the number of buttons while maximizing functionality. Since only relevant button icons appear for the task at hand, button-hunting is eliminated and access is more direct and responsive.

In order to make access even faster and easier, the screen uses an OEL (Organic Electro-luminescence) display to deliver very smooth images, at the same time saving some space. The device supports MP3 and WMA files and is iTunes AAC Compatible, but also packs a radio tuner with 18 FM/ 6 AM presets, and incorporates a 24-Bit D/A Converter, as well as BBE MP technology for compressed audio sound improvement and Beat EQ technology for sound adjustment.

As far as the connectivity options are concerned, the new audio system from Clarion is actually very versatile. So, we've got direct USB iPod control and USB audio streaming support, meaning that users will only have to connect the USB cable that’s included with the iPod to the Clarion source unit’s rear USB input and they will get complete control of the iPod, including genre/album/song title search using iPod’s control wheel, with high quality sound reproduction through the car speakers. The same connection can be used to play back audio files stored on USB memory.

Furthermore, by adding the optional Bluetooth transceiver, drivers will also be able to access the music stored into their mobile phones' memory. Plus, there's a 3.5-mm auxiliary input included in the rear, for hooking up other audio player models.

The FZ409 sells for somewhere in the vicinity of 230 US dollars, which makes it a fairly affordable product, especially if we are to take into account its extensive list of features.


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