Bluetooth Device Profiles and Tips
Connecting Without Wires Bluetooth® functionality allows mobile phones and portable devices to connect wirelessly to electronics in the car. This guide covers different Bluetooth profiles, their functionality and how to use them.
Bluetooth Technology
Bluetooth is a radio frequency-based protocol in the 2.45GHz spectrum that allows compatible electronics to communicate wirelessly through a connection process called ‘pairing.’
A convenient capability of Bluetooth is that it has a 33-foot range (about 10 meters) and does not require direct ‘line of sight’ between the devices. This makes Bluetooth ideal for placing and receiving phone calls or streaming music wirelessly, without worrying about the placement of the phone within the car.
Bluetooth hands-free ‘universal’ car kits or receivers with Bluetooth connectivity built-in are wired into the vehicle’s speaker system with plug-in wiring harness adapters to provide safe, hands-free calling features for the driver.
To review the pairing process and the categories of Bluetooth hands-free devices used in the vehicle, visit the Hands Free Bluetooth Solutions Category Guide in the Amazon.com Car Electronics Resource Center.
A convenient capability of Bluetooth is that it has a 33-foot range (about 10 meters) and does not require direct ‘line of sight’ between the devices. This makes Bluetooth ideal for placing and receiving phone calls or streaming music wirelessly, without worrying about the placement of the phone within the car.
Bluetooth hands-free ‘universal’ car kits or receivers with Bluetooth connectivity built-in are wired into the vehicle’s speaker system with plug-in wiring harness adapters to provide safe, hands-free calling features for the driver.
To review the pairing process and the categories of Bluetooth hands-free devices used in the vehicle, visit the Hands Free Bluetooth Solutions Category Guide in the Amazon.com Car Electronics Resource Center.
Bluetooth Functionality Profiles
Bluetooth applications differ based on the devices with which they are paired and the information they are able to exchange. Functionality profiles are what compatible Bluetooth devices recognize and use to determine their ability to connect together. Profile names are abbreviated to three or four-letter acronyms for easier consumer recognition.
• Profile Differences – A device with Bluetooth does not automatically work with all other Bluetooth devices. Devices must have the same profile types in order to connect and provide functionality. Be sure to check device specifications and technical descriptions to find out all compatible and matching profile type(s).
To review detailed information on hands-free and streaming audio devices for the car referenced in this guide, visit the Hands-Free Solutions Category Guide in the Amazon.com Car Electronics Resource Center.
• Profile Differences – A device with Bluetooth does not automatically work with all other Bluetooth devices. Devices must have the same profile types in order to connect and provide functionality. Be sure to check device specifications and technical descriptions to find out all compatible and matching profile type(s).
To review detailed information on hands-free and streaming audio devices for the car referenced in this guide, visit the Hands-Free Solutions Category Guide in the Amazon.com Car Electronics Resource Center.
Hands-Free Calls
Hands-free calling using a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone with a car electronics device require one of two profiles:
• HSP – Headset Profile
• HFP - Hands-Free Profile
The Headset Profile (HSP) and Hands-Free Profile (HFP) both allow a wireless device to connect to a user’s mobile phone. However, there are some basic differences:
• HSP is a profile intended for Bluetooth earpieces that perform basic voice communication and call volume adjustment. No other functionality is supported with HSP. Most speakerphone devices mounted to a car’s sun visor support HSP only. HSP is sometimes shortened to ‘HP’ in product specifications, but the profile functionality is the same as HSP.
• HFP is a profile intended for in-vehicle hands-free calling functionality and provides incremental functionality to HSP, such as enhanced audio quality and accessibility of phone call history. Most receivers and installed hands-free car kits support HFP functionality.
• HSP – Headset Profile
• HFP - Hands-Free Profile
The Headset Profile (HSP) and Hands-Free Profile (HFP) both allow a wireless device to connect to a user’s mobile phone. However, there are some basic differences:
• HSP is a profile intended for Bluetooth earpieces that perform basic voice communication and call volume adjustment. No other functionality is supported with HSP. Most speakerphone devices mounted to a car’s sun visor support HSP only. HSP is sometimes shortened to ‘HP’ in product specifications, but the profile functionality is the same as HSP.
• HFP is a profile intended for in-vehicle hands-free calling functionality and provides incremental functionality to HSP, such as enhanced audio quality and accessibility of phone call history. Most receivers and installed hands-free car kits support HFP functionality.
Access Stored Contacts
Many hands-free devices support one of two methods to access stored contacts from the phone. This allows for easier outbound dialing and incoming caller ID recognition.
• OPP – Object Push Profile
• PBAP – Phone Book Access Profile
Both OPP and PBAP offer a method to access contacts, but there are basic differences in the way access takes place:
• OPP is a ‘push’ function where individual contacts on the phone are manually sent to the Bluetooth device in the car. Once received, a copy of the contact resides on the receiver or hands-free kit memory. When phone contacts are updated, contact information must be manually pushed again to update the contacts on the receiver or hands-free kit. Paired OPP devices do not automatically update one another.
• PBAP is a ‘pull’ function for accessing contact information. Contact data resides in the phone and the receiver or hands-free kit is granted access to ‘pull’ contact information making outbound dialing or incoming caller ID recognition easier. With PBAP access, the information displayed on the receiver or hands-free kit always matches the phone’s contacts. Hands-Free Profile applications with complete HFP functionality include PBAP and require the user to ‘accept’ the car electronic device’s request to connect to the phone’s contact list. The exact content displayed to the user is slightly different with each Bluetooth hands-free car device. Bluetooth receivers supporting PBAP typically display the caller’s name and other profile information similar to the mobile phone’s caller information.
• OPP – Object Push Profile
• PBAP – Phone Book Access Profile
Both OPP and PBAP offer a method to access contacts, but there are basic differences in the way access takes place:
• OPP is a ‘push’ function where individual contacts on the phone are manually sent to the Bluetooth device in the car. Once received, a copy of the contact resides on the receiver or hands-free kit memory. When phone contacts are updated, contact information must be manually pushed again to update the contacts on the receiver or hands-free kit. Paired OPP devices do not automatically update one another.
• PBAP is a ‘pull’ function for accessing contact information. Contact data resides in the phone and the receiver or hands-free kit is granted access to ‘pull’ contact information making outbound dialing or incoming caller ID recognition easier. With PBAP access, the information displayed on the receiver or hands-free kit always matches the phone’s contacts. Hands-Free Profile applications with complete HFP functionality include PBAP and require the user to ‘accept’ the car electronic device’s request to connect to the phone’s contact list. The exact content displayed to the user is slightly different with each Bluetooth hands-free car device. Bluetooth receivers supporting PBAP typically display the caller’s name and other profile information similar to the mobile phone’s caller information.
Streaming Audio Content
Bluetooth supports profiles that allow streaming audio content and information. Most streaming audio applications also support control of the Smartphone or other connected Bluetooth device for play/pause, next or previous song, and volume functions.
• A2DP – Advanced Audio Distribution Profile
• AVRCP – Audio Video Remote Control Profile
Audio streaming supported devices usually contain both A2DP and AVRCP functionality profiles.
• A2DP is the streaming audio channel of Bluetooth. Two channels of full range streams (20Hz-20KHz) are transmitted between the Smartphone and receiver or hands-free kit.
1) A2DP Audio Quality – Audio quality is determined by the quality of the media the user is streaming. A lossless or 256kbps high bit rate digital music file will sound better than a 64kbps stream from an internet radio station. iPhone and Android users of Amazon’s Cloud Player can access and play stored MP3 digital music over A2DP.
2) A2DP Pause Advantage – The advantage of having a Smartphone with simultaneous A2DP and HFP support is that if a call is received while streaming audio, the audio stream is paused while the receiver or hands-free kit accepts the incoming call. When the call is completed, the A2DP streaming audio resumes the song or stream from where it was paused, so the listener still hears all of the content.
• AVRCP is the control and data channel for Bluetooth streaming audio. With AVRCP support, common control functions like play, pause, and next/previous are displayed on the receiver or hands-free kit, allowing the paired device to control the Smartphone wirelessly. Some receivers or hands-free kits support metadata information on their screens via AVRCP. Examples of metadata include information about the artist, song title and album.
• A2DP – Advanced Audio Distribution Profile
• AVRCP – Audio Video Remote Control Profile
Audio streaming supported devices usually contain both A2DP and AVRCP functionality profiles.
• A2DP is the streaming audio channel of Bluetooth. Two channels of full range streams (20Hz-20KHz) are transmitted between the Smartphone and receiver or hands-free kit.
1) A2DP Audio Quality – Audio quality is determined by the quality of the media the user is streaming. A lossless or 256kbps high bit rate digital music file will sound better than a 64kbps stream from an internet radio station. iPhone and Android users of Amazon’s Cloud Player can access and play stored MP3 digital music over A2DP.
2) A2DP Pause Advantage – The advantage of having a Smartphone with simultaneous A2DP and HFP support is that if a call is received while streaming audio, the audio stream is paused while the receiver or hands-free kit accepts the incoming call. When the call is completed, the A2DP streaming audio resumes the song or stream from where it was paused, so the listener still hears all of the content.
• AVRCP is the control and data channel for Bluetooth streaming audio. With AVRCP support, common control functions like play, pause, and next/previous are displayed on the receiver or hands-free kit, allowing the paired device to control the Smartphone wirelessly. Some receivers or hands-free kits support metadata information on their screens via AVRCP. Examples of metadata include information about the artist, song title and album.
Advanced Controls and Access
Advanced device connectivity, such as remotely opening an app over Bluetooth, requires access and control of the Smartphone and is not addressed in the AVRCP profile.
• SPP – Serial Port Profile
Use of a wireless, 2-way serial data stream allows connecting two devices such as an in-dash receiver opening, accessing and controlling apps remotely on a Smartphone.
• SPP is a ‘virtual’ serial port for Bluetooth devices to share information and allow wireless control in a similar way devices connect over a wired USB connection. SPP is used for many Android and Blackberry phones on specific apps like Pandora Radio and Aha Radio when an in-dash receiver has control capability over SPP for the app(s).
Safety Tips: Receivers with HFP, PBAP, A2DP and AVRCP profile support provide good options for keeping your hands on the wheel and off the phone while driving. Many Bluetooth receivers or hands-free kits support voice control. This allows a user to receive or place calls or without ever taking his or her eyes off the road. Consider receivers and hands-free kits with features that enable the driver to stay focused on the road.
• SPP – Serial Port Profile
Use of a wireless, 2-way serial data stream allows connecting two devices such as an in-dash receiver opening, accessing and controlling apps remotely on a Smartphone.
• SPP is a ‘virtual’ serial port for Bluetooth devices to share information and allow wireless control in a similar way devices connect over a wired USB connection. SPP is used for many Android and Blackberry phones on specific apps like Pandora Radio and Aha Radio when an in-dash receiver has control capability over SPP for the app(s).
Safety Tips: Receivers with HFP, PBAP, A2DP and AVRCP profile support provide good options for keeping your hands on the wheel and off the phone while driving. Many Bluetooth receivers or hands-free kits support voice control. This allows a user to receive or place calls or without ever taking his or her eyes off the road. Consider receivers and hands-free kits with features that enable the driver to stay focused on the road.
When to Consider Professional Installation
Before attempting any DIY installation, assess your comfort level with the installation of electronics and mechanics of your vehicle.
Consider a professional installer if:
1) You are not comfortable disassembling vehicle interior panels.
2) You do not have a suitable work area available.
3) You do not have the recommended tools for the job.
4) You do not have the necessary installation accessories specific to your vehicle year/make/model.
Many independent retail installation shops welcome jobs with products purchased on Amazon.com. Professional installers can also provide many of the installation accessories you need for jobs that are covered in this guide. Always look for a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) installation technician to handle your most challenging installation needs.
Want to purchase installation now? Find an InstallerNet card on Amazon.com that corresponds to your job type.
Consider a professional installer if:
1) You are not comfortable disassembling vehicle interior panels.
2) You do not have a suitable work area available.
3) You do not have the recommended tools for the job.
4) You do not have the necessary installation accessories specific to your vehicle year/make/model.
Many independent retail installation shops welcome jobs with products purchased on Amazon.com. Professional installers can also provide many of the installation accessories you need for jobs that are covered in this guide. Always look for a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) installation technician to handle your most challenging installation needs.
Want to purchase installation now? Find an InstallerNet card on Amazon.com that corresponds to your job type.
THANKS: amazon.com