How to Choose an In-Dash Navigation Receiver
Finding Your Way from the Dashboard
Navigation is more than mapping. This guide explains the difference between in-dash navigation receivers, Smartphone apps, and portable GPS devices.
Navigation is more than mapping. This guide explains the difference between in-dash navigation receivers, Smartphone apps, and portable GPS devices.
Navigating the Road
Getting to a destination using a receiver with navigation has never been easier. In addition to suggesting the shortest or fastest routes, many navigation receivers can manage multi-stop trips and find nearby businesses like restaurants, banks, and gas stations. They also provide high resolution maps and voice commands.
Single-DIN and Double-DIN Models
Navigation-capable receivers are available in both Single-DIN and Double-DIN sizes. Add-on navigation devices can also be added to an existing receiver of either size.
• Single-DIN receivers feature retractable ‘flip up’ style monitors that can open to view maps or remain closed to view simple directions that use arrows and street names only. Consider the area surrounding the Single-DIN slot to ensure a ‘flip up’ screen will not block access to heater/AC controls, air conditioning vents, or other dashboard controls.
• Double-DIN receiver screens are contained within the area of the Double-DIN slot, so there is no risk of blocking other dashboard features or controls. If a user accesses other receiver functions or media while navigation is running, the receiver will continue to indicate upcoming directions either with spoken commands or by momentarily displaying them on the screen.
• Outboard Units – Some navigation units are available as optional add-ons to a ‘navigation ready’ receiver, whether Single-DIN or Double-DIN. These navigation add-on units house the internal DVD-ROM, flash memory or hard-drive to run the maps, and connect to the receiver with data cables. As a combined package, the outboard unit and receiver make a complete navigation solution.
• Single-DIN receivers feature retractable ‘flip up’ style monitors that can open to view maps or remain closed to view simple directions that use arrows and street names only. Consider the area surrounding the Single-DIN slot to ensure a ‘flip up’ screen will not block access to heater/AC controls, air conditioning vents, or other dashboard controls.
• Double-DIN receiver screens are contained within the area of the Double-DIN slot, so there is no risk of blocking other dashboard features or controls. If a user accesses other receiver functions or media while navigation is running, the receiver will continue to indicate upcoming directions either with spoken commands or by momentarily displaying them on the screen.
• Outboard Units – Some navigation units are available as optional add-ons to a ‘navigation ready’ receiver, whether Single-DIN or Double-DIN. These navigation add-on units house the internal DVD-ROM, flash memory or hard-drive to run the maps, and connect to the receiver with data cables. As a combined package, the outboard unit and receiver make a complete navigation solution.
Integrated Features
Navigation receivers offer the best functionality and a complete in-dash solution, without the extra wires and windshield obstruction of an on-dash portable navigation device
Advantages and common features of navigation receiver systems:
• Dedicated GPS Antenna – Navigation receivers utilize a dedicated GPS antenna installed in the vehicle to collect latitude, longitude and elevation coordinates from at least 4 GPS satellites. This provides for GPS location accuracy that is typically greater than that of Smartphones or portable GPS devices.
• Vehicle Speed Sensor Connection – A hard-wired connection to the vehicles speed sensor (VSS) circuit increases GPS accuracy when displaying the vehicle’s progression along a route.
• Internal Gyroscope –Navigation receivers include a built-in gyroscope to detect movement and turns.
• Spoken Directions – Many navigation receivers offer spoken directions played through the vehicle’s speaker system. This allows the driver to focus on the road, rather than the receiver’s screen, and makes it easy to hear the directions. In addition, many receivers allow users to choose between a male or female voice and multiple languages.
• Intelligent Muting – Navigation receivers automatically mute audio momentarily when directions or other warnings are spoken.
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Compatibility – Navigation and Bluetooth are compatible and complementary functions. Placing or receiving calls while driving and using navigation is seamless. In addition, if the receiver supports Bluetooth audio streaming, music played over Bluetooth seamlessly switches between spoken navigation commands or alerts (if enabled) and hands-free calls.
• Real Time Traffic Services – Many navigation receivers offer real-time traffic information, in addition to navigation. Depending on the receiver model and features, this functionality may be built-in, require a Satellite Radio subscription, or connection to a Smartphone with a compatible app to receive/display traffic information.
• Large POI Database – Navigation receivers offer more Points of Interest (POIs) than hand-held GPS units. Many receivers contain more than 10 million POI entries.
• Easier to See and Use – With its large LCD screen, touchscreen controls, and secure installation, navigation receivers are easier to see and use than a Smartphone or portable GPS device, and do not block the driver’s view like many dash-mounted portable GPS units do.
• Entertainment Features – Navigation receivers are typically loaded with high-end entertainment features such as DVD-Video playback and Second Zone functionality for rear seat entertainment.
Advantages and common features of navigation receiver systems:
• Dedicated GPS Antenna – Navigation receivers utilize a dedicated GPS antenna installed in the vehicle to collect latitude, longitude and elevation coordinates from at least 4 GPS satellites. This provides for GPS location accuracy that is typically greater than that of Smartphones or portable GPS devices.
• Vehicle Speed Sensor Connection – A hard-wired connection to the vehicles speed sensor (VSS) circuit increases GPS accuracy when displaying the vehicle’s progression along a route.
• Internal Gyroscope –Navigation receivers include a built-in gyroscope to detect movement and turns.
• Spoken Directions – Many navigation receivers offer spoken directions played through the vehicle’s speaker system. This allows the driver to focus on the road, rather than the receiver’s screen, and makes it easy to hear the directions. In addition, many receivers allow users to choose between a male or female voice and multiple languages.
• Intelligent Muting – Navigation receivers automatically mute audio momentarily when directions or other warnings are spoken.
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Compatibility – Navigation and Bluetooth are compatible and complementary functions. Placing or receiving calls while driving and using navigation is seamless. In addition, if the receiver supports Bluetooth audio streaming, music played over Bluetooth seamlessly switches between spoken navigation commands or alerts (if enabled) and hands-free calls.
• Real Time Traffic Services – Many navigation receivers offer real-time traffic information, in addition to navigation. Depending on the receiver model and features, this functionality may be built-in, require a Satellite Radio subscription, or connection to a Smartphone with a compatible app to receive/display traffic information.
• Large POI Database – Navigation receivers offer more Points of Interest (POIs) than hand-held GPS units. Many receivers contain more than 10 million POI entries.
• Easier to See and Use – With its large LCD screen, touchscreen controls, and secure installation, navigation receivers are easier to see and use than a Smartphone or portable GPS device, and do not block the driver’s view like many dash-mounted portable GPS units do.
• Entertainment Features – Navigation receivers are typically loaded with high-end entertainment features such as DVD-Video playback and Second Zone functionality for rear seat entertainment.
Managing Destinations
Not all journeys are point-A to point-B driving. Navigation receivers often feature robust destination management systems that correspond with how people actually travel.
• Multiple Destinations – Many navigation receivers allow entry of multiple destinations at once and can determine the most efficient route between each destination.
• Destination with Multiple Stops – A trip with a single destination may still include multiple stops. Most navigation receivers allow for multi-stop functionality, which automatically resumes the trip navigation after a stop.
• Recent Destinations – Navigation receivers allow user to recall recent destinations for quick re-entry of frequently used locations and routes.
• Favorites/Memory – Frequently used or important destinations can be saved and recalled, allowing for quick select of a destination. This functionality is useful for vehicles shared by multiple drivers.
• Home – This feature assumes a ‘Home’ location as the starting place of any trip so the driver can see the expected transit time and distance of any destination entered. While ‘Home’ is typically the user’s home, it could be an office or other location chosen by the user.
• Multiple Destinations – Many navigation receivers allow entry of multiple destinations at once and can determine the most efficient route between each destination.
• Destination with Multiple Stops – A trip with a single destination may still include multiple stops. Most navigation receivers allow for multi-stop functionality, which automatically resumes the trip navigation after a stop.
• Recent Destinations – Navigation receivers allow user to recall recent destinations for quick re-entry of frequently used locations and routes.
• Favorites/Memory – Frequently used or important destinations can be saved and recalled, allowing for quick select of a destination. This functionality is useful for vehicles shared by multiple drivers.
• Home – This feature assumes a ‘Home’ location as the starting place of any trip so the driver can see the expected transit time and distance of any destination entered. While ‘Home’ is typically the user’s home, it could be an office or other location chosen by the user.
Map Updates
The map database in a navigation receiver is often more up-to-date and contains more POIs than factory installed (OEM) navigation systems. However, as cities expand and roads change, map updates are needed to keep navigation data current.
Map updates are available from the receiver manufacturer or map provider for the navigation system as part of the receiver purchase or for an additional fee. Updates are often made through a DVD-ROM, SD card, or a hard drive. If the navigation system is hard drive based or flash memory based, the update may require connecting the hard drive or flash drive to the Internet to download an update or copying the update files to a DVD-R, USB thumb drive, or SD card. The updates can then be transferred to the navigation system.
Map updates are available from the receiver manufacturer or map provider for the navigation system as part of the receiver purchase or for an additional fee. Updates are often made through a DVD-ROM, SD card, or a hard drive. If the navigation system is hard drive based or flash memory based, the update may require connecting the hard drive or flash drive to the Internet to download an update or copying the update files to a DVD-R, USB thumb drive, or SD card. The updates can then be transferred to the navigation system.
When to Consider Professional Installation
Vehicles are complex machines. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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