The sexiest change to Clarion’s 2011 lineup on display at CES is an animated user interface with finger swipe control on its two new AV/navigation decks.
Some of Clarion’s 2011 decks also get built in HD Radio for the first time and they offer Parrot’s version of Bluetooth for the first time.
In the new UI, you can move around the icons on the displays, which now claim four times the resolution with their WVGA 6.2- and 7-inch screens.
The UI is found on the double DIN NX501 and single DIN NZ501 AV/navigation models. These are also Sirius Direct Connect ready so you don’t need a separate translator box. They come with built in Bluetooth from Parrot, they display album art and offer MPEG-4 video playback and dual zone capability for the first time. Navigation is on a 4G card rather than the typical 2G card and the number of available points of interest is a best-in-class 15 million. Shipping is expected in Q1 at $999.
Also for 2011 are two new AV decks at $50 less than last year at $549. Both models—the VX401 and VZ401– also have WVGA screens.
Some of Clarion’s new CD players offer built in HD Radio and now come with front panel USB slots with covers. iPod and iPhone control are available on all models except the entry level CZ201 at $99.
The CD line includes the CZ401 with built-in HD Radio and Sirius capability at $229.99. The CZ501 gives you built-in Bluetooth, but HD Radio then becomes an option, also at $229.99. Then there’s the CZ301 with optional HD radio and Sirius at $179, and a 201 basic MP3/WMA USB iPod receiver at $139.
A new mechless model comes in at $199 (almost $100 less than last year). The FZ501 has a USB slot and aux-in hidden behind a panel.
Source: Clarion
Photo of Clarion NX501
