 |
| Trunk ICE set-up |
In-Car Entertainment
, sometimes referred to as ICE, is a collection of hardware devices installed into automobiles, or other forms of transportation, to provide audio and/or audio/visual entertainment, as well as automotive navigation systems (SatNav). This includes playing media such as CDs, DVDs, Freeview/TV, USB and/or other optional surround sound, or DSP systems. Also increasingly common in ICE installs are the incorporation of video game consoles into the vehicle.
, sometimes referred to as ICE, is a collection of hardware devices installed into automobiles, or other forms of transportation, to provide audio and/or audio/visual entertainment, as well as automotive navigation systems (SatNav). This includes playing media such as CDs, DVDs, Freeview/TV, USB and/or other optional surround sound, or DSP systems. Also increasingly common in ICE installs are the incorporation of video game consoles into the vehicle. |
| High-end ICE set-up |
In Car Entertainment has become more widely popular due to the car tuner's craving for new modifications and upgrades not just for unique looks and horsepower of their rides but decibel power as well thru ICE setups.
Since we already have an idea about what ICE means, the following are the specific things that comprises a basic ICE set-up for individual car enthusiast.
Since we already have an idea about what ICE means, the following are the specific things that comprises a basic ICE set-up for individual car enthusiast.
 |
| DVD player with LCD Digital Head unit |
Things were definitely simpler back then. Mobile entertainment practically involved having a cassette player and a couple of wimpy speakers. A couple of decades later and without question, things have gotten way more complicated. To take from the extensive lists of technological improvements, CDs, mini-discs, MP3s, WMA and DVDs are now all part of a gearhead's in-car entertainment set-up. Head units range from competition audio units to pricey DVD players, regular LCD to touch screen monitor and the usual 7inches monitor to 21inches ceiling mounted monitor. All of this is available in the market with the common known brands of Pioneer, Blaupunkt, Sony, Clarion, JVC, Kenwood, etc.
 |
| Competition Sub-woofer |
SUB WOOFERS
Having a kick-ass stereo is one thing. Having the arsenal to create sound is another. WIth any car audio-video set-up, an enthusiast can never do without a thumpin' and boomin' sub-woofer. The sub, as it is more popularly called, is the component that emits the low frequency sound audiophiles call bass. These are the large speakers housed in customized boxes usually situated in the trunk of a car, creating that crawling and chest-pounding sound especially felt when tuners crank up their tunes. Sub-woofers comes in all sizes and power capacities. And it comes in known brands as well like Kicker, Sony, JL Audio, Infinity, etc.
Having a kick-ass stereo is one thing. Having the arsenal to create sound is another. WIth any car audio-video set-up, an enthusiast can never do without a thumpin' and boomin' sub-woofer. The sub, as it is more popularly called, is the component that emits the low frequency sound audiophiles call bass. These are the large speakers housed in customized boxes usually situated in the trunk of a car, creating that crawling and chest-pounding sound especially felt when tuners crank up their tunes. Sub-woofers comes in all sizes and power capacities. And it comes in known brands as well like Kicker, Sony, JL Audio, Infinity, etc.
 |
| Competition Amplifier |
AMPLIFIERS
We have the touch screen LCD equipped DVD head unit, sub-woofer the size of a spare tire but there's still something missing. Even with the best stereo and the loudest sub installed in your ride, without the appropriate amplifier, your set-up ain't worth! Amps are the electronic modules that provide the necessary signal to power the sub woofers and separates. The electronic inputs coming from the head unit pass through the amps in order to effectively drive the speakers. In turn this yields optimal performance from the speakers ensuring that you maximize the most out of your set-up.
We have the touch screen LCD equipped DVD head unit, sub-woofer the size of a spare tire but there's still something missing. Even with the best stereo and the loudest sub installed in your ride, without the appropriate amplifier, your set-up ain't worth! Amps are the electronic modules that provide the necessary signal to power the sub woofers and separates. The electronic inputs coming from the head unit pass through the amps in order to effectively drive the speakers. In turn this yields optimal performance from the speakers ensuring that you maximize the most out of your set-up.
OTHER I.C.E. Gadgets
There are other e-Gadgets that is part also of the I.C.E. system and can be an option for a car enthusiast. Newer cars and high end cars have it installed as standard unit. What i am talking about is the Sat Nav System or GPS as commonly called. A satellite navigation or sat nav system or Global Positioning System (GPS
) is a system of satellites that provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global coverage. It allows small electronic receivers to determine their location (longitude, latitude, and altitude) to within a few meters using time signals transmitted along a line-of-sight by radio from satellites.
) is a system of satellites that provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global coverage. It allows small electronic receivers to determine their location (longitude, latitude, and altitude) to within a few meters using time signals transmitted along a line-of-sight by radio from satellites.Sat Nav systems
are available in regular portable sizes and of high-end unit which the latter should be installed by professionals. However, on the regular units claimed by some enthusiast are considered the easiest of all upgrades since most come with a simple suction fitting that attaches to the wind shield, and just plug into a car cigarette lighter. Installation takes seconds, and there are a wide range to choose in the market.
are available in regular portable sizes and of high-end unit which the latter should be installed by professionals. However, on the regular units claimed by some enthusiast are considered the easiest of all upgrades since most come with a simple suction fitting that attaches to the wind shield, and just plug into a car cigarette lighter. Installation takes seconds, and there are a wide range to choose in the market.Other gadgets for your car include satellite radio systems and even in car radar trap sensors. With varying degrees of installation required, these are a nice and easy first project for the person who wants to get to know the workings of their car a little better.
*Satellite radio
is an analogue or digital radio signal that is relayed through one or more satellites and thus can be received in a much wider geographical area than terrestrial FM radio stations.
is an analogue or digital radio signal that is relayed through one or more satellites and thus can be received in a much wider geographical area than terrestrial FM radio stations. 
*A radar detector
is a passive electronic device used by motorists to detect if their speed is being monitored by a radar gun. Most radar detectors are used so the driver can reduce the car's speed before being ticketed for speeding.
is a passive electronic device used by motorists to detect if their speed is being monitored by a radar gun. Most radar detectors are used so the driver can reduce the car's speed before being ticketed for speeding.
