One of the most recent source unit introductions from Sony Car Audio is the XAV-AX210SXM DVD receiver. This multimedia receiver features a 6.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. It’s the first Sony product to include iDatalink Maestro compatibility. Let’s look at the features of this high-value source unit and explain how Maestro vehicle integration dramatically expands the compatibility options for this receiver.
IDatalink Maestro Vehicle information Display and Control
By adding the optional iDatalink Maestro RR or RR2 interface, your installer can integrate factory-installed features like a backup camera, parking sensors, USB ports and infotainment systems like Ford Sync with your new Sony radio. The three camera inputs can be used with factory systems like Honda LaneWatch or can be triggered by the turn signals to show cameras added to the side mirrors of the car. Sony and Maestro also include the option to automatically display a forward-facing camera when traveling at speeds under 5 mph.
Another unique feature that’s exclusive to Sony is the ability to feed volume control commands back into a factory amplifier. Say you have a Toyota with the factory JBL amp. You can configure the AX210SXM and the Maestro RR to use the volume control built into the factory amplifier while the source unit provides a clean, clear signal. The result is amazing sound quality without distortion or clipping. This unique feature also gives it the ability to integrate with all MyFord Touch (or MyLincoln Touch on Lincoln vehicles) features.
Check with your local authorized Sony retailer to find out which vehicle features are compatible with Maestro and the new XAV-AX210SXM.
Communicate Safely with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The XAV-AX210SXM includes Android Auto and CarPlay smartphone integration technologies to let you make phone calls, listen to text messages and dictate responses safely and efficiently while driving. These systems also include support for myriad entertainment options like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, Apple Music and Tidal, as well as many options for podcasts and audiobooks.
Getting where you want to go is safe and easy, thanks to Google Maps and Waze integration. Simply ask for directions to the destination you want, and these systems will create a safe and efficient route, then provide turn-by-turn directions. Real-time traffic information is used to ensure that your trip is as efficient as possible. Google Maps and Waze are now available on Apple iPhones as well, so users can enjoy the simple navigation interface regardless of the type of phone they prefer.
For added convenience, Sony has programmed the radio to automatically launch CarPlay or Android Auto as soon as you connect your phone to the USB port.
Source Selection Options for Endless Entertainment
The Sony XAV-AX210SXM includes an AM/FM receiver, will play CDs or DVDs and has a rear USB port for digital media playback or smartphone connectivity. Digital audio file playback includes MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC and WAV formats, and the system will play Xvid, MPEG-4. WMV, FLV and MKV video files at resolutions up to 720×576 pixels (depending on the format). Bluetooth audio streaming is also included. An SXV300V1 SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver comes with the radio, and Sony has worked with SiriusXM to provide a free 90-day trial of the service to get you going right away.
Audio System Control Features
The XAV-AX210SXM features an easy-to-use and intuitive rotary volume control that doubles as a quick-access button to equalization functions. A built-in 20 watts-per-channel amplifier will drive your factory-installed speakers, or you can upgrade your vehicle with an external amp using the 4.0 volt-capable front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs. Built-in high- and low-pass crossovers further enhance the system design and tuning options that are available. The rear chassis of the AX210SXM is not as tall as a full-size 2-DIN receiver to make it easier for your technician to mount the system in your dash.
As mentioned, this radio includes three camera inputs, with the rear input automatically triggered when you put the transmission into reverse. Icons on the screen allow you to select the other two inputs to access blind spot or forward-facing cameras, and your installer can set any of the inputs to display a normal or reversed image to make the system work with almost every camera on the market. Provisions for standard steering wheel audio control interfaces are provided for applications where Maestro won’t be used.
Experience the Latest from Sony Car Audio
If you are in the market for a new multimedia receiver for your car, truck or SUV, visit your local authorized Sony retailer and ask for a demonstration of the amazing new XAV-AX210SXM receiver. They can provide you with all the information required to integrate this amazing radio into your vehicle and program an iDatalink Maestro interface to provide the vehicle-specific functionality you want.
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The left side of the end panel features no less than four 40-Amp ATC fuses. The center of the panel is home to the input connections. Your installer can choose from a pair of line-level RCA jacks or connect the amp to a factory-installed source unit or amplifier using the provided speaker-level input terminals. It’s well worth noting that the LC-1.1500 will accept speaker-level signals up to 40 volts RMS. This high-voltage compatibility eliminates the need for an external line-level converter. Last but certainly not least, an RJ-11 jack serves as the connection for the optional ACR-1 remote level control.
It should come as no surprise that signal processing has always been one of AudioControl’s strengths. Starting with the basics, the 1.1500 includes an adjustable -24dB/octave electronic crossover with a Linkwitz-Riley alignment. The crossover is adjustable from 30 to 230 Hz. Beside the crossover is the amplifier sensitivity control. When using the line-level inputs, the amp will produce full power with an input signal between 500mV and 6 volts. When using the speaker-level inputs, the input voltage range increases from 3V to 40V. Input and output level optimization LEDs are included to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the level-setting process.
A look under the top cover of the AudioControl LC-1.1500 reveals a massive power transformer flanked by two large banks of filtering and stiffening caps. The output from the Class D circuitry features two large toroidal filters and two large caps. An internal shield keeps RF emissions away from the signal processing circuitry for improved sound quality. All the caps and transformers are secured in place with silicone to prevent damage from vibration. The majority of the signal processing and control components on the board are high-tolerance surface-mount devices.
The 1.1500 is rated to produce 850 watts of power into a 4-ohm load and 1,500 watts into a 2-ohm load. The S/N ratio specifcation of -102 dBA referenced to full power and the bandwidth is 24Hz to 230Hz with the crossover at its maximum frequency. A 24dB/octave infrasonic filter that AudioControl calls the PFM Subsonic filter protects your vented subwoofer systems from damage.
Sony has been steadily increasing its share of the head unit market with the introduction of feature-packed solutions that continue to give consumers the connectivity and source options they want. The latest addition to Sony’s source unit offerings is the XAV-AX5000, a 6.95-inch multimedia receiver with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. The 
Sony calls the display on the AX5000 bezel-less. The trim panel around the display is only a few millimeters thick and gives the unit a very clean and tidy look once installed. The display has a resolution of 800 by 480 pixels and uses a capacitive touch panel. Unlike resistive touch panels that have a plastic texture, a capacitive display is the same as what we are used to on our smartphones — crystal-clear images with a very responsive touchscreen interface.
As mentioned, the XAV-AX5000 includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration software. If you haven’t experienced these interfaces, they make it very easy to make phone calls, listen to and send replies to text messages, choose the music you want or get navigation directions to almost any address in North America. The interface uses Siri or Google Assistant voice recognition software to perform the majority of functions, so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
The XAV-AX5000 includes two USB ports on the rear of the chassis. USB 1 is compatible with iPhone and Android smartphone devices for CarPlay and Android Auto. USB 2 takes care of connecting a USB memory stick to to play MP3, WMA and FLAC digital media files. USB 1 supports WAV, ACC, MPEG-4, WMV, MKV and Xvid files as well. Audio files can have a maximum sampling frequency of 96kHz and video files can have a maximum resolution of 1280×720 pixels.
The XAV-AX5000 includes a dedicated backup camera input with trigger wire to allow you to see objects or people behind your vehicle when parking or maneuvering. The system also includes an external Bluetooth microphone for excellent voice recognition and Bluetooth call quality. Finally, the system is compatible with the majority of factory-installed steering wheel mounted audio controls using a third-party interface, or by using the Custom Steering Wheel Control set-up on the radio itself.
Sony introduced their new 
The woofers from the set are based on a stamped steel basket. Mounting holes and tabs are provided for 6.5 and 6.75-inch bolt circles. The cones of the woofers are made from Sony’s proprietary MRC (Mica Reinforced Cellular) polypropylene. In this application they are reinforced with aramid fibers. The result is a low-mass design with rigidity more than ten times higher than competitor polypropylene cones, but just a fraction of the mass. Rubber surrounds and poly dust caps round out the moving component features. Sony includes trim rings and a set of grilles with the woofers.
The midrange drivers in the XS-GS1631C set also feature stamped steel baskets. Two mounting tabs are provided and serve as a direct fit for Toyota, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram as well as many GM and Ford vehicles without the need for modification. In some cases, the midrange drivers use the factory mounting bolts. Each midrange speaker uses a compact neodymium magnet that helps keep the overall mounting depth to a diminutive 1-7/16 inches.
The tweeters in the set include provisions for flush, surface and angled installations. Unlike the midrange, the tweeter design includes a grille that is optimized for installations where the unit will be visible. The tweeter has a 1-inch synthetic fiber design for smooth and detailed sound.
For a truly amazing listening experience, combine the XS-GS1631C with Sony’s new six-channel 
Did you know that about 25% of accidents take place while a vehicle is in reverse? To reduce the chances of injury or accidents, Firstech — maker of Momento in-car camera solutions — has recently introduced a complete backup safety solution. The heart of this solution is the 
The R1 is a 10.5 by 3.2-inch mirror designed to equal the quality, performance and reliability of a factory-installed mirror. During normal use, the mirror works just like the mirror that came with your car or truck. When the mirror detects a video signal from a camera, a 4.3-inch 480 x 272 pixel screen on the left side of the mirror displays the image. The screen is visible through the reflective coating, allowing you to see the camera image clearly, even in bright sunlight. The R1 includes a built-in light sensor that adjusts the display brightness to compensate for day and night operation.
Finally, the 