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head unit - technical definition
The control center and user interface for an automobile's entertainment center, which typically resides in the center of the dashboard. It provides the main controls for the radios (any combination of AM, FM, XM, Sirius, HD Radio) as well as a CD/DVD player, GPS navigation, Bluetooth cellphone integration, hard disk storage for music and iPod connector. There may be auxiliary controls on the steering wheel.
Self Contained
The head units have their own amplifiers for powering the speakers, but may have optional outputs for more powerful, stand-alone amplifiers. After market products typically have the most flexibility, although head units in luxury cars have very elaborate audio systems.
After Market Head Unit
This Eclipse model replaced the original equipment AM/FM/CD head unit in this 2006 Toyota truck, but the speakers were not changed. The Eclipse added GPS navigation, DVD and MP3 playback and external A/V playback. Plugged into the VTR jacks (not shown in picture), a portable DVD player or camcorder can play video on the system, or an MP3 player can play its music.
Out of the Vehicle
The Eclipse after market navigation system on the left replaced the Honda factory head unit on the right.
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