Zune car audio solution: SoundGate CORE
While in Redmond this week, I got to go hands-on with an impressive Zune car accessory system. Soundgate’s CORE interface is a set of components that drives audio and player controls from your Zune into your car sound system.
Microsoft’s Drew Peterson had it installed in his car. Drew is the Zune team’s marketing manager for third-party accessories, so he gets to play with all the cool toys. Drew’s car also has a DVD player installed, and the SoundGate CORE displayed the Zune UI sharply on the screen. A nice setup.
CORE provides Zune audio directly into a vehicle’s stereo system. The CORE processor attaches to your Zune’s connector port, and connects to your car’s audio (or audio/video system if you have one) through an A/V breakout cable. It also comes with an Auxiliary Input connector if you have an Aux In jack in your car.
If you don’t have Aux In or A/V input jacks, SoundGate offers Aux In converters for a wide variety of vehicles. These connect to the CD changer (or satellite-radio receiver) jack that is provided on most factory radios.
Because the Zune is connected through its sync cable connector, you are sending line input to your stereo. As a result, you get automatic volume levelling, with volume being adjusted through your car stereo. This is a far better audio experience than connecting through your minijack (headphone) connector.
You can wire CORE directly into your vehicle’s electrical system, or use the cigarette-lighter power adapter (included).
Drew also had the SoundGate remote control (it’s in the first pic above). With this you can stow your Zune player out of sight - and control your music and playlists with the controller.
SoundGate also makes a Zune Controller which lets you control Zune functions through your radio. You can leave your Zune player in the glovebox, for example, and control your playlist (song up/down, playlist up/down, pause, volume) through your factory radio controls!
It’s an impressive offering, and beats the heck out of FM transmitters.
You can see more specs and reviews on it, through this (affiliate) Amazon link.
It’s worth checking out, and is on my wish list. You listening, honey?
