CES 2015: New tech lets passengers personalise their own in-car audio
Harman has revealed tech that allows passengers to enjoy their own music - without headphones
Premium audio maker Harman has revealed a complex in-car sound system that will enable individual passengers to listen to different music or radio stations – without the need for personal headphones.
ISZ (Individual Sound Zones) is intended to create separate listening zones for each passenger, with limited disruption or interference from other vehicle occupants.
By using additional speakers positioned in closer proximity to the occupant’s head, the system can achieve these personal listening zones over a broader audio bandwidth. The setup features two small speakers on each headrest, which work in harmony with the car’s existing audio speakers to enable modification of the sound via a specially designed ‘ISZ filter matrix’.
Harman has also patented special directional EDPL headliner speakers, which form a passive system that can cover a larger range of audio frequencies. The brand claims ISZ is the ultimate car audio upgrade, giving each passenger complete control over their listening preferences.
In addition to radio, CD and auxiliary benefits, the complex Harman system can also isolate things like navigation prompts and vehicle alerts – so they are only heard by the driver. What’s more, each passenger can adjust their volume independently – turning it down completely if they wish.
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The final boon of Harman’s ISZ system is how passengers can even switch an incoming call to individual areas of the cabin. Harman says if you’re not in the mood for a lengthy debate with your mother-in-law, you can seamlessly pass the call to your son sitting in the back.
There are currently no details on when we might see this tech in our cars, though Harman insists the tech is ready and available for manufacturers to adopt right away. Firms offering Harman sound systems currently include BMW, MINI and Mercedes, so there’s a good chance we’ll see ISZ on models like the new 7 Series and upcoming GLE – both due later this year.
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