Harman shows energy-efficient Infotainment System at Geneva Show

Harman International's automotive division has today (March 3, 2009) unveiled a next-generation audio and infotainment system at the Geneva Motor Show. The system blends what Harman claims to be "exceptional energy efficiency with uncompromised performance" . The new system is showing in the Rinspeed iChange "zero emissions" concept car, designed by Rinspeed, Inc. (www.rinspeed.com).

The new system offers a vision of the choices that Harman will be offering drivers in the very near future. The car of tomorrow will be permanently "on-line", providing the best in information, communication and entertainment, with performance that, says Harman, will easily compete with any stationary application at home or in the office.

"Our automotive partners are working hard to deliver ever-increasing fuel efficiency," Dinesh Paliwal, Harman International Chairman and CEO told us, "and this Harman development will extend that promise into the automotive infotainment space."

The new infotainment system is designed to maximise performance and enjoyment while minimising power consumption, achieved in part through an innovative new Intel® processor on board the iChange. The system incorporates Harman Kardon GreenEdge technology, part of a company-wide commitment to satisfy the highest demands for sound reproduction while dramatically reducing energy consumption and weight.

Twelve Harman Kardon HiETM high-efficiency speakers are driven by the company’s eight-channel Class D amplifier, which boosts efficiency in excess of 90 percent, compared to 35 to 50 percent in conventional amplifier models (Class AB). By offering the optimum combination of low electrical demand, reduced weight and highly efficient amplifiers and loudspeakers, GreenEdge systems are claimed to offer the benefit of maximum energy efficiency without compromising acoustic performance. Indeed, Harman say that acoustic transparency and dynamic behavior are significantly improved when compared to that of current conventional systems. In addition, an embedded satellite navigation system calculates the most energy-efficient route, and guides the driver to each destination by means of a photorealistic 3D display.

"We are delighted to continue our close relationship with Rinspeed through the iChange concept car," said Dr. Klaus Blickle, CEO of the Harman Automotive Division. "Our collaboration blends the talents of two leading companies in the automotive sector, and we look forward to demonstrating new value to customers as we link high performance with energy efficiency."

Harman Becker Automotive Systems, the automotive division of Harman International, offers leading-edge infotainment systems for the automotive industry and the aftermarket. Harman International brands include Becker, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson, as well as the pro studio AKG, Soundcraft and Studer brands. It therefore follows that Harman is well placed to be developing next-generation in-car systems, and they have both the internal R&D and external partners to help successfully bring the products in to the wider market.