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How to install a new car stereo head unit?


A head unit is an integral part of the car audio system. It is a component of a car stereo that is fitted into a vehicle or a home cinema system and is vital for the functioning of the entire system. It provides a unified hardware interface for the different components of the system without which the user cannot operate the same. Earlier it was referred to as a receiver.

The head unit is the main part of any car stereo system. It is usually located in the center of the dashboard. Though in some systems, it may not be centrally placed. It might be permanently embedded or available as detachable face plates. Head units are integrated electronic packages that are in the front end of the car stereo systems. Considering the seductive value of car stereos for thieves, many head units come with build in alarm systems. The head unit allows the user to have complete control over the vehicle’s entertainment media like AM / FM radio, satellite radio, CDs, cassette tapes, MP3, GPS navigation, and Bluetooth technology. By using the head unit system or its complementary remote, the user can control functions like volume, band, frequency, speaker balance, speaker fade, bass, treble, EQ. New age systems like ones made by General Motors are incorporating computer systems into the head units. These smart head systems can control functions such as door chimes, and provide the user data like trouble warnings and odometer information. While functionality remains the primary criteria for selecting head units, a well designed aesthetically rich head unit is the one to go for.

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  1. Quote:
    Originally Posted by CSM User View Post
    A head unit is an integral part of the car audio system. It is a component of a car stereo that is fitted into a vehicle or a home cinema system and is vital for the functioning of the entire system. It provides a unified hardware interface for the different components of the system without which the user cannot operate the same. Earlier it was referred to as a receiver.

    The head unit is the main part of any car stereo system. It is usually located in the center of the dashboard. Though in som...

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    thanks for useful information      by akhanna01
  2. brilliant, i was just asking in another thread if there were some tips for a complete novice to follow, this seems to be right up my street - i dont yet know what im going to do , but i was thinking about a new cd player and some new speakers, im reading through this article just now for information, thanks for pointing it out to me      by phpdeveloper
  3. it really depends on the unit you have to install, and the connector that comes with it, but generally you will find that there are a bunch of wires at the back, which plug into a box, which then in turn plugs into your head unit. generally there are power lines (from the battery) and lines that carry the signal from the unit to your amplifier and speakers, sometimes there may be an auxiliary line that you can plug in different things, like ipod connectors. there may also be lines to connnect a remote control device (like the kind on your stearing wheel)      by fronk69
  4. I just replied to your other thread about this - the best thing to do is to read lots of things about it- buy a magazine that deals with car stereo, also go into your local parts dealer and ask them about it, tell them that you dont know what to do, but want to learn and want to install a stereo in your car - they might recommend a book or something, or even a website      by fronk69
  5. the stereo that i have doesnt have one of the steering wheel things, thats one reason i want to get a new one, pluging in my ipod sounds cool, but im not sure i have the skills to do it yet, but once i learn then ill give it a go for sure      by phpdeveloper
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