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Awesome! If there could be only one word to describe Panasonic's new multimedia components, that word would be "awesome." Although the deck, surround processor, and DVD player could each stand alone, the combination adds up to a visual and audio experience that rivals home theaters. This two-day installation was done in an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible. Our system design goal was to achieve good tuner and CD performance, as well as DTS (Digital Theater System) and Dolby Digital (formerly AC-3) surround effects.
After removing the stock deck, the front console's cubbyhole was selected for the placement of the single DIN-sized CQ-DFX99EUC AM/FM/CD player with changer control. Normal wiring procedures allowed for the yellow lead to be connected to the constant +12 volts, the red to the accessory + 12 volts, and the black wire to the car's chassis ground. Since this system was to play more than the radio and audio CDs, the deck's outputs were fed into the analog inputs of the surround processor. The CQ-DFX99EUC also provides both subwoofer outputs and enough power to drive a center channel speaker.
The CY-AC300EX is the "brain" of Panasonic's multimedia system. This unit automatically decides on the format, makes the necessary time and amplitude corrections, and then feeds six separate outputs with the correct information. In a normal stereo system, there are only two channels of program material - left and right. The outputs of this surround processor include left front, right front, left rear, right rear, subwoofer, and front center channel.
One feature that I really liked about the CY-AC300 is that the "operating unit" is external from the main unit. This means that with the six outputs and multiple inputs, plus the power connections, the wired CY-AC300 processor looks like a busy bus terminal. However, thanks to some clever engineering, the single DIN-sized "operating unit" can be located anywhere in the vehicle. We chose to mount the "operating unit" over the ashtray location direction on top of the cubbyhole-mounted deck.
Wiring for the processor was standard with red +12-volt accessory and the yellow +12 volt-constant connections. We used the black w/green stripe and black paired wires to power a center channel speaker - Panasonic's EAB-CF2. The blue w/white striped wire was used to activate the power amplifiers. A small DIN-type connection cable was used to connect the CY-AC300's remote operating unit with the main unit.
This thin-line color monitor is impressive in both the size and quality of the image. Although there is a remote control, the monitor functions can also be accessed via recessed pushbuttons on the top. The monitor connects to the CY-VM1500 Controller Unit via a special extension cable that is provided.
Wiring for the CY-VM1500 was not exactly standard - but there were important safety reasons for the divergence. White and green wires were provided for an optional rear view camera. A gray wire was connected to the parking brake lever so that the DVD monitor cannot be active unless the parking brake is engaged. Then there was the red fused lead that connects, "To spots where the power source is cut when the engine key is removed."
The audio oututs from the DVD player were routed through the CY-VM1500 Controller Unit and into the CY-AC300 surround processor.
We installed the CX-DV1500EUC DVD player just under the passenger-side glove box. The finish on this single DVD player is one of the best I've ever seen. Wiring exceptions included the blue w/yellow stripe lead connecting to the parking brake and the remote control receiver we installed in the console just to the right of the processor's Operating Unit. The only way to get this player to function is for the key to be in the accessory position AND the parking brake must be activated.
Panasonic's CA-LDR60 optical fiber cable was used to connect the digital output of the DVD player into the digital input of the surround processor. This cable is sold as an accessory.
The front left, front right, rear left, and rear right pre-amp level outputs of the surround processor were fed into the inputs of the Panasonic CY-M9054 power amplifier configured in the 4-channel mode. The subwoofer outputs from the processor were routed to the CY-M7052 amplifier for the system's low frequencies. Wiring was normal, and the amplifier's main power connections were fed to the car's positive battery post. A 100-amp circuit breaker was installed near the battery post and the amps were grounded to a cleaned chassis location in the trunk.
The amps were mounted just under the top tray in the forward position of the trunk. It's important to keep this area clear for good ventilation. The front OEM speakers were replaced with the EAK-RC160 6.5-inch coaxial 2-way speakers. These 4-ohm speakers fit perfectly and sounded great. We replaced the rear speakers with Panasonic's EAK-H988 6 x 9 coaxial 3-way speakers. These 4-ohm speakers are specified for 200 peak watts and 50 watts of continuous power. The rear surround stage of the system was greatly improved thanks to these great 6 x 9s.
The 12-inch woofer was installed in a small band-pass enclosure that was specifically constructed to fit easily into the trunk space provided by the Cutlass Supreme. The CY-M7052 amp adequately powered this woofer and the bass appeared to originate from various points in the surround stage. Success! The front center channel EAB-CF2 speaker was driven by the speaker level output of the CY-AC300 surround processor. It is interesting to note that he CY-VM1500 display unit (monitor) also includes a small speaker suitable for reproducing a front center channel.
With all the wires routed and secured, it was time to hit the power switch and check it out. In an advanced system, the DVD player's remote control becomes the command center. Any time a surround processor is used, there are set-up menus and procedures to be followed. I found Panasonic's instruction and installation manual to be "first class" with respect to large print, good illustrations, and concise information.
Beginning with speaker selection, the physical constraints of each speaker are fed into the processor. Differing options are provided for large, small, or missing speakers. Next, the output level of each speaker is set. Last, the delay time for the Dolby Digital and Dolby Surround formats are set. We used several DVD movies during this adjustment period to make sure that we optimized the adjustments for the Dolby Digital format.
Dynamic Range Compression (DR COMP) is adjusted so that the peak playback level can be reduced. There are also menus for Dolby Surround, DTS, Linear PCM, and Digital Surround Effect (DSE) playback formats. This DVD player is powerful.
As soon as the system is powered up, the illumination from the surround processor and the deck becomes overwhelming. Panasonic has absolutely come up with the most fantastic displays for their products. The monitor activates with a WARNING styled after the FBI warning just prior to videotape previews. This warning is to be taken seriously. In our installation, the monitor is placed in the viewing position only when the car is parked. When not being used, the monitor can easily be disconnected and removed.
The remote control easily selects the PLAY, STOP, SEARCH, SKIP, PAUSE, and SLOW-MOTION functions. To place a DVD disc into the player, the front panel is first slid down and then the disc is gently fed into the mechanism. Specific titles, chapters, and tracks can be selected and played. This feature is great for quickly playing an explosive action scene during a demo.
The monitor and DVD options include aspect ratios for wide screen, full screen, and TV mode. There are also language options, including English, Spanish, French, etc. Plus the same languages are available for captioned subtitles. Wow! But wait, there's much more. Let's say that the DVD is recorded so as to present different views of the same scene. By pressing "ANGLE" on the remote, the viewing angle for that scene can be changed.
When properly set-up, the surround effect of a top DVD movie is incredible. The sounds and video from a James Bond or Die Hard movie are fantastic. The only problem we experienced with this system was getting the audience to exit the vehicle. Everyone wants to see more and more and more of this system.
Even regular audio CDs can be spiced up by playing them with the Linear PCM feature. This cool scheme permits 2-channel audio to be heard in surround. Standard FM radio broadcasts can be recreated in 6-channel surround. When the DSE (Digital Surround Effect) option is selected, DSE-1, DSC-2, or DSE-3 can create the effect of a live-music club, concert hall, or stadium.
Panasonic's multimedia system is so versatile that integrating an MP3 player, broadcast TV Tuner, navigation, or SEGA, Nintendo, or Sony PlayStation game console would be very easy. Thanks to the AUX In and Out features, there would be no problems in selecting the source.
Our competition cars of today are judged with respect to a home audio system playing stereo program material. Panasonic's mobile multimedia system recreates a home theater experience in the car. Comparing the two systems is like comparing radio with television. The mobile listening environment is certainly compatible with six channels of program material. Panasonic has done an exceptional job in designing their multimedia components. The performance and appearance of the system is outstanding.
We wish to thank John Chumley, the owner of Auto Perfection in Lodi CA, for the great installation in this car. |
