An automotive head unit, sometimes called the infotainment system,[1] is a vehicle audio component providing a unified hardware interface for the system, including screens, buttons and system controls for numerous integrated information and entertainment functions.

A 90s Volvo double DIN head unit with CD and Compact Cassette
A Renault single DIN head unit which pairs with a separate screen
A double DIN head unit with a large touchscreen, DVD, 1seg and GPS

Other names for automotive head units include car stereo, car receiver, deck, in-dash stereo, and dash stereo.

Function

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A single DIN head unit with a large retractable touchscreen, DVD and GPS

Central to a vehicle's sound and information systems, head units are located prominently in the center of the dashboard or console, and provide an integrated electronic package.

The head unit provides a user interface for the vehicle's information and entertainment media components: AM/FM radio, satellite radio, DVDs/CDs, cassette tapes (although these are now uncommon), USB MP3, dashcams, GPS navigation, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and sometimes vehicle systems status. Moreover, it may provide control of audio functions including volume, band, frequency, speaker balance, speaker fade, bass, treble, equalization, and so on.[2] With the advent of dashcams, GPS navigation, and DVDs, head units with video screens are widely available, integrating voice control and gesture recognition.

Size standards

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An original standard head unit size is ISO 7736, developed by the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN):

Single DIN (180 mm × 50 mm or 7.09 in × 1.97 in) in Europe, South America, and Australasia

  • A compact size that easily fits into a dashboard, but the unit is not tall enough to accommodate a video display.

Double DIN (180 mm × 100 mm or 7.09 in × 3.94 in) in Japan, the UK, and North America.

For both single and double DIN units, ISO 10487 is the connectors standard for connecting the head unit to the car's electrical system. [4]

Steering and aftermarket brands

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Manufacturers offer DIN headunits and standard connectors (called universal headunits), including Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, Eclipse, JVC, Peach Auto (Hong Kong), Boyo, Dual, Visteon, Advent and Blaupunkt.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "7 Ways Your Car is Turning Into a Mobile Device". Motor Trend. 27 May 2019. Retrieved 2020-02-27.
  2. ^ "How important is your car stereo to you". Head unit. dbm automotive. Aug 2019. Retrieved 2012-01-03.
  3. ^ "Single Din vs Double Din- Din Size Chart 2019 by Stereo Authority". Stereo Authority. 2018-11-02. Retrieved 2020-11-28.
  4. ^ "Latest Automotive head unit". CarAudioWise. 2022-11-02. Retrieved 2023-04-05.