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BlitzSafe News
AUTOMEDIA
November 1998
Breaking Protocol
A look at BlitzSafe´s new DMX Protocol converter technology
BlitzSafe recently a
nnounced the introduction of the release of the first product using their new DMX (Digital Multiplex) technology in a changer protocol converter. We spoke with Ira Marlowe, president of
BlitzSafe, who explained that while most changer converters are designed so that after-market CD changers can be added to factory decks, DMX technology actually increases the features and benefits of the interface. For
instance, using one of the units just released by BlitzSafe, the factory radio can control up to two CD changers.
Although the first units are designed to add Panasonic changers to Toyotas
, BlitzSafe assures that units to interface changers by Kenwood, Sony, JVC, Nakamichi, Alpine, and Pioneer will soon be available. Likewise, OEM decks with changer controller
options in vehicles from Izuzu, Honda Passport, Ford, GM, and Mercedes will soon be added as well. Right now, this means that when a customer with a new Toyota enters your shop and wants to add a Panasonic changer, your
options are to sell him two 6-disc changers, two 8-disc changers, or a combination of the two. Down at the Toyota
dealership, the customer's options only include adding a single changer.
To activate a single CD changer, the CD button on the factory deck is pushed once. The display on the factory deck then shows which disc is playing (i.e., 1 through 8). The DMX technology adds a new feature to the factory deck. The second time the CD button is pressed, the contents of the second CD changer are displayed. The best part is that the display will read higher numbers (i.e., 9 through 16). You definitely can't get this feature down at the Toyota dealership.
If a disc magazine in one of the changers is empty, the display on the factory deck will read, OPEN. The factory deck does not do this byitself but with the DMX Protocol Converter connected into the system, the display will read OPEN.
Aftermarket GPS systems will also soon be able to integrate into factory systems using the DMX Protocol Converter. This will permit GPS to be added to factory systems that did not previously have GPS capability.As we approach the millennium, more and more GPS displays are being built into the vehicle. The DMX Protocol Converter will be able to integrate these factory systems with aftermarket GPS systems such as those presently marketed by Alpine and Clarion.
We are looking forward to testing one of these new BlitzSafe technology units at our test labs in the near future.
For more information, contact BlitzSafe at 800-597-SAFE, or visit them on the Web at http://www.blitzsafe.com
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