Sony has introduced its first car audio/video system that features Super Audio CD (SA-CD). It also has an iPod input. The new system will cost about $800 when it ships next month. Sony also introduced a lower-end car stereo that also features an iPod input, for $280.
The XAV-W1 is a double DIN-sized vehicle entertainment system that can work with 5.1 surround sound. It comes with a 7-inch video screen that lets you watch DVD videos in addition to listening to Super Audio CDs and regular CDs. It decodes Dolby Digital and dts Digital Surround signals. It can also decode JPEG video and Windows Media Audio and MP3 formats.
SA-CD uses a higher sampling frequency and can produce higher-quality audio than convention Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) technology, according to Sony.
The MEX-DV2000 only costs $280, and it comes in a single-DIN version, yet it still supports multi-channel playback. Like the XAV-W1, it features iPod readiness, and also works with SA-CD, VCD, CD, CD-R and DVD+/-.