Johnson Controls Creates AutoVision Entertainment System
5 January 1999
Johnson Controls Creates AutoVision Entertainment System, Sets New Benchmark in Vehicle-integrated Video Technology JOHNSON CONTROLS AUTOVISION DETROIT -- Johnson Controls AutoVision(R) -- a vehicle-integrated entertainment system that enables rear-seat passengers to play video games and watch their favorite movies on videocassettes. (PR NewsFoto) [PH] DETROIT, MI USA 01/04/1999Scheduled for introduction on model-year 2000 vehicles,
innovative system is affordable, flexible and full-featured
DETROIT, Jan. 4 -- How do you keep children happy when
they're riding in a car, minivan, sport-utility vehicle or full-size van?
Automotive interior supplier Johnson Controls has developed a
great answer to this question with AutoVision(R) -- a vehicle-integrated
entertainment system that enables rear-seat passengers to play video games and
watch their favorite movies on videocassettes.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990104/DEM020 )
Officials from Johnson Controls unveiled the AutoVision system at the 1999
North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. (It will be among
the new products and technologies highlighted at the company's media and
customer exhibit January 4-6 at Detroit's Cobo Center, in room D2-15.)
AutoVision features a portable videocassette player; a 7-inch fold-down
monitor that uses liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology; wireless
headphones; and connectors for video game attachments. Movie soundtracks and
game sound effects can be played through the vehicle's audio system or
separate headphones.
Johnson Controls, a leading global manufacturer of automotive interior
systems, supplies everything from seating systems, to headliners, to
electronics, to total interiors.
The AutoVision system was designed by Johnson Controls primarily as a
fully integrated vehicle system, rather than as a retrofitted or aftermarket
product. It's coming soon to the original equipment market as an option on
several model-year 2000 sport-utility vehicles and minivans.
"AutoVision is a very appealing, 'family-friendly' option -- and also is
the industry's first video entertainment system that will be installed right
on automakers' assembly lines," said Michael Suman, Johnson Controls' group
vice president of worldwide advanced sales, marketing and business
development. "It's truly an elegant, affordable, value-added system that's
custom-designed for full compatibility with a vehicle's interior."
The system's LCD monitor pulls down from the vehicle's headliner -- and
picture brightness and contrast can be adjusted for day or night viewing.
Sound can be played over the vehicle's speakers, or through independent
headphones. Because AutoVision operates through the vehicle's audio system, it
is possible for front-seat passengers to listen to radio programs,
audiocassettes or CDs, while those in the rear cabin play video games or watch
and listen to videocassettes.
The on-board videocassette player can be integrated into various
locations, for example, in a floor console, under a seat, or in the center
stack. Weighing in at only seven pounds, the portable unit can be easily
removed from its base and connected to any standard television set.
The AutoVision system is compatible with emerging Digital Video Disc (DVD)
technology.
Suman says both automakers and aftermarket suppliers have shown
significant interest in the Johnson Controls vehicle-integrated video
entertainment system. "The timing is right for AutoVision -- an outstanding
product that's suitable for a full range of vehicle and market applications,"
he said.
The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls --
which employs more than 57,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide -- achieved
US$9.3 billion in sales for the 1998 fiscal year. In model-year 1999, it will
supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles.
Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global leader in automotive systems and
facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major
supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential
facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services,
energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls,
founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its sales for 1998
totaled US$12.6 billion.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of the AutoVision vehicle entertainment system
are available from David Roznowski at 734-254-5632, and also at
http://www.newscom.com.
CONTACT: David Roznowski of Johnson Controls, 734-254-5632.
Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 473547.
Web site: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com
