Delphi Auto Intros New Seat-Top Rear-Seat Entertainment System at NADA
24 January 2000
Delphi Rear-Seat Audio/Video System Fits on Top of Back Seat for Maximum Flexibility and Portability ORLANDO, Fla. -- Delphi Automotive Systems demonstrated its Communiport(R) Seat-top Rear-Seat Audio/Video System at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention here this week. The Delphi Delco Electronics Systems entertainment application fits on the top of a rear bench seat to offer ultimate flexibility and portability for aftermarket applications. The system, which can be used in or out of the vehicle, will be marketed through OEM and dealer distribution channels. "Rear-seat entertainment systems are part of the hot trend to bring mobile multimedia systems into vehicles," said David J. Bastin, director of Marketing for Delphi Delco Electronics Systems. "These systems are especially popular with the growing market segment that is purchasing sport utilities and vans. However, this system is so versatile that it fits almost any car or truck with a rear seat, regardless of size." The Communiport Seat-top Rear-Seat Audio/Video entertainment system allows rear-seat passengers to play DVD movies or plug in game platforms. The Delphi system is designed for easy installation and removal. The entertainment system can be installed in seconds by securing the console unit with a seat belt in the middle seat position of the rear seat and plugging a power cable into the cigarette lighter power source. A seven-inch diagonal color display flips up from the console to show movies or games. "These systems are great for families with children," said Dr. Robert W. Schumacher, director of the Mobile MultiMedia Business Group at Delphi Delco Electronics Systems. "Rear-seat entertainment systems certainly help resolve the problem of being asked every five minutes -- 'are we there yet?'" With this Communiport system, entertainment does not have to stop in the vehicle. The lightweight system can be easily carried into a hotel room or home to continue viewing movies or playing games. The 20-inch-long by 8-inch-wide console also provides storage space to stow headphones, game cartridges, DVDs and other accessories. The audio/video control board is designed to prevent damage and contains recessed headphone jacks, volume controls and game inputs. The DVD player accommodates DVD videos as well as standard music CDs. The entertainment system is compatible with video game stations and uses standard audio and video inputs to the A/V control board. The DVD player also offers slot loading for convenience. An infrared remote control is included with the system for even greater convenience. In addition to the Seat-top Rear-Seat Audio/Video system, Delphi Delco Electronics also plans to market a floor-mount integrated-seat module and integrated-headliner rear-seat entertainment system. Delphi recently announced that it has booked more than $2.5 billion in business for its Communiport line of products that includes vehicle, smart receivers (audio), telematics (GPS navigation and wireless telephones) and rear seat entertainment products.