By Chris Nicholls

SYDNEY: Sony has announced a new range of in-car entertainment products, with seven new head units, five new speakers and a subwoofer.

The new models, which start from $279 and run up to $499, can play DVDs, CDs, MP3 and Windows Media and output 52W through all four channels. They use a 24-bit Digital to Analogue Converter and customers who purchase the $129 XA120IP accessory can connect their iPod and control it directly from the head unit. They can also charge their iPod while it is connected.

However, only one of the models, the MEXBT2600, offers Bluetooth streaming from a Bluetooth-enabled phone or audio player. The function also acts as a hands-free car kit for a user’s mobile phone.

The new coaxial speaker range (RRP $89 – $199) use Sony’s HDLD technology and rubber surrounds for what Sony claims is “good bass response and clarity”. The higher-end GTX range, which starts from $129, also includes bi-amplification to fine tune the speaker settings.

Sony’s new XSL-120P5A subwoofer, at $149, features a pentagonal design and polypropylene diaphragm to try and ensure uniform movement for greater quality bass.

Full specifications are available on the Sony Australia homepage.