As the nation’s caravans and motorcaravans are preened for the holiday season, mobile audio and multimedia experts Clarion have put entertainment on the touring agenda, with the launch of two new products nicely timed to boost owners’ enjoyment on the move.

As digital audio broadcasting (DAB) continues to grow in popularity - thanks to its ocean of stations compared with the meagre selection on conventional radio - the latest version of Clarion’s highly-affordable DAB wizard – the CZ505E - is a perfect addition to the motorcaravan dashboard and equally suited to installation in any caravan. What’s more, it’s a direct replacement for any single DIN audio unit currently installed.

Giving you the best of both worlds, CZ505E receives both DAB and FM broadcasts - switching automatically from one to the other dependent on signal strength - and features an integral CD/MP3 player. Front-mounted USB and mini-jack ports enable instant plug and play of iPhone, iPod and mobile music libraries, and it’s also equipped with built-in Bluetooth for hands-free communication, phonebook access and audio streaming from Bluetooth-enabled mobiles.

Excellent sound quality is matched with a beefy 4x45w output, and for those with a greater  passion for audio, it comes with appropriate connections for further system expansion such as an additional power amplifier to boost the performance still further.

Finished in elegant gloss black with a clear illuminated display and great functionality, CZ505E comes complete with a discreet DAB glass mount antenna and has a typical selling price of just £169 inc. VAT.       

To deliver the best sound quality, there’s a wide range of matched Clarion loudspeakers to suit installation in any motorcaravan or caravan interior, and for those looking for expert help in fitting, Clarion’s network of appointed specialist dealers is on hand to help

For those looking for a full-on bells and whistles answer to entertainment and guidance on the move, Clarion’s latest masterpiece of sound and vision, the double DIN sized* audio/video/navigation (AVN) showpiece, NX 706E - is simply the finest there is. 

Clarion gained a head start on a product that would incorporate radio, CD/DVD and navigation in one dashboard unit when they launched the world’s first double DIN AVN unit  12 years ago.  They have researched and developed continuously, regularly unveiling new derivatives and, not surprisingly, their long experience shines through in the latest incarnation.

In functional terms, NX706E incorporates a radio tuner, integral CD and DVD player and a powerhouse of a GPS navigation unit, loaded with maps that cover their entirety of Europe, handily pre-loaded with a host of POIs (places of interest) - great for those touring adventures! 

The unit features Bluetooth, so will stream music libraries hands-free from Bluetooth-enabled mobiles and also import and display the phone book direct to the 7” full colour touch screen.  You can make and receive calls wirelessly and with a compatible iPhone attached, you can seamlessly engage in Siri voice command to control the functions, music choice, and further options including checking emails and messages.  

It has dual USB terminals for wired connections to phone and mobile devices containing music libraries, whose songs and playlists will appear on screen, selected instantly by touch. Other connectivity options included a Clarion digital TV tuner and - a major asset for larger motorcaravans – you can choose from an array of Clarion rear view cameras to enable far easier parking and manoeuvring, with the rearward views displayed on the screen.  

Notwithstanding the enormous capability of this AVN showcase, Clarion has placed a great deal of emphasis on simplicity when it comes to selecting functions and using the controls, via the 7” full colour touch screen, which eliminates the need for a multitude of traditional push buttons and knobs.

NX706E is particularly in its element in motorcaravans and motorhomes as it can be connected to additional Clarion colour screens – including flip down roof models - and handily, features ‘two zone’ technology which provides the ability to watch different source material on different screens. Power output is more than sufficient to fill the space with great quality sound – with a 15 band graphic equaliser to tune it to your preference - but for those who want to go further, NX706E can be significantly boosted in the powerstakes with an additional Clarion amplifier to drive a wider arsenal of loudspeakers. 

The Clarion NZ706E is priced at £799 inc VAT.

For full details, and the extensive Clarion range, please visit www.clarion.co.uk.  All Clarion products are sold by the UK appointed specialist dealer network and also on-line at the official Clarion store,  www.clarion-shop.co.uk