Dual XNAV43HD

Dual Electronics released the Dual XNAV42HD which is its flagship model to its portable navigation device (PND) lineup. Featuring built-in HD Radio technology and live traffic updates via a 4.3 inch color touchscreen, the Dual XNAV43HD provides users with navigation features via feedback through HD Radio TMC broadcasts, along with a complement of additional convenience features. The XNAV43HD alerts the driver to real-time traffic conditions through HD Radio TMC (Traffic Message Channel) broadcast by Clear Channel’s HD Radio stations. The traffic data for this service is created by a combination of Clear Channel’s Total Traffic Network (CCTTN) and INRIX floating car data. CCTTN is a source of current traffic information for 125 metropolitan areas in four countries, supplying real-time traffic data to more than 750,000 paid subscribers. Customers include BMW, MINI USA, Volvo (all of whom offer subscription-free services) as well as device makers ASUS, Garmin, TomTom, Navigon, Nav N Go, Mio Technology, Delphi, Kenwood, Clarion, Harmon Kardon, Panasonic, Siemens, and Cobra Electronics, among others. All the data that is provided is continuously monitored and updated by Clear Channel’s staff of local traffic data producers. The Dual XNAV43HD also features an intuitive operation and a simple interface via a large, bright 4.3 inch TFT LCD color touch screen, highlighted by a built-in light sensor that automatically dims the display in daylight conditions. The unit’s 533 MHz processor is powered by NAND flash memory, assisted by both 128 MB of random access memory and an external slot for SD/SDHC/MMC cards. It also features text-to-function speech for announcing navigation guidance, along with complete maps of North America and millions of points of interest. The XNAV43HD can also play music, videos and photos from SD/SDHC and MMC cards. The Dual XNAV43HD comes with a 12-volt power cord that charges its internal lithium ion battery, lasting up to four hours without a power source, as well as a USB cable, a cradle and suction cup for dash or windshield mounting. The Dual XNAV43HD has a suggested retail price of $279.99.

Reviews

“The XNAV43HD is unlike any other GPS in the U.S. market currently in that it offers built-in HD Radio technology, bringing live traffic updates right to your screen. Sure, you may be thinking, real-time traffic data on PNDs is nothing new, but the advantage of HD Radio over regular TMC receivers is that it offers more bandwidth, allowing you to receive more information about traffic and beyond, such as gas prices and weather information.” – (CNET, 2009)

“The Dual is the first GPS in the US to offer Traffic by HD radio signal. “So what?” you ask? Yea, the higher bandwidth of HD can deliver a lot more information through to the unit, so you should get faster updates, and hopefully more detailed information. The old TMC channel can only handle so much, so updates are as frequent and the detail and resolution on the roads just isn’t there.” – (GPS Lodge, 2009)

“Provides real time traffic updates. The Dual XNAV43HD radio will retrieve up to 500 messages per minute in almost 60 markets in which the new service is live. Information is kept updated in real time. Also reviews of this new technology indicate it will be a high quality, HD digital radio receiver as well.” – (HDRadio Review)