Archive for April 2008

• 29 April 2008
  IPOD and MP3 Interfaces save Onboard Storage
  

  Marine AV offers a number of solutions to connect an iPod or MP3 player to a boat’s audio-visual entertainment system
   
  Boat owners no longer need to find space to stow bundles of CDs and DVDs aboard their craft. Marine AV, Europe’s no 1 supplier of high quality sound and audio-visual systems for the marine market, now stocks a number of interface adapters to connect an iPod or an MP3 player to the boat’s music or video system.

  David Milner, Managing Director of Marine AV said, “All MP3 players, including iPods, have a headphone jack socket (3.5mm size) which can be used to connect with a stereo, CD or DVD unit via their RCA ‘aux’ input.  We have a range of adapters - some suitable for fitting inside the cabin, others that are suitable for open sports boats. It’s all about choosing the right adapter for the job.”

  For open boat installations, a choice of two waterproof adapters can be combined with waterproof H2O audio cases to ensure that the iPod player can be used without fear of a soaking from a breaking wave.

  No RCA auxiliary input? No problem – Marine AV has the solution. If your onboard system has a radio but no ‘aux’ input, Marine AV offers an FM transmitter interface adapter that broadcasts a signal from the MP3 player to the stereo radio on an FM frequency and over a range of up to 10 metres.

  For Sony, Clarion and Alpine, Marine AV can provide specific interface adapters that allow direct connection to the head unit. IPod track names, playlists etc will be viewable on the head unit, and tracks can be chosen via the head unit or, in some cases via an optional remote control. The adapter even allows the iPod to be charged at the same time.

  A range of iPod cradles is also available and provides a secure mounting for several models of iPod, allowing the unit to charge and provide generic controls such as volume and track choice.

  For the ultimate solution for sound, photo and video connectivity, however, look no further than the Marantz IS201 iPod Docking Station. It provides full integration of any iPod model with any hi-fi system and can be fitted to a bulkhead, or at a chart table, or alongside a berth. A single wire connects the docking station to the connection case to alleviate cable clutter.

  The Marantz IS201 creates its own on-screen display via the s-video output, which can be fed to the video switching in an AV control head or direct to a TV. Audio is transferred via standard stereo phono leads to provide top-quality sound. A dedicated remote control provides full function control over the iPod.

  Whatever the installation, Marine AV has an interface adapter that will provide the right link between an iPod or MP3 player and the boat’s onboard entertainment system.

  For further information, please contact:
  Unit 8, Mercian Park, Felspar Road, Tamworth B77 4DP, UK
  Telephone: +44 (0)870 609 1446.  Fax:  +44 (0)1827 69106
  Email:
  www.marine-audio.com

• 29 April 2008
  Helm Mounting For Electronic Equipment
  

  Physically mounting your latest electronic wizardry at the helm can be challenging, and that’s why Marine Electronic Services Ltd has launched a new range of waterproof electronic equipment housings appropriately named MarinePod.  The range is designed to fit both Whitlock and Edson’s steering gear, so suits 9.5” and 12” wide rail systems.

  MarinePod’s unique design allows any pod to fit either system with a template supplied to allow easy drilling for the correct fixing points.  MarinePod is manufactured in the UK utilising a patented UV resistant ABS plastic and specialist seal system.  For a small additional cost, they can be factory pre-cut to suit your equipment from either a template or CAD file – they even have details on file for most popular items such as Garmin’s 4000/5000 Series and Raymarine’s ST60, E and C Series.  The pods fit to the binnacle rail with a series of heavy duty plastic clamps included with the system as standard.  These plastic clamps can also be exchanged for the Edson range of stainless steel brackets if required and the pods are compatible with Edson arms and steering system accessories.

  Thanks to a clever design, the series of five pods can accommodate virtually every item of marine electronic equipment, including multi-function displays from Raymarine, Northstar, Lowrance, Simrad, Furuno and Garmin.  Prices start from £169.95 including VAT for the MP3 (as per photograph), which houses three of the popular 110mm format square instruments.

  For further information, please contact:
  Marine Electronic Services Ltd, Marine House, Unit 10, City Business Park, Easton Road, Bristol BS5 0SP, United Kingdom
  Telephone: 0870 122 1099.  Fax: 0870 122 1098.
  Email:
  www.mesltd.co.uk

• 13 April 2008
  Navico announces change in brand strategy
  

  Marine electronics company combines Navman and Northstar brands under Northstar name

  Navico announced today the brand transition of its well-known Navman marine product line primarily into the Northstar Explorer Series in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). This transition will enhance the line and provide boaters an expanded range of Northstar electronics solutions to meet their boating needs. With both brands known for ease of use and ingenuity, the new Explorer Series integrates the best of both into a product range that truly combines the Navman high value offering with the prestige of Northstar.

  “The reception to combining the Navman and Northstar lines in the Americas last year was enthusiastically positive,” said Jens-Thomas Pietralla, president and CEO, Navico. “Boaters prefer the common design elements and full line solution the Northstar brand offers. Distributors and resellers like the greater feature set found in the combined line.”

  “Led by the 8000i, the first touch screen multifunction system offered in Europe, the popularity of Northstar systems is rapidly growing among European consumers, boat builders and dealers alike. We expect increased customer satisfaction from another successful transition for EMEA,” concluded Pietralla.

  The Navman products will be fully integrated in the Northstar Explorer Series by August of this year. Navman products will be distributed by Navico’s independent distributors while supplies last. All existing Navman customers will continue to receive full warranty including extended and enhanced service levels through Navico’s extensive dealer and distribution network.

  For more information about Navico and its marine electronics brands visit:
  www.navico.com

  Navico UK
  Tel: +44 (0) 1794 510010
  Email:

• 13 April 2008
  Garmin Extends Product Warranties to Two Years
  

  Garmin has recently announced the extension of its warranty policy to two years in the UK.

  There are now two new two-year policies to cover both installations and stand-alone Garmin product purchases.

  The new “Back to Base” service is for all of its stand alone units, excluding hand-helds.  To activate the warranty, customers are required to register at the “My Garmin” portal on the Garmin website. Then, if any problem is encountered, the product can be simply packaged-up and returned to Garmin for investigation, replacement or repair.  Garmin has a swift  turnaround service and aims to resolve any issues within one week.

  Hand-held GPS units are not included and retain the current one year warranty, but are subject to the ‘Back to Base’ treatment in every other way should a problem occur.

  The new “Onboard” service is for all of Garmin’s 3000, 4000 and revolutionary touch screen 5000 series network units and their associated radars, sounder-modules and other ancillaries.  The Onboard warranty registration is completed by the installation agent and in the event of any faults within the warranty period, the customer contacts Garmin directly.  Garmin will then arrange for a visit from the nearest agent who will swap-out the product or resolve the problem in-situ.

  Garmin has agreements with service centres across the UK who are expert in the supply and fitting of marine electronic products. There are already over 30 of these service centres around the country, all of which have fully trained staff to install and repair marine electronics, with more being added each week.

  Garmin is also currently in the process of setting up a worldwide service network and database to record details of all installed products. Regardless of where a boat originates from or visits, this information will be accessible to all service centres worldwide. This would enable a boat to be commissioned in Southampton and sailed to Sydney without any red tape for repairs if something goes wrong along the way.

  Building on its already successful marine after-sales service, Garmin currently has a less than ¼% returns rate on their network product and this new warranty service supports Garmin’s ever-expanding, market-leading marine product range.

  The Garmin product support number for any customer or warranty enquiries is 0808 2380000

  Visit www.garmin.co.uk  for more information and for a full list of service centres.

• 13 April 2008
  Raymarine to provide product support for 2008 Round-Britain Powerboat Race entries
  

  The Round Britain Powerboat Race is a huge endurance battle of 1,600 nautical miles round the treacherous coast line of Britain that will test most boats and crews to their limits. However, competitors will have a helping hand, both before and during the event, as Raymarine has joined forces with the organisers to offer free product support for the entire race.

  Dedicated product support teams will be available on site from two days prior to the start of the competition at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, to offer professional technical advice and support to anyone who has questions and concerns about their kit, or requires additional training. In addition, Raymarine product support teams will be on hand at every stop-over to ensure on-site assistance is available for those who require it.

  More than 40 boats are likely to start the race, including two Raymarine ambassadors; leading offshore powerboat racer Shelley Jory, and Greg Marsden, who’s extreme ‘Vampire’ RIB is expected to give the on-board Raymarine equipment a punishing workout during the challenge.

  The event, scheduled to last more than ten days, will start and finish off the shores of Portsmouth, at Southsea Castle.  Set to follow the same format as the 1969 and 1984 events, the race is believed to be the greatest offshore powerboat race to be held in the world for many years.

  The event, which starts on Saturday 21st June, is not for the faint-hearted. It’s only the third time in the 100 year history of offshore powerboat racing in the UK that this race has been held, and it will echo the previous races when bravery, endurance and sheer grit saw pilots power their way around the UK coastline.

• 13 April 2008
  Marine AV Moves to New Premises
  

  Leading supplier of onboard entertainment systems, Marine AV, has moved to considerably larger distribution premises in Tamworth, Staffordshire.  As a result of six years’ hard yet rewarding work, this is an exciting time for the Company as it prepares to settle into its new purpose-built offices.  

  This now gives the Company the opportunity to stock the complete product range for the UK and European marine market, which is changing on a weekly basis.  Managing Director, David Milner commented, “Keeping up with the latest technology in AV equipment is challenging, yet exciting at the same time.  We now have 5,000 sq ft of warehousing available, which puts us in an enviable position.”

  He added, “Marine AV is showing some amazing growth.  We were delighted with 2007’s results; in which we came in over-achieving our target by 20% in what has been viewed by many as an extremely volatile year.”

  Marine AV is not just a ‘box shifter’, but offers the entire package, with a dedicated sales and technical team ready to advise both trade and consumer customers, plus a team concentrating on the design and build of systems, and a full installation team too.  From the manufacturer to the end user, it’s a ‘one stop shop’ offering worldwide warranty and full after sales support, together with on-site training for both engineers and sales sttaff.

  About Marine AV:
  Marine AV was formed six years ago, and currently supplies many of the major OEMs, such as Princess Yachts, Fairline, Broom Boats, Sealine, Pascoe Int, RIB-X, Williams and MRL, as well as many more trade and marine electronics specialists.
  They supply all the leading brands such as Sony, JL Audio, JBL & Infinity, Aquatic AV, Poly-planar & H2O Audio, offering equipment to suit all budgets and applications.  From small dedicated MP3 kits to multi-zone bespoke systems, Marine AV specialises in creating the right system for its customers, plus excellent after-sales support and assistance.
  For further information, please contact:
  Marine AV Ltd, Unit 8, Mercian Park, Felspar Road, Tamworth B77 4DP, UK
  Telephone: +44 (0)870 609 1446.  Fax:  +44 (0)1827 69106
  Email:  
  www.marine-audio.com

• 13 April 2008
  New Aquaticv AV range of waterproof CD & DVD players from Marine AV
  

  Marine AV, Europe’s no 1 supplier of high quality audio-visual systems for boats is launching a new range of compact marine CD and DVD tuners, within its Aquatic AV range.

  Unlike car audio units, the Aquatic AV sets are completely waterproof - front and back - rated to IP65. Both DVD and CD units feature stainless-steel sealed chassis with conformal coated printed circuit boards and double sealed water protection transport gaskets.  In short, they’re built specifically for the marine environment and are the best in the industry.

  Both sets are extremely versatile. They include AM/FM radio tuners and will accept MP3 or iPod player input. The DVD player also features a SD card slot that allows music, photo and video recorded from your computer, still or video camera to be played onboard the boat. To show video or photographs, the DVD player requires an optional LCD monitor or compatible chart plotter screen for display purposes.

  Each set has a white low current/low heat LCD display and large white backlit controls and can support up to four independent wired remote controls. The central unit and the remotes also feature infrared sensors for wireless control.
  Audio output is provided via four RCA (phono) leads and can provide dual zone operation, allowing music to be piped to two independent areas with the volume in each controlled separately.

  An auxiliary 12V output allows additional equipment to be connected to the boat’s supply.

  Recommended Retail Prices:
  Aquatic AV CD Tuner: £249.95 including VAT

  Aquatic AV DVD: £349.95 including VAT

  For further information, please contact:
  Marine AV Ltd, Unit 8, Mercian Park, Felspar Road, Tamworth B77 4DP, UK
  Telephone: +44 (0)870 609 1446.  Fax:  +44 (0)1827 69106
  Email:
  www.marine-audio.com

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