Learn: Home » The Touch-Screen That Touches You Back
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View modes
Similar to category view for satellite radio, the IVA-D300 offers several enhanced view modes for CDs, be they standard or MP3. I slid in Pete Yorn's Music for the Morning After CD-text-encoded CD, and the screen displayed the album and artist name and a list of all tracks. I then just pointed to the track I wanted — it doesn't get any easier than that!
If you're into burning your own discs, the IVA-D300 decodes both MP3 and WMA files. This is very cool — the screen will show the "root" disc, which can then be expanded to view all folders. Touch a folder to drop down a list of included tracks, then touch to select. I've always enjoyed the increased storage capacity of an MP3-encoded disc, but am frequently frustrated trying to find the right folder or file on the display of a traditional, single-DIN-size head unit. Again, Alpine's work with human interface design really shines through — navigating an MP3 disc is a real joy with the IVA-D300.
 Navigating through a disc of MP3 files is intuitive and easy. |
System Expansion
System expansion is incredibly easy. In fact, it's so easy, I started thinking of other things I could connect. How about a back-up camera? It'd be useful when the van is fully loaded. I attached a license plate "bracket-cam" onto the rear plate. Now when I shift into reverse, the 7" LCD shows a reverse image on-screen. And because the camera is mounted below the back window, it offers an increased field of vision, preventing backing into/onto obstacles too low for the rear-view mirror to see.
 A back-up camera can be a valuable safety tool for people who drive large vehicles. |
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 You may be surprised to see what's going on behind you...as the author himself demonstrates. |
