MC5400, Conrad Anderson UK

MC 5400

VDO Dayton brings true Internet experience inside the vehicle The Multimedia Centre MC 5400 combines functionality for navigation,information, communication and entertainment (17th September 2002)

In keeping with its trend-setting reputation, VDO Dayton is launching its new Multimedia Centre MC 5400, which for the first time unites all infotainment components into one in-car system. The devices that previously operated separately to provide navigation, information, communication and entertainment services can now be effortlessly combined using Plug & Play technology in this processor-controlled mobile entertainment “mixing desk”, and are controlled using a user-friendly central menu system. The MC 5400 also brings true Internet experience to cars for the first time. In addition, the it provides a powerful mailbox to handle e-mails and faxes.

For the first time, this new VDO Dayton system truly combines the motorway with the information superhighway. Previous systems, both from OEMs and available as retrofits, could only display heavily simplified WAP pages or web content that had been preselected and appropriately formatted by the provider. The MC 5400, however, now has a fully-functional web browser, in which all web pages can be loaded, from Formula 1 news through to the weather report. Depending on the type of telephone system used, the service available from the mobile telephony provider and the quality of the data link, the system can attain speeds at around the same level as ISDN. With Internet access, VDO Dayton offers an easy-to-use communications manager through which e-mail messages and faxes can be sent and received. Data is entered by default using the typewriter application on the screen. However, if you want to use the MC 5400 as a mobile office, you can also connect a conventional keyboard and mouse to the RST 5400 rear seat connector box, which is available as an optional extra for installation in the vehicle interior. An integrated MP3 player and a range of computer games ensure that you will banish boredom from any trip.

But the MC 5400 brings more than the Internet, e-mail and MP3 into your vehicle. The Multimedia Centre also earns plaudits as an infotainment management console. A wide range of interfaces allows the MC 5400 to be integrated and controlled though a common menu on the remote control unit using simple Plug & Play technology with the DVD player DV 6100, TV tuner TV 5100, navigation system MS 5500 or the rearview camera RV 5100. In addition, external sources such as a games console or video camera can also be connected.

The complete network is extremely open, and can be configured as required. Customers do not only have a wide choice of options when it comes to sources – data output can also be widely configured. Up to three monitors can be connected to the MC 5400, each of which can carry a different image and can be controlled by three independent remote controls. Simple connections to VDO Dayton’s audio systems ensure great sound quality, and when drivers need some peace, passengers in the rear can just reach for the wireless headphones.

This mass of functionality is all made possible by a highly intelligent electronics system, which transforms the MC 5400, with its intricate stainless steel casing, into a full-value microcomputer, ideal for use on the road. VDO Dayton has adapted the Linux operating system for its own needs, and created a flexible platform for all options. The corresponding software is delivered to customers on Compact Flash cards, which easy to swap so that the functionality of the MC 5400 can be extended one step at a time. Soon, small updates will even be available for download and installation directly from VDO Dayton’s online services.