A client from Vancouver brought his 2009 Porsche Cayenne GTS to Ralph’s Radio to have the infotainment system updated. The client wanted to be able to communicate while driving. He also inquired about adding a backup camera to make reversing the big SUV safer and easier. We showed the client several options for a replacement source unit and let him connect his smartphone to experience the latest in cellular integration.
With a head unit selected and a camera system ordered, we scheduled an appointment for a little Vancouver in-car technology upgrade.
Head Unit Upgrade
The client chose a Pioneer AVH-4200NEX Double-DIN Multimedia Receiver because it has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Having support for both Apple and Android phones for texting, making calls and navigation by voice prompt leaves his options open for future phone purchases. The Pioneer AVH-4200NEX also includes HD radio, iPod and Android music playback via USB and digital media support for MP3, WMA and FLAC file formats.
MOST Fiber Optic Audio Interface
To install the Pioneer source unit in the Porsche, we turned to Nav-TV for a vehicle interface. Many European vehicles like Porsche, Audi, BMW and Range Rover use a fiber optic connection between the source unit and the amplifier. This connection is known as Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST). This fiber optic connection is impervious to electrical noise and does not weigh much, making it a great solution for automotive applications. Nav-TV offers a radio replacement solution for many MOST-equipped vehicles called the MOST Head Unit Replacement (HUR). We used a KIT-155 to allow the Pioneer source unit to communicate with the factory Bose audio amplifier.
Backup Camera Solution
To provide the client with a quality backup camera, we again turned to Nav-TV; this time, their 955 L-Cam kit. The 955 L-Cam is a bolt-in camera that works with Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 vehicles. The camera kit replaces the left-hand-side license plate light. The camera is molded into the mount at a perfect angle to provide a clear vision of everything behind the vehicle. The mount also includes an LED to illuminate the license plate.
Client Was Thrilled with Porsche Cayenne GTS Infotainment Update
When the client returned to Ralph’s Radio to pick up his vehicle, we demonstrated how the backup camera system works automatically when the transmission is in reverse. We paired the customer’s smartphone to the radio so he could make and receive phone calls, then showed him how to activate the voice recognition system to send text messages, get navigation instructions or pick music to enjoy.
If you are interested in upgrading the technology in your vehicle, drop by our Vancouver or Victoria location, or contact us here.