Sony has unveiled four in-dash head units that are HD Radio-ready and connect to compatible iPods, other digital music players and USB thumb drives with a USB connection.
The Xplod stereos range in price from $80 to $160. The GT series head units will be available next month at retailers and military base exchanges.
The top-of-the-line CDX-GT630UI includes Sony’s Zappin function, which offers a way of searching and listening to music, similar to a Scan function. With Zappin, the radio plays a series of short music clips from your own music library until you can find a particular song. CDX-GT630UI also supports iPhone.
The receiver supports MP3 and non-DRM WMA and non-DRM AAC codecs and is satellite- and HD Radio-ready with their respective tuner modules. Satellite radio also requires a service subscription.
Each new unit features an auxiliary input on the faceplate, facilitating the use of compatible iPod and other portable music players in a vehicle with a standard 1/8-inch mini jack cord.