Blaupunkt MP3 Technology on 2003 Ford Focus

biker16 · Oct 19, 2002

Blaupunkt Debuts MP3 Technology on 2003 Ford Focus

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Blaupunkt's MP3 Radio, currently available on several models of the 2003 Ford Focus, provides drivers with premium sound quality in AM/FM or CD/MP3 mode, and can play as many as 250 songs from a single CD. The Ford Focus is Blaupunkt's first North American, original equipment MP3 application.

MP3 technology allows the driver to play compressed music files that have been pre-recorded on a CD-R. The MP3 compression process offers the advantage of storing more CD-quality music files on a single disc without noticeably compromising the sound quality.

Blaupunkt's MP3 Radio delivers superior sound quality in FM or CD/MP3 mode through the use of the integrated equalizer. Individual equalization profiles are available for different types of music, such as rock, pop, disco, classical, jazz and vocal. Drivers can personalize their radios to their individual preferences based on their musical tastes.

Blaupunkt equipped the radio with an oversize dot matrix display to emphasize the MP3 file features. Track number and MP3 play time, as well as the album name, song title and artist's name, are shown in the four available display lines. In tuner mode, the display provides easy-to-read radio data system (RDS) information, such as the name and call letters of AM/FM stations and radio presets. The large screen enables drivers to more easily navigate through radio menus. The unit's two rotary knobs, in combination with the intuitive screen layout, give the driver quick menu command and effortless navigation through MP3 song files, CD audio tracks and manual AM/FM tuning.

The unit, which offers 80 watts of total power, is currently only available as original equipment on the 2003 Ford Focus. Blaupunkt plans to offer the MP3 Radio to all North American passenger car, light truck and sport utility vehicle manufacturers in the future.

Blaupunkt, the car multimedia division of Robert Bosch GmbH, designs and manufactures high quality and high performance car audio, video and navigation products sold to vehicle manufacturers worldwide.

Bosch designs and produces precision automotive components and systems sold to vehicle and powertrain manufacturers worldwide. These include systems and components for gasoline and diesel injection, airbag components, ABS and conventional braking systems, telematics, as well as small motors, electrical and electronic equipment.

Robert Bosch Corporation, the wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is responsible for North American operations.

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http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X07614085

SOURCE Robert Bosch Corporation

CO: Robert Bosch Corporation; Robert Bosch GmbH; Blaupunkt; Ford

ST: Michigan, Germany

SU: PDT

http://www.prnewswire.com

10/18/2002 13:32 EDT

GTIspirit · Oct 25, 2002

Originally posted by biker16:
In tuner mode, the display provides easy-to-read radio data system (RDS) information, such as the name and call letters of AM/FM stations and radio presets. The large screen enables drivers to more easily navigate through radio menus

RDS, it's about time that this old technology in Europe finally makes its way to these shores.

If this MP3 player also has a 6 disc in dash CD changer just like the current CD6 I'll be first in line to buy one (hopefully not from a dealership). Say what you will, but I like the simplistic looks of the stock units, and like the large buttons for use with gloved hands. This radio would look right at home in the dash of my 2001 ZX3

Linked from page 3 of this thread 2003 Focus pics

KonaZXIII · Oct 25, 2002

Are these available at our Ford stealer?
Or anywhere else for that matter.

cheezitterrorist · Oct 25, 2002

its wired differently from all prior HU's apparently. i heard something about a fire in the dash of non 2k3 models, but i dunno. anyone got any info? me wanty.

biker16 · Oct 25, 2002

Originally posted by cheezitterrorist:
its wired differently from all prior HU's apparently. i heard something about a fire in the dash of non 2k3 models, but i dunno. anyone got any info? me wanty.

I knew I shold have brought my camera along. damn.

jwardell · Oct 25, 2002

Originally posted by GTIspirit:

If this MP3 player also has a 6 disc in dash CD changer just like the current CD6 I'll be first in line to buy one (hopefully not from a dealership).

There isn't really a need--you can fit six discs on one with mp3s. However I'm guessing the CDC funtion button in the picture is to control an external CD changer, so I guess you can have your cake and eat it too.

I've had an mp3 head unit for a year now and I love it, it's nice to know I could drive across the country and back with the music on the CDs in my visor.

Phillip · Oct 25, 2002

Originally posted by biker16:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Phillip:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by focalBlur:
i really like that wonder if it can be hooked up to the MACH system

I'm wondering if it has line level outs?<hr /></blockquote>It doesn't have Phono outs, I think the sub out is thru harness.<hr /></blockquote>Well that about sucks.

Nothing like a well thought game plan.

DJ Ibe · Oct 25, 2002

What you guy's think that radio is gonna cost? I am looking to get one.

ZX3_NJBoosted · Oct 25, 2002

Finally a quality OEM equipment from Ford for the Focus. Now if Ford would stop using the cheap ass Firestone tires, and make it a little better in the overall pacakge, sales will be double.

Phillip · Oct 26, 2002

Originally posted by DJ Ibe:
What you guy's think that radio is gonna cost? I am looking to get one.

Why? I'm guessing for the same price (or less) you can get an aftermarket HU that is much more flexible. Not having line level outs is what hurts it, IMO. Nothing like being forced into a second rate speaker level conversion.

'Course, this is just my opinion.

focalBlur · Oct 26, 2002

i really like that wonder if it can be hooked up to the MACH system

biker16 · Oct 26, 2002

Originally posted by JPN0731:
Does anyone have this and if so how well does it work?

It works Very well I tested a 2003 and the HU Is quite nice. loaded with features like RDS, intuitive menus, great sound.

I even took it Out and looked at The body is really DIN and a half(?) with only the faceplate The size of the focus's faceplate. It looks to use the same Connections as the past foci but I didn't take any pics of it (forgot the Camera).

I will quote a Owners Review of it.

b_derksen

posted 22 October 2002 07:52 PM This radio is awesome!!! I've had it for a week now. At first I had a little bit of trouble with it skipping and not finding any songs on the CDs. Now after a couple hundred miles it works perfect. It has infinite adjustment (also takes a couple days to remember what everything does) including radio "on volume", daytime brightness, nighttime brightness, speed sensitive volume, loudness setting, equalizers, RDS, etc. Also has way better sound quality than the CD6 in my '01 (same speakers, not audiophile). Another thing that is really cool is the clock sets the time by itself when you are on an RDS station. I work at the dealership and it said 3:00 am when the car rolled of the auto carrier. A couple of minutes on an RDS station and the time was set!!
Brian

GTIspirit:

It is only a single disc unit It is compatable with the Ford CD changer.

[ 10-25-2002, 12:32 PM: Message edited by: biker16 ]

Phillip · Oct 26, 2002

Originally posted by focalBlur:
i really like that wonder if it can be hooked up to the MACH system

I'm wondering if it has line level outs?

biker16 · Oct 26, 2002

Originally posted by Phillip:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by focalBlur:
i really like that wonder if it can be hooked up to the MACH system

I'm wondering if it has line level outs?<hr /></blockquote>It doesn't have Phono outs, I think the sub out is thru harness.

Nacron · Oct 26, 2002

There's one on ebay!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1870821217

biker16 · Oct 26, 2002

Originally posted by Phillip:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by DJ Ibe:
What you guy's think that radio is gonna cost? I am looking to get one.

Why? I'm guessing for the same price (or less) you can get an aftermarket HU that is much more flexible. Not having line level outs is what hurts it, IMO. Nothing like being forced into a second rate speaker level conversion.
Course, this is just my opinion.

<hr /></blockquote>of course Aftermarket HU require the use of a good Security system. attract theives like Flys on...

I expect the HU to cost Around 300.

SteveO · Oct 27, 2002

will it work on the SVT's with the audiophile system?

[ 10-26-2002, 12:09 PM: Message edited by: SteveO ]

Phillip · Oct 28, 2002

Originally posted by biker16:

of course Aftermarket HU require the use of a good Security system. attract theives like Flys on...

I expect the HU to cost Around 300.[/QUOTE]This is true. That's why I wished there were line outs on it. Would have been so stinkin' stealthy.

[ 10-27-2002, 09:42 PM: Message edited by: Phillip ]

Mutnat · Oct 28, 2002

Originally posted by SteveO:
will it work on the SVT's with the audiophile system?

I would imagine so, yes. The reason I say that is that on just about every 03 Focus model you can now order that MP3 deck with the audiophile package to include the upgraded speakers and sub. (OR you can order the audiophile package which includes the upgraded 9006 6-disc deck, upgraded speakers, and sub, just like the 02 SVT audiophile package.)

Cheers,
Scott.

FocusZX3Rules · Oct 29, 2002

Originally posted by biker16:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Phillip:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by DJ Ibe:
What you guy's think that radio is gonna cost? I am looking to get one.

Why? I'm guessing for the same price (or less) you can get an aftermarket HU that is much more flexible. Not having line level outs is what hurts it, IMO. Nothing like being forced into a second rate speaker level conversion.
Course, this is just my opinion.

<hr /></blockquote>of course Aftermarket HU require the use of a good Security system. attract theives like Flys on...

I expect the HU to cost Around 300.<hr /></blockquote>Well, thats exactly why I tinted my windows.

biker16 · Oct 29, 2002

Originally posted by FocusZX3Rules:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by biker16:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Phillip:
<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by DJ Ibe:
What you guy's think that radio is gonna cost? I am looking to get one.

Why? I'm guessing for the same price (or less) you can get an aftermarket HU that is much more flexible. Not having line level outs is what hurts it, IMO. Nothing like being forced into a second rate speaker level conversion.
Course, this is just my opinion.

<hr /></blockquote>of course Aftermarket HU require the use of a good Security system. attract theives like Flys on...

I expect the HU to cost Around 300.<hr /></blockquote>Well, thats exactly why I tinted my windows.

<hr /></blockquote>Then add that to the Cost of an aftermarket system.

sherych · Nov 5, 2002

Hey, So anyone now the part number, and what it will cost you to get that unit!?? thanks for help in advance

Blaupunkt MP3 Technology on 2003 Ford Focus

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