When I dropped by the Fujitsu Ten Limited/Eclipse booth at CES Unveiled last night, I saw the new AVN726E auto navigation system. When I saw that it would open and close at the touch of a button, the company had my complete attention.

The AVN726E has a 7.0 inch touchscreen, with visibility that is quite clear in both day and night modes. When it opens up, you can see a place to insert an SD card, and this is where the user can easily update their maps or insert other digital files.

Also visible on the AVN726E is a slot for CDs and DVDs, and it also has a USB port for MP3 Players. The ANV726E is also iPod ready for both audio and video playback. If you forgot to bring any entertainment for your long trip, the AVN726E is ready to use with SIRIUS and XM tuners, as well as HD Radio tuners with iTunes Tagging.

Also built into the device is Bluetooth Compatibility, and it is possible to get factory steering wheel control depending on the model of the car. There is also rear-view camera capability, and the device also incorporates anti-theft measures.

The AVN726E was named best of Innovations in its category at CES, and is expected to be released in April 2009. Unfortunately, there is no word on a price.

ECLIPSE New Flagship AVN726E Revitalizes the AVN Line and is Named Best of Innovations 2009 in Its Category

All Digital Video Circuitry Raises The Bar For Mobile Applications
January 06, 2009 07:00 PM Eastern Time

TORRANCE, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--FUJITSU TEN LIMITED, manufacturer of leading automotive electronics, announced today the AVN726E, its latest addition to the popular ECLIPSE brand of AVN products. ECLIPSE introduced the AVN concept of a head unit based of three core points of a perfect fit, comfort + awareness and integrated technology, in order to promote driving safety and comfort. Since 2004, ECLIPSE has put the AVN on the market, and has continuously received high evaluations. The AVN726E was named Best of Innovations 2009 in its category by the Consumer Electronics Association, as well as being chosen as an Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award Honoree.

“The award winning AVN726E sets the new benchmark in the industry for premium in-vehicle navigation and entertainment. This model represents one of the most refined systems on the market today”

The AVN726E is a next-generation AVN model that features all digital video circuitry and a 7.0” WQVGA high-contrast, high-visibility TFT display with day/night view modes that can be linked to the headlights for automatic activation. Navigational displays as well as multi-format audiovisual applications are now seen in high definition without any analog deterioration such as noise and smearing. The advanced digital image processing automatically adjusts outlining, color-depth and contrasts to make images more vivid.

Navigation

The AVN726E is the first AVN product with the map/navigation database pre-installed in its built-in 2GB flash memory. Updating maps is easy using an SD card. The AVN726E includes an SD card slot.

Entertainment

The AVN726E plays DVDs, DivX®, CDs including CD-R/RW and has a USB port for connecting devices so that MP3, WMA files can be played as well. An iPod® can be directly connected for audio and video playback. The AVN726E is ready for use with SIRIUS and XM tuners as well as HD RadioTM tuners (including iTunes® Tagging) options. Rear seat DVD entertainment capability is also included.

The AVN726E breaks new ground as the only integrated navigation, audio and visual entertainment product offering 6 preamp channel outputs at a high 5V output for high fidelity audio expansion options. To match the unit’s improved video performance, improved sound quality and lowered distortion was achieved using premium parts in crucial circuit locations.

Convenience and peace of mind

Bluetooth® wireless technology (including microphone) is built-in and offers audio streaming as well. Factory steering wheel control is possible (depending on car brand). The AVN726E has rear view camera capability. ECLIPSE’s proven ESN anti-theft measure is incorporated. The unit’s control button illumination can be switched from blue to red as preferred.

“The award winning AVN726E sets the new benchmark in the industry for premium in-vehicle navigation and entertainment. This model represents one of the most refined systems on the market today,” said Michael West, Marketing Director of ECLIPSE.

The AVN726E is scheduled to go on sale from April 2009. Suggested MSRP is not available at this time.