Visteon Drives In-Vehicle Listening Experience to New Level

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Visteon Corporation is applying its electronics and automotive expertise to enhance consumers' listening experience in vehicles - managing engine noise in the passenger cabin while improving the sound quality of various multimedia devices.

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By applying a range of audio processing algorithms, Visteon enhances the in-vehicle driving experience through active sound management (controlling engine sound in the passenger cabin) and audio post processing (enhancing multimedia listening).

Teaming with sound technology leaders Mueller-BBM and SRS Labs, Visteon uses digital signal processing (DSP) as well as new audio head unit and amplifier designs to take the in-vehicle sound and listening experience to a new level.

Concept vehicles integrating Mueller's active sound management technology and SRS Labs' multimedia post-processing will be at Visteon's exhibit during the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas Jan. 7-10, at booth CP13 in the Central Plaza.

Managing Engine Sound in the Passenger Cabin

Active sound management combines engine order cancellation and engine sound enhancement in a single system, delivering a cost-effective solution with high consumer-perceived quality.

Through a development agreement with Mueller, a leading developer of active sound management systems, Visteon can apply state-of-the-art technology to improve the sound of the engine inside the vehicle passenger cabin. The agreement strengthens a working relationship between Visteon and Mueller for developing and commercializing automotive active noise cancellation and engine sound enhancement systems.

The active sound management system offers a real-time solution to reduce audible engine harmonics in the cabin generated during the engine combustion process. Implemented through a DSP-based amplifier and a combination of microphones, the system makes possible up to seven orders of simultaneous engine order cancellation and powertrain acoustic enhancement.

Enhancing the Multimedia Listening Experience

Visteon is working with SRS Labs, an industry leader in audio signal processing for consumer electronics, to develop audio post-processing systems for the automotive market. Through this arrangement, Visteon is exploring using this technology - originally developed by SRS Labs - to enhance the listening experience associated with common consumer electronic multimedia devices.

Visteon market research validated high consumer acceptance and demand for improved in-vehicle multimedia experiences using these technologies. DSP-based algorithms enable passenger cabin premium features like simulated surround sound, active volume leveling and psycho-acoustic enhanced bass response without requiring a premium audio system.

Visteon can also use the technology to calibrate the audio experience and compensate for speakers packaged in sub-optimal locations, such as those mounted low in side door panels. These algorithms may be implemented in Visteon DSP-based audio head units or amplifier systems.

Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Chelmsford, UK; the company has facilities in 26 countries and employs approximately 30,000 people.

SOURCE Visteon Corporation