Becker Traffic Assist Z 201 with Faster Route Calculation and 3-D Graphics for Better Orientation

KARLSBAD, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The IFA 2008 consumer electronics show in Berlin is where Harman/Becker Automotive Systems is introducing the Becker Traffic Assist Z 201. This new mobile navigation system features faster route calculation times. An integrated memory with 42 pre-loaded countries, 28 languages for menu and destination guidance, and text-to-speech, the product is ideal for international navigation. Other features, including 3-D Terrain View and 3-D City View, visualization of traffic signs on motorways, 3-D landmarks and country information, are perfect for holiday and business travel or weekends trips in the country. Priced at €250.00, the Becker Traffic Assist Z 201 will be available on the market from mid-October 2008.

Arrive at your destination safe and relaxed

Each person has a different opinion when it comes to the ideal navigation system features. It all depends on how the system is used. But one thing is perfectly clear: the most important function of a mobile navigation system is to ensure drivers are safely guided to their destination without undue stress. Becker shares this opinion with traffic experts. Traffic Assist Z 201 feature include 3-D Terrain View and 3-D City View in excellent image quality to help drivers visualize gradients and slopes or approaching curves in the road. 3-D images of buildings in urban areas makes it easier to follow the spot-on, clearly-spoken driving instructions. 3-D landmarks make it easier to find your way around in the city. During route guidance, the names of the roads are announced via text-to-speech and displayed on the status line. Many drivers will also appreciate the brief display of intersecting and parallel street names on the map.

Becker Traffic Assist Z201 safety features include Lane Assistant. Introduced on the precursor model, this handy feature points to the best lane to use when approaching multi-lane intersections. It also displays traffic signs at over 4,000 difficult intersections including motorway junctions and turn-off points. The visual and acoustic speed limit warning signal ensures relaxed driving.

Standard route options include a choice of four simultaneously calculated routes in the "show alternative routes" menu. These routes are highlighted in colour on the map as optimal, fast, short and easy routes. Buttons on the right hand side of the screen select the desired route and provide information on travel time and distance.

Technical features include an integrated TMC receiver that can be easily configured to automatically seek suitable stations on the route for dynamic navigation. Frequent travellers can rest assured that traffic problems along the route are taken into account. Commuters have the option to select a programme manually, which keeps them informed of the local traffic situation with TMC reports. All warnings can be displayed as symbols on the map or retrieved as a list with additional details before starting the journey.

Fast route calculation and short access times

The Becker Traffic Assist Z 201 is equipped with advanced processor technology, 2 GB internal memory with 42 pre-loaded countries, optimized programme management and crystal-clear screen graphics. Users benefit from significantly faster access times, route calculation and alternative route selection to avoid traffic congestion. The fast operating speed is also apparent before and during route guidance – for example, when entering the destination address, zooming the map in and out, or switching the route guidance to turn-by-turn view.

Convenience demands logical operating concepts

Intuitive, convenient operation is one of the Becker Traffic Assist Z201 essentials. Before a Becker product is ready for series production, designers and psychologists conduct extensive tests to evaluate the operating concept. Menu layouts and user controls are tested with different subjects and optimized as needed. When the unit is switched on, six large, self-explanatory on-screen buttons for accessing the different functional levels appear on the 4.3 inch 16:9 touch-screen display. With the "Settings" button, for example, the basic functions of the Becker Traffic Assist 201 can be individually configured. Tap the TMC button and the navigator displays an overview all current traffic problems.

Special features include the destination memory, which stores up to 200 fixed and last destinations and displays them in a list. The sequence of the addresses can be easily rearranged and saved for quick access. Like petrol stations or restaurants, they are given the status of special destinations in the navigation database and can be easily selected and entered in the route planning with a quick tap of a finger.

In addition to standard address entry via smart speller, destinations can also be selected by entering geo-coordinates or by pointing on the map. The option of complete route planning is convenient for business or holiday travellers. Another convenient option is that every intermediate segment of the calculated route can be evaluated and blocked if necessary before and during the journey.

Top features

In addition to route navigation, the Becker Traffic Assist Z 201 offers a variety of multimedia applications for on-the-road enjoyment, including the ability to play MP3 music or videos from a micro SD card. People who routinely travel on national roads or in neighbouring countries will appreciate the Content Manager feature that lets you select specific maps for your personal needs from the supplied DVD. This opens up space in the 2 GB internal memory for multimedia files. A mini-USB connection can be used for exchanging data with a PC. The Travel Assistant offers a number of handy tools including national telephone codes, a calculator and a world clock. On-the-road entertainment is provided by a collection of electronic games.

The Becker Traffic Assist Z 201 comes standard with a universal suction cup mounting system, a power cable for the cigarette lighter, a TMC dipole antenna and a USB cable for connecting to a PC.

Harman/Becker Automotive Systems GmbH

Harman/Becker Automotive Systems GmbH is a subsidiary of Harman International Industries Inc. based in the USA (Washington). Becker has gained an international reputation in the automotive industry and aftermarket with innovations in car audio systems, infotainment, vehicle navigation, telematics and integrated multimedia systems. Other Harman/Becker milestones include video processing, digital TV tuner technology and MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport), the standard for in-car multimedia solutions. The company is strengthening its position as an innovation leader in the market with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.