Harman's Next-Gen Audio and Display Solutions
In an age where nearly anything can be ordered online, the desire for immersive experiences remains strong. Automakers are keenly aware of this, constantly seeking ways to enhance the in-car experience. Harman, a leader in audio innovation, is at the forefront of this movement, showcasing some exciting new technologies.
Seat Sonic: Rethinking Sound Systems
Harman's Seat Sonic system represents a paradigm shift in audio design. Instead of projecting soundwaves from various points in the car towards the occupants, Seat Sonic places speakers right by the listener's ears. This approach not only enhances audio quality but also offers energy savings by shutting off speakers in unoccupied seats. The system's ability to cancel out road and powertrain noise further improves the in-car audio experience.
Tunable and Upgradable
Seat Sonic offers individualized sound equalization for each seat, ensuring that every occupant enjoys optimal audio quality. The system is designed to prevent interference from external factors such as thick clothing or cargo, and it allows for seamless phone calls without interrupting audio programming.
Future Enhancements
Harman envisions several upgrades to enhance the Seat Sonic experience. These include additional speakers for premium audio, upgraded speaker materials for improved fidelity, and motorized wings for the headrest speakers to bring them closer to the listener's ears.
Ready Together: Personalized Audio
Building on Seat Sonic, Harman's Ready Together system aims to offer individualized audio experiences for each occupant. This ambitious system requires sophisticated signal processing to ensure that each person hears what they want without interference from others.
Screen Upgrades: Ready Vision and Ready Display
Harman is also pushing boundaries in display technology. Ready Vision AR offers a full windshield augmented reality display, while Ready Vision QVUE provides a cost-effective alternative that reflects onto the windshield's black border, eliminating the need for complex laminates or projectors.
Ready Display incorporates a driver-monitoring camera into its Neo QLED screen, removing the need for protrusions on the dash or steering column.
The Future Is Now
Harman's experiential technologies are ready for production, with Seat Sonic set to be supplied by Adient and Ready Display scheduled for production in 2025 with an undisclosed OEM. These innovations promise to transform the in-car experience, offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge technology.
