As many as 300 people die in backover crashes in the United States every year, according to a March 2011 U.S. News and World Report article. Approximately 1/3 of these victims are children. Another 1/3 are elderly victims over the age of 70. And, tragically, many of these accidents are preventable. One of the most powerful tools in avoiding these devastating losses is a simple backup camera. Installed in your car or truck, a vehicle backup camera expands your field of vision, bringing once-dangerous blind spots into clear view.

In fact, backup camera systems are so vital in preventing backover crashes–and saving lives–that the federal government is in the process of finalizing regulations that will require this feature on all new vehicles. While this legislation will cover all new vehicles manufactured after about 2014 (the exact timeline is still pending), that has no impact on the car or truck you already own. The good news is that you don’t have to buy a brand-new car just to access the safety benefits of a rearview camera. Most mobile electronics shops now install both cameras and sensors to provide you with the utmost protection when you’re headed in reverse.

Here’s how it works. Mounted either in your bumper itself or in a special license plate frame, a tiny camera captures video of the entire area behind the rear of your vehicle. Then that image is displayed on a screen that’s conveniently mounted on either your dash or integrated right into your rearview mirror. Working in tandem with sensors that provide an audible beep when your bumper gets too close to any object, backup cameras provide a clear picture of all that’s in your path as you reverse. With a backup camera installed, you can avoid all types of backup collisions with pedestrians, traffic, trees and mailboxes, and more!

Wireless backup camera systems are even easy to install, so there’s no need to string wires all the way from your bumper to your dash. Your car audio and electronics installers will be able to efficiently and effectively install your new camera system, seamlessly integrating the screen into your dash and the camera/sensors into your bumper for a finished look that appears completely stock. And best of all, your new rearview camera will bring you the peace of mind of safer driving for you, and for everyone around your vehicle. For the utmost safety, look into installing a back up camera system today.

The variety of car electronics is vast and includes everything from car alarms to in-car DVD players. The range of people claiming to be experts in the field of car electronics accessories is also large. However, not all “experts” bring the same level of skill and professionalism to the job. If you are looking to improve, customize, or add on to your car’s various entertainment and security systems, you need to make sure that the shop and the individuals you turn to know what they are doing and will provide you with the best products and services possible. There are various certification and trade affiliations that will help you separate the top professionals from the rest. Researching these elements ahead of time will help you pick a pro who will provide you with exactly the service and products that you want.

In terms of certification, look for a shop that has MECP-certified staff. MECP stands for “Mobile Electronics Certified Professional.” This label means that the technicians have passed a written exam and fulfilled the professional experience aspect of the certification process. There are different levels of MECP certification including Basic Installer, Advanced Installer, Master Installer, and Mobile Product Specialist. While some of these are more advanced certifications than others, the MECP program is designed to put technicians on a track to constantly improve their skills and technical expertise. MECP-certified professionals must re-certify every two to four years, which means they stay up to date on current developments in the field and maintain a high quality of workmanship. They are also encouraged to pursue Master Installer status as long as they remain within the organization. When you employ an MECP-certified professional, you know that they will have the knowledge and expertise to do high-quality work and will provide you with the most current products and installation techniques for your car DVD player, car stereo, or car GPS system.

In addition to MECP certification, other outside affiliations to seek out when you’re looking for a pro to install anything from an in-dash navigation system to a customized car audio video system include connections with trade organizations. Trade organizations represent the actual products in the mobile electronics industry. This means that professionals who are associated with trade organizations have access to the most current items on the market, as well as information on how to install and service them. Some of the major trade organizations in the mobile electronics industry are: MERA (Mobile Enhancement Retailers Association), ICE (In Car Experts), and SEMA (Specialty Equipment Marketing Association). A shop that is a member of any of these organizations (or better yet, several) will be able to bring you absolutely the best products and service available for all your car electronics needs.

In order to find a qualified car audio, DVD, navigation, or alarm installer, look for a professional with an industry certification like MECP and trade organization memberships in groups like MERA, ICE, or SEMA. These affiliations identify experts who are committed to staying up to date on industry developments in both products and techniques, so you’ll get the best, most current mobile electronics possible.

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road. You’ve got your playlist queued up, the tank is full, and you’re ready to roll. There’s just one question: Do you know how to get where you’re going?

Whether you’ve got an hour-long daily freeway commute, or you’re following your favorite band on their 36-city summer tour, there’s going to be some planning involved. As a society, we’re spending more and more time on the road, traveling from one place to another. While there’s something exhilarating about the open road and journeying to a new place, the experience can be quickly soured when you realize you’ve missed the exit, or you forgot the directions you printed out earlier at home.

We’ve all seen the comedy where the main character ends up lost on the side of the road, wrestling with a map. While it may be amusing to watch on the big screen, no one actually wants to be that guy. This is why car GPS systems have become so popular. Even the most seasoned road-tripper can’t plan for every scenario. Road work, inclement weather, and accidents can all cause unexpected detours. When you’re driving, the last thing you want to have to do is pull over and spend time squinting at a road map to try and find an alternate route. With GPS navigation systems, there are no worries. In a matter of seconds, your navigation system can recalculate the route and have you on your way. In addition, some mobile
navigation systems can monitor traffic and road conditions and alert you to any potential issues ahead of time, saving you precious time and ensuring that you can relax and enjoy the journey.

The convenience of in-dash navigation isn’t limited to just getting you from point A to point B. With GPS technology constantly being updated and improved, new features are always being rolled out. In addition to giving turn-by-turn directions, some of the many features you can find in a portable navigation system include:

• Traffic conditions
• Speed limit
• Lane assist
• Point-of-interest information
• And many more

Many systems are now equipped with hands-free controls and spoken directions, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road, making your commute safer, to boot!

Many car audio shops also perform car GPS system installation in addition to stereo projects, so before you head out on your next journey, give them a call. The convenience and peace of mind you’ll receive from your navigation system are well worth it.

When you’re looking to install home window tint, it can be hard to know where to go. Is this a job for window contractors? Should you stop by a warehouse home improvement store for supplies and then tackle the project yourself? Actually, help for residential window tint can be found in the most unusual place: at a car audio shop! Many companies that provide automotive window tinting are also available to apply tint to building windows. If you want to upgrade to the benefits of tinted windows for your home, a mobile electronics pro is the best place to start.

The only real difference between home window tinting and car window tints is where they’re installed. The same skills are required to properly adhere the films without bubbles, creases, or tears, and the same knowledge is necessary to ensure the pieces are trimmed to fit the glass snugly, without gaps or visible seams. In fact, in many cases, the materials themselves are exactly the same. So when you really start thinking about it, it isn’t that far of a stretch to consider a car audio shop for home window tints.

Car window tint installers are used to working in tight spaces and frequently have to contend with irregular curves and shapes to get their films to exactly match the contours of a car or truck’s windows. In comparison to the challenges of auto window tint, installing home window films is a breeze! However, by working with a shop that has all the skills acquired over years of putting in automotive window tinting, you can rest assured that they’ll get your residential project done accurately and completely.

Most shops that offer home window tinting also offer services for commercial spaces as well. So if you’re a business owner looking to shade your retail store or an office manager needing to cut computer screen glare, these professionals offer great solutions for commercial window tinting, too.

No matter what your needs for window glass films, your local car audio video installers should be able to help. Whether you opt for a smoky gray or clear film, putting window tint in your home can help keep your house cooler, stop fading from ultraviolet rays, and provide myriad other advantages, so there’s no reason to delay. Call or stop by to see if your area mobile electronics specialist also offers window tint for homes and businesses and start reaping the benefits of tinted windows today!

Maria Allen is a car audio enthusiast and a home improvement specialist. He is also an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, offering affordable SEO for local companies.

Interested in upgrading your car or truck with mobile electronics but aren’t sure where to start? From car GPS to car alarms, there are lots of great options out there, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re considering the full array of aftermarket electronics for your vehicle. Should you get the remote starter first or opt for the car audio system? Would it be better to install a car alarm before or after the car DVD player? Here are some of the most popular aftermarket car audio and electronics selections broken down to help make your tough choice a bit easier.

Convenience

Installing mobile electronics on your car or truck can help make your life a little simpler. Two favorite options for adding a bit more convenience to your daily routine are:

GPS navigation systems. Providing directional guidance and point-of-interest mapping, car GPS systems help keep you from getting lost no matter where you’re headed. GPS navigation systems are a great investment if you frequently drive in unfamiliar areas, have a knack for making wrong turns, or even if you just need to minimize travel times between errands or appointments.

Remote starters. Enabling you to turn on your vehicle from a distance, remote car starters allow you to preheat the engine and warm or cool the passenger compartment (depending on the season) for optimal comfort from the moment you get in the driver’s seat. You may want to consider installing an automatic car starter if you hate the extreme temperatures of chilly January mornings or steamy July afternoons or if you’re concerned about the wear and tear of driving without preheating your engine.

Safety

Every little bit counts when it comes to safety and your vehicle. Among the more popular options for increasing the safety of your car or truck are:

Car alarms. Car alarm installation is a practical choice for any driver who wants to safeguard their car or truck by preventing theft. And remember, if you’re planning on installing other mobile electronics, you may want to put in the car alarm first so that your vehicle security system will be in place to protect your other components once they are installed.

Bluetooth integration. Helping you keep both hands on the wheel by making calling hands-free, installing a Bluetooth system in your vehicle adds both convenience and improved safety. Bluetooth installation is practical whether you make business or personal calls, and with this hands-free technology, you can also get additional features like voice texting and on-screen caller ID that make driving and chatting a breeze.

Entertainment

Of course, when people think about mobile electronics, what comes to mind most often is entertainment. Leading choices for improving your entertainment experience when you’re behind the wheel include:

Car audio. From speakers and amps to new head units, you have virtually limitless options when it comes to upgrading your vehicle’s car audio system. If your current car stereo is seriously lacking or you spend a lot of time on the road, installing a new car audio setup can help you make your driving experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

Car DVD players. Bringing the enjoyment of movies to your car or truck, in-car video is a favorite way to provide optimal entertainment for children and adults alike. Ideal for everything from long road trips to errands, choosing to install a car DVD player makes sense if you’re looking to diversify your mobile entertainment options beyond car audio.

No matter which car electronics choices you select, you’re certain to love the convenience, safety, or entertainment they provide. So happy driving! Contact your area car audio video shop to learn more or to get started on your installation.

Looking to take your in-car entertainment experience to the next level? Whether you’re interested in amusing the kids or you plan to enjoy the system yourself, adding aftermarket car video equipment to your car or truck can help you get the absolute most out of your vehicle. If you’re thinking that installing a car DVD player is too invasive or too expensive, you may want to reconsider. There are a variety of mobile video options on the market today that cater to a full spectrum of budgets, styles, and viewing needs.

Ceiling Mounted

Most of these aftermarket car DVD players are what’s considered “all-in-one” systems. That means the DVD player, screen, and even speakers are all combined into one unit. All-in-one car video setups are particularly attractive because installation is simple and straightforward: All they need is a power hookup and soon you’ll be cruising along with your favorite movie! Ceiling-mounted DVD players provide a number of benefits including easy viewing from anywhere in the backseat, fast installation, and fewer driver distractions (over a dash-mounted system). Ceiling-mounted in-car DVD systems also have the advantage of being most similar to the factory systems commonly installed in cars and trucks today, so with professional installation your new aftermarket DVD player will look virtually stock.

Headrest Mounted

Another popular car video solution is the headrest mount. Also commonly found as all-in-ones, headrest-mounted mobile video systems offer all the same benefits as ceiling mounted equipment, with a few additional advantages. One of these is improved visibility: Some drivers dislike that the rearview mirror can be obscured by the screen with ceiling mounted players. Putting in headrest monitors eliminates that issue. The other primary advantage of a headrest system is that each headrest has its own screen AND its own DVD player. That means the kids won’t have to decide on one movie to share. Instead, each headrest video player can show a separate movie.

Fully Installed

If you’re a major car audio fan or you’re looking to create a showstopper, you can go all out. Skilled mobile electronics installers can hook up video screens and car DVD players in almost any part of your vehicle: dashes, seat backs, doors, ceilings, trunks… These systems can include any number of monitors, source inputs, speakers, and even components like gaming systems. You name it, and they can probably do it. Working with a local car audio video shop, you can create a fully customized video entertainment experience for your ride, have it professionally installed, and be on the road to out-of-this-world car video in no time.

When it comes to in-car video, the sky’s the limit. However, that doesn’t mean you have to take your mobile entertainment system to the extreme. With all-in-one options available for ceiling or headrest installation, there are affordable, attractive solutions for adding a car DVD player to your car or truck without going overboard. To learn more about specific product offerings or to get started on adding in-car video to your vehicle, visit your area mobile electronics shop today.

There’s nothing quite as liberating as a road trip. The car is packed, the gas tank is full, and you’re ready to hit the Thruway with the wind in your hair. The only thing missing is the perfect soundtrack to score your road trip experience. Does your car stereo system have what it takes? How do you know if you’re in need of an upgrade? Here are a few indications that your stereo system could use an update:

• You’re limited to AM/FM radio.
• The backseat and the floor of your car are cluttered with CDs.
• You’ve grown accustomed to the sound of static.

With so many car audio accessories on the market today, there’s no need to drive with your hand constantly on the radio dial or to suffer in silence. Here are just a few options that will help you keep the tunes flowing until you reach your destination:

• XM/Satellite radio. If you find yourself frustrated with constantly searching for a station playing music you like, or you’re sick of listening to commercials for half your trip, satellite radio is the perfect solution. Many XM/satellite radio channels are commercial-free, and with hundreds of stations tailored to meet diverse tastes, there’s always a great song playing. It is relatively easy to have your local car audio video specialist install a satellite radio receiver, and subscriptions are typically less than $20 per month.
• iPod integration. Most of us have at least one mobile device capable of storing and playing music, be it a cell phone, MP3 player, or external hard drive. The stock audio systems in most new cars commonly include USB ports or Bluetooth integration to connect these music storage devices with your car stereo. If you have an older system, many mobile stereo specialists in Albany and the greater Capital Region are able to retrofit these units so that you’ll be cruising to your own custom playlists in no time.
• Aftermarket head units. If you’re tired of listening to one CD at a time, or the features on your OEM car stereo system just aren’t enough, installing an aftermarket head unit is a versatile answer. Many aftermarket head units allow you to upgrade to multi-disk players, and some even include device integration so you can easily use your MP3 player or other music storage device while you’re cruising down the road.

Technology is constantly improving and changing. In the last
few years, we’ve seen car GPS, Bluetooth integration, and other cutting-edge systems alter our driving experiences to make them more convenient and relaxed. Why should your sound system be left behind? For the bestcar audio in Albany NY, call your local technicians to find out how you can best optimize your car audio and video system to make your next road trip, or even just your daily commute, as enjoyable as it can be.