We spent some time with the best in car multimedia from big screens to touch-screens on the CES show floor. Read the full story here.
Eclipse AVN726E
 The new flagship Eclipse AVN726E is attacking the car multimedia market with gusto, offering up a 7-inch WQVGA, high-contrast, high-visibility TFT display. We'd be hard-pressed not to tell you that the Eclipse AVN726E was one sexy console dweller in person, thanks to its large screen and sleek strip of controls that could be customized to glow red or blue. We also thought it was cool that the Eclipse AVN726E could be linked to the headlights for an automatic power-on, and the day/night view modes based on the particular driving environment were great options to have. Eclipse explained that the color and contrast was improved on the Eclipse AVN726E, thanks to the digital image processing and we couldn't argue with that.
We love the built-in 2GB flash memory with a map/navigation database built-in, and users can update maps via the SD card slot. The Eclipse AVN726E also hosts a plethora of media, from DVDs to DivX to CDs and a USB terminal for MP3s and WMAs. Add in an iPod connection, XM, Serius and HD compatibility, iTunes tagging and Bluetooth, and the Eclipse AVN726E will open up a can of awesome in pretty much any car except Kit. Release: April 2009.
Eclipse AVN4430
 If your cash flow is hurting after that rear seat subwoofer and cabinet binge buy, Eclipse offers the AVN4430, which sizes down the WQVGA screen to a modest 4.3-inch screen and adds a left-hand control panel complete with circular tuner. We still get the 2GB of built-in flash memory and SD card slot, but the Eclipse AVN4430 utilizes TomTom navigation with voice input. More runoff from the Eclipse AVN726E include DVD, CD and iPod compatibility, built-in Bluetooth, a USB connector and a rear camera to prevent plowing over an unsuspecting civilian. The Eclipse AVN4430 is super portable, so you can literally toss it into a pocket or purse to deter thieves. Price: $850. Release: January 2009.
Audiovox Advent VM9423 by Jensen
 If clunky buttons and controls are not your bag, Audiovox has the answer. The Advent VM9423 by Jensen features a fully touch-screen interface that resembles one of the first versions of the Winamp media player. Okay, so the touch-screen interface is not the sexiest, but we found its responsiveness to be on point. It was a bit difficult to intuitively wade through menu options, but we got the hang of it within 5 minutes. The Advent VM9423 features a 6.5" screen and has a built-in HD radio tuner, in addition to being XM/Serius, Bluetooth and GPS capable. On the downside, separate modules are required to accommodate each feature, but it also allows users to customize the Advent VM9423 to their exact liking. Similar to the Eclipse AVN726E, the Advent VM9423 features USB and SD inputs, iPod compatibility and plays CD/DVD optical, MP3, WMA and DivX format media. We strongly recommend taking the Audiovox Advent VM9423 and Eclipse AVN726E out for a little stroll before you settle on a console commando.
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