2007 Acura TL - Interior - Part 2

2007 Acura TL - Interior
from www.acuranews.com
Acura/ELS Premium 8-Speaker Surround Sound System With DVD-Audio, DTS(TM) And CD 6-Disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner And Dolby(R) Cassette
When introduced in 2004, the TL boasted the most advanced audio system in the industry. That continues today, with some important additions for 2007. The sophisticated Acura/ELS(TM) Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS(R) and CD 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby(R) Cassette uses six different audio channels to create an accurate surround sound listening environment. There are speakers on the top of the instrument panel near the A-pillars, plus a center-fill speaker in the middle of the dash top. The two front doors each have a large driver, and in the rear parcel shelf there are two more drivers flanking an 8-inch subwoofer. In addition to the standard bass, treble, fader and balance controls, the system features additional subwoofer and center channel level controls.


Program material comes from a wide variety of sources. For 2007, the 6-disc changer can read discs encoded with MP3 or WMA files, and there is an auxiliary jack for use with an external MP3 player. There is an AM/FM tuner coupled with a powered, active glass antenna in the rear window to pull in weaker signals. XM(R) Satellite Radio is integrated into the receiver to provide more than 150 channels (more than half are commercial-free) of digital program material with near-CD quality sound. A text display in the center panel (or on the NAVI screen of cars so equipped) provides information text on the program material.

In addition, the TL system plays conventional cassettes, CDs, DTS discs and DVD Audio discs. DVD Audio is the next step in audio reproduction technology. Many new releases are being issued in this format, and many older recordings are being re-mastered and reissued to take advantage of the superior sound that DVD Audio offers. With over 500 times higher resolution than CD audio, DVD Audio delivers smoother, fuller and far more accurate sound through six discrete channels. The TL was the first vehicle in North American with this technology as standard equipment. (The system will not play DVD movies, DVD-V or DVD-R/RWs).

To make this capable system simple to operate, steering wheel mounted controls of key functions are positioned within fingertip reach. On cars equipped with the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, select audio system functions can be accomplished via voice commands.

TLs without the available navigation system have a redesigned center stack. The climate control and audio system displays are now vacuum fluorescent displays, similar to high-end audio equipment, further reinforcing the high-tech appeal of the TL.

XM(R) Satellite Radio
XM(R) Satellite Radio lets TL drivers listen to over 150 digital channels, many of which are commercial-free, with near CD-quality sound.

XM's broadcast signal is beamed from two earth-station antennas at the XM studios in Washington D.C. to two broadcast satellites positioned more than 22,000 miles above the earth in geostationary orbit. The beams from these two broadcast satellites, one located over the west coast, one over the east coast, combine to span the entire continental U.S. while remaining stationary with respect to the land below. More than 1,000 ground antennas, or repeaters, keep the signal strong in challenging locales such as urban areas with tall buildings.

Programming includes 170 channels devoted to music, sports, talk, traffic, weather, children's programming and entertainment, the most of any satellite radio system. It also features 70 commercial-free channels.
XM hardware is embedded in the car's music system. When XM is being played, a display shows the current station, song title or artist's name. XM Satellite Radio service is priced at $12.95 per month. A complimentary three-month subscription to the XM Satellite Radio service is included with purchase of the TL and customers are able to continue the service or cancel any time after.

Multi-Information Display (MID)
To keep the driver informed of the car's status and to access multiple electronic functions the TL has a standard Multi-Information Display (MID). Redesigned with significantly higher resolution for 2007, this LED backlit screen is located directly below the speedometer in the gauge cluster. Controls for the MID have moved from the dash to the right side of the steering wheel. The MID is the interface for odometer/trip odometer, outside temperature, trip computer, custom memory settings, HandsFreeLink(TM) and vehicle warnings. Maintenance Minder alerts are also presented via the MID (see the Engine section of this press kit for more detail on Maintenance Minder).

The MID makes it easy to customize the function of many electronic features in the TL. Custom settings include automatic door locking/unlocking, key and remote unlock selection, keyless acknowledgement feedback, security re-lock timer, headlight auto-off timer and interior light dimming timer. To make it easy to track warnings (such as "Check fuel cap," or Maintenance Minder warnings) displayed on the MID, a memory feature lets you scroll through current warnings for review.

Handsfreelink(TM) Wireless Telephone Interface
To enhance driving safety and convenience, the TL has a standard HandsFreeLink(TM)wireless telephone interface that is designed to work with Bluetooth(R)-enabled mobile phones with Hands-Free capabilities (sold separately). The TL system is compatible with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones that have the Hands Free Profile (HFP). After an initial, one-time "pairing" process, the TL communicates wirelessly and securely with the driver's cell phone when it's inside the car. The phone needs to be on, but can be stowed in a pocket, briefcase or purse-anywhere inside the vehicle cabin.

HandsFreeLink allows the driver to send or receive calls without taking his or her hands from the steering wheel. When a call comes in, the number of the incoming caller is displayed on the MID located in the instrument cluster. A ring tone is also played over the audio system. If the driver chooses to answer the call, a press of the steering wheel-mounted "Talk" button mutes the audio system and the incoming caller is heard over the audio system speakers. A microphone located in the overhead console picks up the driver's voice. Algorithms built into the system cancel "echo effect" and reduce background noise to improve the transmission quality of the driver's speech.

To send a hands free call, the driver can dial the number by voice, using fingertip controls mounted on the steering wheel to activate the system. The driver also can store up to 50 frequently called numbers with voice tags in the system's memory. Up to six different compatible mobile phones can be paired with the system.

For 2007, HandsFreeLinkhas been updated to incorporate the user's mobile phone book into its operation. This works in two ways. Users can import individual numbers from their phone into the voice dialing system. This is an alternative to entering a person's phone number separately through speech recognition. In addition, the entire phone's address book can be imported into the updated navigation system. These numbers can be accessed through the navigation system, or imported into the voice dialing system. For added security, imported numbers are only available after the user enters a personal identification number (PIN) before use. Additional information can be found at www.acura.com/handsfreelink (or www.handsfreelink.com).

Acura Navigation System With Voice Recognition(TM)
The TL is available with the exceptionally capable and easy to use Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM) - it is standard on the Type-S. Updated for 2007, it features a large 8-inch display, a huge database covering over seven million points of interest, plus extensive voice-recognition capabilities.

Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition Features
8-inch screen
Improved interface with "brushed metal' soft buttons and easier to read graphics
Faster route calculation and search speed
Voice recognition function with 293 total commands minimizes the need for keyboard entry
Included AcuraLink(TM) satellite communication system w/ real-time traffic (new for 2007)
Integrated rear view camera (new for 2007)
Business and recreation directory of virtually the entire continental United States complete with phone numbers
Directory categories include restaurants (searchable by type of cuisine), lodging, shopping, airports, hospitals, recreation areas and much more
Search restaurants by Zagat rating
Split-screen mode features a simultaneous map view and selective turn-by-turn route visualization
Audio system automatically mutes for turn-by-turn voice guidance in either male or female voice (which can be turned off at any time)
User selectable Day/Night screen modes
Destination memory recalls current trip addresses, previous destinations and user address books
Voice Recognition operates key audio and climate control functions
Make calls to on-screen points of interest with HandsFreeLink
Based on data from up to 12 orbiting Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites, the Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition system tracks the vehicle's position. If the antenna (located on the rear parcel shelf) is blocked by a tunnel, tall building or parking garage, an internal gyroscopic system and a speed sensor track the location of the vehicle to keep the mapping information current and reliable until satellite reception is restored. A DVD is located in the trunk with the system's ECU. Updated DVD data discs are available on an annual basis on-line or by calling a toll-free number. Owners are made aware of the availability of new DVDs through the AcuraLink system.

The system can be controlled by voice, the conveniently positioned touch-screen display or via joystick positioned just below the display. For voice operation, the driver simply presses the "Talk" button on the steering wheel and says any of a number of preset command phrases. The system responds to a total of 293 phrases that are accessible through a variety of sub-menus.

When the "Talk" button is pressed, the audio system is automatically muted, and a microphone located in the overhead console receives the command. Commands can be given in plain English, like "Find nearest hospital," "Display gas stations," or "Find nearest Chinese restaurant." You can choose to display points of interest on the map (like restaurants, or grocery stores, for example), or have the system provide turn-by-turn navigation-all by voice. The extensive Points of Interest database includes phone numbers, which can be called easily using the HandsFreeLink system and the driver's cell phone. Once a Point of Interest has been selected, pushing the "Call" button on the touch screen dials the number. For 2007, POI can be searched by Zagat by selecting "Zagat" in the "Places" sub-menu.

The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition can also be controlled via the touch screen by choosing menu options or spelling out a word (e.g., an address, business name or place) using a touch-sensitive on-screen keypad. The display's matte finish reduces glare and smudging, and the keypad can be set to alphabetical or a common typewriter style layout. For 2007, screen graphics have been improved both for appearance and legibility. Alternately, the joystick can be used to highlight menu options or to highlight specific letters on the keypad to complete a word.

New for 2007 is an integrated rear view camera. Whenever the 2007 TL is put in reverse, a small camera mounted above the rear license plate is activated. This wide-angle camera displays the area immediately behind the TL on the NAVI screen, making it easier to see objects directly behind the car that would otherwise be hidden from view.

Acuralink(TM) Satellite Communication System With Real-time Traffic
For 2007, TL models equipped with the Acura navigation system also receive AcuraLink(TM) satellite communication system with real-time traffic. AcuraLinkallows for two-way communication between Acura and the vehicle, providing customers with the latest information specific to their vehicle. In cases where communication to and from the Acura server is needed, the owner's Bluetooth(TM) cell phone is used (once the owner has enabled its data-transmission function and has a data package on their mobile phone).

AcuraLink messages consist of a limited amount of text plus expanded details via Text-To-Speech. Each message is prioritized by importance. High priority messages are displayed immediately upon receipt. Other lower priority messages trigger an icon on the TL navigation display when they are received. Messages show up when they are received or when their activation date is due. In all cases, the TL owner can choose to read or listen to the message immediately, or archive it to be retrieved later.

A wide variety of messages can be sent to the TL, including diagnostic Info (detailed information and instruction should an onboard system issue arise), information regarding a service or repair required, and Service Appointment Reminders. The TL owner has complete control over the types of messages they receive. All AcuraLink preferences can be set via the Owner Link web site.

Since the system allows two-way data communication between the TL and the Acura Server, AcuraLink can provide the owner with vital information that previously has been unavailable. For example, if a "Check Charging System" message is displayed on the TL instrument panel, AcuraLink will automatically send a trouble code to the Acura Server, which interprets the code, then sends a message back to the TL, such as "Battery Voltage is too low. Turn off any unnecessary accessories" with a prompt for more information by voice. This way, the owner knows if a particular fault is serious enough to warrant immediate attention, if it can be dealt with later or if it requires special driving techniques.

An icon on the TL navigation display screen indicates an incoming message. Messages show up as they are received or when their activation date is due.

Real-Time Traffic Information
The navigation screen can display up-to-the-minute traffic information including flow (traffic speed where available), accidents, incidents, freeway construction and weather on freeways in several major metro areas. The information is aggregated by NAVTEQ(TM) from multiple sources including police and highway patrol accident reports and transportation departments and then transmitted by XM satellites to the TL where it is graphically displayed on the navigation system from 1/2 to 5 mile scale.

The TL owner can click on an icon on the map to see incident details. Traffic information is continuously updated, allowing drivers to avoid congestion en route and choose the fastest path to their destination.
With the average rush-hour commuter spending over 50 hours a year sitting in traffic, the system gives TL owners a useful time saving tool on freeways. Unlike radio or television traffic reports, the real-time traffic system provides a constant flow of relevant information reflecting conditions along a driver's chosen route. Real-time traffic data services will be offered on a subscription basis for a nominal fee following a free trial period.

44 Major Metropolitan Markets
(Traffic flow data and incident reporting coverage vary by market)
Atlanta Austin Baltimore Boston Buffalo-Niagra Falls Charlotte Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Dallas/Ft. Worth Denver-Boulder Detroit Houston Hartford-New Britain-Middletown Indianapolis
Los Angeles Kansas City Las Vegas Los Angeles Memphis Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Milwaukee-Racine Minneapolis/St. Paul Nashville New York City Norfolk-Virginia Beach/Newport News Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Portland Pittsburgh Providence-Warwick-Pawtucket Sacramento San Antonio San Francisco/Oakland San Diego San Jose Sarasota-Bradenton Seattle St Louis Tampa Washington D.C. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton Wilmington, DE

Active Noise Cancellation(TM)
In order to provide a more hushed driving environment during highway cruising, the 2007 TL Type-S uses Active Noise Cancellation(TM) (ANC), which is designed to dramatically reduce low frequency exhaust booming noise in the interior. The system operates whenever the car is running, regardless of whether the audio system is on or off. There are two microphones in the headliner, one in the front passenger cabin, and another in the rear. The microphones capture low-end drivetrain frequencies entering the cabin, and send a signal to the Active Noise Cancellation unit hidden in the dash. The control unit then creates a precisely timed reverse phase audio signal that is sent to an amplifier, which powers the door speakers and the subwoofer positioned on the rear deck.

Since the system is designed to cancel low-frequency sound, it doesn't use any of the audio system's tweeters. The system dramatically reduces the booming sound of the exhaust, front and rear. In the rear seat, "boom" is reduced by a very impressive 17 db.

Interior Accessories
Acura dealers offer a range of interior accessories for the TL, including, shift knobs for Sequential SportShift automatic, all-season mats, trunk tray, cigarette lighter, ashtray, Acura MusicLink and carbon fiber and wood grain interior trim. A special steering wheel with a distinctive shape and stitching is also offered as part of the A-SPEC package. (See the Body & Chassis section for information on other available accessories.)

3 comments:

nemisis34 said...

Anyways, for the second try on ths blog site(never beforehand blogging on anything), I post that The Acura TL's audio system is okay as long as you use DVD-Audio disks and no external amplifiers or subwoofers. The TL' (Type S of which I have) noise cancellation is set to annoy the hell out of anyone who adds an amplified subwoofer to the system. Most Audio installers do not know about these systems and how to disable them or adjust the. I tried covering the microphones in the upper console to make the internal amp stop the exaust signal. I'm thinking it is tied in with the ignition. But I found a device that is located near behind and under where the front center speaker is. This device is fastened to the frame like it is actually the gyrometer connected with the Navigation. Can anyone help clarify the location of the noise-cancellation device. I will certainly disconnect mine so I can once again enjoy my audio selections. Better yet, I'll install a switch. place it right next to the switch I'm thinking about installing to turn the freakin lights off when I listen to music.

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