Johnson Controls Creates AutoVision Entertainment System
5 January 1999
Johnson Controls Creates AutoVision Entertainment System, Sets New Benchmark in Vehicle-integrated Video Technology JOHNSON CONTROLS AUTOVISION DETROIT -- Johnson Controls AutoVision(R) -- a vehicle-integrated entertainment system that enables rear-seat passengers to play video games and watch their favorite movies on videocassettes. (PR NewsFoto) [PH] DETROIT, MI USA 01/04/1999Scheduled for introduction on model-year 2000 vehicles, innovative system is affordable, flexible and full-featured DETROIT, Jan. 4 -- How do you keep children happy when they're riding in a car, minivan, sport-utility vehicle or full-size van? Automotive interior supplier Johnson Controls has developed a great answer to this question with AutoVision(R) -- a vehicle-integrated entertainment system that enables rear-seat passengers to play video games and watch their favorite movies on videocassettes. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990104/DEM020 ) Officials from Johnson Controls unveiled the AutoVision system at the 1999 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. (It will be among the new products and technologies highlighted at the company's media and customer exhibit January 4-6 at Detroit's Cobo Center, in room D2-15.) AutoVision features a portable videocassette player; a 7-inch fold-down monitor that uses liquid-crystal display (LCD) technology; wireless headphones; and connectors for video game attachments. Movie soundtracks and game sound effects can be played through the vehicle's audio system or separate headphones. Johnson Controls, a leading global manufacturer of automotive interior systems, supplies everything from seating systems, to headliners, to electronics, to total interiors. The AutoVision system was designed by Johnson Controls primarily as a fully integrated vehicle system, rather than as a retrofitted or aftermarket product. It's coming soon to the original equipment market as an option on several model-year 2000 sport-utility vehicles and minivans. "AutoVision is a very appealing, 'family-friendly' option -- and also is the industry's first video entertainment system that will be installed right on automakers' assembly lines," said Michael Suman, Johnson Controls' group vice president of worldwide advanced sales, marketing and business development. "It's truly an elegant, affordable, value-added system that's custom-designed for full compatibility with a vehicle's interior." The system's LCD monitor pulls down from the vehicle's headliner -- and picture brightness and contrast can be adjusted for day or night viewing. Sound can be played over the vehicle's speakers, or through independent headphones. Because AutoVision operates through the vehicle's audio system, it is possible for front-seat passengers to listen to radio programs, audiocassettes or CDs, while those in the rear cabin play video games or watch and listen to videocassettes. The on-board videocassette player can be integrated into various locations, for example, in a floor console, under a seat, or in the center stack. Weighing in at only seven pounds, the portable unit can be easily removed from its base and connected to any standard television set. The AutoVision system is compatible with emerging Digital Video Disc (DVD) technology. Suman says both automakers and aftermarket suppliers have shown significant interest in the Johnson Controls vehicle-integrated video entertainment system. "The timing is right for AutoVision -- an outstanding product that's suitable for a full range of vehicle and market applications," he said. The Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive business of Johnson Controls -- which employs more than 57,000 people at 275 facilities worldwide -- achieved US$9.3 billion in sales for the 1998 fiscal year. In model-year 1999, it will supply interior products for more than 22 million vehicles. Johnson Controls, Inc. is a global leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non-residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides building control systems and services, energy management and integrated facility management. Johnson Controls, founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its sales for 1998 totaled US$12.6 billion. NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos of the AutoVision vehicle entertainment system are available from David Roznowski at 734-254-5632, and also at http://www.newscom.com. CONTACT: David Roznowski of Johnson Controls, 734-254-5632. Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html or fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 473547. Web site: http://www.johnsoncontrols.com