Becker Traffic Assist Z 201 with Faster Route Calculation and 3-D Graphics for Better...

Becker Traffic Assist Z 201 with Faster Route Calculation and 3-D Graphics for Better Orientation

-- Amazingly fast calculation of four alternative routes

-- Better orientation with 3-D Terrain View and 3-D City View

-- 2 GB integrated memory with 42 pre-loaded countries

-- Clear navigation also in turn-by-turn view

-- Content manager for personal map configuration
KARLSBAD, Germany--(Business Wire)--
The IFA 2008 consumer electronics show in Berlin is where
Harman/Becker Automotive Systems is introducing the Becker Traffic
Assist Z 201. This new mobile navigation system features faster route
calculation times. An integrated memory with 42 pre-loaded countries,
28 languages for menu and destination guidance, and text-to-speech,
the product is ideal for international navigation. Other features,
including 3-D Terrain View and 3-D City View, visualization of traffic
signs on motorways, 3-D landmarks and country information, are perfect
for holiday and business travel or weekends trips in the country.
Priced at EUR 250.00, the Becker Traffic Assist Z 201 will be
available on the market from mid-October 2008.

Arrive at your destination safe and relaxed

Each person has a different opinion when it comes to the ideal
navigation system features. It all depends on how the system is used.
But one thing is perfectly clear: the most important function of a
mobile navigation system is to ensure drivers are safely guided to
their destination without undue stress. Becker shares this opinion
with traffic experts. Traffic Assist Z 201 feature include 3-D Terrain
View and 3-D City View in excellent image quality to help drivers
visualize gradients and slopes or approaching curves in the road. 3-D
images of buildings in urban areas makes it easier to follow the
spot-on, clearly-spoken driving instructions. 3-D landmarks make it
easier to find your way around in the city. During route guidance, the
names of the roads are announced via text-to-speech and displayed on
the status line. Many drivers will also appreciate the brief display
of intersecting and parallel street names on the map.

Becker Traffic Assist Z201 safety features include Lane Assistant.
Introduced on the precursor model, this handy feature points to the
best lane to use when approaching multi-lane intersections. It also
displays traffic signs at over 4,000 difficult intersections including
motorway junctions and turn-off points. The visual and acoustic speed
limit warning signal ensures relaxed driving.

Standard route options include a choice of four simultaneously
calculated routes in the "show alternative routes" menu. These routes
are highlighted in colour on the map as optimal, fast, short and easy
routes. Buttons on the right hand side of the screen select the
desired route and provide information on travel time and distance.

Technical features include an integrated TMC receiver that can be
easily configured to automatically seek suitable stations on the route
for dynamic navigation. Frequent travellers can rest assured that
traffic problems along the route are taken into account. Commuters
have the option to select a programme manually, which keeps them
informed of the local traffic situation with TMC reports. All warnings
can be displayed as symbols on the map or retrieved as a list with
additional details before starting the journey.

Fast route calculation and short access times

The Becker Traffic Assist Z 201 is equipped with advanced
processor technology, 2 GB internal memory with 42 pre-loaded
countries, optimized programme management and crystal-clear screen
graphics. Users benefit from significantly faster access times, route
calculation and alternative route selection to avoid traffic
congestion. The fast operating speed is also apparent before and
during route guidance - for example, when entering the destination
address, zooming the map in and out, or switching the route guidance
to turn-by-turn view.

Convenience demands logical operating concepts

Intuitive, convenient operation is one of the Becker Traffic
Assist Z201 essentials. Before a Becker product is ready for series
production, designers and psychologists conduct extensive tests to
evaluate the operating concept. Menu layouts and user controls are
tested with different subjects and optimized as needed. When the unit
is switched on, six large, self-explanatory on-screen buttons for
accessing the different functional levels appear on the 4.3 inch 16:9
touch-screen display. With the "Settings" button, for example, the
basic functions of the Becker Traffic Assist 201 can be individually
configured. Tap the TMC button and the navigator displays an overview
all current traffic problems.

Special features include the destination memory, which stores up
to 200 fixed and last destinations and displays them in a list. The
sequence of the addresses can be easily rearranged and saved for quick
access. Like petrol stations or restaurants, they are given the status
of special destinations in the navigation database and can be easily
selected and entered in the route planning with a quick tap of a
finger.

In addition to standard address entry via smart speller,
destinations can also be selected by entering geo-coordinates or by
pointing on the map. The option of complete route planning is
convenient for business or holiday travellers. Another convenient
option is that every intermediate segment of the calculated route can
be evaluated and blocked if necessary before and during the journey.

Top features

In addition to route navigation, the Becker Traffic Assist Z 201
offers a variety of multimedia applications for on-the-road enjoyment,
including the ability to play MP3 music or videos from a micro SD
card. People who routinely travel on national roads or in neighbouring
countries will appreciate the Content Manager feature that lets you
select specific maps for your personal needs from the supplied DVD.
This opens up space in the 2 GB internal memory for multimedia files.
A mini-USB connection can be used for exchanging data with a PC. The
Travel Assistant offers a number of handy tools including national
telephone codes, a calculator and a world clock. On-the-road
entertainment is provided by a collection of electronic games.

The Becker Traffic Assist Z 201 comes standard with a universal
suction cup mounting system, a power cable for the cigarette lighter,
a TMC dipole antenna and a USB cable for connecting to a PC.

Harman/Becker Automotive Systems GmbH

Harman/Becker Automotive Systems GmbH is a subsidiary of Harman
International Industries Inc. based in the USA (Washington). Becker
has gained an international reputation in the automotive industry and
aftermarket with innovations in car audio systems, infotainment,
vehicle navigation, telematics and integrated multimedia systems.
Other Harman/Becker milestones include video processing, digital TV
tuner technology and MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport), the
standard for in-car multimedia solutions. The company is strengthening
its position as an innovation leader in the market with
state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.

Becker Brand
C. Volker Weber
Marketing Communications
Tel. +49 7248/71-1505
Fax. +49 7248/71-1225
E-mail: VWeber@HarmanBecker.com
Web: www.myBecker.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008