Hard to BEATWhen it comes to function-packed head units at bargain prices the BEAT range certainly holds its own.
In a market that has increasingly been driven by price in recent times, having a product like the BEAT range of head units from Connects2 is essential for any dealer. These are the kinds of products that can not only attract new customers but also win them over to the possibilities of car audio in general, while at the same time giving dealers a decent profit margin. From the lowest specification to the highest, the four BEAT head units will cover virtually anything a customer will want, which in turn means a clear and simple solution for dealers too.
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The entry-level BEAT275 product has a trade price of just £39.99 and features the basic radio facilities you would expect. However, on top of that it is CD/CD-R and RW compatible yet also has a front mini USB port, a front Aux In and an SD Memory card port. Ultimately this means that most forms of music can be played via the BEAT275 which makes the recommended retail price of £59.99 extremely attractive. Naturally, dealers can also benefit from that decent margin too.
The next step up is perhaps the most comprehensive unit to cater for the entry-level customer. The new BEAT375 is hot off the press and is set to be an absolute winner with a trade price of just £55. This single DIN head unit with touch sensitive panel has a USB port, SD/MMC memory card slot, plays MP3 and WMA files with ID3-TAG and is CD/CD-R and CD-RW compatible. But the real selling point of this brand new head unit is the fact it has a built in Bluetooth hands free phone kit and uniquely, when purchased with the optional BT-IPD lead (£9.99 trade price), it is iPod compatible. With the Bluetooth kit, calls can be answered and ended from the head unit’s front panel, there’s background noise reduction and phone number display on the screen and thanks to the built-in microphone there’s no time-consuming additional fitting involved. On the iPod side of things, all the functionality of the iPod is retained on the screen with the added advantage that it recharges the iPod while in use. Considering that hands free calling and iPod compatibility are essentially basic needs for consumers now, the BEAT375 is sure to be a hit; all the features customers want with a price they’re sure to love.
The remaining two head units in the range are both DVD players, the BEAT550 using a small 3in TFT-LCD monitor on the single DIN panel and the top-spec BEAT600 employing a 7in version of that monitor on a double DIN unit. The BEAT550 allows a no fuss solution for customers needing a single DIN DVD solution, but it also offers those other functions such as Bluetooth hands free and MP3 playback, which are often on their shopping lists. Extra tricks for this unit are the built-in TV Tuner, A2DP streaming of Bluetooth audio, AV input/output and reverse camera in capabilities plus EQ3 ability offering audio in Classic, Pop, Rock and Flat theatres. Impressively, all of this still retails at a very achievable £139.99 with a healthy £109.99 trade price, offering customers and dealers alike a great value entry-level DVD head unit. The BEAT600 steps things up a gear though, still retailing at a bargain price of £259.99 (and an excellent £179.99 trade price) but offering plenty of other features to the customer. Already mentioned is the 7in touchscreen upon which numerous controls can be made, including dialling of phone numbers, but one of it’s real strengths is the formats the head unit can play. DVD/DVD-R/CD/VCD/CD-R/DivX formats are all supported, while there is again a USB port and SD/MMC card slot. Many of the other functions of the BEAT550 are included too, yet customers also get a fully functioning OSD remote control and a 1200x234 pixel resolution on the screen with this double DIN unit, making it a hugely entertaining product for the money.
BEAT may not be a household name just yet, but the value for money on offer from their range of four head units, coupled with great functionality could well change that. For dealers there are clearly excellent margins to be had, plus Connects2 are a highly reputable distributor already so dealers can order with confidence. With the upcoming release of the BEAT375 there truly is an affordable option for all of your customers within the relatively straight-forward range, so no matter what their in-car entertainment requirements are BEAT can meet them. For more information on the BEAT range visit beat-audio.co.uk or alternatively contact Connects2 on the details below and find out how you can take advantage of these hard to beat products.
Contact: Connects2, 0845 257 5588 or connects2.com
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