Clarions Shark

Clarion revolutionises mobile audio with the introduction of the FB278RBT – a source unit with no moving parts. FB278RBT features a SD card slot behind the folding control panel to upload music. The FB278RBT also features unconventional materials, indirect lighting and aggressive styling combined to make the source unit designed to attract attention.

“Clarion continues to revolutionize the mobile electronics industry with our FB278RBT” said Ralph Dominguez, senior product planning manager, Clarion Corporation of America. “The concept of the FB278RBT was to encompass sleek, bold styling with advanced functions such as hands-free calling and enhanced media links. The FB278RBT is the epitome of extraordinary.”
The FB278RBT is a technologically advanced source unit that features no moving parts or CD mechanism eliminating the possibility of skipping. The SD card slot behind the folding control panel enables music file playback. For added functionality, the FB278RBT includes built-in Bluetooth with streaming audio capability and hands-free calling profiles. It includes an FM tuner, high visibility LCD and two-line letter display and rear auxiliary input. The FB278RBT offers 50W x 4 built-in amplifiers, 2-channel RCA output and z-enhancer and magna bass equalizer.
Esthetically, the FB278RBT is like no other. Its intuitive Clarion HMI (Human Machine Interface) design minimizes the number of buttons while maximizing functionality. Each button is large and easy to use, while at the same time appearing to not exist at all. The 728-variable color illuminated keys provide brilliant illumination for the interface. Finished in white acrylic, the four curved buttons on each side of the central rotary volume control mimic the gills of a shark creating Clarion’s Metal Shark concept. Indirect lighting on the FB278RBT makes each of the arched buttons appear to float, adding to the mystique of the Metal Shark design. A mirror finish surrounds the bottom half of the illuminated rotary volume control.

From the solid look and feel of the edge-lit control panel to the simplicity of the central volume control – the FB278RBT breaks all previous source unit stereotypes. Clarion’s advanced HMI design launches a new era in mobile source units with theFB278RBT.

The FB278RBT will launch in May 2007, UK high street price TBA.