Traditionally, when you think of in-car entertainment music springs to mind. Even though many vehicles still come with cassette players, they have effectively been usurped by more high tech sources such as CDs and iPods.

The spectacular success of the iPod has encouraged many car and audio systems manufacturers to develop systems that allow them to be played as if they were part of the vehicle's sound system.

For example, JDM Products supplies a product from Dension called ice>Link Plus, which integrates the iPod into the vehicle entertainment system by translating CD changer messages to iPod controls, switching it automatically on and off as the CD changer source is selected/deselected. The iPod is fully integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and is controlled from the head unit and steering wheel controls where available and is charged while connected.

With the use of a mobile phone without a hands free kit now illegal while driving in Ireland, there is a lot of interest in products that combine in-car entertainment with the ability to make and take calls while on the move. One such product is the Parrot Rhythm 'n' Blue, available from Dialacom.

With the Rhythm 'n' Blue, drivers can listen to CDs, radio stations or even their own MP3 recording and make and receive phone calls without the use of a separate car kit. It is compatible with all Bluetooth phones and comes in seven back-light colours. The keyboard controls phone dialling and messaging functions and provides radio station selection.

Auto-Tech supplies and installs a number of Bluetooth compatible devices from JVC including the BT1, a radio/CD/MP3 player that comes with a USB port for plugging in memory sticks.

"Many drivers, particularly commercial drivers like the idea of integrating the radio/CD unit and phone kit and the beauty of this device is that if you have different drivers using the same vehicle it can support up to eight different handsets, " explained Auto-Tech managing director Leo Witter.

DVD units becoming very popular Still on the entertainment theme, DVD players are an increasingly popular option for motorists with small children in particular. While some vehicles come with drop-down roof units or screens built into the headrests, the majority of users still have to purchase a separate device.

Leo Witter says that four wheel drive vehicle owners are driving growth in sales of reversing cameras. These can be installed in a number of ways, for example with a screen in the sun visor connected to a small camera in the bumper or back door.

Dialacom stock a range of parking sensors, which can prevent injury to pedestrians and nearby children as well as reduce vehicle damage. The sensor automatically creates an invisible detection zone when reverse gear is selected and as the vehicle is reversed towards an obstacle, the sensor emits an audible warning inside the vehicle which increases in frequency the closer the obstacle becomes. These sensors can also be installed on the front of the vehicle.

"By installing a shockresistant camera at the rear of your lorry, your driver will have optimum control and view of his operations and can thus work more safely and in line with safety regulations, " said Theresa Hyland of Dialacom. "All cameras are supplied with night vision and LCD flatscreen colour display."

Leo Witter advises motorists not to confuse central locking with car alarms.

"People often assume they have an alarm system when they don't and many find out the hard way. If you are driving a vehicle with remote central locking on the key we can incorporate the alarm control into the existing key."

The Clifford car alarm system from JDM Products offers a useful extra feature.

It allows motorists to start their car remotely, which is particularly useful for cars with turbos that may require longer to warm up. "You can also lock the car when the engine is still running, " added marketing manager Philip Nathan.

Dialacom also stocks a wide variety of GPS tracking devices, whether your needs are for insurance discounts, locating your fleet of vehicles or simply peace of mind. In the event of your vehicle being stolen, the control centre can pinpoint its location and this information can then be passed to the Garda Siochana to help its recovery.