Almost every client who comes to Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security has a cellular phone. Those same clients want to be able to stay in communication when they are driving. Of course, Senate Bill 123 limits the use of electronic devices while driving, so our clients ask about Bluetooth. This article explains what Bluetooth is, what it does and how it can help you.
Bluetooth Communication Defined
Bluetooth is a low-power, short-range radio communication protocol. It was created in 1989 as a wireless alternative to RS-232 serial communication cables. On its own, Bluetooth has no direct relation to a cellphone or car radio. Because Bluetooth is a data connection, programmers have created different communication and feature sets called protocols or profiles to allow Bluetooth to be used for different functions. Our cellphones could have the Hands-Free Profile (HFP), old Headset Profile (HSP) and Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) to help us make and take phone calls.
Bluetooth Pairing
When you get a new radio or a new phone, you have to “introduce” your phone to the radio. This process is called pairing. On new radios, you can put your phone into search mode, turn on the radio, wait for your phone to find the radio, then connect. The pairing process is very simple. On older radios, you had to enable the pairing mode with a preset four-digit code. Once you asked to connect to the radio, you had to enter that code. Things have become so much easier in the last few years.
An important note about Bluetooth pairing: When you start your car in the morning and the radio turns on, it will look for your phone. If Bluetooth is turned on, the two will connect. If you have updated the software or firmware on your phone, you may have to redo the pairing process. If you ever have connection issues, delete the phone from the radio and the radio from the phone, and start again.
Music Applications
Every smartphone on the market these days seems to be capable of playing music. You can pair your smartphone to a Bluetooth-equipped radio and transmit your audio over the air for playback through your audio system. Bluetooth uses the Advance Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) to send the music. The Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) allows the radio to pause a track, resume playback or skip to the next track. The latest version of AVRCP will transmit album art and your music folder information to your radio. Bluetooth audio streaming is a great way to use online streaming applications like Pandora and Spotify.
Bluetooth has made communication while driving much safer and more entertaining. If you are looking for a Bluetooth solution for your vehicle, drop in at Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security or contact us here. Be sure to bring your phone!
