Poly-Planar MRD-70/RD-44, multi-zone & multi-source
Comments about the Fusion stereo testing reminded me of Poly-Planar’s somewhat similar MRD-70 audio system. With the addition of RD-44 remote head units (see below), plus amps and speakers, it becomes a multi-zone and multi-source system. That is, different zones can use different sources, which the multi-zone Fusion system can not do. Plus it has intercom functions and wireless remotes, and Poly-Planar recently added an improved iPod interface. But no marine, or even automobile, system I can find has caught up to what some iPods can do…
Wouldn’t it be neat if you could play iPod videos—TV shows, vidcasts, movies, You-Tube clips, etc.—on your boat’s AV system, video-capable plotters included? Apparently it can look good on a bigger screen. I hear that one or more manufacturers are working on this capability, and I think it could be a winner. But I’m not holding my breath. Heck, I went around METS last year looking for a simple marine stereo that could also play DVDs with video output to the screen of my choice. No luck, though I thought it available years ago. Now I notice that the new MB Quart Nautic may do this nicely. And maybe there are others?
Also, has anyone had hands-on experience with this Poly-Planar gear? I was impressed enough two years ago to give it a Sail FKP Award (note the much improved Sail site), but I never did get to try one myself. Incidentally, I could swear that I already wrote about this system on Panbo, but I can’t find it. The good news is that a better Panbo—improved search, easier comment sign ins, forums, and more—is in sight. Really.
Jensen actually still has one 12 volt Marine DVD player that is a standard single Din. http://www.asaelectronics.com/detail.html?pid=172