Garmin® brings home theater sound quality to the cockpit with the GMA™ 345/342
New audio panels are a cost-effective slide-in upgrade to the popular
GMA 340
OLATHE, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today
announced the GMA 345 and GMA 342 all-digital audio panels designed for
fixed-wing aircraft. The GMA 345 features Bluetooth® audio
connectivity and a front-mounted USB charging port, while the GMA 342
contains a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack that allows pilots to connect a
mobile device directly to the audio panel. These new panel-mount audio
panels contain state-of-the-art sound quality and an impressive list of
additional features, such as advanced auto squelch, music bass boost,
advanced equalizer settings, 3D Audio processing and more, while also
retaining a consistent user interface with the GMA 340. Contributing to
an easy upgrade path, the GMA 345/342 are also pin-and-rack compatible1
and slide-in replaceable with the GMA 340 and select third-party audio
panels, so it’s easy to incorporate modern audio panel technology and
superior sound quality at a fraction of the price.
“With the GMA 345 and GMA 342, we’re excited to bring home theater sound
quality, paired with 3D Audio, advanced auto squelch, connectivity with
mobile devices and more to one of the most economical audio panels on
the market,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and
marketing. “In addition to exclusive inflight audio, we’ve made the
upgrade path seamless, allowing thousands of aircraft owners to easily
upgrade and experience the workload-reducing benefits associated with a
contemporary audio panel at an attractive price.”
The GMA 345/342 combine patented features alongside innovative sound
quality to provide pilots with a cost-effective audio panel, rich with
an exclusive feature set. Home theater-like music effects add to the
rich audio characteristics provided by the GMA 345/342, allowing pilots
to select bass boost levels, as well as equalizer effects, including
rock, classical and pop. Advanced auto squelch automatically adapts to
the noise level within the cockpit and allows for natural conversation
through headsets. The GMA 345/342 includes a six-place stereo intercom
and support for up to three stereo music inputs. Split-COMM mode also
allows the pilot and co-pilot to broadcast independently on two separate
frequencies. Additionally, a built-in digital clearance recorder can
record up to 60 seconds of selected COMM radio transmissions so pilots
can easily play back difficult clearances. The GMA 345/342 also feature
dedicated pilot and co-pilot music and intercom volume control knobs.
As a standard feature of the GMA 345, pilots can connect a smartphone or
tablet via Bluetooth to easily make or receive phone calls, stream audio
entertainment or wirelessly connect to select Garmin HD action cameras,
like the VIRB® Ultra 30, as well as select third-party
cameras that support a Bluetooth microphone. In place of a headset
cable, the GMA 345 and VIRB Ultra 30 connect wirelessly so pilots can
overlay intercom audio and air traffic control communications on top of
high definition video. When connected, a front-mounted USB charging port
on the GMA 345 helps to keep mobile devices charged throughout flight.
Alternatively, the GMA 342 contains a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack on the
faceplate and allows pilots to connect cell phones or portable music
devices to the audio panel for use during flight.
The first to introduce 3D Audio to general aviation, Garmin incorporates
3D Audio processing into the GMA 345/342 audio panels. With stereo
headsets, incoming audio is spatially separated to reflect how people
process sound and conversation by differentiating audio sources by their
unique locations or seat position. For example, sound from COMM 1 will
come from the left, whereas sound from COMM 2 will sound as though it’s
coming from the right. Using stereo headsets, listen to a demonstration
of 3D Audio by visiting this website: http://www.garmin.com/us/explore/intheair/how-does-3d-audio-work/.
As a slide-in replacement for the popular GMA 340 audio panel, as well
as a wide-range of select third-party audio panels, the GMA 345/342
offer aircraft owners an easy upgrade path so thousands can enjoy the
benefits associated with a modern audio panel. The GMA 345/342 also
incorporate a familiar user interface as it closely resembles that of
the GMA 340 so transitioning to the new audio panel is seamless and
straightforward.
Garmin is also introducing the GMA 345/342 Satisfaction Guarantee
program, which is available to customers who purchase a GMA 345 or GMA
342 to replace their existing GMA 340 or third-party audio panel that is
slide-in compatible. If upon completion of the initial flight test after
installation of the GMA 345 or GMA 342, the customer is not satisfied
with the new audio panel, the customer may elect to have the GMA 340 or
third-party audio panel that was removed, re-installed and they may
receive a complete refund of the purchase price (including installation)
of the GMA 345 or GMA 342. Contact a participating Garmin authorized
dealer for additional information.
The GMA 345 and GMA 342 are expected to be available in late April
starting at $1,895* and $1,595* respectively. For additional
information, visit www.garmin.com/aviation
or contact a local Garmin authorized dealer.
Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to
OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio
includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an
expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that
are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information
about Garmin’s full line of avionics, go to www.garmin.com/aviation.
For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless
devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active
lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including
automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more
information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom,
contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin,
twitter.com/garmin,
or youtube.com/garmin.
1.Applicable in dual COMM installations.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
About Garmin
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN).
Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal
subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United
Kingdom. Garmin and VIRB are registered trademarks and G3X and GMA are
trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by
Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service
marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd.
and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current
expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in
this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as
a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting
Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed
by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file
number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No
forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements
speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes
no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or
otherwise.
Contacts
Garmin International Inc.
Jessica Koss, 913-397-8200
media.relations@garmin.com
