10 March 2011
Two new audio panels – the GMA 350 and GMA 350H – just launched by Garmin offer pilots voice recognition in addition to 3D spatial audio processing, advanced auto squelch, and ambient noise based volume adjustment, all aimed at reducing pilot workload.
The voice recognition allows pilots to use their voice to control certain aspects of the audio system. For example, pilots can select COM 1 or COM 2 by simply stating, “COM 1” or “COM 2,” rather than pressing a key. Voice based commands can be used to control most aspects of the audio panel that would normally be done with a button or knob.
Garmin added, ‘The GMA 350 also includes 3D spatial processing or ‘3D Audio’, which mimics the way people process sounds and conversations. Humans have the ability to focus their listening attention on a single talker among a mixture of other conversations and background noises, ignoring other conversations. Garmin has leveraged this ability by simulating 3D sound with stereo headsets. For example, if the pilot is monitoring air traffic control on one radio and the weather, such as ATIS, on another radio, the GMA 350 will separate the two conversations by placing air traffic control towards the pilot’s left and the weather towards the pilot’s right. This enhances the pilots’ ability to understand one or both conversations that are happening simultaneously.
‘Another new feature of the GMA 350 is ‘blue-select mode’ that makes entertainment audio distribution independent so that pilots can distribute audio for passengers and crew appropriately. Having the ability to control volumes, muting and entertainment audio distribution, makes this panel ideal for audio aficionados. Pilots can connect up to two dedicated music sources and a telephone to the rear connector. The pilot can over-ride the rear telephone input at any time by plugging-in a device (e.g. MP3 player or mobile phone) into the 3.5 mm front jack. Entertainment audio volume can then be controlled by turning the volume/squelch knob and using the volume bar display.’
The GMA 350 and 350H are due to be available to UK pilots in the second half of 2011, with retail prices of $2395 and $2695 respectively. <a href=”http://www.garmin.co.uk”>Click here for more</a>
