There is a new era of automotive safety innovations and “mobile connectivity” growing worldwide. Renowned electronics manufacturer Azentek is leading the way with its new all-in-one “infotainment system” named the SmartMirror.

The SmartMirror (model SM-450) replaces the original equipment rearview mirror with one that integrates a global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation system, hands-free Bluetooth cellular and PDA connectivity, and can also be used as a display for the (optional) rearview/backup camera.

Roughly, the left two thirds of the SmartMirror is a conventional mirror and the remainder features a built-in 4-inch TFT LCD touchscreen that serves as a display for the navigation, phone dialing and the rearview camera.

The 16-channel GPS receiver offers a host of very useful navigation options, such as Lane Assistant and Reality View for extra guidance, spoken street names via text-to-speech, intuitive menus, 2D and 3D maps with millions of points of interest (POI), as well as easy-to-read map views that adapt to the driver’s needs. Plus, it doubles as a Bluetooth speakerphone (via the built-in Bluetooth module), displays the incoming calls on the screen and supports Manual/Auto call answering.

With 21 Southern California locations, Al & Ed’s Autosound (featured on the show “Whipnotic”) was one of the first companies to install the SmartMirror. We recently visited their corporate offices (Van Nuys, California) and with the help of Product & Media Manager, John Haynes, followed Tito Vega as he installed the mirror and the optional rearview camera in the company’s full-show Escalade.

While Azentek recommends having the equipment professionally installed and set up, if you have a basic understanding of hand tools and can follow the detailed instructions, you can easily install the mirror yourself in about a half hour. Add another two to three hours to route the wiring to the back and install the rearview camera.

STEP BY STEP

1. The SmartMirror comes complete with everything you’ll need for the easy installation.

2. After removing the stock mirror, attach the SmartMirror to the factory windshield mount, run the new wiring up under the headliner trim panels down to the fuse block (in this case on the passenger side) and connect the wiring harness to power.

3. Pressing the mirror’s power button brings up the Main Menu. Then touch the Bluetooth icon to bring up this menu to connect with PDAs or dial a call.

4. Touching the Navigation icon on the Main Menu brings up the GPS system. Touching the magnifying glass icon enlarges the map to street view and turn-by-turn voice directions.

5. Tito mounted the rearview camera under the trim near the lift gate handle. The wiring was then run under the carpet and up the A pillar and across to the mirror.

6. The 4-inch screen makes it easy to see what’s behind and below the back of the vehicle—before you hit it.

Photos: Dick DeLoach