We’re Celebrating National Radio Day with hop back in time to the invention of the Car Radio we all know and love today!
Since the early 1900s, radios have been an omnipresent piece of tech in American homes and businesses. Nearly every household has at least one, relying on them to deliver news, entertainment, weather, and more to keep families up to date on what’s what in the world! But who had the brilliant idea to take this show on the road and put radios in cars?
The invention of the Car Radio is credited to Paul Galvin.
Galvin and his brother originally started out in Chicago, maintaining a manufacturing facility and brand producing home radios which ran on household electric in lieu of battery operation. As is the case with most things, necessity is oft the mother of invention, and the late 1920s/early 1930s stock market crash meant the brothers needed to innovate or lose their livelihood. And thus, the car radio was born!
The Galvin Bros business gained a lot of traction, and what once began as Galvin Manufacturing Corporation in 1928 was transformed in 1930 into the globally recognized brand known as Motorola!
The men worked together with a radio parts company to create a durable, affordable audio device and technology to take their equipment on the road. In 1930, Galvin drove a whopping 850 miles from Chicago down to Atlantic City to demonstrate the wonders of his in-car radio. Unlike today’s consolidated models with a small dashboard footprint, early car radio parts were installed both inside the car and under the floor.
Upgrade Your In-Car System for AV Capabilities
We’re going to take a look at several price points and model styles of brand new car radios you can purchase to upgrade your vehicle’s audio and video performance. From the affordably priced to the more luxurious models, we’ve got you covered. So crank that volume up to 11 and let’s hit the road!
RetroSound Hermosa Bluetooth Radios (Vintage Styling)
Got an antique car? Looking to live your best vintage vibe life? Then you’re in luck with the RetroSound Bluetooth radio option. This custom radio will make any car look like a classic with its 1950s chrome and retro details. It’s also affordably priced under $300 at most retailers, and is a few-frills basic knob-and-dial option for those who prefer to eliminate the distraction of screens. The company offers several models and styles depending on your era of preference or vehicle aesthetics.
JVC KW-M865BW Multimedia Receiver (No CD)
This digital multimedia receiver has AM/FM radio tuner, smartphone compatibility for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, USB connection, wireless screen mirroring, Bluetooth for hands free calling or audio streaming. The beautiful 6.8 inch touch screen makes navigation easy, with seamless swipe and touch action for GPS and menu selection.
Sony XAV-AX5000 Digital Multimedia Receiver (No CD)
This digital multimedia receiver has Bluetooth integration for wireless connectivity for audio streaming and hands free calling. It has 5 preamp outputs to boost sound through a subwoofer and your speakers. Dual USB ports to connect a phone or a thumb drive pre-loaded with music. It boasts a 6.96” touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well.
Alpine Halo9 iLX-F308 Digital Multimedia Receiver with 9” display
This model may not play CDs either, but you’ll hardly miss it! With a 9” capacitive touch screen built-in HD Radio and AM/FM tuner, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in iPad/iPod Controls, and AVI/MPEG4 Video playback, you’ll be all set for a little “in-flight” entertainment.
