Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd., today announced the GPSMAP 8400/8600 series – powerful new all-in-one multi-function displays (MFDs) that offer mariners the highest screen resolution on the market. These large-format MFDs provide a sleek glass helm look and are available in 17-, 22-, and 24-inch displays that feature full HD in-plane switching (IPS) screens with multi-touch control.
Boasting new and improved processors, they provide increased performance, enhanced video processing, and the fastest chart drawing offered in a Garmin MFD. The GPSMAP 8400/8600 series is being announced in conjunction with the Miami International Boat Show, and will be on display at the Garmin booth #C480.
“Garmin was the first to create a glass-helm design, and we’re excited to take it to the next level with the GPSMAP 8400/8600 series by offering increased resolution, larger display sizes and faster processing,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of worldwide sales. “This new series is a superior solution, offering the best in value, performance and ease-of-installation.”
These sunlight-readable MFDs feature an anti-glare IPS LCD display that provides consistent, accurate colors that can be seen from all viewing angles, an industry first for this class. Featuring the highest resolution available on the market today, the GPSMAP 8×17 and 8×24 offer a WUXGA 1920×1200 display, and the GPSMAP 8×22 has an FHD 1920×1080 display. The maximum glass design can be flush or flat-mounted, and enables edge-to-edge installation of multiple displays.
The processing power found in the GPSMAP 8400/8600 series is the highest offered in a Garmin MFD. All added sensors like radar, sonar, Panoptix™, and multimedia benefit from this increased performance and provide a premium user experience across the entire network.
With new One Touch presets for sonar, charts, radar, cameras, media, and digital switching, the GPSMAP 8400/8600 series provides a more intuitive user interface that can be independent or incorporated into SmartMode™ station controls. Users can configure and customize their entire system for activities ranging from docking, cruising, fishing, and anchoring with just one touch.
Mariners can view videos in full or spilt-screen from a variety of media devices on the chartplotter’s display using the HDMI video input, or they can mirror the chartplotter screen on a TV or monitor using the HDMI output port found on these new devices. HDMI video is shared across the Garmin Marine Network and can be viewed on multiple displays. Users can even play digital audio from HDMI input through the boat’s stereo (optional cable required).
The all-in-one compact design of the GPSMAP 8400/8600 series eliminates the need for black-boxes, monitors, and external Wi-Fi antennas. They feature built-in Wi-Fi and ANT that allow the chartplotter to connect to a new quatix™ 3 marine smartwatch, Nautix™ In-View Display, VIRB® action cameras, RF wireless remote control, smartphones, and tablets. The chartplotter screen can even be spilt to show up to six different features simultaneously, including HDMI video input. They feature four wired-Ethernet ports, composite video input, and are fully network capable across the Garmin Marine Networking, NMEA 2000, and FUSION-Link. Mariners will also benefit from enhanced video processing with up to four IP camera streams and simultaneous Garmin Helm support.
Support for J1939 is also available, providing engine and generator data with configurable templates for instrumentation.
The GPSMAP 8400/8600 series is expected to be available in Q1 2016. For more information and pricing, visit garmin.com/marine2016.
Recently, Garmin was named Manufacturer of the Year and received the honor of being the most recognized company in the marine electronics field by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA). Garmin’s portfolio includes some of the industry’s most sophisticated chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar technology, high-definition radar, autopilots, high-resolution charts, sailing instrumentation, and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use.
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.
