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New Jaguar XJ's dual-view display may be illegal in U.S.

 
8 5,698 views Aug 7, 2009
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2011 Jaguar XJ

A law prohibiting front-mounted entertainment systems could interfere with Jaguar's plans

A law prohibiting front-mounted entertainment systems could interfere with Jaguar's plans

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Dual-view displays have been billed as the hottest new technology to hit the automobile since GPS, and though the hype might be overdone, there's a lot of merit to the idea. Americans might not get to find out, however, due to a law prohibiting front-seat entertainment systems.

Based in the common-sense idea of limiting driver distractions, the law also technically rules out use of the new dual-view technology which feeds different images to driver and passenger from a single screen.

Jaguar's new 2010 XJ flagship could be one of the first victims of the law, reports Autocar. The company's own Ian Callum, chief of design, says it's "technically illegal." That technicality could be enough to keep the system out of early models, at least until the regulation can be changed to allow for the new technology.

Of course, that assumes that regulators will be willing to change the rule to allow such dual-view systems.

Given that the whole purpose of the dual-view system is to keep the driver supplied with navigation or other important behind-the-wheel info while limiting the entertainment side to passenger view, approval seems likely, though as with all things governmental, don't expect quick action.

Check out our preview story for more on dual-view technology.

[Autocar]
2010 Jaguar XJ

HI-RES GALLERY: 2011 Jaguar XJ




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Comments (8)

  1. ma_bepsf avatar bepsf Posted: 8/7/2009 12:08pm PDT

    So what's the difference between having a screen in the car that prevents the driver from seeing a movie unless he leans over to the passenger side...
    ...and holding a smartphone in his hand while driving and texting/watching YouTube videos?
     
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  2. ma_Nelson avatar Nelson Posted: 8/7/2009 12:25pm PDT

    Well, you'd have to lean REALLY far over (i.e. there's about a 90-degree angle between the viewable sides - so far that driving would be difficult or impossible), and the screen doesn't occupy the driver's hands.

    Those are the two major differences, I'd say.
     
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  3. ma_bepsf avatar bepsf Posted: 8/7/2009 1:58pm PDT

    Well, you'd have to lean REALLY far over (i.e. there's about a 90-degree angle between the viewable sides - so far that driving would be difficult or impossible), and the screen doesn't occupy the driver's hands.

    Those are the two major differences, I'd say.

    I agree -
    However my point is that while the former and far less likely and therefore less dangerous scenario is currently deemed "Illegal", the latter, easier, and far more dangerous scenario which recurs on a daily basis is not.
     
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  4. ma_Nelson avatar Nelson Posted: 8/7/2009 2:01pm PDT

    Right there with ya...but really, the problem isn't the law. It's the inattentive, self-important morons behind the wheel.
     
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  5. ma_archony avatar archony Posted: 8/7/2009 4:05pm PDT

    Right there with ya...but really, the problem isn't the law. It's the inattentive, self-important morons behind the wheel.

    I would like to defend inattentive morons by saying that we are not always self-important ;)
     
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  6. ma_www.mywheelsonwalls.com avatar www.mywheelsonwalls.com Posted: 8/8/2009 9:26am PDT

    From what I understand the law covers only from new and not aftermarket. So can anyone say "dealer installed options" hmmmm.
     
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  7. By  Libertine Posted: 8/11/2009 6:01am PDT

    Well not bad looking I must say. But they certainly could done better
     
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  8. By  computer keyboard Posted: 12/30/2009 4:36am PST

    I think the technology is great and if it really does work as intended, the wording of the law should be changed. If this technology could trickle down into more affordable models, I see lots of families going for this option.
     
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