German Car Zone

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.

- New Jaguar XJ's dual-view display may be illegal in U.S. - [2010 Jaguar XJ] - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots

Oh that sucks! I guess the same goes for the Facelift S-class then.

On the other hand, doesn't the entertainment side allowable to see by the passenger side only???

That's what I was thinking. I don't think so which is pointless as the driver can still see the ent. side. If I'm not mistaken the 7er has the same system but entertainment only works wen car stationary.

It really is common sense. Imagine driving during a busy and rainy day while someone is watching an episode of Simpsons. Marge and Bart's voices are highly distracting, and can be irritating if you cant see what on the screen. In principle the idea of dual view is excellent but the audio for the passenger screen should be limited to headphones.

??

There are millions of comedy shows on radio, how's that distracting ? in that case, heavy metal and rock n roll is also distracting .. I can't see your point Hassan.

That is true. But there is no visuals for radio broadcasting unlike with TV that can entice the driver to lean over to the other side of the car in order to get a glimpse of what's on the screen.

All better for U.S. drivers in and out of the new XJ and other cars that may come equipped with this technology in other markets. This is yet another example of innovation answering a question no one asked....and you can't really make sense of explanations that solve no particular problem, or answer no real question.

Same can be said for the navigation images, or NightVision images.

Are when changing A/C or radio settings ...

Yes, navigation systems are a distraction too but are at the same time driving aids. A/C only takes seconds to set and then you're done. TV on the other hands, does absolutely nothing for you except entertain and keep your eyes and mind actively distracted. Even enjoying a book or getting some paper work done can be distressing in the presence of a TV.

I'm sorry but this is just stupid. In time where ANYONE can go to their local electronics store and get as many TVs in their cars as they want, the Gov has problems with a "Stock" item? That doesn't make any F__king sense. Sure, don't give me dual-view as stock, I'll just buy the f__king thing from Amazon and install the thing myself.