News: Furuno Unveils TZtouchXL Range

TZtouchXL Range By Furuno
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If you enjoy boating then you certainly know the name Furuno; a company synonymous with yachting-related electronics that has become a household name in the marine industry. Originally started in 1938, Furuno's headquarters are in Japan but they have a North American division in Camas, Washington. The company has vast experience in marine electronics particularly radar systems, fish finders, and navigational instruments.

Over the years the company has continuously developed innovative new products and that constant evolution has led us to the latest offering from Furuno; the NavNet TZtouchXL. It is actually a whole new product line and not just a singular product. What is TZtouchXL? It is the newest Multifunction Display (MFD) from Furuno. Furuno is normally one of the top names you think of when it comes to marine MFDs. The bar has now been set even higher with the introduction of the NavNet TZtouchXL series. It introduces five different sizes of MFDs with all the features boaters desire, including exclusive, never-before-seen features in recreational navigation devices. Additionally, they pack all of the power and performance that has been the hallmark of Furuno for decades, wrapped in a fresh and simple-to-use user interface.

TZ MAPS is the feature that sets these MFDs apart from other manufacturers. Navigators are in complete control of what map data they want to download, such as raster or vector charts, satellite photos, and bathymetric data. Plus, they can select specific areas that they want to keep updated. Objects can be turned on and off in the Layers menu, available with a single edge swipe up from the bottom of the display. Users can create their own custom objects or make updates to charted objects, such as buoys, so when they move from their previously charted positions, they can be updated on the system on the fly. Custom user objects can be shared with other registered TZ MAPS users through Time Zero's new moderated service, and since they reside on their own chart layer on the TZtouchXL MFD, they can easily be displayed or hidden as desired.

BathyVision is another big feature on the TZtouchXL. BathyVision offers users truly 'off-the-charts' bathymetric data with contour lines that can be configured with a single tap. When we say configurable, we’re talking down to a resolution of a mere 3inches between contours - that's 3x better than any other bathymetric chart currently on the market.

Updates to the system can be acquired straight from the MFD, no need to search to download anything. TZtouchXL empowers users to purchase charts directly from the MFD! With an internet connection and TZtouchXL's simple, graphically presented chart store, navigators can purchase unlock codes and automatically update charts, keeping them current with the freshest data without having to manually download them. Updates are free for one year, and then they can continue to receive updates with a small annual subscription.

As with many technologies going forward AI is being employed and the TZtouchXL is harnessing the power of AI too. When connected to a DRS Radar, two new, powerful safety features are unlocked: Risk Visualizer™ and AI Avoidance Route™. Risk Visualizer™ is a unique function of Furuno Radars that provides a 360° visual representation of potential collision risks of approaching objects around the vessel. Unlike CPA/TCPA alarms, which indicate only the risks visible on the ship’s current course, Risk Visualizer™ assesses all of the objects around the vessel. Dynamic icons are automatically created for targets with the highest probability of collision, ensuring the captain has the information they need to maintain safe distances when passing. The new AI Avoidance Route™ feature takes all the information provided by the Radar and instantly provides a safe route around those hazards, which can be sent to a Furuno NAV pilot series autopilot with a single tap.

Earlier we mentioned the TZtouchXL is a series and it basically allows for installation in different applications on different vessels. The MFD series comes in 5 different sizes for your convenience. There is the 10'' TZT10X and 13" TZT13X which are hybrid models. The other three are the larger all-glass 16'' TZT16X, 22'' TZT22X, and 24'' TZT24X. All TZtouchXL models feature a powerful hexacore processor for lightning-fast response. Below is an example of the TZT16X MFD.

For those who want to go the whole 9-yards and accessorize with the TZtouchXL, there are two new remote control options are available. The vertically-oriented MCU006 and horizontal-set MCU006H, each capable of controlling any TZtouchXL MFD in the network. Both feature a comfortable RotoKey™ and beveled buttons for enhanced ease of use. The ten dedicated dual-purpose buttons operate different functions, including the ability to access the Edge Swiping functionality that makes the NavNet TZtouch series so easy to use.

For more information:

Furuno USA Inc
NW Pacific Rim Blvd
Camas, WA 98607
USA
www.furunousa.com

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