Here’s the full news release:

Magellan Introduces Wireless Back-Up Camera for RoadMate Safety Series GPS Units

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – June 22, 2011 – Magellan GPS today announced the launch of a Back-Up Camera companion product for its RoadMate® safety series car navigation units that will help drivers reverse and park more safely.  Combining this camera with a Safety Series GPS navigator expands Magellan’s focus on safety and security to the full time you are in your car.  It starts when the Back-Up Camera helps you safely reverse out of your driveway, continues through your commute with premium GPS navigation features, and does not end until the Back-Up Camera helps you park the car without damage or stress and you finally shut off the ignition.

The Magellan Wireless Back-Up Camera attaches to the vehicle’s rear license plate and transmits images directly to the expansive 7" high resolution screen of a RoadMate 1700 or RoadMate 9055 GPS device. When the car is put into reverse, the GPS navigator will switch from map to rear-view mode, enabling drivers to view what is below the rear window.

The Back-Up Camera is both dustproof and waterproof to IP67 standard, and features a wide-angle viewing lens that provides a 120-degree viewing area behind the vehicle. The transmitter, which sits in the car’s trunk, is also water resistant (to IPX4 standard). With a 45-foot range and a 45 degree camera vertical adjustment, the transmitter is adaptable for most vehicles, SUVs and RVs.

"The Magellan Wireless Back-Up Camera adds a substantial level of safety and security to your drive. Back-Up Cameras have proven to be useful devices in helping drivers get a more complete picture of what’s behind them – such as small children or pets in the driveway – and helping them back into narrow, parallel parking spots. Combined with the confidence that a navigation device provides, the RoadMate with Back-Up Camera help you leave, arrive and park safely," said Mike Wagner, Senior Director, Product Marketing for Magellan GPS.

The Magellan Wireless Back-Up Camera kit comes complete with a license plate mountable camera, transmitter, wireless receiver, vehicle power adapter, installation hardware, and instructions. It is available at Amazon.com and automotive specialty shops, and retails at a MSRP of $149.99.

The RoadMate 1700 comes with pre-loaded maps of the US and Canada and six million points of interest. Of possible interest to the target market is the fact that CoPilot RV and truck navigation software can be loaded onto the unit.

More Magellan RoadMate 1700 reviews

• Consumer-authored Magellan RoadMate 1700 reviews have been posted at Amazon
• PC World gives a 4 out of 5 star rating in their RoadMate 1700 review
• Meanwhile, PC Mag gives a 3-1/2 out of 5 star rating in their review of the Magellan RoadMate 1700

I’ll be posting more hands on GPS reviews as they appear, but in the meantime, here are some…

Other Magellan RoadMate 1700 resources

• A PDF version of the Magellan RoadMate 1700 owners manual
• Want to see how the 1700 stands up against other units? Use this handy Magellan auto GPS comparison chart.
• A Magellan RoadMate 1700 FAQ
• Our other Magellan auto GPS reviews
• There is a Magellan RoadMate message forum at GpsPasSion
• There is also a Magellan RoadMate forum at GPSReview.net
• The official Magellan RoadMate 1700 web page
• A video demo of the Magellan RoadMate 1700:

Compare prices on the Magellan RoadMate 1700 at these merchants:

• Check the current Magellan RoadMate 1700 price at Amazon
• Get a great deal on the Magellan RoadMate 1700 Automobile GPS at TheNerds.net
• Check out the price on the RoadMate 1700 7" Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator at BoatersWorld.com

This gives Magellan an advantage over the 4.3” Garmin nuvi 465T as far as screen size goes; the two compatible Magellan units have 4.7” and 7” screens.

According to Amazon, the software has been available since late October. CoPilot’s own page cites 2.9 million commercial truck restrictions, in addition to seven million points of interest.

Via @Allory_d