Garmin® Introduces DownVü and SideVü Scanning Sonar

Press releases and product news from the global leader in GPS.

Garmin® Introduces DownVü and SideVü Scanning Sonar
18 NOVEMBER 2013 @ 6:00 AM  / MARINE /

OLATHE, Kan./November 18, 2013/Business Wire - Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced DownVü and SideVü, their down and side-scanning sonar technology that provides high resolution imagery and excellent precision for what’s in the water below and beside the boat.

“Garmin is excited to bring scanning sonar to the market for our customers,” said Dan Bartel, vice president of worldwide sales.  “For anglers of all types, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of what is directly below and to the side of boat when out on the water.  Now, with DownVü and SideVü, we provide that valuable insight on a large range of Garmin marine products.”

DownVü

Garmin DownVü is a high-frequency sonar that provides a near picture quality representation of objects, structure and fish that the boat is passing over.  With a finer, concentrated sonar signal scanning a designated area, DownVü provides excellent resolution with great target separation in fresh and saltwater.

New echo™ dv Series

An updated line of echo fishfinders will now support DownVü.  Whether it’s a 4-inch grayscale echo unit or one with full color display, anglers can receive the same clear precision of DownVü on a dedicated fishfinder with a DownVü transducer.  This updated echo series will also support a 50kHz transducer, further expanding the functionality to saltwater anglers.

New echoMAP™ dv Series

With the introduction of DownVü, Garmin will also release a new series of echoMAP units with built-in DownVü capability.  The echoMAP 50dv and 70dv boast the same vibrant screens and capabilities as the previously released echoMAP series but now add DownVü scanning technology.

Updated GPSMAP® 500 and 700 Series

For any angler who’s already purchased a new GPSMAP 500 or 700 series device without built-in DownVü, a free software update will be available through the Garmin website that allows these units to utilize DownVü scanning.  Then, with a DownVü transducer (adapter required for some models), the GPSMAP unit will provide full DownVü technology at the angler’s fingertips.

New GPSMAP 800 and 1000 Series

The new GPSMAP 800 and 1000 series have built-in DownVü scanning sonar with CHIRP technology and supports SideVü and DownVü with CHIRP scanning sonar technology with optional GCV™ 10 sonar black box.  The GPSMAP 800 and 1000 series serve as a perfect complement to existing GPSMAP 500 and 700 series units.

SideVü

Much like DownVü, SideVü is high-frequency sonar that gives a clear image of fish or structure that are located to the sides of the boat.  This true-to-life picture of what’s below the water’s surface helps identify the most ideal spots and structures for fishing.  With noise suppression providing for an ultra crisp, high-resolution image, it’s easy to see where the best place to fish will be.

GCV 10        

The same CHIRP technology that was showcased in the overwhelmingly popular GSD™ 26 sounder box has been built into the GCV 10.  The GCV 10 sonar black box, coupled with the SideVü and DownVü transducer, adds SideVü and DownVü with CHIRP scanning sonar technology to compatible Garmin echoMAP and GPSMAP devices.  CHIRP sweeps a range of frequencies to provide noise suppression, more power on targets and target separation, allowing the GCV 10 to provide crystal clear and near-picture quality images.

Combined with the chartplotter’s HD-ID™ sonar, the angler is provided an excellent search and confirmation tool for advanced fishfinding in fresh and saltwater.  The GCV 10 has three built-in network ports to share DownVü and SideVü information as well as other networking information, such as radar and user data, across supported GPSMAP products.  Whether the fish is below the boat or to the sides, the GCV 10 gives an ultra-clear representation to help the angler find that next fishing hot spot.  GCV 10 is compatible with the echoMAP 70 series and the GPSMAP 700, 800 and 1000 series.

The new echo DownVü series will be available in Q4 of 2013.  The new echoMAP DownVü series and GCV 10 sounder black box will be available in Q1 of 2014.  For a full list of compatible units and for more information, go to www.garmin.com/marine2014.

Garmin’s marine business segment is a leading provider of navigation and communication equipment to retail and OEM customers.  Garmin’s portfolio includes the industry’s most sophisticated array of chartplotters and touchscreen multifunction displays, sonar, high-definition radar, autopilot, high-resolution mapping, sailing instrumentation and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and ease-of-use.

About Garmin International Inc.
Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation. Since 1989, this group of companies has designed, manufactured, marketed and sold navigation, communication and information devices and applications – most of which are enabled by GPS technology. Garmin’s products serve automotive, mobile, wireless, outdoor recreation, marine, aviation, and OEM applications. A component of the S&P 500 index, Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at www.garmin.com/pressroom or contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200. Garmin and GPSMAP are registered trademarks and echoMAP, echo, GSD, GCV and LakeVü are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.  All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.