The only part that remains intact from the original installation is the $15,000 Vidikron LCD video projector and the motorized screen that deploys just behind the front seats. Before in-car video really existed in the mainstream, Korbon quite possibly had the world's only passenger vehicle with a 4-ft. big screen projection video system. Even today, 13-inch screens are rare, and projectors are nonexistent in mobile electronics. In contrast, the in-flight entertainment screen in an airliner is closer to three feet in size. The Korbon van was still cutting edge on the day it was decommissioned, not to mention when it was re-introduced. The video system was also the reason for the additional 20 inches of van - to accommodate the throw distance required between the Vidikron projector and the screen.
Rolling Theater
The source for the rear compartment of the vehicle is a portable Panasonic DVD LA-85 DVD player with LCD monitor, mounted in a custom pod that functions either as an outdoor podium at events, or as the center console between the front seats while driving.
This is no ordinary podium that might be seen at SPL contests. Bouzalas decided to incorporate the hand formed "egg" shape for several elements in the vehicle, so he painstakingly crafted a mold for repeating fiberglass parts. Once pulled from the mold, the part was given a flawless gloss finish of red and black paint, and additional pieces of steel and shaped wood to create a look similar to a jet engine.
Another egg shaped enclosure is located between the Recaro racing seats in the cabin, where a stainless steel "gear shift" is mounted in the top. This gearshift engages a switch that allows occupants to pause the DVD playback with a quick shift from first gear to second, signaling the limit of their ability to withstand the awesome experience inside.
Cosmetics were a high priority both in terms of maintaining the theme, and providing visual impact. Thick, routered plate aluminum segments are laminated with edge-illuminated acrylic to add effect to the interior. Carbon fiber paneling has been formed into interior walls, yet instead of being structural, the carbon fiber only serves as "wallpaper".
The DVD player's video output drives the Vidikron projector, which is supported by a specially engineered shock/vibration mount and fires toward a custom built, motorized Stewart screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio. While the new standard width-to-height (aspect) ratio for DVD and high definition video is 16:9, the screen is still the original when VCR's were popular. Installers familiar with home theater installations know that professional projectors and motorized screens are better left undisturbed. Why change a winning combination?
A major upgrade to the original project was the addition of 5.1 channel surround decoder, which produces the same sound location effects as a movie theater. The six signals from the decoder are routed directly to a half dozen DA-606 amplifiers configured in three-channel mode. Some find it surprising that there is no other equalization or signal processing present, or needed. A good installer can overcome almost any obstacle!
Once amplified, the six independent channels are sent to "clusters" of twin DMC-641.2 6" woofers, twin DSC-542.2 5" midrange drivers and twin 1" tweeter arrays throughout the interior. One cluster serves as the center channel, two more are for the rear surround channels, and four additional clusters provide the left main and right main speaker arrays. The clusters have the look of an egg cut in half lengthwise, and held in place with beefy looking mounts.