Audiovox APS-998Of the group, the Audiovox brand is probably the best known - with good reason. Audiovox has been in the car audio and electronics industry business for over 40 years. The APS-998 Dot Matrix Remote Start System is representative of their years of experience in consumer electronics and automotive security. The company even goes as far to back up their already impressive track record with a $2,500 limited warranty. If, while equipped with their anti-theft system, the vehicle were stolen and declared a total loss, Audiovox would pay up to $2,500 towards the vehicle's comprehensive insurance deductible.
One of the biggest highlights of the Audiovox APS-998 system is the two innovative remotes. Audiovox includes two remotes, a larger two-way remote and a smaller one-way remote that can be given to an additional user. Both remotes are constructed with rubberized casings edged in a carbon-fiber trim. For signal transmission, Audiovox uses the 433.9MHz frequency to allow up to a quarter mile of range.
Out of the alarms reviewed, Audiovox was the only one to use a dot matrix LCD screen on the two-way remote. The dot matrix display allows the user to select either an icon- or text-based display. If the user decides to use the remote in text mode, they can also select text in English, Spanish or French. The remote also lets the user create a custom text message that can be displayed on the remote's default screen. In addition to being the only remote in this comparison with a dot matrix display, the APS-998's two-way remote features multiple background illumination colors. When certain transmitter functions are used, the background illumination will change accordingly - red for armed, green for disarmed and blue for remote start activated. To preserve battery life, the two-way remote display goes blank after 30 seconds of inactivity. Not to be overlooked, the one-way remote makes up for the lack of an LCD display and two-way capability with a smaller, slimmer size and built-in LED flashlight.
For remote start functions, the APS-998 offers a number of convenient features. The remote start process starts when the button with the key icon on either remote is pressed twice within two seconds. Once the vehicle has started it will continue to run for the programmed duration (five, 10, 15 or 20 minutes). For those who live in areas with extreme winter conditions, the APS-998 can be programmed to start the vehicle every two or four hours over a 48-hour period, keeping the engine and fluids warm. If the vehicle happens to be equipped with a turbo system, the APS-998 is equipped with a turbo-timer that will allow the car to cool down as it idles for three, five or 10 minutes before shutting down.
For the professional installer, Audiovox provides a well-written installation manual to ensure a straightforward install process. Beyond the remote start, security and keyless entry functions, the APS-998 features four additional output channels that can be connected to control (with additional parts, not included) features such as trunk release, window roll-up, garage door interface, etc. The APS-998 is also compatible with Audiovox's Carlink and Intercept telematic units that allow the vehicle to be monitored and controlled via the phone or the web. While the alarm itself is easy to install, programming it can be a little confusing. Other than the sometimes-maddening programming process of multiple presses of the valet switch and counting chirps, the Audiovox APS-998 is a stellar all-around unit. It also functions close to its stated range of 1,400'.