New audio panels are a cost-effective slide-in upgrade to the popular GMA 340

Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the GMA 345 and GMA 342 all-digital audio panels designed for fixed-wing aircraft. The GMA 345 features Bluetooth® audio connectivity and a front-mounted USB charging port, while the GMA 342 contains a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack that allows pilots to connect a mobile device directly to the audio panel. These new panel-mount audio panels contain state-of-the-art sound quality and an impressive list of additional features, such as advanced auto squelch, music bass boost, advanced equalizer settings, 3D Audio processing and more, while also retaining a consistent user interface with the GMA 340. Contributing to an easy upgrade path, the GMA 345/342 are also pin-and-rack compatible1 and slide-in replaceable with the GMA 340 and select third-party audio panels, so it’s easy to incorporate modern audio panel technology and superior sound quality at a fraction of the price.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170329005110/en/

GMA 345 Bluetooth audio panel. (Photo: Business Wire)

“With the GMA 345 and GMA 342, we’re excited to bring home theater sound quality, paired with 3D Audio, advanced auto squelch, connectivity with mobile devices and more to one of the most economical audio panels on the market,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “In addition to exclusive inflight audio, we’ve made the upgrade path seamless, allowing thousands of aircraft owners to easily upgrade and experience the workload-reducing benefits associated with a contemporary audio panel at an attractive price.”

The GMA 345/342 combine patented features alongside innovative sound quality to provide pilots with a cost-effective audio panel, rich with an exclusive feature set. Home theater-like music effects add to the rich audio characteristics provided by the GMA 345/342, allowing pilots to select bass boost levels, as well as equalizer effects, including rock, classical and pop. Advanced auto squelch automatically adapts to the noise level within the cockpit and allows for natural conversation through headsets. The GMA 345/342 includes a six-place stereo intercom and support for up to three stereo music inputs. Split-COMM mode also allows the pilot and co-pilot to broadcast independently on two separate frequencies. Additionally, a built-in digital clearance recorder can record up to 60 seconds of selected COMM radio transmissions so pilots can easily play back difficult clearances. The GMA 345/342 also feature dedicated pilot and co-pilot music and intercom volume control knobs.

As a standard feature of the GMA 345, pilots can connect a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to easily make or receive phone calls, stream audio entertainment or wirelessly connect to select Garmin HD action cameras, like the VIRB® Ultra 30, as well as select third-party cameras that support a Bluetooth microphone. In place of a headset cable, the GMA 345 and VIRB Ultra 30 connect wirelessly so pilots can overlay intercom audio and air traffic control communications on top of high definition video. When connected, a front-mounted USB charging port on the GMA 345 helps to keep mobile devices charged throughout flight. Alternatively, the GMA 342 contains a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack on the faceplate and allows pilots to connect cell phones or portable music devices to the audio panel for use during flight.

The first to introduce 3D Audio to general aviation, Garmin incorporates 3D Audio processing into the GMA 345/342 audio panels. With stereo headsets, incoming audio is spatially separated to reflect how people process sound and conversation by differentiating audio sources by their unique locations or seat position. For example, sound from COMM 1 will come from the left, whereas sound from COMM 2 will sound as though it’s coming from the right. Using stereo headsets, listen to a demonstration of 3D Audio by visiting this website: http://www.garmin.com/us/explore/intheair/how-does-3d-audio-work/.

As a slide-in replacement for the popular GMA 340 audio panel, as well as a wide-range of select third-party audio panels, the GMA 345/342 offer aircraft owners an easy upgrade path so thousands can enjoy the benefits associated with a modern audio panel. The GMA 345/342 also incorporate a familiar user interface as it closely resembles that of the GMA 340 so transitioning to the new audio panel is seamless and straightforward.

Garmin is also introducing the GMA 345/342 Satisfaction Guarantee program, which is available to customers who purchase a GMA 345 or GMA 342 to replace their existing GMA 340 or third-party audio panel that is slide-in compatible. If upon completion of the initial flight test after installation of the GMA 345 or GMA 342, the customer is not satisfied with the new audio panel, the customer may elect to have the GMA 340 or third-party audio panel that was removed, re-installed and they may receive a complete refund of the purchase price (including installation) of the GMA 345 or GMA 342. Contact a participating Garmin authorized dealer for additional information.

The GMA 345 and GMA 342 are expected to be available in late April starting at $1,895* and $1,595* respectively. For additional information, visit www.garmin.com/aviation or contact a local Garmin authorized dealer.

Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to OEM, aftermarket, military and government customers. Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, hazard avoidance, an expansive suite of ADS-B solutions and other products and services that are known for innovation, reliability, and value. For more information about Garmin’s full line of avionics, go to www.garmin.com/aviation.

For decades, Garmin has pioneered new GPS navigation and wireless devices and applications that are designed for people who live an active lifestyle. Garmin serves five primary business units, including automotive, aviation, fitness, marine, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit Garmin's virtual pressroom at garmin.com/newsroom, contact the Media Relations department at 913-397-8200, or follow us at facebook.com/garmin, twitter.com/garmin, or youtube.com/garmin.

1.Applicable in dual COMM installations.

*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price

About Garmin

Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin and VIRB are registered trademarks and G3X and GMA are trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Garmin is under license.

All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983). A copy of such Form 10-K is available at www.garmin.com/aboutGarmin/invRelations/finReports.html. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Garmin International Inc.Jessica Koss, 913-397-8200media.relations@garmin.com

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