Alpine Introduces New In-Vehicle Navigation Package

August 2003 -- Alpine Electronics just announced that it is shipping a new in-vehicle navigation package (NAV-200) that pairs its award-winning NVE-N852A DVD-based PowerNav system with a high-resolution 5.8-inch widescreen monitor for $2,000.

Alpine's PowerNav system includes all new Smart Map Pro Version 2.0 DVD-ROM software, delivering full map coverage of the Continental U.S. and parts of Canada. The Version 2.0 software features the industry's largest information directory with more than 11 million Points of Interest (POIs), and exclusive new content from Zenrin's Interstate Exit Information. Alpine is the world leader in mobile navigation customer satisfaction, with nine generations of hardware and 12 years experience in the Asian, European and North American markets.

"NAV-200 marks the first time that Alpine has packaged its award-winning DVD-based navigation system with a monitor, making it easier and more cost-efficient for consumers to get the industry's best navigation solution," said Steve Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing.

Included in the NAV-200 package is the TME-M580, a 5.8-inch monitor with a dedicated Alpine navigation input, a built-in speaker and a mirror image mode for rear view camera use. Alpine’s PowerNav system features a mobile DVD-ROM drive, Alpine's proprietary operating system, and a parallel 12-channel GPS receiver, enabling the most accurate map matching technology available. Alpine engineered the PowerNav system based on its own GUI for Drivers principle, providing a more intuitive system that uses "at a glance" recognition guidelines for all visual displays and graphics.

All New Smart Map Pro Version 2.0 Software
Both Alpine's stand-alone PowerNav system and its NAV-200 package now include new Smart Map Pro Version 2.0 mapping software (NVD-A211). The software is delivered on two DVD-ROMs (one for the eastern half of the U.S.; the other for the western half) and features full U.S. coverage using both NavTech's turn-by-turn and map-only display databases. The software makes it easier for users to find their way by enabling them to input destinations 10 different ways -- by keying in the street base name (no need for prefix or suffix), by POI brand name/category/phone number or from their personal address book, for instance. Users can also input multiple stops along a route based on their own schedule or have the system determine the optimal routing order. Alpine's software is the only one of its kind to show on-screen time and estimated time of arrival.

Smart Map Pro Version 2.0's POI database features 11 million restaurants, hotels, ATMs, RV facilities and consumer destinations by merging data from NavTech, InfoUSA.com, and in an industry-exclusive, Zenrin's Interstate Exit Information, providing a list of services and POIs at any interstate exit in America. Popular POIs (e.g. Circuit City, Home Depot, McDonald's, etc.) are included in the database and can be queried in a variety of ways, including by nearest location. POI locations are available for both navigable and non-navigable roads.

Drivers also have the choice of three guidance display modes with customizable map views. The split-screen graphic display shows both the "map" with a moving vehicle position icon and "next specific maneuver" screens simultaneously. Another big feature is the latitude/longitude input screen, which allows outdoor enthusiasts to input their destination via latitude/longitude coordinates.

Smart Map Pro Version 2.0 can also be purchased as an upgrade for existing PowerNav users for a target retail price of $300. Alpine's PowerNav, now featuring Version 2.0 software, also is available without a monitor for a target retail price of $1,700. In addition, Alpine offers other monitor choices, including fully-integrated multimedia systems that feature an in-dash head unit with a motorized screen.

Visit www.alpine-usa.com to learn more about Alpine products or to find an authorized retailer.

SOURCE Alpine Electronics