Play Your iPod Through Your (Older) Factory Car Radio

Alpine Electronics today announced the new DPR-RDS1 Factory Radio Interface for iPod and iPhone, a device that allows you to listen to music from your iPod or iPhone through any factory radio. I know what you're thinking…can't I do that anyway? Not if you're like me and own an older model vehicle with no auxiliary jack!

The DPR-RDS1 is a small hideaway box that connects to your iPod or iPhone via a supplied iPod cable. Unfortunately, this is not something you can install on your own. Alpine says that the DPR-RDS1 should be professionally installed using a direct connection to the vehicle's antenna. Once it's installed, you will be able to play music from your iPod or iPhone through the factory sound system, and Alpine says that the sound quality will be as strong as an FM radio station (unlike some FM transmitters). Music is controlled through your iPod/iPhone and if your radio has RDS (Radio Data System) functionality, the song, artist and album information will also be displayed on the factory radio's screen.

The Alpine DPR-RDS1 Factory Radio Interface for iPod and iPhone is available now for $120 at authorized Alpine dealers.

Press release:

ALPINE ELECTRONICS SHIPS DPR-RDS1 iPOD AND iPHONE FACTORY RADIO INTERFACE

New Unit Brings High-Quality iPod Connectivity to Factory Car Stereo Systems

Aug. 3, 2009 – Many consumers are looking to save money by holding on to their vehicles longer. Keeping those cars updated with the latest technology without breaking the bank is possible with the latest iPod® solution from Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions. The new DPR-RDS1 Factory Radio Interface for iPod® and iPhone® makes it possible for consumers to play songs from their iPod or iPhone through any factory radio.

The DPR-RDS1 is a small hideaway box that connects to the iPod or iPhone via the supplied iPod cable. The DPR-RDS1 should be professionally installed using a direct connection to the vehicle’s antenna. Once installed, the DPR-RDS1 will play music from the iPod or iPhone through the factory sound system, and this music will be of the same sound quality as a strong FM radio station. Control of the iPod or iPhone music, including searching of playlists, is managed through the iPod or iPhone. If the factory radio is equipped with RDS (Radio Data System) functionality, song, artist and album information will also be displayed on the factory radio’s screen.

"As entertainment in the car has evolved, using an iPod in the car is seen less as a luxury and more as a necessity for consumers today," said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing, Alpine Electronics. "Buying a new system to get iPod integration is just not an option for everyone. We solve that problem, at a minimal cost, while still delivering high-quality sound with the new DPR-RDS1 interface."

The DPR-RDS1 meets the specifications for "Made for iPod" and "Works with iPhone" compatibility. It supports both 12-volt and 5-volt charging and is compatible with the following iPod and iPhone units: second- and third-generation iPhones; first- and second-generation iPod Touch; first- through fourth-generation iPod Nano; first- and second-generation iPod Classic and fifth-generation iPod Video.

Pricing and Availability

The DPR-RDS1 Factory Radio Interface for iPod and iPhone is available for $100 SRI at authorized Alpine dealers. To find a retailer, visit the Dealer Locator section at www.alpine-usa.com.

SOURCE Alpine Electronics