car audio

New Parrot Car Stereo Features iPod/iPhone Dock

by jessica on Tue, 2009-09-08 00:30

Parrot just announced a new car stereo with a dock for the iPod or iPhone, the Parrot RKi8400. The RKi8400 is an FM/AM RDS Bluetooth car stereo with a USB port, an SD Card reader, and offers hands-free phone functions. It has a cool little storage compartment located behind the removable front panel – perfect for hiding your iPhone or iPod when you leave the car (that is, if you don't take it with you).

"With the RKi8400, Parrot allows users to take advantage of the iPhone in car through a system that is easy to use and fully integrated in any vehicle," said Henri Seydoux, founder and CEO of Parrot. "All iPhone functions -- music, navigation of the music directory and playlists and Bluetooth phone capabilities -- have been adapted for in-car use. Parrot's application of its renowned acoustic quality and voice recognition capabilities to the iPhone is sure to please even the most discerning listeners."

The Parrot RKi8400 is available now for $399.99.

Play Your iPod Through Your (Older) Factory Car Radio

by jessica on Mon, 2009-08-03 14:19

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.Read more

New Alpine KTP-445 Provides Cost-Effective Power Upgrade to Your Car Audio System

May 2009 – Consumers who desire better sound quality from their car audio system may not always want a full-blown system overhaul. Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, answers this need with the KTP-445 Head Unit Power Pack, which is now available in stores.

An easy, cost-effective upgrade, the Head Unit Power Pack enables consumers to upgrade the power of their system and improve the sound performance of their head unit. It measures a slim 6 inches x 2 inches x 1.125 inches and is designed to fit neatly behind the dash in most vehicles. Its direct plug-and-play application does not need additional wiring or tuning. The KTP-445 connects to any 2005 and newer Alpine head unit that has a black power harness.

The KTP-445 boosts the original power from a head unit's typical built-in amplifier and increases it to a 45W RMS x 4 output at CEA-2006 Power Ratings. Its advanced digital design delivers extremely clean power, making the bass tighter and highs clearer. The unit's high efficiency digital technology keeps it running cool in even the most exertive conditions and minimizes drain on the vehicle's battery. A high/low gain switch allows for proper gain settings, whether or not a subwoofer is part of the system.Read more

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Alpine Debuts iPod Digital Media Station with Touch-Screen

January 8, 2009 – Three years ago, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., unveiled the industry’s first aftermarket head unit designed to deliver a fully integrated iPod experience in the vehicle. Building on its leadership experience and expertise in the category, the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions today breaks new ground with the introduction of the iXA-W404, its first 2-DIN touch-screen Digital Media Station.

The iXA-W404 features a brand-new touch-screen graphical user interface (GUI) that works similar to the iPhone and iPod Touch, so that consumers can have a familiar user experience when controlling their car audio system. The iXA-W404 meets the specifications for the “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” compatibility. As a dedicated iPod receiver, it does not have a CD/DVD disc drive; instead, it has an AM/FM tuner and a high-speed USB input for optimal iPod/iPhone connection and pure digital sound from the iPod. Users also can connect USB memory devices and MTP-based MP3 players via the USB input. Any iPod with a 30-PIN dock connector is compatible with the iXA-W404. Read more

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Alpine Announces All-in-One Audio, Video and Navigation Solution

October 2008 – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. just introduced a new product that provides a multitude of entertainment options and navigation in one sleek in-dash system. The IVA-W203/P1 audio/video/navigation (AVN) system offers drivers touch-screen control over various digital media sources, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and navigation.

“The in-car environment has become more complex, with features such as iPod, Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, DVD video and navigation becoming the norm,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing, Alpine Electronics. “Alpine’s IVA-W203/P1 delivers a completely integrated, easy-to-use solution to meet this new definition of the driving experience.” Read more

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Audio, Video, GPS in One Device

by Joe Stewart on Thu, 2008-10-30 10:41

The Alpine IVA-W203/P1 unit combines the in-dash car audio/video system with GPS navigation.

Alpine is using the Navteq map data as does Garmin, Yahoo! Maps, and many others. It has 1.3 million categorized points of interest. The navigation capability is contained in NVE-P1 Removable Navigation Drive and updates are done via its USB connection. The large 6.5" screen is nice for GPS navigation.

Because of the touchscreen interface for the Mobile Media Station, the IVA-W203 has a flexible display setup. The large display and nice layout make for a pleasing interface. Read more