Crutchfield Launches Digital Drive-Thru for iPod Users

March 29, 2006 — Crutchfield announced today the launch of its digital drive-thru™ service, located at www.crutchfield.com/ipodcar. With just a few clicks of the mouse, the digital drive-thru™ system immediately identifies the exact accessories and techniques required to connect an iPod® - or any other portable digital music player - to any car stereo system and achieve the best sound quality possible. With the launch of this new service, Crutchfield continues to demonstrate its pride in being expert users of the products they sell, and making certain that its customers are always provided the very best in customer service and product information.

With the growing popularity of digital music, the ability to enjoy music at any location is fast becoming commonplace. Consumers enjoy the portability and simplicity of iPods® and other similar devices, and many want to listen to their digital music collections through their car stereos. However, given the wide array of digital music players in use, and the thousands of different car stereo configurations that exist, connecting those devices to a car stereo system and getting the best results can sometimes be a challenging task for the average consumer.

Crutchfield, universally known for its knowledgeable sales agents and award-winning customer service, coupled its extensive, proprietary database of information on more than 10,000 cars and car stereo systems with its database of information on iPods® and other devices to create the digital drive-thru™. Customers simply identify their specific model of digital music player, the year, make and model of their vehicle, add in any other customized equipment currently in use, and the tool immediately identifies the exact equipment necessary to complete the best installation - optimized for sound quality, aesthetics and overall functionality - along with a graphical depiction of the installation process. The digital drive-thru™ teaches customers exactly what to expect during the installation process. Frequently, all required equipment is available for immediate purchase at Crutchfield.

For customers who prefer written directions over web-based assistance, Crutchfield also provides a free, comprehensive iPod® Car Stereo Installation Guide with every adapter purchased.

"At Crutchfield, we're always concerned with simplifying and enriching the consumer electronics shopping experience," said Bill Crutchfield, founder and CEO. "With all the digital music players now available, enjoying music when and where you want should be easy. Our new digital drive-thru tool™ tells users exactly what adapter will let them listen to their digital music collections in the car with the best possible sound quality."

The digital drive-thru™ is free to visitors of the Crutchfield website and is just one of many convenient, easy-to-use proprietary tools and guides that Crutchfield has developed to put quality service back into consumer electronics. For example, Crutchfield also provides its popular web-based "Find What Fits My Car" tool, one of the world's most extensive car installation databases that automatically indicates which products fit your car – from stereos and speakers to iPod® adapters and exhaust systems.

SOURCE Crutchfield Corporation