MMSA News Feed

Mobile Internet available in Volkswagen as WiFi goes on the road

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:35:09 +0100

In the United States, Autonet Mobile has announced an agreement to equip the Volkswagen Routan with 'uconnect web', an in-car internet service. It could stimulate interest in retro-fitting of mobile WiFi services to vehicles here in the UK. It promises to deliver a reliable and easy-to-use internet access and allows passengers to use all of their own WiFi enabled devices such as laptops, netbooks, Nintendo's DS, Sony's PSP, iPod touch and other devices on the road. Click on the title link for the full story.

50 Competitors makes Modified Nationals busiest EMMA autosound event of season so far

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 10:13:27 +0100

The Modified Nationals show attracted 50 cars to compete in the EMMA UK autosound competition event that took place alongside the main car show. Spread across two days, all the EMMA categories were represented, including four SPL categories, and the competition was fierce. Click on the title link for the full story.

Alpine launch first Double-DIN iPod Digital Media Station

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:10:19 +0100

Alpine Electronics has launched the iXA-W404R, its first 2-DIN ScrollView, touch control, in-car Digital Media Station or "media hub". The unit claims to offer "an enhanced iPod® experience in the car" with new ways to navigate through your iPod's content. But it goes way further, with options to add a navigation module (with mapping viewed on the W404R's screen), reversing camera and handsfree phone use via Bluetooth. And its USB input allows lots of devices to be hooked up, not just the iPod and iPhone. Click on the title link for the full story.

In-Car DMB/DAB Will Feel Heat from Internet Radio

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:04:09 +0100

A report from Strategy Analytics predicts that the European Digital car radio market will hit 9 Million units by 2015, but they suggest that in-car DMB/DAB will come up against stiff competition from Internet Radio and Podcasting in the eyes of the consumer. Click on the title link for the full story.

Integrating iPod and iPhone still a key feature in-car as Alpine launch new models

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:46:24 +0000

Reinforcing even more the importance of being able to hook up Apple's lil'darling players in the car, Alpine have launched its latest, third generation iPod Digital Media Receivers. The iDA range offers seamless control over all digital music sources, but specifically iPods and iPhones. These head units meet Apple's "Made for iPod" and "Works with iPhone" specifications.
Also newly introduced from Alpine is the KCE-425i, a powerful little black box which enables you to update your current AV in-car system so you can watch movies stored on your iPod. Click on the title link for the full story.

Harman shows energy-efficient Infotainment System at Geneva Show

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Tue, 3 Mar 2009 11:30:38 +0000

Harman International's automotive division has today (March 3, 2009) unveiled a next-generation audio and infotainment system at the Geneva Motor Show. The system blends what Harman claims to be "exceptional energy efficiency with uncompromised performance" . The new system is showing in the Rinspeed iChange "zero emissions" concept car, designed by Rinspeed, Inc.

Pioneer Corp feels the crunch, 10,000 jobs to go

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:06:04 +0000

Pioneer Corporation, the Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer, is set to cut 10,000 jobs as its forecast loss for the last financial year has had to be revised upward to a record 130 billion yen (£968 million). It will also close its television operations - including a plasma panel-making factory in the UK - as the downturn in consumer demand for electronics continues.
Even Pioneer's success in automotive audio, video and satellite navigation products has been hit, with the company having to revise a previous10 billion yen forecast profit for the year, to a likely loss in the region of 12.5 billion yen.

Alpine Works With iPhone

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Tue, 3 Feb 2009 10:33:51 +0000

Alpine Electronics is putting a big push behind the UK consumer launch of its latest head units that offer full compatibility with Apple's iPhone and the various iPod models. The CDA-105Ri is the latest to be rolled out in the UK and adds radio, CD and audio file playback via USB, as well as the iPod and new iPhone compatibility.
The CDA-105Ri offers a similar function to the iPod itself when searching for music, giving quick, convenient control over all your songs. Compatibility covers the iPod 4G-5G, iPod nano 1G-3G, iPod classic, iPod touch and the iPhone. In addition, the new 105Ri allows you to connect a USB memory stick via a port on the rear of the unit. MP3, WMA and AAC file formats are all covered. Songs are automatically arranged in alphabetical order for ease of selection. A USB cable and iPod adapter are included. Click on the title link for the full story.

JVC launches innovative in-car Sat Nav and A/V system KW-NX7000

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:35:06 +0000

JVC has introduced a fully featured double-DIN size in-car navigation and A/V system with a removable front - the entire 7-inch colour screen detaches from the front panel of the new KW-NX7000. The unit comes complete with mapping for 30 European countries burnt into its internal flash memory. In entertainment mode, it's ready to play multiple formats from CD and DVD discs, including WAV, WMA, MP3 and AAC audio files and DivX. There's also a USB port which will directly control an iPod digital media player.
Click the headline to read the full story.

New push for DAB national UK stations to launch in 2009

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:00:21 +0000

We could see more national digital radio stations launched for the UK this year if an initiative by Digital One, the company licensed to broadcast DAB digital radio across Great Britain, is successful.
The catalyst for this latest push is the publication of a report from the Digital Radio Working Group to the Government at the end of last year. The report highlighted how new national radio stations could help boost the take-up of DAB.
Not too many would argue with that, but at a time when initial funding and ad revenue are probably harder to come by than at any time in the last few decades, Kevin O'Byrne asks if we will see anyone willing to make the investment in DAB. Click the headline to read the full story.

TomTom and Pioneer Go Large at CES 09

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:20:23 +0000

TomTom bags "Best of CES" Awards from U.S. Press
TomTom, one of the leading providers of navigation systems both in Europe and the U.S., has received industry recognition from two leading publications for its GO 740 LIVE, TomTom's first 'connected' portable Sat Nav.

Pioneer adds true grit to new subwoofer series
Pioneer has launched new lines of subwoofers under the series names of Champion Pro, ib-Flat Shallow and Champion. Each of the new models is claimed to have been reinforced with an application of basalt rock in the cone production process - along with other innovations, will it be enough to raise Pioneer to the high table of in-car subwoofer design?
Click on the main headline for more on both these stories.

CES 2009 News Briefs

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:16:37 +0000

We've put together a collection of relevant news stories coming out of the 2009 International CES trade show in Las Vegas. Click the headline for the full stories.
New EFX amps, speakers and high-end HEXAD cables - Scosche Industry's high-end aftermarket car audio accessories brand introduces an enhanced range of speakers, amplifiers and accessories at CES, including new Hexad Series high-end cables said to be class-leading.
Clarion launches first HD-ready Radio, the VZ309 - broadly equivalent to DAB in Europe, HD Radio is now available to listeners across more than 80% of the USA. Clarion's new baby allows connection of an HD Radio digital audio tuner but it doesn't stop there for this impressive in-car multimedia station.
Clarion Take to the Sea too - Clarion has also announced the introduction of an all-new line of multimedia units designed for the marine market, including the CMV1, claimed to be the marine industry's first watertight head-unit to offer video playback on a front panel colour display. It is packed with features and was selected as an Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award honoree at CES.
Case Logic - 25 years since they stopped cassette tapes from rattling - It all started for Case Logic in Boulder, Colorado, in 1984 with a simple goal: to stop cassette tapes rattling around on the floor of the car while traveling to the region's famed ski slopes. Today, Case Logic offers more than 350 products to help organise and protect the ever-growing number of things we need to carry.
Putting on a show for Alpine's Birthday - Alpine Electronics of America was also celebrating, as 2009 is the company's 30th year in the U.S., and they put on a show with two impressive new demo cars on their stand.
Phone calls and digital music combine in Parrot's new MKi - Parrot unveiled its new MKi range of hands-free Bluetooth "music kits" with iPod/iPhone/MP3 integration. This allows drivers to make and take calls while giving them the option to play their digital music files through the vehicle sound system, whether via iPod/iPhone connector, USB, 3.5mm input or by streaming their music wirelessly via Bluetooth. Displaying CD album covers and even the caller's photo is possible, and the units use advanced voice recognition and voice synthesis (text-to-speech) to respond and react to spoken commands.

Exhibitors request CES attendance be pegged at 2009 levels

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:06:25 +0000

Over 2,700 companies from around the world showed new products and innovations at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and, perhaps surprisingly, the expected fewer number of visitors was seen as a positive by those looking to meet serious buyers.
Quality over quantity was the message, as the CES organisers were asked to work towards restricting future attendance to 2009 levels. "When you have fewer people to the show, but they're the right people who want and are capable of doing real business, everybody wins, and the 2009 CES delivered," said Sharp USA Vice President Judah Zeigler. Click the headline for the full story.

Alpine debuts iPod Media Station at CES

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Fri, 9 Jan 2009 09:28:10 +0000

Alpine has announced the upcoming introduction of the new iXA-W404 in the US, its first 2-DIN touch-screen Digital Media Station dedicated to use of the iPod and iPhone. It features a brand-new touch-screen graphical user interface (GUI) that works in a similar way to the iPhone® and iPod Touch. It also allows several additional add-on units to be controlled, including an optional sat-nav module.
The iXA-W404 meets the specifications for "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 digital audio from the iPod. Users can also connect USB memory devices and MP3 players via the USB input. Any iPod with a 30-PIN dock connector is compatible with the iXA-W404.
The touch-screen lets users quickly browse through their file collection by lightly dragging the on-screen album covers with their finger, similar to on the iPhone/iPod Touch. Click the headline for the full story.

AXIS brings new CDT amp to the UK

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Wed, 7 Jan 2009 17:21:47 +0000

AXIS has launched American brand CDT's new amplifier, the SQA-4100, in the UK. World renowned for superior sounding component speakers, this is CDT's first foray into the UK automotive amplifier market.
The highly flexible Class AB 4-channel SQA-4100 is the first in a range of four amplifiers planned. It is delivered with an individual "birth certificate" showing actual measured performance data. Click the headline for the full story.

Updates from the 2009 Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Wed, 7 Jan 2009 13:44:47 +0000

The CES takes place every year in January in Las Vegas and is probably still the world's biggest consumer electronics trade show. Most of the major manufacturers make sure they have something new to show at CES, and car audio and related in-car electronics still features high at the event. We'll bring you news updates on the most interesting and relevant stories coming out of the show. Click the linked text to read more on all these stories.

VIBE Coming to America
In a distribution tie-up with Metra Electronics, UK car audio supplier VIBE is now entering the US market. VIBE has been in the UK market for more than 15 years and is established as a leading brand in Europe. It will now be available in the USA, Canada and South America through Metra's established network of distributors. CES booth 11219.

GENAUDIO to change "the way the world will listen to audio"
It's a pretty bold claim GenAudio has as the headline on its press release given out at CES. In the US such marketing claims seem to be regarded as legitimate 'artistic licence' when talking about new products or technologies, whereas in Europe we tend to immediately consider it bullshit... but it was sufficiently interesting for me to want to at least read it over. GenAudio Inc. has launched its AstoundStereo Expander, with the promise of 10 Million free music downloads from emerging and platinum artists, processed with the new AstoundStereo technology. The music downloads and a 30-day trial of the software expander (for MAC or PC) are available from the web site through January. Click the main heading link for the fuller story.

Pioneer gives GM Amplifiers cosmetic boost
Pioneer have given two of their GM Series amplifiers a cosmetic boost. The GM-6400F 4-channel model, and the 2-channel GM-5400T, get a cosmetic makeover, with a splash of red on each side of the RCA and speaker terminal inputs for added appeal when displayed in custom installations. The heat sink shrouds have been revamped to complement the aesthetics of the GM-D8400M and GM-D7400M Class D mono amplifiers in the same series. Click the main heading link for the fuller story and picture of the GM-6400F.

EMMA European Autosound Update Xmas 08

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:29:46 +0000

EMMA, the European Mobile Media Association responsible for staging autosound contests and shows all over Europe and beyond, has announced its 2009 Head Judge training and Industry Forum.
The deadline for signing in for the 2009 Head Judge training, which will be taking place in Germany from February 25 to March 1, is January 28. Hotel rooms are being organised in the Kaiseralm Congress Hotel, Bischofsgrun.
In addition to the HJ training, several forums will be organised for industry members and distribution company representatives. All manufacturers, distributors and interested guests who would like to develop closer ties with the EMMA Network are invited to join in.
There is more information on all this, including forms to download, at the EMMA website www.emmanet.eu or emmanet.com.

EMMA Europe has also announced its updated Competition Rules for 2009. Currently in beta version, the 2009 Rulebook and accompanying Sound Quality Tracks are available for download from the web site. The final printed version is scheduled for publication the first week of March. Also, the new ESPL disc is expected to be ready at the same time. All information about the 2009 Rules is available online, and for additional information you can contact the EMMA office at info@emmanet.eu.
Information about the forthcoming events at the annual Car + Sound 2009 show in Sinsheim, Germany, as well as details of the EMMA 2009 Eurofinals, will be issued shortly and we'll try to make sure we bring these to you via the MMMSA news feed service.

Alpine launches 2009 iPod/iPhone compatible head units

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 11:01:46 +0000

Alpine Electronics has announced the UK launch of their new 2009 head units compatible with Apple's iPhone and iPods. The CDE series - CDE-104BTi, CDE-103BT, CDE-102Ri and CDE-101R/RM - are CD/Radio receivers with iPod and USB music file control. The head units offer full speed connection for iPods and iPhones.
All the models provide the same 'Quick Search' function, where music can be located by album, artist, song, play-list, genre, audio book or composer. They also have a front USB port for use with memory sticks.
The CDE-104BTi and CDE-103BT have built in Parrot Bluetooth modules, offering the convenience of having phone conversations relayed through the system and can be updated to support future handset models. It enables you to display the phonebook, received calls, and display missed calls and dialled numbers.

Clarion Double Up

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:55:00 +0000

See double with Clarion's new DUZ388RMP double DIN CD-Receiver. It provides a front-loading CD slot, radio with 18 FM and 6 MW/LW station presets, and CeNet (Clarion's connectivity system) for optional integration of a 6-disc CD multi-changer.
The DUZ388 offers excellent support for playing back downloaded music files. There's a USB connector for a USB memory stick, and the player's built-in USB file reader is compatible with WMDRM 10 format files.
The player also offers direct iPod control and playback of AAC files, plus there's a 3.5mm mini jack connector for other portable audio players.
The CeNet system allows you to connect the optional BLT583 Bluetooth device, for transfering mobile phone content seamlessly to the head unit, whilst calls are safely relayed to hands-free mode.

Tough Sat Nav protection from Case Logic

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:51:54 +0000

Portable Sat Nav units are hugely popular, but it's not nice if you happen to drop one or get it scratched while carrying it. Case Logic have launched an extremely well made range of Sat Nav carry cases available to protect your investment.
We've been sent the Case Logic GPSP2 case, designed for 4.3" Sat Nav units. As it happens, it's a perfect fit for the Clarion MAP680 that we have for longterm test. Its hard inner shell offers great protection, and the MAP780 or MAP680 fit perfectly even with the rear bracket fitted.

Looking for that familiar building? Now see it with the new portable Clarion Sat Nav

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:40:07 +0000

We've seen plenty of new arrivals on the Portable Sat Nav scene but the new models from Clarion really do add a new dimension. These are the first to map buildings, landmarks and elevation changes in 3D. With comprehensive lane information and turn-by-turn voice prompts (text to speech), these claim to deliver the clearest, most convenient route advice yet.
The MAP780 (Europe) and MAP680 (UK & Ireland) draw buildings in the foreground and background. Buildings close to the driver appear see-through as you approach them. Both PNDs utilise digital elevation model data to draw height and depth features, with hills and mountains rendered in 3D, racing game style.
Clarion has also incorporated comprehensive lane information, with all lanes available rendered in 3D and the one needed highlighted.
These Bluetooth-equipped models also display SMS text messages on-screen, as well as giving seamless touch-screen access to a paired phone or PDA. MP3/WMA playback is also possible via a built-in music player.

Navigation Dock 'n' Roll with Alpine

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:32:10 +0000

The Dock 'n' Roll from Alpine is claimed to be the first of its kind in the industry. The Dock 'n' Roll package combines one of two of Alpine's Mobile Media Stations - the IVA-W205 or IVA-W505R - with the latest version of its Blackbird portable navigation system to create one integrated navigation solution.
Both the IVA-W205R and IVA-W505R are double DIN size, incorporating CD/DVD and the capability to play music directly from your iPod. The IVA-W505R is also Alpine IMPRINT ready and allows you to play iPod movies via the unit and watch them on the high-resolution display. Both are Bluetooth enabled, offering hands-free calling that delivers the caller's voice through the vehicle's speakers.

Alpine introduce portable Sat Nav with RDS TMC, MP3 playback and fixed system integration

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:18:53 +0000

Alpine's Blackbird (PMD-B100P) is a high-end navigation system which can be taken from one car to another or even be used on foot. It can also be combined with a fixed Alpine system and therefore be fully integrated. It has a built-in radio data system (RDS) TMC tuner, a 4GB disk-drive with pre-loaded maps of Western European, and a 3.6-inch digital LCD touch screen.

News on in-car shows and autosound competitions

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:16:33 +0000

Keep in touch on news from the autosound competition scene and in-car electronics and car styling shows.
Categories include:
IASCA and EMMA sound-off contest news
CES show updates
Major UK show dates

News on latest car audio products and trends

admin@mmsa.org.uk — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:12:48 +0000

Updating you on the latest car audio innovations, including product releases and trade news.
Categories include:
CD Players
DVD Players
MP3 and iPod
Amplifiers
Speakers
Wiring and Interfaces