Mobile Briefs

BROADVIEW, ILL. — Blaupunkt introduced its first car DVD player, called the DVD-ME1, which also plays MP3 encoded CDs. Shipping this month, the player has a compact size of 6.7 inches wide, 2.9 inches high, and 8.5 inches deep for mounting anywhere in the car. The player accepts CD-R discs that hold approximately 10 hours of music. The new player ships with a remote control and is expected to carry a suggested retail price of $449.95

WOODBURY, N.Y. — JBL plans to add amplifiers to its new high-end line of GTi subwoofers. Currently under development, the line is tentatively slated for release next year. In addition the company has added new component systems to the GTi line and has launched a Full Throttle dealer support program to push all GTi speakers. Under the Full Throttle program, JBL offers special assistance to dealers in creating web-based promotions and provides free shipping of all GTi products. JBL has also established two dedicated phone lines for dealer use which are answered directly by GTi engineers and marketing staff, according to JBL director of marketing, mobile products, Chris Dragon. Two new GTi component systems include the 608GTi, a 6.5 inch component system for $600 per pair, and the 508GTi, which is a 5¼ inch version.

TORONTO, ONT. — Mobile Dynamics' Installer Training Program received accreditation by the National Accreditation Board making it the first mobile electronics school to receive accreditation. Mobile Dynamics runs a 240-hour training course at its facility here, which has been in operation since 1990. Another school was opened in Phoenix, Az., in 1996. It offers a 195-hour course and the company plans to apply for accreditation for that program next year.

WALPOLE, MASS. — MB Quart announced it is re-entering the marine speaker market with two new models. Shipping in May are two coaxial speakers — the NKD 116 and NKA 116. Both are 6.5 inch speakers. The NKD uses a ¾-inch titanium tweeter and the NKA has a ½ inch titanium tweeter. Suggested retail prices are $399 and $249 respectively. A 10 inch marine subwoofer is also expected from the company in June or July.

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Unwired will release the first camouflage version of an FRS radio this month through Wal-Mart and other sporting goods stores. The new unit, called the UFR-850CM-2, is a version of the company's UFR-850. Unwired said it licensed the top selling camouflage pattern from Realtree Hardwoods and chose the camouflage design to accommodate hunters. The UFR-850CM-2 is water-resistant to complete submersion and has 14 channels and 38 subcodes. It has a two-mile range, voice activated transmission and comes with ear buds. Suggested retail price for the 850CM-2 is $129.99 per pair.