Internet At Center Of Kenwood Initiatives

By Joseph Palenchar On Jan 24 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS – Kenwood came to International CES to launch new programs to reach Internet-connected consumers and tamp down on predatory Internet pricing by unauthorized dealers.

The programs are part of what the company called the Kenwood Leadership Initiative.

 

 

Rockford's Brax, Helix Car Lines Debut

By Joseph Palenchar On Jan 24 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — Rockford Corp. unveiled the high-end Brax line of automotive amplifiers and speakers at International CES along with the Helix brand of high-performance amps and speakers at entry-level to high-end price points.

Late last year, Rockford announced that it acquired the exclusive North American distribution rights to the two brands, owned by German’s Audiotec Fischer.

JVC Is Bringing Cloud-Based Nav To Its Head Units

By Joseph Palenchar On Jan 24 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS – JVC Mobile has devised a way to turn lower priced car A/V head units into more expensive navigation systems.

Full Power has upgraded its Motion X cloud-based iPhone navigation app to display maps and turn-by-turn driving instructions with voice prompts on JVC’s large-screen A/V units while a vehicle is in motion. The app comes with $20/year subscription.

Directed Adds GPS Tracking To SmartStart System

By Lisa Johnston On Jan 24 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS — Directed Electronics announced plans at International CES to upgrade its SmartStart system, which lets users send remote-start and door-lock commands via cellular from iPhones, BlackBerrys and Android-based smartphones.

The latest iteration, called Viper SmartStart GPS, adds real-time GPS tracking and can be added to any Viper security or remote-start system. It’s scheduled to ship in the first quarter at a suggested $299.

German Maestro Enters Car Amps, Adds Speakers

By Joseph Palenchar On Dec 20 2010 - 6:01am

LAGUNA HILLS, CALIF. — German Maestro is expanding its selection of car audio products with the launch of its first amplifiers and new speakers, including two threeway component speakers.

The products will be displayed at International CES and will ship around show time.

The company, which entered the U.S. market two years ago, is launching eight products in all, including the two three-way component speakers, three 2-ohm speakers designed for OEM replacement, a subwoofer and two amps.

FLO TV: Consumers To Get Money Back

By Joseph Palenchar On Dec 20 2010 - 6:01am

NEW YORK — FLO TV has begun offering a rebate to cover the full purchase price, excluding taxes and shipping, of FLO TV products that receive the company’s consumer-direct service.

Consumers don’t have to return the product to get the rebate.

Alpine Ships First 2 Heads In 2011 Line

By Joseph Palenchar On Dec 20 2010 - 6:01am

TORRANCE, CALIF. — Alpine has begun shipping the first two head units in its 2011 lineup, both with built-in hands-free Bluetooth.

They are the $230-suggested CDE-125BT and $270-suggested CDE-126BT. Hands-free Bluetooth previously started at $250.

In-Vehicle Internet Radio Going Mainstream At CES

By Joseph Palenchar On Jan 6 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS – Internet radio is going mainstream in the mobile electronics aftermarket here at International CES, where more suppliers will launch their first in-dash head units that control select Internet radio apps on USB-connected iPhones.

JVC, Kenwood, and Sony will join Alpine and Pioneer in offering head units that control the Pandora Internet radio app on a connected iPhone, while Alpine and Pioneer will dramatically expand their selection.

Digital Stream Plans ATSC-M/H Add-On

By Joseph Palenchar On Jan 6 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS – Korean supplier Digital Stream Technology is coming to the show with a pair of RCA-brand ATSC-M/H (Mobile/Handheld) TV tuners that will add mobile DTV reception to previously installed car A/V systems.

Separately, Winegard is coming to CES with its previously announced ATSC-M/H system at a suggested $799 with 10.2-inch touchscreen. It’s due in the first quarter.

Pioneer Expands Pandora, Adds Aha

By TWICE Staff On Jan 6 2011 - 6:01am

LAS VEGAS – Pioneer is stepping up its commitment to Internet radio in the car, expanding its selection of head units that control an iPhone’s Pandora app to nine new models, and bringing down the starting price points to more affordable levels.

The company is also bringing another Internet radio service – Aha Radio – to two of its navigation systems. Aha delivers audible versions of Facebook and Twitter, podcat streams, audible reports of nearby traffic conditions, and ability to hear nearby pointsof- interest (POI) information.