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.

Alpine Expands Pandora Feature Adds Universal Sirius XM Connector

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

LAS VEGAS — Alpine is expanding its selection of Pandora-controlling head units to four models from one, launching its first A/V-navigation unit with built-in HD Radio, and bringing out an entry-level amplifier line.

Kenwood Adds Pandora Control To 9 Heads

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

LAS VEGAS — Kenwood is launching its first nine automotive head units with Pandora Internet radio control, offering its first head unit with two iPhone/iPod USB ports, and adding HD Radio to an in-dash multimedia/ navigation unit for the first time.

At booth 1801, Kenwood is displaying Pandora in all five new in-dash multimedia/ nav systems, in two upper end CD receivers, and in its two mech-less digital media receivers, which lack CD but connect to alternate sources such as iPods and USB drives.

In other changes, Kenwood will:

Clarion Expands Key Feature Sets To More Head Units

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

LAS VEGAS — Clarion is coming to International CES in an expansive mood.

The mobile electronics supplier is expanding its selection of head units with frontpanel iPod/iPhone USB ports, expanding its selection of HD Radio-ready head units, and adding more head units with iTunes Tagging.

Also at the show, the company is unveiling:

• its first head with built-in HD Radio;

• a new mech-less digital media receiver (DMR);

• two new flagship all-in-one A/V-navigation (AVN) head units;

Ford Seeding Market For Sync-Controlled Apps

By Joseph Palenchar On Oct 18 2010 - 4:01am

SAN FRANCISCO—Ford went to the CTIA convention here to announce the launch of a software developers kit (SDK) that will enable app developers to modify BlackBerry and Android smartphone apps so they can be controlled via voice through Ford’s first- and second-generation Sync systems.

The apps would use Bluetooth to connect the phones to Ford’s Sync system.

Aftermarket Curious About Sirius XM 2.0

By Joseph Palenchar On Nov 22 2010 - 6:01am

NEW YORK — The planned fourth-quarter 2011 launch of Satellite Radio 2.0 service could give satellite- radio retailers a lift after enduring years of declining retail-level sales, but the magnitude of the lift will depend in part on the still-unspecified services and personalization features promised by Sirius XM, some retailers and marketers contend.

Some marketers contend that some type of “virtual ondemand” service would help satellite radio compete better against smartphone-delivered Internet radio in the car.

Phoenix Name Rises Again In Car

By Joseph Palenchar On May 17 2010 - 4:01am

CLEARWATER, FLA. — AAMP of America is bringing back the Phoenix Gold brand in a big way since the company purchased the brand from Rodin in September 2009.

AAMP is reemphasizing the Phoenix Gold name on packaging and on the product itself, a spokesman said. Rodin, on the other hand, stressed the Ryval and RSD brands on packaging and products for the past six years or so, although the Phoenix Gold name also appeared, he said.

CAR BRIEFS

By Editors of TWICE On May 17 2010 - 4:01am

FLO TV Adds PPV

SAN DIEGO — Making good on its promise to offer new services, FLO TV launched its inaugural pay-per-view (PPV) broadcast.

The company began offering Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts on an ongoing basis starting with a May 8 event that was broadcast live as it happened and was rebroadcast continuously for 24 hours.

The price was $44.99 for viewing through the company’s handheld Personal Television and through installed FLO TV-equipped in-car A/V systems marketed by Audiovox.

Survey Forecasts Mobile DTV Demand

By Joseph Palenchar On Jun 7 2010 - 4:01am

ALPHARETTA, GA.— American consumers are on the fence about their desire for a free or subscription-based Mobile DTV service that delivers content to handheld and in-vehicle tuners even when the tuner is in motion, an online survey by MarketSource found.