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Alpine Debuts Broad Lineup, Training Program

TORRANCE, CALIF. — Alpine is
rolling out a 2010 lineup that includes an
expanded selection of basic CD-receivers,
new OEM-upgrade products, new driver-assistance
systems and shallow high-performance
subwoofers.

The products also include the company’s
first all-in-one double-DIN A/Vnavigation
unit and first head unit with
built-in Pandora Internet radio application.

To support what he called a “strong line
with a lot of new products,” product promotion
manager Steve Brown said Alpine
will expand its dealer-training program in
the coming months. Last year, the company
conducted product training through
its rep force and, for select larger accounts,
through factory personnel. This year, the
company will add factory-direct training
sessions in five to six markets beginning
sometime in April, Brown said.

New products that will get a mention
during the events are two products introduced
at dealer request: Alpine’s lowestpriced
CD-receiver to date, the $129-suggested
CDE-100, and the $399 CDA-117,
which is the company’s first head unit in five
or six years to incorporate built-in DSP to
set EQ, crossovers and time alignment.

The CDA-117 is also Alpine’s first
head unit with RDS-based iTunes tagging
over analog FM broadcasts. The
satellite- and HD Radio-ready CDA-117
also features 4-volt outputs.

The company already offers a $179-
suggested PXA-H100 Imprint outboard
DSP processor that performs the same
DSP functions as the CDA-117.

For its part, the promotional CDE-100
at $129 is part of an
expanded CDE series
of basic single-
DIN in-dash CDreceivers
that lack
the ability to add on
satellite radio or HD Radio. Its frontpanel
USB connection is for use with
music-laden USB sticks and portable
hard drives. A front-panel 3.5mm input
connects to portable music players.

The CDE selection goes to three from
one with the addition of the CDE-100 and
the $249 CDE-103BT, which is a Bluetooth-
equipped version of the carryover
$179 CDE-102. The 103BT and 102 feature
USB connection and are certified as
Made for iPod and Works with iPhone.

For upgrading OEM sound quality, the
company introduced its second-generation
OEM-upgrade DSP processor, the
Imprint PXE-H660 at a suggested $549.
Its input-voltage range has been widened
so that, when added to an OEM outboard
amplifier, consumers can continue to use
the factory head’s volume control without
inducing distortion, Brown said. With the
previous model, consumers had to use an
Alpine-supplied remote to adjust system
volume when retaining an outboard OEM
amp. The separate remote wasn’t needed,
however, when the module was connected
to a factory head with built-in amp.

Installers would add the Imprint to an outboard
OEM amp in case the amp’s removal
interfered with the functioning of other vehicle
systems on the same OEM databus.
Once the Imprint is installed, the processor
would connect to aftermarket amplifiers.

Another new factory-upgrade device
is the $119 DPR-RDS1 iPod/iPhone interface,
whose FM
modulator connects
to a radio’s antenna
input to send music
to the factory radio.
If the radio is RDSequipped,
the radio will also display music
metadata.

In expanding its selection of driver-assistance
camera systems, Alpine introduced
three new models, including its first with
360-degree view around a vehicle. The
360-degree system, called a “top-view” system,
uses four cameras to simultaneously
display the view from all sides of a vehicle,
helping consumers parallel park or
change lanes without worrying about blind
spots, Brown said. Another new driver-assist
system is the company’s first rear-view
camera system to use image processing to
sense movement. Plans for both will be announced
in September or October.

A third new driver-assistance system,
the $549-suggested HCE-C200R, ships in
March with a multiview feature. Its rearcamera
view can be switched from a standard
120- to 130-degree view to a split rearview
that displays the view to both sides as
you back out of a parking space. It also provides
a 180-degree view and a “down view,”
which lets drivers check for bumper proximity
when parking. An optional $499
front camera offers the same features.

In speakers, the company is launching
a $449-suggested 10-inch subwoofer
and $499 12-inch model with shallow
mounting depths of 3.25 inches and
3.5 inches. They deliver the same output
and bass response as standard 10- and
12-inch models and do so in small enclosures,
Brown said.

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