Jan 8, 2013

Alpine Introduces 2013 Audio/Video/Navigation System Lineup

Alpine is expanding its audio-video-navigation (AVN) system lineup by offering the systems in three different screen sizes. They will be displayed at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), taking place Jan. 8-11, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In 2012, Alpine introduced the groundbreaking INE-Z928HD AVN system with an 8-inch WVGA screen; the largest screen available for the aftermarket. For 2013, Alpine’s AVN system lineup welcomes the addition of two new products, the INE-W927HD with a 7-inch screen and the INE-W940 with 6.1-inch screen. Rounding out the lineup is the INE-S920HD with a 6.1-inch screen, which continues from 2012.

Alpine INE-Z928HD

“The addition of the 7-inch INE-W927HD makes us well-suited to offer consumers a range of AVN systems so they can find the one that best fits their needs,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine “The 8-inch INE-Z928HD continues to be a popular unit, and we are pleased to see how retailers and consumers have embraced this product using our Perfect F.I.T. installation kits as well as custom installs.”

All of the AVN systems feature multiple entertainment and information options. Some units also offer customizable features for sound settings and user convenience.

Audio Features

Various audio sources are available on the Alpine AVN systems:

HD Radio Technology: The INE-Z928HD, INE-W927HD and INE-S920HD feature a built-in HD Radio receiver for free, crystal clear digital sound from the over 2,000 AM and FM stations broadcasting with HD Radio Technology. Alpine’s MediaXpander technology also provides enhanced sound quality to HD Radio channels by adding back missing harmonics in compressed media.
Pandora internet radio: All four AVN systems can control Pandora from Android, BlackBerry and iPhone smartphones. Users can create new Pandora stations, rate songs with the thumbs up or down rating system, and bookmark songs for later purchase from the touchscreens of these two AVN systems.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio: All models are compatible with SiriusXM’s vast programming, using the SXV200 Vehicle Connect Tuner (tuner and subscription sold separately).
iPod and iPhone: All four AVN systems are “Made for iPod and iPhone” compatible.

Metadata such as artist name, song name and album art can be displayed on the screens of the AVN systems, if the information is available from the audio source.

HD Radio Technology: The INE-Z928HD, INE-W927HD and INE-S920HD feature a built-in HD Radio receiver for free, crystal clear digital sound from the over 2,000 AM and FM stations broadcasting with HD Radio Technology.

Video And Navigation Features

All Alpine AVN systems have full VGA high-resolution screens for crisp, detailed picture quality. They utilize Alpine’s own navigation graphical user interface which includes pre-loaded maps of the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada, as well as over six million Points of Interest (POIs). Major landmarks, buildings and terrain details are depicted in 3D. Driving directions are delivered through text-to-speech announcements, and a handy highway services list displays the services available at each exit (gas, food, ATMs, etc.) to help drivers make quick decisions while en route. The INE-Z928HD and INE-W927HD come with free lifetime traffic monitoring service.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology Features

The four AVN systems use Alpine’s advanced Bluetooth wireless technology. Ease-of-use features include secure simple pairing (SSP); phone battery, cellular signal level and received message icons; as well as call waiting. Sound quality features include digital sound processor (DSP) expansion for better streaming quality; MediaXpander technology for enhanced phone call sound quality; and a microphone that can be separately mounted for custom placement in the vehicle.

Customizable Setting And Sound Features

The INE-Z928HD, INE-W927HD and INE-S920HD let users set up their systems for more convenient use. The “Favorites” page allows users customize a quick-access screen with up to eight shortcuts to their most-used features. Two separate users can each design their own Favorites page profile, choosing from their favorite audio sources, navigation commands (favorite places direct search, nearest Point of Interest [POI] search), or phone settings (favorite person direct call). Each user’s favorites profile is automatically recognized via his or her smartphone. Each time the user enters the vehicle, the Alpine system recognizes the phone profile (via Bluetooth wireless technology) and automatically loads the user’s system preferences.

These three AVN systems also offer vehicle-specific sound field settings. The included iPersonalize feature lets users adjust their sound field settings through a simple on-screen tutorial. The user indicates the vehicle style, speaker locations and seat upholstery type. This data is analyzed and optimal sound field settings are created and automatically applied to the system. As an added perk, the INE-Z928HD comes pre-loaded with data for the vehicles in the Perfect F.I.T. installation kit program. The user chooses his or her vehicle from the list, and the INE-Z928HD automatically tunes itself to deliver the best sound for that vehicle’s interior.