Alpine Introduces In-Dash DVD AM/FM Tuner With Built-In MP3 Decoder

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 8 -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics, today unveiled its new DVA-7996 in-dash DVD head unit, the industry's first automotive DVD-based AM/FM tuner to feature a built-in MP3 decoder. Alpine designed its new DVA-7996 to provide consumers with an in-dash component system that provides both premium video playback and high quality sound performance from a variety of popular audio formats, including DVD video, CDs, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio. The DVA-7996 is Alpine's first XM-Ready DVD product, providing an easy upgrade path to all digital media compatibility.

In keeping with its focus on providing premium sound quality, the DVA-7996 features Alpine's new Media Xpander(TM) sound correction technology, which restores the original impact to popular compressed digital audio formats, such as MP3 and CDs. The DVA-7996 also features Alpine's signature Bass Engine Plus(TM) technology, which allows for head-unit controlled bass management and complete sound tuning of the vehicle's interior, including subwoofer level control and phase (0 degrees - 180 degrees), four-channel time correction, three-position cross-over, and treble and bass center adjustment.

Designed to provide the ultimate in in-vehicle personalization and system control, the DVA-7996 features independent DVD/CD audio outputs and rear seat audio control, allowing consumers to simultaneously accommodate video entertainment for rear seat passengers, while the other sources can be utilized in the front. Utilizing Alpine's own Ai-Net technology, the DVA-7996 can be connected to any Alpine AiNet system component, such as changers or sound processors.

``Our breakthrough DVA-7996 allows people to make the most of their DVD investment by integrating premium video playback with the best sound quality from a variety of popular audio formats,'' said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing. ``The feature-packed DVA-7996 provides outstanding value with optimum flexibility and personalization features for the mobile electronics enthusiast.''

    Other key features of Alpine's new DVD-7996 include:

    -- Swing Face mechanism, allowing for faceplate viewing at any desired
       angle
    -- Versatile Link(TM)-Ready, allowing for audio output from portable units
       (MP3 players, video game systems, TV tuners, etc.) to be played through
       the head unit
    -- Black Out Display, allowing the LCD to be turned off during play,
       reducing power drain in the headunit, as well as eliminating a possible
       source of noise
    -- MDAC (High-quality digital-to-analog converter)
    -- Optical Digital Output (CD audio, Dolby Digital(R), DTS(R)
       capabilities)
    -- 4 Volt PreOut with DC-DC Converter
    -- 3 PreOuts
    -- RUE-4190 integrated audio/navigation/DVD/TV-tuner remote control

    The DVA-7996 will be available in June; suggested retail index:  $ 1,300.

About Alpine's Media Xpander(TM) Technology

Applying DSP techniques developed in Alpine's research labs, the company's Media Xpander sound correction technology restores the size and impact of the original recording to compressed audio and video media formats like MP3s, DVDs and CDs. Alpine is incorporating this breakthrough technology in all of its MP3-supported receivers/tuners and changers in 2002.

About Alpine Electronics

Alpine Electronics is the world's leading mobile electronics system supplier. Alpine specializes in an integrated platform concept for mobile multimedia with premium components for digital audio/video media playback, digital broadcast reception, security and satellite linked navigation. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Alpine is the global leader for in-vehicle navigation systems in Japan, North America and Europe for both after-market and OEM factory installations.