Alpine Introduces Industry's First Ultra Premium AlpineF#1Status DVD-Audio System for the Vehicle
TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2004 -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics, today announced the first ultra-high end DVD-audio system for the car under its prestigious AlpineF#1Status(TM) line. The DVI-9990 DVD-Audio player is a transport-only design and can be matched with either the new AlpineF#1Status DAI-C990 digital to analog converter (DAC) for a two-channel system or the new AlpineF#1Status PXI-H990 audio processor for incredible multi-channel sound. A new in-dash monitor completes the AlpineF#1Status multimedia system.
AlpineF#1Status products are designed to deliver the absolute best sound quality by overcoming the unique problems of in-car sound reproduction with precision sound field adjustment, sound image contouring and acoustical correction. The technical development and detail-oriented research for these ultra premium products, named "Micro Dynamics(TM)," has established a new platform for all of Alpine's engineering standards. AlpineF#1Status products have been recognized with accolades worldwide for their outstanding sound quality, unrivaled engineering and superior design.
The DVI-9990 is the industry's first DVD-Audio player to transmit high resolution audio through Alpine's DVD-Audio Link (IEEE1394-Audio) connection, enabling a pure digital connection from the transport to the outboard processor or DAC. The system supports playback of DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, CD/MP3/WMA/AM/FM and is XM Satellite Radio ready. The DVD-Audio mechanism is the highest precision transport in the industry and is capable of reading multi-layered disks without data problems. A real metal face and green/amber/blue button illumination choices make the DVI-9990 a stunning in-dash addition.
The DVI-9990 provides extreme personalization in creating an ultra-premium mobile multimedia showcase. When paired with the PXI-H990, it delivers superior multi-channel sound using the industry's first Dolby Digital EX(R) and DTS ES(R) sound processing. The system also includes Dolby ProLogic II(R) and DTS: NEO6(R) for matrixed surround sound when listening to stereo material. The PXI-H990 features the industry's first real-time road EQ with a processor that is 1,000 times faster than any other on the market today.
The processor incorporates eight sets of Burr-Brown K-Grade digital to analog converters that are the finest available in the automotive consumer electronics market. Its design enables the linking of a second PXI-D990 to create a powerful 16-channel system for multi-element speaker system control. The DVI-9990 and PXI-H990 system was bestowed with a 2004 CES Innovations Award for Excellence in Design and Engineering.
With the new AlpineF#1Status DAI-C990 DAC, users will enjoy six-channel stereo sound with automatic down sampling of multi-channel content to high resolution two-channel. The DAI-C990's oversized power supply technology delivers maximum current with extremely clean power and very little noise.
In 2004, Alpine will offer its first AlpineF#1Status in-dash monitor, the TMI-M990, featuring true 800x480 resolution utilizing a seven-inch Low Temperature Poly-Silicon WVGA display. The TMI-M990 features three auxiliary inputs, including an independent S-Video input for superior color and image resolution, dedicated navigation input and two A/V outputs for system expansion. Visual EQ(TM) technology adjusts the image for superior viewing.
The 2004 AlpineF#1Status products showcase Alpine's new IONBUS(TM) technology, an incredibly fast, all digital two-way multimedia bus connection for centralized system control and display.
The dedication and attention to detail bestowed upon the AlpineF#1Status products is not lost among the rest of Alpine's 2004 product lineup. While AlpineF#1Status represents the pinnacle of product performance for the company, audio enthusiasts will see this design methodology reflected in product cosmetics and internal circuit board design in many of Alpine's 2004 products.
"AlpineF#1Status represents Alpine's no-compromise commitment to deliver the absolute best sounding mobile multimedia systems in the world and we are thrilled to now offer true DVD-Audio and multi-channel sound for this world-class system," said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing. "With the research and development behind AlpineF#1Status, we have learned how to better engineer digital audio technologies that we can apply to our main line of products each year, ensuring that the Alpine brand always represents 'the highest quality and performance' to our customers."
"Alpine is showcasing its leadership in in-car entertainment with the industry's first automotive implementation of Dolby Digital EX technology," said Patrick Artiaga, Director, Automotive Marketing, Dolby Laboratories. "With products such as the AlpineF#1Status products, consumers can enjoy Dolby surround sound technologies on the road that were originally only available in cinema and home environments."
AlpineF#1Status Accolades
The first AlpineF#1Status(TM) products were introduced in 2001 and immediately established new benchmarks for performance and control in car audio. Acknowledged for their technical engineering and unrivaled sound quality, AlpineF#1Status products have gained worldwide accolades including: 9/00 Paris Motor Show "Car HiFi Grand Prix" Award; 2001, 2002 and 2004 United States CES "Innovations" Awards; 8/01 Daily Automotive News (Japan) "Best Automotive Product"; 8/01 European Imaging and Sound Association, Berlin Show "European Car Audio of the Year 2001-2002"; 10/01 Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization "Good Design Award."
AlpineF#1Status Products: DVI-9990 DVD Transport Only Availability: Summer 2004 Target Retail Price: TBD DAI-C990 DAC Availability: Summer 2004 Target Retail Price: TBD PXI-H990 Multimedia Manager Availability: Summer 2004 Target Retail Price: TBD TMI-M990 Monitor Availability: Summer 2004 Target Retail Price: TBD SPX-Z18T Three-way Component Speaker Set Availability: Now Target Retail Price: $3,500 SPX-Z15M Two-way Single Channel Component Speaker Set Availability: Now Target Retail Price: $1,500 MRV-F900 4/3/2 Channel Power Amp Availability: Now Target Retail Price: $3,500 About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is the world's leading automotive consumer electronics system supplier and an ISO certified corporation. Alpine specializes in an integrated platform concept for mobile multimedia with premium components for digital audio/video media playback, digital broadcast reception, and satellite linked navigation. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Alpine is the global leader for mobile sound systems and in-vehicle navigation for both after-market and OEM factory installations. Alpine Electronics is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world's premier manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics equipment. Visit www.alpine-usa.com to learn more about Alpine products or to find an authorized retailer.