Alpine Announces Ultra-Flexible Solution for Bringing High-End Multi-Channel Sound and Mobile Multimedia to the Car

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2004 -- The shift into multi-channel sound is as dramatic as the evolution from mono to stereo. This year, Alpine Electronics will be the leader in bringing multi-channel solutions to the mobile marketplace with a variety of systems that work together to meet individual consumer needs.

In 2004, Alpine will introduce a high-end multi-channel surround sound system that pairs its new IVA-D901 in-dash DVD/CD/AM/FM receiver featuring a motorized, high resolution WVGA display with its PXA-H701 multi-channel audio processor with integrated support for Dolby Digital(R) 5.1, Dolby Pro Logic II(R) and DTS(R). Together, these components serve as the centerpiece for multi-channel sound playback of music and video and offer virtually unlimited variations for building a personalized mobile multimedia system.

Achieving the finest multi-channel sound quality in the vehicle is heavily dependent upon sophisticated automotive-based sound tuning tools. Alpine's PXA-H701 Multimedia Manager(TM) sound processor delivers in-vehicle tuning capabilities that rival Alpine's ultra-premium AlpineF#1Status(TM) system. With the PXA-H701 users can maximize the sound quality of their system with 165 band equalization or 27 band parametric equalization, eight channel digital crossover and eight channel auto/manual time correction -- all from the controls of the IVA-D901.

For DVD-based multi-channel content, the PXA-H701 delivers high performance 5.1 surround sound decoding in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS formats. The PXA-H701 also bridges the gap from two-channel stereo content (CDs, radio, compressed digital media) to multi-channel sound with its on-board Dolby Pro Logic II decoding. Even when utilizing only four speakers, Dolby Pro Logic II can create a phantom center image, offering a re-creation of multi-channel sound from any two channel stereo source.

With its eight-channel output, the PXA-H701 offers nearly unlimited amplifier and speaker configurations for designing a system that best fits both user sound/power preferences and any vehicle's particular idiosyncrasies.

The IVA-D901's seven-inch WVGA display, featuring technology designed for the AlpineF#1Status monitor, delivers the highest resolution on the market at 480x800 pixels. The DVD-based system enables consumers to add and control multiple components, such as an Alpine satellite-linked PowerNav(TM) system, XM Satellite Radio and DVD/CD/MP3 changers, through a centralized, intuitive user interface. To meet the need for separate front and rear audio/video environments, the IVA-D901 has a built-in "Multi-zone Audio Video Controller." This feature allows multiple sources be viewed and controlled through two separate zones of rear-seat monitors simultaneously while audio and navigation can be used in the front.

"This year, the big news in mobile electronics is bringing multi-channel sound to the car," said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing. "Our goal is to provide consumers with a variety of solutions that enable them to 'mix and match' different premium components to design the system that works best for them."

The IVA-D901 and PXA-H701 will be available in February for target retail prices of $2,300 and $500, respectively.

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.