Kenwood Advances CarPortal™ Lineup with New System Expansion Solutions

LAS VEGAS--Kenwood USA Corporation has announced the expansion of its series of innovative CarPortal™ products that make it practical to upgrade or add components to a vehicle's entertainment system using the existing factory radio as one of many sources. Following the noteworthy success of the KOS-A200, Kenwood has announced two new models, the KOS-V1000 and KOS-V500, that make it easy to expand an existing mobile entertainment system by adding multiple external audio and video media devices. The new models also provide greater flexibility and more options for system expansion.

Citing the increasing difficulty in replacing or modifying factory-installed entertainment systems, Keith Lehmann, Senior Vice President of Kenwood USA Corporation, noted that, "Consumers like to live connected and drive connected and want more options in their mobile entertainment systems. The CarPortal™ components make it very easy to expand a factory system without replacing the head unit or modifying the dashboard. It's the ideal solution for owners of leased vehicles or for consumers concerned about invalidating their factory warranty. It also allows Kenwood dealers to integrate multiple products into vehicles in ways that otherwise would not have been possible due to electronic or physical restrictions. This means incremental sales and a potentially new, profitable business model for specialty retailers."

The flagship KOS-V1000 external media controller is a full-featured audio/video component with multiple connectivity choices and new video features. The KOS-V1000 and KOS-V500 can be used with a factory-installed video monitor (requires external video signal adapter) or combined with an optional touch-screen monitor, the KOS-L702, a 6.95" wide-screen on-dash monitor with a built-in speaker. The KOS-L702 allows the user to control the components via a custom Kenwood GUI.

In addition to its built-in 50 watt x 4 channel amplifiers and AM-FM tuner with RDS, the KOS-V1000 includes two USB Direct Control Inputs, two sets of A/V inputs and outputs, and three pair of 5-volt gold-plated pre-out connectors. With its numerous connectivity options, the KOS-V1000 makes it possible to add a navigation system, a video iPod player, digital music players, USB flash drives with music, video game consoles, HD Radio and Satellite Radio tuners, DVD player, multi-disc changers and a hands-free Bluetooth cell phone accessory. Bluetooth capability requires an optional Kenwood KCA-BT100 Bluetooth adapter ($200) and iPod interface requires a Kenwood KCA-iP300V audio/video cable ($30) or a Kenwood KCA-iP200A audio cable ($20).

The KOS-V1000 permits as many as nine external audio/video components to be added to an existing system and is the best example of the Kenwood slogan "Live Connected, Drive Connected". The KOS-V1000 can be used with an optional touch-screen monitor with an intuitive GUI interface for viewing video entertainment and controlling the components connected to the system. Even a rear-view safety camera can be connected to them. A Joy Stick type wireless remote control is included for easy control of all components. Its Dual Zone capability allows playback of different programs in the front and rear seats of the vehicle. The KOS-V1000 also features adjustable front and rear channel crossovers, essential for fine-tuning the sound for each vehicle.

The KOS-V1000 is complemented by the KOS-V500, an external media controller with similar features that also incorporates Kenwood's System E's + crossover system to optimize the audio performance of the system. The KOS-V500 includes a USB interface, audio/video inputs and outputs. It is a Dual Zone component with built-in amplifiers (50 watts x 4), an AM-FM tuner with RDS and features a Joy Stick type wireless remote control. The KOS-V500 can expand a system with up to six additional components.

Both the KOS-V1000 and KOS-V500 can be integrated with an OEM system in three flexible configurations: As a stand alone system replacing the OEM system and using the KOS-L702; by using the factory radio as an auxiliary source connected to the CarPortal components with the KOS-L702; or integrated into the factory video system using the supplied remote control to operate the system.

External switches, or relays, are included in the new CarPortal components, which permit remote activation of garage door openers, community access gates, and other electronically controllable devices. The KOS-V1000 has four relay outputs and the KOS-V500 has two. Both incorporate an AM/FM tuner bypass and an auto turn-on feature that can activate the KOS system from the factory stereo.

The KOS-V1000 has a suggested retail price of $700, and the KOS-V500 has a suggested retail price of $500. Both models will be available in April 2007.

The KOS-L702 has a suggested retail price of $500 and will be available in April 2007.

Kenwood Corporate Information

Founded in 1961, Kenwood USA Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of audio and video products for home, car, and personal use. Offering more than 250 products, Kenwood is one of the three largest selling brands of audio and video entertainment products in the United States and is recognized by consumers and the consumer electronics industry for providing superior quality, reliability and value.