2008 Detroit Auto Show: Alpine Electronics Unveils IMPRINT Sound System Architecture at 2008 North American International Auto Show

Premium sound technology delivers music the way the artist intended

DETROIT, Jan. 13 -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading provider of mobile media solutions, today unveiled the IMPRINT sound system architecture for original-equipment vehicle programs at the 2008 North American International Auto Show. IMPRINT uniquely combines philosophy, technology and process to deliver exceptional sound reproduction for the ultimate in-vehicle listening experience.

The core of the IMPRINT system is the automotive application of Audyssey's MultEQ technology that measures and analyzes the entire interior space, capturing frequency and time domain information from each seating location within the vehicle. IMPRINT uniquely combines these measurements to create a set of equalization filters to correct for frequency response and time domain challenges in each speaker, creating a smoother and more natural sound.

"Our IMPRINT sound system architecture is unique to the automotive industry," said Tom Wataji, vice president, sound system business development. "The philosophy is simple -- accurately create music as the artist intended in any vehicle. With that in mind, Alpine combines its 30 years of automotive sound experience with the latest in acoustic correction technologies, advanced DSPs and a structured global development process to deliver a new reference in sound reproduction."

Philosophy

After all the blood, sweat and broken guitar strings that go into creating a musical masterpiece, very few ever experience the sound of that original recording. With IMPRINT, Alpine brings that original sound into the vehicle by correcting acoustical challenges so drivers and passengers can truly experience music the way the artist intended.

Technology

IMPRINT combines Alpine's in-vehicle sound engineering experience with three of the most advanced digital technologies available. The result? An unprecedented sound system architecture that delivers a seamless, enveloping sound stage and natural sound quality for an exceptional listening experience.

Audyssey MultEQ XT(R)

IMPRINT uses Audyssey's MultEQ XT(R) acoustic correction technology for improved sound quality -- in all seats for all music. MultEQ XT(R):

   -- Corrects in-vehicle frequency response and time domain problems in all
      seats.
   -- Utilizes more than 500 control points to create an accurate full-range
      sound correction filter using finite impulse response (FIR) filters.
   -- Overcomes any vehicle's inherent acoustical challenges to improve the
      sound stage, tonal balance and definition.

  RoadEQ

RoadEQ optimizes sound reproduction in a moving vehicle and the specific vehicle listening condition with much greater precision than has been achieved using typical noise compensation methods. Alpine understands the way people hear and process sounds as well as the dynamic sound environment of a vehicle. This understanding is applied through DSP technology to achieve a more natural sound compensation in a moving vehicle. Alpine's RoadEQ:

   -- Optimizes sound reproduction by accurately simulating the auditory
      perception of the human ear.
   -- Uses psycho-acoustic models to compensate for music distorted by
      vehicle/road noise.
   -- Improves response time for noise correction.

  Optional Feature
  Euphony(TM) Automobile

Alpine's adaptive surround technology is the next generation in surround sound. Developed in joint partnership with DiMAGIC, a Japanese acoustics analysis company, Euphony(TM) Automobile:

   -- Uses adaptive filtering to provide multi-channel surround playback
      from a two-channel source.
   -- Employs cutting edge technologies unlike the simple calculations of
      left-right and right-left of conventional matrix surround generators.
   -- Delivers an exceptional listening experience. The results:
      -- Stable surround channels that eliminate pumping effect.
      -- Excellent center localization for a wide sound stage.
      -- Comfortable, non-fatiguing listening experience.

  Process

Using a structured, scientific development process, Alpine makes global consistency a reality. Sound tuning engineers in Japan, the United States, and Europe use a repeatable engineering approach to achieve accurate and balanced sound, every time.

Alpine's audio system development process starts with customer requirements and defines a path to the best-in-class solution. Engineers collect data and define problems, and from there concepts emerge and are simulated. The best concept is chosen, and components are selected or designed to provide the finest possible system. After installation, a structured tuning process uses advanced perceptually-based measurements to guide expert tuning engineers.

About Alpine Electronics

Alpine Electronics is a global supplier of mobile media solutions including audio, video, satellite-linked navigation and connectivity systems for automotive original equipment and aftermarket applications. Alpine is at the forefront of vehicle information and entertainment innovation, with many first-to-market technologies such as in-vehicle navigation systems, OEM- integrated iPod(R) connectivity and time shift for AM/FM and satellite radio. With manufacturing and R&D facilities in Japan, China, Europe and North America, and more than 1,600 global patents, Alpine's premium sound systems and user-friendly navigation products offer the latest in advanced technology integration for the ultimate driving experience.

Alpine, a multi-billion dollar company, 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. For more information about Alpine products, visit www.alpine.com. For Alpine's latest news during the 2008 North American International Auto Show, please visit www.alpine-usa.com/naias.