Boy, oh boy are we glad Alpine is a premiere kind of company. It obviously listens to its customers and reviewers. After SvenOnTech reviewed it’s first fully integrated receiver for iPods, the iDA-X001, we only had two real complaints: no power search and the middle button wasn’t the enter key. Guess what? Fixed!

Alpine introduced today its full line of second-generation in-dash iPod integration, calling them Digital Media Receivers. Fixing what was broke and leaving what was right, Alpine sprung on to Vegas for the CES crowd to look at the iDA-X100, iDA-X200 and iDA-X300. Like the iDA-X001, this all built around Alpine’s Ai-NET BUS platform which allows for easy expandability with HD receivers, Bluetooth handsfree units, XM or Sirius radio, and other USB-based music players besides the iPod.

New to the iDA line is Alpine’s Alphabet Search or Percentage Search. Alphabet Search lets you quickly scroll through the artists or playlists alphabetically while Percentage Search divides your iPod library into six groups, allowing for quicker access to your music.

Also new to the three head units, and a first in the industry, is iTunes® Tagging. When used with the TUA-T550HD HD Radio, any HD station broadcasting metadata will enable the listener to save a songs information for later purchase. By saving it to the iPod, once the listener syncs their iPod, a new playlist of all the saved songs information appears and one can now easily purchase the music with a click.

“Many consumers view their iPod as an extension of themselves, so it’s important that they have a full iPod experience wherever they go. With Alpine’s new iPod integration Digital Media Receivers, users can have the best-sounding iPod experience available on the road,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing and product planning, Alpine Electronics.

We agree with Witt and think you will to. Once we get our hands on one of these head units, ranging in price from $200 to $400, we’ll give you the full skinny on them come this spring.

Previewed at the IFA consumer electronics show in August 2007, Mio Technology, top three vendor in Europe of portable navigation devices (PND), announces the availability of its high-end 3D mapping devices – the C620 and C620t. The new Mio 2008 mapping software includes around one thousand 3D landmarks, as well as digital elevation mapping to depict the local landscape – providing the motorist with a true 3D view of the road ahead.

The Mio C620 and C620t feature the very latest Tele Atlas maps (2007.7) as well as Mio’s split-screen interface in this 4.3″ wide screen device. The split-screen function introduced in the C320 and C520/C520t allows the user to view local points of interest and critical journey information, such as the next three turns and time or distance to destination alongside the full map. The C620 and C620t provide the ultimate in sat-nav functionality and features, up and running in seconds with fast, accurate positioning from SiRFstarIII GPS technology.

The new range offers integrated Traffic Message Channel (TMC) reports as well as free out-of-the-box speed camera alerts. As with previous products, Mio users are able to download speed camera database updates for free for one year from the moment of registration, add their own camera locations and share them with other Mio users over the internet.

Features:

Mapping
* Intuitive map display with 3D landmarks and digital elevation models
- Better orientation and faster recognition of map location
- Road levels are displayed in 3D view
* Easy to use interface
- Split screen for info, POI, TMC, Route, MP3 and phone book
- Play/stop MP3 while navigation
- One click to pick up incoming calls or dial out
- Easy navigation to Photo Viewer
* Enhanced signpost display
* Enhanced POIs along route
* TMC along route display
Device
* 4.3″ navigation screen : large and easy to read
* Hands-free calling with built-in Bluetooth® wireless technology and microphone
* Speed camera warnings out-of-the box with free updates
* Fast, accurate positioning from SiRFstarIII GPS technology
* All-in-one cradle : power and TMC (TMC only for C620t)
* Entertainment on the go: Integrated MP3 player and photo-viewer to enjoy your favourite songs and precious photos all on one device.

*Note: Speed camera availability is variable from country to country depending on the local law. Consumers receive one year of speed camera location updates for free upon registration.

Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company with the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, and AAA, North America’s foremost motoring and leisure travel organization, today announced AAA Mobile®. A tool for travelers, both AAA members and non-members, AAA Mobile enables Verizon Wireless customers to find AAA-rated points of interest and quickly access roadside assistance, right from their GPS-enabled Verizon Wireless phones.

AAA Mobile subscribers can use their Verizon Wireless phones to receive visual and audible directions to any travel destination in the U.S.; locate AAA Approved® points of interest (POIs), including Diamond Rated® hotels and restaurants; and search more than 100,000 locations that offer AAA member savings. Subscribers can review detailed AAA descriptions for POIs on their phone, receive a map showing a destination on the mobile phone screen, and bookmark locations as favorites for quick recall in future.

If AAA members experience vehicle difficulties, AAA Mobile streamlines access to AAA’s member roadside assistance service. The press of a single button on their Verizon Wireless phones sends the members’ GPS location to AAA and connects callers with AAA for quick and reliable roadside assistance services.

Verizon Wireless customers can purchase AAA Mobile in the Travel & Guides shopping aisle of the Tools On The Go section in the Get It Now virtual store for $9.99 monthly access. Customers can currently also find AAA Mobile in the Featured Application shopping aisle on select Get It Now-enabled phones. Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled handset and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.

AAA Mobile is powered by the Networks In Motion (NIM) location-based services platform, and is available for download directly from select GPS-enabled wireless phones. More information, including which phones are compatible with AAA Mobile, is available at www.AAA.com/AAAMobile. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

Peripheral Electronics®, AAMP of America‚s innovative OEM Integration division, announced today its OEM Integration Solution for adding aftermarket amplifiers to select late-model GM vehicles. Used with the SVEN4 4-Channel Line Output Converter, the SVHGMAA1 and SVHGMAA2 Add-an-Amp harnesses allow for significant upgrades to non-amplified and standard Bose amplified factory systems.

While also working as a speaker-to-line-level converter, the SVEN4 can add a separate aftermarket amplifier or amplified subwoofer to the factory amplified system. It features 4-channel RCA or speaker-level inputs and outputs, and includes an interchangeable speaker and RCA harnesses for multiple applications. It‚s DC coupling circuitry improves sound quality and ensures that no load is placed on the factory system.

The SVEN4 connects to the factory radio via the SVHGMAA1 or SVHGMAA2 harnesses. The SVHGMAA1 works with select 2000-2007 GM Class II vehicles, and the SVHGMAA2 works with select 2007 GM LAN vehicles. Both harnesses are easily installed behind the head unit to provide an adjustable 4 channel audio output.

Together, the SVEN4 and SVHGMAA1 or SVHGMAA2 deliver optimal performance in a simple plug-and-play solution˜giving owners of these systems enhanced audio and an aftermarket solution strong enough for any OEM system. For more information, visit www.peripheralelectronics.com or call a Peripheral Electronics salesperson at 800-477-2267.

Peripheral Electronics®, AAMP of America’s innovative OEM Integration division, announced today its full line of radio replacement interfaces for thousands of vehicles. These comprehensive OEM Integration Add-a-Head Solutions allow owners to replace their factory stereo without impacting any network audio and car-safety features.

The solutions include the CHYAH05, CHYRAP, GMAHLAN, GMAHLANB, GMCOL11, GMCOL29, GMAHSC, GMAH24, GMAH24B, GMAH32, GMAHCM, GMCO, GMCO2, GMCO3, GMOS1, and GMOS21B interfaces.

Currently, the solutions cover select Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GMC, Hummer, Jeep, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Saturn vehicles. Future plans for Audi, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Toyota and Volkswagen interfaces are already in the works.

Removing the factory stereo in many new vehicles can disrupt important features controlled by the vehicle’s computerized network system. Depending on the vehicle make and model, these features can include warning chimes, audible turn signal indicators, and retained power to vehicle accessories. In some vehicles, removing the factory stereo also disables sophisticated cautionary features like rear-hazard assistance.

Peripheral Electronics’ add-a-head solutions keep all the network features intact when the factory radio is replaced. Certain interfaces even work seamlessly with the full line of Bose™ amplified and OnStar™ factory systems, automatically muting the aftermarket stereo when OnStar is being used. The interfaces also integrate with any aftermarket audio system, from simple CD players to more elaborate systems with DVD players, navigational capability, and flip-out video screens.

As vehicle networks and aftermarket audio systems become more complex, demand grows for a way to connect the two—without losing any vehicle functionality or advanced safety features. With its comprehensive OEM Integration Add-a-Head Solutions, Peripheral Electronics stakes its claim as the leader in radio replacement integration.

For more information, visit www.peripheralelectronics.com or call a Peripheral Electronics Sales Representative at 800-477-2267.

Peripheral Electronics®, AAMP of America’s innovative OEM Integration division, announced today its radio replacement interface for numerous late-model GM vehicles. The interface, GMAHLAN, seamlessly integrates aftermarket head units into 2006-2007 non-Bose vehicles with OnStar.

The interface works with late-model Buick Lucerne; Cadillac Escalade; Chevrolet Avalanche, Impala, Monte Carlo, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra and Yukon vehicles.

In addition to keeping the OnStar features and functions, the GMAHLAN retains all entertainment and key vehicle-safety features controlled by the system. These features include Retained Accessory Power (RAP), Vehicle Parking Assist (VPA), audible turn signals, and all factory seatbelt, key-in, and headlight warning chimes.

The GMAHLAN is equipped with a Smart Sense Mute feature that automatically mutes aftermarket stereos when OnStar is being used. It also includes an antenna adaptor and works with Peripheral Electronics’ PESWI steering wheel control interfaces for aftermarket Alpine, Clarion, Eclipse, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, and many other radios. These interfaces retain the convenience of factory steering wheel controls when upgrading the factory radio with an aftermarket radio.

In addition, owners of the 2007 Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon, and Chevrolet Suburban can use Peripheral Electronics’ GMLRSE Rear Seat Retention Harness to retain their factory installed rear seat entertainment system and infrared headphones. The GMLRSE can also feed the audio/video signal from an aftermarket DVD player to the overhead LCD monitor.

Like the GMAHLAN, the GMLRSE delivers huge value by allowing vehicle owners to change their factory radio without disrupting the integrity of their factory installed entertainment system. Together, the two provide a single point of contact for dealers and an all-encompassing integration solution for some of GM’s most popular vehicles. Peripheral Electronics also offers its GMAHLANB for these same vehicles with Bose systems.

For more information about the GMAHLAN OEM Integration solution, visit www.peripheralelectronics.com or call a sales representative at 727-572-9255.

Accelerating its presence in the global custom home theater market and its corporate initiative to capitalize on high-value specialty display products and solutions, Planar Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLNR) today announced it has acquired the assets of privately-held Runco International, Inc. for $36.7 million in cash. Financing to fund the purchase price consisted of $14.7 million in existing cash and $22.0 million of borrowing from the Company’s amended credit facility.

Known worldwide for producing the world’s finest home theater products, Runco has been a leading brand in the high-end, custom home theater market for the past two decades, and has developed some of the industry’s most advanced home theater solutions, such as CineWide (patent pending) technology and Video Xtreme™ projection equipment. Runco currently delivers outstanding home theater solutions priced from $3,000 to $250,000 which have consistently won awards for picture quality and performance. In addition, the Vidikron brand, including the award-winning Vision™ Series, has been part of Runco since 2002 after being founded in 1980. Read the rest of this entry »

Peripheral Electronics®, AAMP of America’s innovative OEM integration division, announced today that its universal CANBUS adapter for Steering Wheel Control Interfaces is now shipping. The adapter, PESWICAN, lets owners of select late-model Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes, and Volkswagen vehicles retain their factory steering wheel controls when installing an aftermarket stereo.

Currently, the PESWICAN works with 2002-2007 Audi A4, A6, RS4, and S4; 2005-2007 Chrysler 300c; 2004-2007 Dodge Caliber, Charger, Durango, Magnum, and Ram; 2005-2007 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee; 2003-2004 Mercedes C230 and CLK320; and 2002-2007 Volkswagen EOS, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Passat, Rabbit, and Toureg.

In the past, installing aftermarket stereos in these CANBUS-equipped vehicles sacrificed the stereo’s volume, tuning, and other steering wheel controls. As a result, customers lost the safety and convenience of controlling their stereo from the steering wheel.

PESWICAN solves this problem by accepting CANBUS data commands from the steering wheel controls for use by Peripheral’s industry-best line of steering wheel control interfaces. Those interfaces include the universal PESWIX, PESWIECL for Eclipse radios, PESWIPS for Pioneer and Sony radios, and PESWIAKJ for Alpine, Kenwood, and JVC radios.

The MSRP of the PESWICAN is $105.95.

By allowing customers to change their factory head unit without losing the safety and convenience of their original steering-wheel controls, Peripheral Electronics once again shows its strong commitment to developing easy, seamless OEM integration solutions. For more information, visit www.peripheralelectronics.com.

Rockford Fosgate tried it with the MP3.8 and Blaupunkt had one, too. Neither succeeded. I’m sure I am missing others that tried to bring gobs of music to vehicles easily that just could not pull off the great idea. None of these products had the hottest brand name etched into its back: iPod.

Apple should introduce a faceless iPod. Basically, just a hard drive unit that you can easily dock and sync with iTunes. All your movies, music, and photos would sync onto the unit just like any other iPod with a screen but you wouldn’t use this for portable enjoyment for your eyes. No, this would only be used in a car, friends home connected to a TV, or even a business for music or video display on external devices. Heck, there are tons of uses for this kind of headless device. I’m sure by removing the ClickWheel and screen, Apple could shave easily $100 if not more off the price of the iPod. Maybe even add a second drive and logically fuse them together as one large drive. It’s a market Apple hasn’t tried but one that exists already.

I rarely use my iPods screen as it sits in my trucks “glove” compartment 24/7. It only comes out for syncs and an occasional use on my belt or drop into an iPod boom-box. But for the most part, it’s in my truck always. I’m not the only one doing this and I would venture to say there is a lot of people using their iPod for the same thing I am: CD changer replacement in the car. With its high density, easy navigation with nearly every after-market and OEM car stereo, the screen on the iPod is no longer needed with this endless music source inside the dark cavern of many glove boxes. We just want our music – all of our music – with us where ever we go. The iPod does that for us.

To remove the expense not needed, a new venue of revenue could be created for Apple. I know many would buy the iPod Car just for the mere purpose of having one for their car. Keeping their 5G iPod for the gym or bike ride or what ever it might be is perfect for the screen version. For those smaller needed amounts of music play, the shuffle will still gladly fill the void. Top that off with the iPhone and now Apple has all bases covered. Home run.

So where Blaupunkt and Rockford failed, Apple would easily succeed. Hopefully its something that it’ll consider and maybe, just maybe, I’ll get that 200GB iPod for my truck after all.

Peripheral Electronics announced today its newest steering wheel interface for Alpine, Kenwood, JVC, and Clarion aftermarket stereos. The interface, PESWIAKJC, lets owners of most vehicles with steering wheel controls retain those controls when replacing their OEM head unit.

The PESWIAKJC works with select GMs, Fords, Audis, Chryslers, Mitsubishis, Land Rovers, Harley Davidsons, BMWs, Minis, Nissans, Saabs, Honda/Acuras, Mazdas, Volkswagens, Jaguars, KIAs, and Toyotas.

Before the PESWIAKJC, installing aftermarket stereos in these vehicles sacrificed the stereo’s volume, tuning, and other steering wheel controls. As a result, customers lost the convenience of controlling their stereo from the steering wheel.

PESWIAKJC solves this problem by interfacing with Alpine, Kenwood, JVC, and Clarion aftermarket receivers with a wired remote control input. With all GM vehicles, the PESWIAKJC even retains the heater and A/C controls.

For dealers, step-by-step programming and LED confirmation make it a simple install. And with its broad applications, it significantly lowers the number of SKU’s that need to be stocked. Dealers can find out more about these applications by going to http://www.peripheralelectronics.com/peswix.asp, clicking on PESWIAKJC at the bottom of the page, and using the scroll down menu.

With the largest line of steering wheel interfaces in the industry, Peripheral once again shows its strong commitment to creating OEM solutions that seamlessly connect aftermarket receivers into the automobile. The PESWIAKJC marks an important addition to this line.