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.

With national gas prices hitting record heights—and California leading the pack with an average price of $3.22 per gallon—it behooves drivers to make an extra effort to find the lowest gas prices in their area. Instead of wasting precious fuel driving around looking for the best price, your readers may be interested to know they need to look no further than their Verizon Wireless mobile phones to find the best deal.

With MobileGates FuelFinder, found exclusively through Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Web, you can search for gas stations by zip code, city or recent search. And, most importantly, you can sort by price. The feature not only shows you the national high, low and average prices, but also gives you the price of unleaded gasoline by gas station in your area. These prices, coupled with the address, a map of — and directions to — each listed gas station, provide cost-conscious drivers with the information they need to get the cheapest gas possible.

The information is updated as frequently as every two hours. So, those who use the service are getting not only the cheapest, but also the most current gas prices available.

Visit Verizon for more information.

From the CTIA WIRELESS 2007 show today, Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, and Motorola, Inc. announced the exclusive availability of the new Motorola Automotive Music & Hands-free System T605. Available at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country on April 6, including those within Circuit City stores, this new car kit gives music-lovers access to digital music and phone calls directly through one car sound system.

“Customers will enjoy the fact that their music will stream wirelessly from any Bluetooth stereo mobile phone, but when a call comes in the T605 pauses the music and resumes it when the call ends,” said Patrick Bucci, director of accessories for Verizon Wireless. “This is an easy way for Verizon Wireless customers to take their music with them wherever they go.”

“We are thrilled to team-up with Verizon Wireless for our first in-car streaming audio solution,” said Robert Levine, general manager, North America, MobileME, Motorola. “The T605 expands Motorola’s Bluetooth enabled automotive solutions to give people choice and flexibility for their connectivity needs in the car.”

The T605 also lets Verizon Wireless customers enjoy uninterrupted conversations. Just turn on the ignition and the T605 automatically syncs with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.

Equipped with digital signal processing for noise and echo reduction and enhanced technology that lets the volume increase as background noise increases, full duplex capabilities and version 2.0 Bluetooth wireless technology* the Motorola T605 is engineered for advanced call quality and clear connections.

Complete with a sleek, dynamic finish, an improved user interface for intuitive navigation, and Motorola’s exclusive EasyPair technology, this hands-free system promises ease-of-use.