iSimple® today announced the availability of iPod® docking interfacing kits that give drivers of hundreds of popular 1995 to 2007 automobiles an affordable way to enjoy static-free iPod music directly through their vehicle’s factory stereo systems. In addition to crystal clear audio, these kits also allow the user to track forward and track back on his/her iPod directly from the factory radio, as well as providing battery charging for many iPod models.

Each kit features a “brain box” (called a PXDP) and a wiring harness that plugs directly into the CD changer port in the back of a compatible vehicle’s factory-installed stereo system. Once installed (professional installation is recommended) the unit delivers perfect CD quality sound directly through the sound system, as well as the option of selecting tracks through the car stereo using the FFWD / RRWD CD changer function. Additionally, the unit does not block out clickwheel or touch screen controls, so the user can browse and select tracks as normal. And, because the connection is “hardwired” to the vehicle, the docking connection offers battery charging for most iPod models, including the iPhone®.

These iSimple kits sell for approximately $119.95 and are compatible with hundreds of models, including: BMW and Mini) Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Saturn; Ford, Lincoln and Mercury; Acura, Honda, Isuzu, Scion and Toyota; Chrysler, Dodge, Eagle, Jeep and Plymouth, and Audi, Jaguar and Volkswagen.

All iSimple automotive docking solutions are made by Peripheral Electronics® – the industry leader in automotive OEM integration products – and distributed and marketed by AAMP of America™. iSimple kits are available at specialty car audio and electronics stores nationwide, as well as most Best Buy locations. iSimple products are also available online at Crutchfield.com, Autotoys.com, Amazon.com and more. For more information, please visit www.peripheralelectronics.com or www.iSimpleSolutions.com.

Peripheral Electronics®, AAMP of America’s innovative OEM integration division, announced today that its powerful eight-channel PCH8 Line Output Converter (LOC) is now shipping. The PCH8 integrates aftermarket amplifiers into factory car stereos, maintaining system integrity while significantly enhancing audio performance.

The PCH8 works with factory multi-channel amplified systems. It accepts two, four, six, or eight amplified speaker level channels, and converts those channels to a high-quality pre-amp signal. Internal summing lets users group together selected channels, combining different frequencies into one full-range signal. This is extremely important to dealers, allowing them to install a new amplifier without replacing the factory head unit.

Other installer-friendly features include a 12-volt output and turn-on circuit. The circuit monitors speaker level signals and automatically turns on the converter when a signal is sensed. The 12-volt output can be used to turn on aftermarket amplifiers and processors. A connection jack also lets users add the optional subwoofer control included with every PCH8.

For more information, please 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 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.

Peripheral Electronics announced today that its high-speed iPod interface cable for select Alpine systems is now shipping. The cable, PHSC, delivers a high-speed connection, full iPod control, and digital-quality sound to 2006-up “Full Speed™” Alpine radios.

The PHSC includes an iPod dock connector and DIN plug. It is compatible with Nano, Photo, Gen3, Gen4, and Gen5 iPods, and currently interfaces with Alpine CDE-9852, CDA-9856, CDA-9857, DVA-9861, IVA-D100, and IVA-W200 systems.

With the PHSC, all iPod functions can be managed from the radio controls. Customers can use the QuickSearch feature to browse by artist, genre, album, and playlist, or simply scroll for songs using the radio’s rotary control knob. Search information appears on the head unit, while faster data transmission ensures easy file navigation. The PHSC also charges the iPod battery while in use, and delivers static-free, digital-quality sound.

Of course, ordering the PHSC has never been easier. Dealers will appreciate Peripheral’s same-day shipping from three warehouses as well as its online ordering system. This system includes 24-7 ordering and tracking, instant price and availability, up-to-the-minute account status, and access to past invoices for authorized users—ensuring that dealers get the products they need precisely when they need them.

In addition to the PHSC, Peripheral will soon carry similar iPod interface cables for select Kenwood and Pioneer radios. Together, these products show Peripheral’s continued commitment to providing the best OEM Integration solutions in the industry.

Sometimes, all we need to make our tears go away (or make them start running) is a good, hearty laugh. Comedian Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling has released a new line of simply hilarious electronic joke products, through Excalibur Electronics. You are sure to get a kick out of this comedian’s new toys. Supposedly “A laugh a day keeps the doctor away” and The Joke Man is sure to keep you nice and healthy with his new laugh tools.

First up is the GrossMaster. This machine is designed for pretty much any age and provides hours of gross fun for everyone. It features over 50 of G-rated gross kid jokes, songs, and of course, who could ever forget, sound effects. Hit the nose to start the fun, if you want a joke repeated hit the right eye, hit the left eye to continue with the gross out fun. GrossMaster can be purchased at the Discover Channel Store for $19.95.

Also available is the Mini JokeMaster Jr. This is the pocket version of the original, designed with the 4-12 age group in mind. This little guy has 45 jokes, knock-knocks, riddles, you name it. It’s nose will light up when it spits out a new joke and if you like it enough, you can repeat it with the repeat button. Also included is adjustable volume and an off/on switch that can help preserve your battery. The Mini comes in either blue for little guys, or pink for little girls and can be purchased at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for about $9.95. The original JokeMaster Jr. (not the mini) is basically the full size version, designed for ages 6-12. It has a little higher price tag at $24.95.

I personally have never been a huge fan of math. Jackie has realized that this is true for some people, so he has now released the Talking Comedy Calculator. It is your everyday desktop calculator, but hit a button and the jokes start coming. Keep your favorite of the nearly 200 jokes on this device handy by saving them. It also includes a built in alarm clock with time and date display. I know some people that would never get their math homework done if they had one of these to play with. The current price for this baby is $29.95.

With over 1200 jokes, the JokeMaster Jr. 2 will provide you with many many laughs guaranteed. It is a handheld device with over 30 categories of jokes ranging from lawyers to rednecks, one-liners to kids-at-heart jokes, and many more. Another neat feature is the ability to rate the jokes based on you and your freinds’ reactions. It comes with a carrying case to help keep it protected and the going price is $29.95.

So if you want some laughs or are looking for a good birthday present, check out Jackie “The Joke Man’s” new products, it may be just what you needed.

Nearly 1,000 technology companies from the Western region of the United States will showcase their latest consumer electronics products at the 2007 International CES®, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, January 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada. These exhibiting companies represent more than 30 consumer technology categories, including accessories, broadband, digital imaging, electronic gaming, high-performance audio, home theater, mobile electronics, robotics, VoIP and wireless communications.

The 2007 International CES promises to be the largest and most successful in the show’s 40-year history, with 2,700 exhibitors debuting the latest innovations in consumer technology to an expected 140,000 industry buyers, distributors, engineers, installers, financial analysts, top-level executives, media and industry professionals.

“Fujitsu has supported CES for many years and it has become an important venue to help us introduce new products and meet with business leaders from around the world,” said Joel Hagberg, vice president, marketing and business development, Fujitsu Computer Products of America Inc. “This year we are excited to showcase leading-edge technology that will promote biometric security, high-performance storage, 10Gb Ethernet switching, Internet acceleration and high-security data disposal. An important part of the consumer electronics industry involves securing, moving, storing and eliminating data and we are excited to discuss how our technology can serve this market.”

CES continues to educate attendees on the latest developments and trends in the consumer electronics industry. The 2007 International CES will house 280 conference sessions featuring more than 860 of the industry’s leading speakers, helping attendees discover the newest trends, strategies and profit opportunities in the consumer technology industry. Conference tracks begin Saturday, January 6, 2007 and focus on key industry segments such as digital imaging, emerging electronics, gaming, mobile electronics, high-performance audio and home theater. Read the rest of this entry »