LIBERTYVILLE, IL (02.12.2021) – Now shipping: ATEQ processor from Autotek is a 4-band equalizer with a 9-volt line driver featuring a multiple source signal processor. This 1⁄2 DIN pre-amp EQ includes front/rear active crossover, an audio input selector for switching between the head unit and another audio source, master volume control of SPL-level, and 2 audio inputs with level matching. In addition to providing superior sound quality for any genre of music; this processor has a selectable 12dB high-pass crossover for rich trebles and low-pass subwoofer output for deep bass.
Sam Dattalo, Vice President of Sales at Maxxsonics USA said, “The ATEQ processor has everything you need to control all of your sound. You’ll receive higher trebles with clearer highs, deeper lows for bigger bass, and complete customization and control of your music. These are shipping fast, so make sure to secure your order now!”
The ATEQ processor is now shipping. Contact your sales representative, or customer service at 847-540-7700 immediately to secure your order.
BOCA RATON, FL (02.11.2021) – Tint World Automotive Styling Centers is building on its 2020 success with major investments in franchise development, positioning the company to continue its fast growth and ongoing expansion into new national and international markets.
“There’s no doubt that 2020 was a difficult year,” said Charles J. Bonfiglio, president and CEO of Tint World. “But early on we made a concerted effort to develop and implement best practices for the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the entire Tint World family remained safe and healthy and could continue providing essential automotive services. Because of that proactive spirit, we had more existing franchisees invest into opening additional locations or relocate to larger stores to handle the increased service business growth. And not a single Tint World location closed in 2020, despite all the major economic challenges we faced.”
Charles J. Bonfiglio
Tint World’s 2021 strategy for franchise development includes focusing on an optimized sales process, streamlining lead management, and increasing investment in online marketing and social media efforts.
Tint World was founded in 1982 and began franchising in 2007. Since then, the company has opened more than 80 locations in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – with over 30 additional locations currently in development. In 2020, Tint World’s continued success earned the company multiple awards from a range of prestigious industry organizations, including the Inc. 5000, the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Business Review’s 200 Best Franchises to Buy, the Franchise Gator Top 100 Franchises, the Franchise Times Top 200+ and Franchise Business Review’s Culture100.
“Our growth really speaks to the unique business model we’ve developed and the character and commitment of our franchisees,” said Bonfiglio. “Even in a period of economic uncertainty, we’re on pace to have a record-breaking number of new franchises in 2021, and that creates extreme confidence throughout the Tint World family for growth opportunities well into the future.”
METAIRIE, LA (02.11.2021) – Oracle Lighting has launched two new Dodge Challenger Dynamic ColorSHIFT Headlight Halo Kits for model years 2008-2014 (p/n 1292-33) and 2015-2021 (p/n 3990-332). Now available, the new kits both have MSRPs of $299.95.
“Customize your Challenger headlight to the max with dynamic styling and a simple, easy install with our new Dynamic ColorSHIFT halo kits,” said Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting director of development. “These kits feature our popular Dynamic ColorSHIFT technology, and now utilize our Dynamic Motion Flow turn signal feature, as well.”
Encased in a special polymer resin, Oracle Lighting’s surface mount halos are completely waterproof (they can function properly even when submerged underwater), and they easily install by attaching directly to the exterior of the headlight lens using a patent-pending system. Oracle Lighting also uses advanced LED chips that produce an impressively bright output while consuming less power. This simple process cuts down installation time from hours to just minutes.
“Our Dynamic ColorSHIFT technology is the latest advancement in our expansive lighting modifications, which allows the user to run multi-color moving patterns,” Hartenstein continued. “Conveniently controlled through a free smartphone app, the system features more than 200 pre-programmed moving patterns as well as static color control and white mode for normal street driving. In addition to the pre-programmed features, the user can also create custom designs through pixel editing in the app.”
These vividly eye-catching lighting effects are sure to wow any car enthusiast, and the chasing RGB halos are made stress-free by Oracle Lighting’s surface-mount installation and plug-and-play wiring. Simply connect the LED control box to the battery then control your lights with the smartphone app. Optional connections for turn signals and DRL conveniently tap to the turn signal and parking light leads on the back of the factory headlights.
“Using the latest lighting technology, our cutting-edge halo kits are a great way to personalize your ride with show-stopping looks and industry-leading performance,” Hartenstein continued. “Stand out from the look-alikes with an Oracle Lighting halo kit!”
Oracle Lighting notes that the colored lights are not intended for on-road use, the white “DRL” mode is intended to override any colors while the vehicle is in use.
Louisiana-based Oracle Lighting has been designing innovative lighting products and technologies for the automotive/12Volt, powersports, motorcycle, and marine markets since 1999. Oracle’s philosophy is this: in today’s world of fly-by-night vendors, we think it is important to partner with businesses that you can trust to be there for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
TORRANCE, CA (02.11.2021) – Rydeen Mobile Electronics has announced a new and unique add on feature to the PSR4000 front/rear parking sensor kit. The GPS4000 will allow installers to have the option of controlling the front sensors using GPS. The simple 3 wire hook-up will require power, ground and brake wire connections.
This will allow the front sensors to only to operate at speeds 5MPH or lower. Installers will no longer have to add any switching and consumers will not have to worry about turning the system ON when pulling into a parking space. We have placed these units in the hands of couple of installers and have had nothing but positive feedback. We are ready to get the OEM feel back into your customers vehicles.
Rydeen Mobile Electronics CEO and Founder Phil Maeda said, “We are constantly working with our dealers and installers to come up with new ideas to improve user experience and ease of installation”
Contact your sales rep or distributor for more information.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN (02.10.2021) – MECA Commissioner Steve Stern has developed an updated, new and improved, Sound Quality contest for beginner consumers, with the help of our R&E Committee, Retailers, Manufacturers, Competitors, and Judges. This is part of the 2021 Sound Quality League Rule Book ( tinyurl.com/2021MECASQLRulebook ) and intended to be stand alone contests, or included with regular MECA events. The SQ score sheet is used, just like all MECA SQL contests, so that the new people see exactly how the systems and music are evaluated.
This archive image shows a smiling competitor from Trinidad.
There are 2 classes that are simply defined by the speaker set-up: Street 1 is for 3-way systems, and Street 2 is for 4-way systems. There are some basic rules, but overall the competitors are given space for creativity and custom installs, that may have been built before they read the Rule Book or before the new classes were introduced. Consumer beginners only, so no pros or experienced competitors of any sort are permitted. The Retail Members who choose to use this promotional program will be responsible for making sure the competitors fit the profile, and are brand new to our sport. These 2 classes are State Champion eligible, but are not offered at the MECA World Finals Soundfest.
This archive image highlights a classic creation from World Champion Steve Cook-Audio X.
The events are clinics and contests designed to educate about MECA’s judging and scoring, focused on the quality of the music reproduction: clarity, resolution, imaging, and tonality being the most important criteria. It’s like Music Appreciation, but more technical with regard to recordings that are official SQL Judge tracks, listed in the Rule Book.
For the month of February, MECA is offering 1 FREE event for all Retailers, even non-MECA members, which includes clinic direction and a Judge. The event can be scheduled for later in the year, but it must be scheduled by March 1st. Score sheets will be provided at no charge. These events are designed to last 3 -4 hours, depending on the participation and agenda. A retailer could work a good plan with 6 -8 customers engaged in an event like this. Saturday’s might work best, although Friday evening get-togethers work when set up right, and Sunday’s are always an option for businesses that are comfortable with that. After the 1st event, additional events are only $50 for MECA Retail Members ( $75/year ), with a limit of 3 events in 2021.
The MECA Tantric Tuning CD is the classic official test source for the SQ League
MECA is pro-active, with 22 years evolving and promoting the Sound Quality League contests. We have some of the best judges and resource people in the mobile electronics industry who are willing to share their knowledge and abilities. These events are prime opportunities for Retailers to showcase their products and services.
Six Manufacturer Members have stepped up to co-sponsor this program: Arc Audio, JL Audio, Linear Power, Stereo Integrity, TRU Technology, and XS Power. Their contributions will help with logistics and paying the judges, travel and expenses. They will be sharing and endorsing the program with their Retailers. Contact the Commissioner for more info, to schedule an event, or with questions and concerns: mecacaraudio@comcast.net or 615-851-7428.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL (02.10.2021) – Enthusiasts can take complete control of their audio system with DS18’s new line of Digital Sound Processors! Now the user can control every aspect of their audio system with ease with precise filtering settings. The DSP6iA gives users many highways on which they can fine tune their audio… from the company that says “We Like It Loud.”
This DSP comes with a builtin amplifier which yields 70 watts RMS per 6 channels @4ohms. Channels 5/6 can be bridged for a subwoofer that will deliver 240watts RMS@4 ohms bridged.
The DSP6iA can be hooked up directly to a PC (not mac compatible) or laptop for a multitude of tuning options that are just a few mouse clicks away. Also included is an easy to use wired controller that acts as an interface for song switching, volume, and saved presets. This unit has an included BT receiver so users do not even need a head unit. Users can stream directly from their smartphone which makes the versatility of this DSP immeasurable.
The software is downloaded at ds18.tools and does not require a high learning curve to master. Each input can be adjusted and summed. Users can save their options and multiple presets for 6 channels, @6db/octave to 48db/octave, and visualization for their actual and simulated EQ curve.
RINGWOOD, IL (02.10.2021) – Race Sport Lighting is excited to announce the launch of their new all-in-one DRIVE SERIES V2 CANBUS LED Headlight Kits, that has a MAX LUX light output of 2,500lx per bulb, or 5,000lx per kit. Designed for the ultimate professional installation experience for tech bays across North America, the Drive Series V2 kit has all the solutions to interface with today’s vehicle technology.
This high-performance LED kit is yet another product from Race Sport ushering in the latest and greatest vehicle technology in headlight and fog light upgrades. The kit comes with two high-output, OEM sized DRIVE Series V2 LED bulbs and two of their top selling CANBUS decoders packaged together in an attractive, compact retail box.
“We are excited to launch the DRIVE Series V2 CANBUS LED kit and position it as our premium grade product in the marketplace. Dealers have been asking for a premium grade product that has the LUX output and unique niche features of our previous GEN3 and GEN4 custom designed high-power headlights, but is more OEM compact for fitment and includes our CANBUS decoders. As always, we listened to the dealers, and went to work and delivered as promised. It’s going to be an extremely popular series for Race Sport Lighting this year.” – Steve Jergensen, President of Race Sport Lighting
“I am excited for RSL dealers around North America to start selling and installing this product. It performed at the highest performance levels in our test lab and is passing with flying colors in our on-road testing. My favorite feature of this product is that each bulb base was designed to be sized to the halogen bulbs it replaces, which makes for an easy bulb replacement experience for the installer without the need for fans, large heat sinks, or other older heat dissipation methods hanging off the back of the bulb.” – Mac Garcia, Installation & Tech Support, Race Sport Lighting
DRIVE Series V2 LED CANBUS Conversion kits are in stock and shipping now out of their warehouse. All distributors and dealers are encouraged to get this new technology in stock and experience what the excitement is about.
HOLLY HILL, FL (02.09.2021) – Metra Electronics is now shipping a fully integrated dash kit package that interfaces with a variety of Pioneer’s in-dash receivers. The first product of this new series, the AXPIO-JL1, is designed specifically for 2018-up Jeep Wrangler JL models and works in both single and dual-zone vehicles. This solution features an Axxess AXPIO Series interface, vehicle specific harnessing, a direct OE replacement camera, built-in STOP/START engine override interface, USB/AUX/HDMI replacement panel, radio antenna adaptor, and a dash kit in one complete package. The AXPIO-JL1 is designed specifically for Pioneer’s Double-DIN 6.8-inch in-dash multimedia receivers, the DMH-W4660NEX, DMH-W4600NEX, and the new DMH-WC5700NEX**. This kit will also work with Pioneer 9-inch receivers, the modular solutions DMH-WC6600NEX and the floating type DMH-WT7600NEX, as well as the floating type 10-inch receiver, the DMH-WT8600NEX, with the additional purchase of the Metra 109-UN02 floating mount kit**.
The AXPIO-JL1 will allow Pioneer’s in-dash receivers to fit in the shallow space within the Jeep dashboard while still retaining important vehicle functions. The included Axxess interface with plug-n-play harnessing allows vehicle information and settings that were controlled on the factory screen to be retained, displayed and controlled on the Pioneer touchscreen. This solution will retain and control most of the settings that would otherwise be lost after replacing the head unit, including HVAC controls and gauges, heated/cooled seats, and other driver personalization options.
Since the factory LVDS backup camera will no longer work, Metra has included an IP68 rated iBEAM backup camera as a high-quality, direct OE replacement. A replacement panel for the USB, AUX, and HDMI ports is also included with 3-feet of wiring, along with a radio antenna adaptor for GPS. For even more value, Axxess’s patented STOP/START engine override interface is built-into the interface, which is designed to disengage the STOP/START feature of the vehicle and keep that feature disengaged even after the key has been cycled.
The built-in integration technology from Axxess also retains safety chimes through an offboard speaker, retains audio controls on the steering wheel, retains R.A.P. (Retained Accessory Power), and provides accessory power (12-volt 10-amp) and NAV outputs for parking brake, reverse, and speed sense. As new vehicle technology has evolved, the factory head unit now goes beyond displaying just the car audio settings, presenting a challenge for installers who are replacing the factory radio with an aftermarket receiver. Losing the ability to display vehicle settings on the screen is not only an inconvenience for many drivers but may prevent them from upgrading their audio system altogether. With Metra’s new solution, installers can now offer a fully integrated package that will fit and function like the factory head unit.
“This new integration with Pioneer’s products is a first for Metra Electronics and our Axxess integration line,” says Jason Anderson, VP of Product Research and Development for Metra’s 12volt brands. “As vehicle technology changes each year to make car audio upgrades more challenging, our solutions will evolve to help installers continue to offer OEM-quality upgrades for their customers,” he added.
A video showcasing this new product is available at https://youtu.be/_q6HOzewoR4 (see above) from Metra’s YouTube channel. The AXPIO-JL1 is in stock now and Metra will release additional integration packages from the Axxess AXPIO Series in the near future that will cover even more vehicle applications.
TORONTO, ON (02.09.2021) – The Canadian 12-volt electronics industry has come together to create an innovative, immersive and entertaining solution to help distributors and manufacturers connect with dealers during the traditional spring season. A multi-day showcase slated for March 22nd to April 1st, 2021, CMA Industry Week will be an organized, industry-wide, professionally produced, online LIVE broadcast.
The schedule will feature in-depth interviews, training sessions, keynote speakers, product unveilings and much more. The inaugural CMA Industry Week will provide a bilingual (English & French) platform to centralize key messages and information, delivered in an enhanced “Infotainment” package anchored by the CMA brand experience.
“I think what we have accomplished over the last few months is understanding the pulse of the market and more importantly, captured the attention of our target audience. Our brand of “infotainment” has struck a chord with the 12-volt retailer.” states CMA president, Frank Spezzano. “Our unique platform has allowed us to connect manufacturers, distributors, retailers and audiophile enthusiasts as part of a united community.”
Access to CMA Industry Week will be completely FREE for all retailers and industry professionals. The unique content produced will be available to view “live” on a published schedule, while offering on-demand features up to 2 months after the event has concluded. Expect to see participation from all the major distributors and manufacturers in this inclusive and collaborative effort to help support the Canadian 12-volt retailer network.
Details and a list of confirmed brands and presenters will be unveiled over the coming weeks. Make sure to stay informed by following the CMA social media platforms or by visiting CanadianMobileAudio.com/ IndustryWeek
SEATTLE, WA (02.09.2021) – AudioControl has introduced two new high-power 5-channel amplifiers capable of driving the front, rear and subwoofer channels of a complete premium audio system solution. Having all five channels housed within a single chassis enhances installation efficiency, providing 12-volt specialists with solutions that deliver the features and performance consumers demand.
AudioControl’s new 5-channel amplifiers offer 200 Watts RMS X4 @ 2-Ohm (100 Watts X4-channels RMS @ 4-Ohm) and 500 watts X1-channel at 2-Ohm along with eight speaker level inputs with selectable summing capability. The D-5.1300 delivers onboard DSP control of all amplified outputs and a pair of low-level outputs as well. The DSP interface is managed by the highly intuitive DM Smart App designed for all of AudioControl’s DSP amplifiers. The LC-5.1300 offers the same outstanding specifications and performance without the DSP features. The AudioControl D-5.1300 has a selling price of $1,099. The LC-5.1300 has a selling price of $799.
Matthew Palumbo, National Trainer & Sales Specialist AudioControl commented, “The new AudioControl LC-5.1300 offers fantastic performance and value for both dealers and enthusiasts. With its high-power output, the majority of system designs can be easily accommodated, all from a clean, simple, single-amp solution. The input section of the LC-5.1300 is unique and highly flexible, making this amp ideal for any system—with an OEM or aftermarket head unit as well as with a basic or premium factory sound system. Discerning consumers want an ultimate performance, high power 5-channel amplifier, and we are confident that the AudioControl LC-5.1300 will be the new go-to solution for our dealers.”
“Our new 5-channel amplifiers offer outstanding performance for many system applications, all from a sleek, single-chassis solution,” stated Chris Bennett, Director of Mobile Audio at AudioControl. “The flexible input stage accommodates the growing OEM integration market, and DSP on the D5.1300 enables 12-volt specialists to perfectly tune each system to match the preferences of individual clients. These amplifiers represent an important opportunity for our dealers.”
AudioControl LC Series 5-channel amplifiers are available now
AudioControl D Series 5-channel amplifiers will begin shipping mid-February, 2021
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