New Compustar PRO Remote Starters Feature Big Changes

Posted on September 30, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Compustar.

SEATTLE, WA (10.01.2020) – Firstech is announcing the addition of two new remote kits to its Compustar PRO Series line of remote car starters: the PRO T13 (RFX-P2WT13-SF) and PRO R5 (RFP2WR5-SF). Both remote kits include 2-way, USB rechargeable remotes with super-long range and proximity unlocking capabilities.

The Compustar PRO T13 will be Firstech’s flagship model heading into the 2020 remote start and holiday seasons. The PRO T13 remote will be capable of up to 3 miles of 2-way range for remote start, security, and keyless entry commands. All remote commands are confirmed on the remote’s vibrant, color LCD. The PRO T13 also features a water-resistant case design and USB charging port. On a full charge, the maximum battery life is
45 days.

For convenient vehicle access, the Compustar PRO T13 and R5 remote kits will offer new proximity unlocking capabilities. This feature, which is built into the RF antenna, automatically unlocks and disarms the vehicle when the remote is within 3-6 feet. Proximity unlocking makes getting into the vehicle easier for users carrying shopping bags or equipment into their cars.

Joining the PRO T13 in the Compustar PRO Series lineup will be the PRO R5. The R5 remote is a compact, one button solution that uses LEDs to provide 2-way remote start and keyless entry confirmation. Two special characteristics of the PRO R5 is that it will be USB rechargeable and capable of receiving 2-way alarm alerts.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to release the next-generation of Compustar remotes in time for the 2020/21 remote start season,” shares Jason Kaminski, Firstech’s Managing Director. “Both the T13 and R5 are packed with the best Compustar has to offer, including improved durability, extended battery life, elegant case design, and enhanced user experience – just to name a few.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YLJ7t28fEQu0026amp;feature=youtu.beu0026amp;ab_channel=Compustar

The Compustar PRO T13 and PRO R5 will include two 2-way remotes in each kit along with the Drone X1 LTE telematics module for connecting the system to the DroneMobile app. Upon installation, customers can activate a 30-day free Premium trial to DroneMobile for smartphone control, GPS tracking, and family sharing.

Firstech will begin shipping limited quantities of the PRO T13 and R5 in mid-October 2020, with a full release scheduled for early December. These remotes kits will be available exclusively to authorized Compustar Pro retailers.

Visit www.firstechllc.com for more.

Bowers & Wilkins Launches Special PX7 Carbon Edition Wireless Headphones

Posted on September 30, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Uncategorized.

NORTH READING, MA (10.01.2020) – Over the past 12 months, Bowers & Wilkins has enjoyed outstanding success with its flagship PX7 over-ear wireless headphones. These adaptive noise-cancelling designs offer an unmatched combination of breathtaking sound quality, smart features and supreme comfort which together have helped them win countless awards and recommendations around the world.

2020 also marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of Bowers & Wilkins first-ever headphone design, the iconic P5—a breakthrough model that would swiftly redefine customer expectations for build, design and sound quality in the premium performance headphone category.

Now it’s time to celebrate that success, with the launch of the PX7 Carbon Edition. Designed to highlight the PX7’s pioneering use of carbon-fiber composite reinforcement in its construction, the new Carbon Edition features a high- quality carbon black finish with diamond-cut detailing on each ear cup, creating an even more premium look that also evokes the illustrious heritage of Bowers & Wilkins headphones over the years, inspired by the original P5.

Smart design, smart features.

The PX7 Carbon Edition shares the same proven specification as the existing PX7 models. First and foremost, it delivers True Sound, offering maximum resolution while maintaining complete neutrality and tonal balance. The aim is to recreate your favorite music exactly as the artist intended – whether with or without noise-cancelling selected. The PX7 Carbon Edition’s immersive soundstage is the result of a specification that includes bespoke 43.6mm drivers, specially designed, developed and tuned by the world-renowned Bowers & Wilkins engineering

team responsible for the legendary 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers – as used in such world-famous professional environments as Abbey Road Studios and Skywalker Sound.

To maintain sound quality, the PX7 Carbon Edition also supports the latest wireless codecs including the recently launched Bluetooth aptX Adaptive technology, allowing the transfer of genuine high-resolution music wirelessly at 24-bit/48kHz streaming quality.

Much engineering effort was also spent on the design of the headband and earcup-supporting arms used in the PX7 Carbon Edition’s construction; as with all PX7s, these are made from a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer for an optimal combination of lightness and stiffness. Memory foam ear pads also ensure that the headset starts with market-leading passive noise isolation. As for active noise cancellation, PX7 Carbon Edition’s adaptive technology

is capable of intelligently sensing the background environment and automatically selecting the appropriate type and level of noise cancellation. Users can also use the companion App to select an Ambient-Pass-Through feature that allows certain external sounds to be heard without removing the headset. The PX7 Carbon Edition isn’t just sophisticated, it’s intuitive to use. It features proximity sensors built into both ear cups, so your music is automatically paused when either ear cup is lifted and automatically resumes when placed back on your ear. At the same time, PX7 Carbon Edition also offers push-button access to Voice Assistant Support via either Siri or Google Assistant depending on the type of phone used.

Finally, the PX7 Carbon Edition’s long battery life of up to 30 hours from a single charge (with ANC activated) is backed by a 15min quick-charge facility that will enable five more hours of use.

The comfortable, musical and beautiful PX7 Carbon Edition will be available in October, priced at USD $399.99.

Visit bowerswilkins.com for more.

The 1st Annual Rewind Car Show Packed the Lot as Five Al&Ed’s Locations Came Together in Escondido

Posted on September 29, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged Al & Ed's.

ESCONDIDO, CA (09.30.2020) – With an eye to creating excitement in the marketplace a group of five SoCal Al&Ed’s Autosound locations hosted the 1st Annual Rewind Car Show. Al&Ed’s Vista, La Mesa, Point Loma, Huntington Beach and Escondido locations joined forces to host the event in Escondido. The Immaculate Stylze Car Club Group got behind the event to spread the word to members and enthusiasts.

Chris Denardo, from the Escondido location, related “All stores were looking positives in this crazy time. Car shows have a history of bringing people together for a fun time. With that in mind we all thought ‘The Rewind Car Show’ would be a great event. We were so right. There was a tremendous amount of interest and excitement leading up to the event and the turnout on Sunday, September 27th was terrific.”

Custom trophies and raffle items added excitement for all at the 1st Annual Rewind Car Show.

‘The Rewind Car Show’ was held at the Al&Ed’s location in Escondido. At that location the large parking area was well suited for the Sunday event.

Vehicles of all types filled rows in the parking lot.

Continuing Denardo offered “We had well over 150 vehicles in the parking lot at the event with over 100 registered for the event. The raffle items drew a lot of interest and we had trophies plus cash prizes for the best in class. The Rewind Car Show showcased vehicle entertainment and customization but this event was not a sound-off.”

All at the 1st Annual Rewind Car Show had a chance to experience row after row of hot rides in the huge parking lot of the Al&Ed’s location in Escondido, CA.

COVID-19 guidelines and social distancing were observed at the event that had a thumbs up from local authorities.

“We are all excited and think we could make the ‘Rewind Car Show’ a great annual event that we can continue in future years” Denardo concluded.

This family and kid friendly event took place under a sunny Sunday sky at Al&Ed’s Autosound 1144 W Valley PKWY, Escondido CA 92025.

Visit al-ed.com for more.

Brandmotion’s Curb Alert Puts the Brakes on Parking Disasters

Posted on September 29, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Brandmotion.

SOUTHFIELD, MI (09.30.2020) – Sports car owners love the low ride, the hug of the road, the connection to the pavement. What they don’t love is parking. Parking often means pulling up, getting out, checking curb distance, jumping back in, pulling up a bit more, and getting out again to check. It dampens the driving experience that a luxury or sports car should give.

The worst sound a sports car or luxury car owner can hear is the CRUNCH of a front bumper against an unseen curb or parking block. Front end damage on sports and luxury cars can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.

Brandmotion can deliver problem-free parking that lives up to the driving experience.

Problem-Free Parking
Brandmotion’s patented Curb Alert Parking System can protect drivers from ever crunching or scraping their front bumpers while parking. Curb Alert is an infrared parking sensor that alerts drivers of low-lying obstructions that can cause costly damage to the vehicle.

The system senses curbs, parking blocks, and any low-lying object on the ground that you can’t see. The device gives an audible alert when you approach an object within range. Sensitivity can be adjusted from as little as 12 inches to a maximum of 30 inches.

Curb Alert simply hooks into power and ground. Depending on the model, it actuates a camera or audible alert when you approach an object.

Quit Fretting About Parking
Having Curb Alert is like owning an affordable insurance policy on your luxury or sports car’s front end – on most newer vehicles, the parking sensor pays for itself the first time it saves your bumper. Once you have the system, it’s hard to drive the vehicle without it, because it’s so convenient.

Visit brandmotion.com for more.

SCOSCHE Industries to Offer Free Month of SiriusXM Streaming with Purchase of Any Scosche Product

Posted on September 29, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged Scosche.

OXNARD, CA (09.30.2020) – SCOSCHE has teamed up with SiriusXM to offer one month of streaming radio service free with the purchase of any Scosche product. The offer* is available with any purchase from Scosche.com from September 28 through December 31, 2020.*

Scosche customers can enjoy a free month of access to SiriusXM’s Essential Streaming package, which features ad-free music from every genre, artist-dedicated music channels, news, talk, entertainment, sports, comedy, plus more than 5,000 hours of on-demand content. SiriusXM content can be accessed on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

“I’ve been a subscriber to, and listener of SiriusXM since the beginning, and love the variety of content, music, news, sports, and comedy! It’s a great company to do a promotion with and take care of our customers with the gift of music.”
– Kas Alves, Co-President, Scosche Industries

*Limit of one trial per consumer regardless of number of purchases or products purchased. Trial is available to new SiriusXM subscribers only.

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

ZZ-2 Launches Zeus: A Revolutionary Automotive Video Streaming Interface

Posted on September 28, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged ZZ-2.

POMPANO BEACH, FL (09.29.2020) ZZ-2 is launching ZEUS. ZEUS is the first of its kind video streaming interface for automotive use with OEM in-vehicle CarPlay. This amazing interface allows the user to watch AND control their favorite video streaming, live TV apps and Social Media apps on the road! Touchscreen and/or touchpad control of the interface allows users to effortlessly navigate and control all of their favorite apps.

The ZZ-2 Zeus CarPlay streaming interface comes with 2 USB cables for 2 different USB connections in a handy case.

ZZ-2’s Rich DeSclafani stated, “This interface is a game changer. On newer vehicles up until now the only way to get video into the OEM screen has required a more expensive and labor-intensive product. These installations generally required the installer to access the back of the radio and/or monitor. The Zeus interface also eliminates the need for an audio adapter that would have to be used with a standard video interface.

With the ZZ-2 ZEUS users gain access to many different apps allowing them to download and watch LIVE TV using their internet TV provider, like YouTube TV or Sling, and stream their favorite shows and movies using Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video etc. Users can watch live sports, news and all of their favorite live shows!”

Click to see a ZEUS demo video

Click here to visit the ZEUS product page

The ZEUS ZZ-2 FEATURES include… Plugs into CarPlay USB port, No installation required, 100% Plug and Play, HD Video Quality all with a 3-Year Warranty. The new ZZ-2 Zeus requires a WiFi connection from a hotspot or smartphone plus the vehicle MUST HAVE wired CarPlay.

Zeus is available now, in stock and shipping!

Visit zz-2.com for more.

Five Young Entrepreneurs Advance in SEMA Launch Pad Competition

Posted on September 28, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged SEMA.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (009.29.2020) – After a public online voting, five young business owners and executives have been selected to compete in the final stage of the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad Competition. They will now pitch their products and ideas to a panel of industry experts, who will select and announce a winner during SEMA360 on Monday, Nov. 2, at 5:00 p.m. PST.

Available to business owners, executives and entrepreneurs under the age 40 who are launching new automotive products, the SEMA Launch Pad Competition supports young innovators and encourages future industry growth. This year’s finalists will be pitching products that improve a vehicle owner’s safety, convenience and overall driving experience.

“We are excited to support our young industry innovators by providing a platform to showcase their new ideas and products,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “This year’s finalists represent a diverse group of products. We continue to be amazed and inspired by the ingenuity, talent and skills that the younger generation possesses.”

The finalists who will be competing and pitching their ideas to a panel of industry experts and leaders on Monday, Nov. 2, during SEMA360 are:

Justin Bradshaw, Director of REVER
Product: Mobile App
REVER is a mobile app and website for powersports enthusiasts to discover, track and share routes. The company has thousands of recommended roads for sports cars and off-highway users as well as offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, a friend tracker to view other people in your group in real-time, weather alerts and the first CarPlay-compatible app of its kind for this specific audience.

Khanjan Desai, Director of Alchemy
Product: ExoShield
ExoShield is a thin, transparent film that stops rock chips by increasing the impact resistance of the windshield by six. The advanced safety features in most modern cars use sensors that sit behind the windshield, which has driven up windshield replacement costs by three to five times, even for mid-level vehicles. ExoShield is powered by Alchemy’s proprietary nanocoatings, which allows it to be both impact and scratch resistant and prevents expensive windshield replacements for vehicle owners.

Roland Hence, Director of FrontLane Inc.
Product: Impulse – Emergency Brake Light
The Impulse is a wireless, battery-powered emergency brake light that reduces rear-end collisions by pulsing eight ultra-bright LEDs under extreme braking situations to alert the following driver up to 50% quicker. Impulse can be installed on any passenger vehicle with a standard back windshield in seconds and has a four-year battery life.

Matt Rafeld, Director of Beachcomber Offroad
Product: Stowaway Door
The Stowaway Door is designed for Jeep owners to enjoy door-free days without worrying about rain, cold or a little mud on the seats. When not in use, the soft-door folds to fit under the rear seat or anywhere you could store a small tent.

Eric Rivera, Director of Dirt Dynamix
Product: Truck Accessories
Established August 2019, Dirt Dynamix designed and brought to market its Universal Truck Bed Mount—a simple and cost-effective way to offer shade via umbrella and/or mount any flag pole in the bed of any truck. Work, race or play—utilize your truck bed in any truck manner and one could benefit from this mount.

Industry professionals can watch as the five finalists compete on Monday, Nov. 2, at 5:00 pm (PST) by registering for SEMA360. Taking place 100 percent online, SEMA360 is the industry’s new event that was created to fill the void of the in-person SEMA Show not taking place in Las Vegas.

To learn more about the competition and finalists, visit www.sema.org/launchpad. To register for SEMA360 and watch the finalists compete, apply at www.sema360.com.

CRUX Releases Vehicle Specific Side-Mirror Blindspot Cameras

Posted on September 28, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged CRUX.

CHATSWORTH, CA (09.29.2020) – CRUX Interfacing Solutions has released six different models of vehicle-specific side-mirror blindspot cameras that can be mounted to the OEM vehicle side-mirrors in various late model vehicles. CRUX side-mirror cameras are now available for Toyota Highlander, Tundra, Tacoma and Sienna plus Dodge Caravan and Ford F-150.

“These cameras were specially tooled in-house by CRUX for a perfect OEM fit and look. Since many new aftermarket radios are coming with 4 video inputs these days, these new CRUX side-mirror cameras present an excellent opportunity for dealers and installers to offer their customers added safety products for their vehicles. Adding these new CRUX products will also be profitable business” Hamza Khalid, CRUX Marketing Director, related.

Additional retrofit models of CRUX side-mirror blindspot cameras are also available.

Visit www.cruxinterfacing.com for more.

The 2020 IBEX Marine Show is a 4-Day Virtual Event Beginning Tuesday, September 29

Posted on September 27, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Featured and tagged CPS Distributors, IBEX, Kicker.

12VOLT CENTRAL STUDIOS (09.28.2020) – The COVID Pandemic has resulted in many trade shows moving to a virtual online experience. IBEX 2020 is one of that historically in person shows that has gone virtual.
Better Boats Begin at the 2020 IBEX online virtual experience powered by METSTRADE. September 29 thru October 2 are the dates. The sessions are 9AM-6PM the first 3 days and 9 AM – 1 PM the final day.

KICKER Marine Audio sound waves will still carry over the web. With the show theme, “Better Boats Begin Here,” OEM boat builders engaging KICKER Marine Audio through CPS get a direct line to what is new and trending in marine audio and accessories.

One of the current trends is the advance of Tower Systems on a variety of boats—not just the wake and wave boats that initially made them popular. KICKER has broadened its existing tower system collection with new technology and yet another set of mounting solutions, this time providing bolt pattern and wiring location that matches many factory tower hard-points. The KMFC 9 and 11 feature a horn-loaded, compression-driver system (HLCD), using an advanced KICKER proprietary horn design with titanium-dome drivers.

Both models are now finished in the popular glossy black or white and the grills come with a seven color LED light system which can be upgraded further to 20 colors and 19 lighting modes with the KMLC remote.

Like most KICKER Marine audio components, the KMFC9 and 11 meet or exceed ASTM standards for UV and salt fog exposure. The polypropylene woofer and Santoprene surround are UV-treated and the polyurethane basket is UV resistant.

Both models have four Ohm voice coils and for installation, use 1.4” titanium tweeters, a through-mount wiring system and 316L stainless mounting hardware, making them easy to install and dependable in harshest marine environment. And don’t forget KICKER’s unmistakable mid and high-range sound! MSRP $1,179.95 for the KMFC9 and $1,379.95 for the KMFC11.

These tower systems are only a part of the broad offerings that KICKER Marine Audio brings to the market, ensuring that pure and clear sound is part of the great boating experience. KICKER’s new head units add easy installation and operation for round or square mounting surfaces and offer top-quality performance and reliability. All KICKER Marine Audio products boast excellent customer service, making any customer issues easy to address on the spot.

CPS Distributors, Inc. will also be showcasing a solid core mix of marine lighting products from Marine Sport Lighting, an upcoming and popular brand amongst the marine industry over the last 3-4 years. CPS first partnered with Marine Sport Lighting in 2019 and made their first debut with the brand at IBEX 2019 in Tampa Bay. Last years show produced several good prospects that helped CPS’s initial traction with the brand and let boat builders know they had a full spectrum lighting line up to service their projects, both big and small.

Marine Sport Lighting is best known in the industry for their phenomenal line up of marine grade professional light bars used for high power vision on dark waterways. Their light bars are high quality with a line up of a variety of lengths, styles, and beam pattern options for spot or flood. Included in this popular family of products are some great docking and spreader lights on the auxiliary side.

Marine Sport Lighting is making headway in the underwater category as well with their popular and fast growing HydroBLAST family of lights. The HydroBLAST family is a la carte and gives you an option between remote and smartphone controlled, with various colors and finishes in deck lighting, and an amazing array of high lumen underwater lights. For more information about this lighting system, please contact CPS or Marine Sport Lighting for more information.

Lastly, this company has many other great marine lighting solutions, led switches, voltage gauges and more. In 2021, be on the look out for a revolutionary new docking light designed by their engineers in conjunction with a yet to be named boat manufacturer in our industry. There is some other great new products on the horizon as well to look for at the IBEX Virtual Show.

The IBEX show link is now live: https://bit.ly/3hH5Cem

For more information visit ibexshow.com, kicker.com/marine-audio, cpsdistributorsinc.com, and racesportinc.com/marine-sport-lighting.html

CRUX Releases Vehicle Specific Side-Mirror Blindspot Cameras

Posted on September 27, 2020 by 12VoltNews in Industry and tagged CRUX.

CHATSWORTH, CA (09.28.2020) – CRUX Interfacing Solutions has released six different models of vehicle-specific side-mirror blindspot cameras that can be mounted to the OEM vehicle side-mirrors in various late model vehicles. CRUX side-mirror cameras are now available for Toyota Highlander, Tundra, Tacoma and Sienna plus Dodge Caravan and Ford F-150.