Author: 12VoltNews

Kicker Conducts Training Webinars in the International World

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STILLWATER, OK (05.08.2020) – The Kicker Training Team was very busy on Wednesday morning, May 6th, at 10 Stillwater time with International Training webinars.

John Myers presenting the Kicker Celsus UK Training… a ZOOM call screenshot.

“We held trainings for both Spain and the UK. The presentation for Spain focusing on Kicker Marine was conducted in Spanish by Carlos Jimenez for Sport Nav in Barcelona. The presentation for the UK supported Kicker’s Distributor Celsus UK” David Glasgow, International Sales Manager stated.

Great graphics highlighted topics during the ZOOM training call.

John Myers, Global Trainer/Media Custom Projects Specialist, conducted the Celsus UK webinar that lasted over an hour and a half. During that time Myers covered virtually every facet of Kicker’s 2020 product lineup for car audio, powersports, motorcycles and marine audio. Very informative graphics enhanced each subject covered during the presentation.

The new Kicker Auto-Tuning Key SMART Amplifiers were covered in detail.

Mark Baker, Celsus UK Director, joined the webinar from the company’s office in Poole Dorest UK. During the webinar Baker snapped and sent images to the 12volt News. “Mike, Josh and I are the only ones in the office for the webinar. As a company we are social distancing like many companies around the world due to COVID-19. We had a program in place to inform dealers about the webinar and many were set to logon for the ZOOM call.”

“Go Overboard” with Kicker Marine Audio.

After the session Baker added “ John Myers did a great job of covering Kicker’s 2020 product lineup. Kicker is very proactive and helps us reach out to our customers in these strange times. These online trainings will help our customers understand the benefits of Kicker products and they get the best from them. Embracing these virtual training sessions is a way forward and we hope to do more.”

Mark Baker, Celsus UK Director, pictured in his office during the Kicker Training ZOOM call.
An over the shoulder look as Josh Baker watches the Kicker Training.

Glasgow added “We have been very busy during this COVID-19 timeframe and are working to provide as much Kicker training as we can. John Myers, Aaron Malin and Carlos Jimenez are really putting in the hours. We had training presentations for South Africa 2 weeks ago. And with the training on May 6th we finished the 4 marine webinars for Spain.”

Kicker has completed 4 training sessions in Spanish, with Carlos Jimenez,  for Marine Distributor SportNav in Barcelona Spain.
Those who attended the Kicker Training ZOOM Webinars received a very nice thank you email from the Kicker Tech Force.

Chet Weddle, Director of International Sales Stillwater Designs-Kicker, participated in the all encompassing Zoom Celsus UK presentation.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Atrend Offers Many PPE Products as Many Retailers Plan to Re-Open

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ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL (05.08.2020) – Outside Atrend traditional 12 volt products, we are currently offering many PPE related items. Please work with us to help you get your shops back up and running.

Make note to browse the full Atrend Safety Catalog located at link below.

Click here to view the Atrend Safety Catalog PDF

“Open Safe: As the nation gradually opens up let’s all stay as safe as possible.”

Click here to view the Atrend Safety Catalog PDF

Visit atrendusa.com for more.

SiriusXM Teams Up with Calm to Launch ‘The Calm Channel’

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NEW YORK, NY (05.08.2020) – SiriusXM and Calm, the leading meditation and mindfulness app, has announced the launch of The Calm Channel, a new channel featuring soothing music, tranquil soundscapes and mindfulness meditations. The Calm Channel is available on channel 68, as well as any time on demand on the SiriusXM app, as part of SiriusXM’s Stream Free offer through May 31.

SiriusXM’s The Calm Channel is an exclusive pop-up music channel featuring soothing sounds of ambient music, nature melodies, quiet lullabies and simple meditations providing the perfect backdrop to take a deep breath and let go of life’s daily stresses. Listeners are instantly transported into a relaxing environment with music and meditations to guide you throughout the day–from awakening soundscapes to a mid-day meditation and more calming lullabies at night. Mini meditations, called “Mindful Moments,” will run four times a day at 8 am, Noon, 4 pm and 8 pm ET.

The Calm Channel is now available exclusively on SiriusXM radios (channel 68) and on the SiriusXM app throughout May and June. SiriusXM’s Spa channel (formerly on channel 68) will move over to SiriusXM’s streaming and digital platforms through June.

The Calm Channel is available to SiriusXM subscribers nationwide and to everyone – including anyone who is not already a SiriusXM subscriber – on the SiriusXM app and connected devices as part of SiriusXM’s recently announced free streaming access period through May 31.

For more information and to start listening, visit SiriusXM.com/streamfree

Visit siriusxm.com and calm.com for more.

Pioneer Is Now Shipping the Newest NEX Receivers with Amazon Alexa Built-In

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LOS ANGELES, CA (05.07.2020) – Pioneer Electronics is now shipping to the U.S. its newest NEX receivers with Amazon Alexa built-in – a first for the aftermarket. Debuting at CES 2020, the new product line-up enables users to access Amazon Alexa directly through their receivers. When drivers connect to WiFi or a mobile hotspot, they can now leverage voice commands, such as: 

  • Alexa, what’s the weather?
  • Alexa, add apples to my shopping list
  • Alexa, close the garage door
  • Alexa, play radio on Pandora

The introduction of Amazon Alexa built-in continues Pioneer’s tradition of delivering seamless connectivity solutions, allowing consumers’ smart lifestyles to extend to the vehicle. The new models also come equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (see details on models and links to assets below).

Model details

  • DMH-WT8600NEX (10.1 inch; $1,200) / DMH-WT7600NEX (9 inch; $1,000): An all new floating display configuration, allowing a large display to be installed using a universal 1-DIN chassis
  • DMH-WC6600NEX (9 inch; $900): A modular design that combines a large touchscreen display with a hideaway control unit that installers can tuck into separate compartments of the vehicle
  • DMH-W4660NEX / DMH-W4600NEX (6.8 inch; $600): A traditional 2DIN chassis for universal application in most vehicles on the road in the U.S.

Visit pioneerelectronics.com for more.

Race Sport Lighting Appoints Midwest Sales Group for IL and WI Territory

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RINGWOOD, IL (05.07.2020) – Race Sport Lighting is excited to announce the appointment of Midwest Sales Group as their Manufacturer Sales Rep Firm in the Illinois and Wisconsin markets. Steve Fahlmark, Principal, Midwest Sales Group, is charged with growing brand reach in the market, along with managing the existing business. Midwest Sales Group is an experienced and well-respected rep firm in the 12-Volt market that understands what dealers, distributors and end users want.

Steve Fahlmark-Midwest Sales, the new Race Sport Lighting Rep covering Illinois and Wisconsin, is already making dealer stops in the Chicago area.

Steve Fahlmark, Midwest Sales Group Principal said, “Race Sport is the perfect addition to the premium lines we represent. Now more than ever, diversification is critical for Car Technology dealers and LED lighting is the perfect compliment.”

“We look forward to working with Midwest Sales Group and further laying the groundwork to grow sales of our products in the territory. With over 25 years’ experience, and a proven track record for success in the Car Audio market, Midwest Sales Group is the right partner for our brand” said Ceasar Olaes, National Sales Manager, Race Sport Lighting

Midwest Sales Group will kick off this new line by introducing Race Sport, Inc. to its dealers and distributors and conduct product training and provide sales support.

Midwest Sales Group can be reached at 630.319.4925, or by emailing steve@midwestsalesgrp@aol.com.

For more info, visit www.racesportinc.com. 

New Brandmotion Tech Talks Webinar – Thursday 5/7

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SOUTHFIELD, MI (05.07.2020) – Brandmotion is excited to announce a new Technical Series by Brandmotion in which we will review a specific Brandmotion Line and give you a detailed view of this product, advantages, and customer benefits. The company will also cover other topics like selling tips, comparison charts, and other marketing tools that are available.

These webinars are intended to be a short, focused review of the specific product category covering:

  • Comparison of products and how to pick the right camera
  • Key features of the system
  • Advantages of these features
  • Customer benefits & how to sell

This Week | Radar Blind Spot Systems
Thursday, May 7th @ 3 pm EDT

CLICK TO JOIN THE WEBINAR.

Meeting capacity will be limited on a first-join basis.

Upcoming Topics:
5/14: Universal Cameras
5/21: Tailgate Removal Harnesses
5/28: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
(Additional topics will be scheduled for June.)

Visit brandmotion.com for more.

JVC Begins Shipping 4 New Multimedia Receivers

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LONG BEACH, CA (05.06.2020) – JVC Mobile Entertainment is pleased to announce the release of 2 new wireless enabled multimedia receivers; the KW-V960BW (MAP $699.95) and the KW-M865BW (MAP $599.95), as well as 2 new wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto ready multimedia receivers;  the KW-M560BT (MAP $299.95), and KW-M56BT (MAP $299.95).

Originally debuted at CES, the KW-V960BW and KW-M865BW now include 4 camera inputs, USB screen mirroring for both Android and iPhone, LDAC technology allowing Hi-Res Audio to be transferred wirelessly, a newly designed graphic user interface with music synchronizing Live Wallpaper, and continued K2 sound technology.  Both receivers also expand upon their iDatalink Maestro RR support for best-in-class OEM vehicle integration and enhanced driver safety.  

The KW-M560BT and KW-M56BT both sport a 6.8” WVGA clear glass capacitive touch panel with swipe functionality for superior touch control and greater accuracy.  Their DVD-less design allows them to have a mounting depth of under 3” for ease of installation.   Both receivers include JVC’s exclusive Gesture Touch Control, which allows a user to move a finger over the screen for various operations such as volume adjustment and track selection, all while keeping their eyes safely on the road.

Smartphone integration highlights are not limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the KW-M560BT and KW-M56BT, but also include 1.5 Amp High Current Charging to rapidly charge a smartphone.  Android specific features for these models also include Bluetooth Automatic Phone Pairing upon a USB connection, as well as, Screen Mirroring via the “Mirroring for JVC OA” application.

Sound is optimized and customizable on the KW-M560BT and KW-M56BT with advanced DSP controls, along with Front, Rear, and Subwoofer RCA Pre-outs so that users can easily add amplifiers to power speakers and subwoofers. All of the most popular audio formats are accepted, including FLAC, AAC, WAV, MP3, and WMA.   

Video integration on both the KW-M560BT and KW-M56BT includes the ability to add an optional reverse camera like the JVC KV-CM30, which features a waterproof design and a ¼” color CMOS sensor for clarity when backing up.  A secondary monitor for rear-seat entertainment can also be added by connecting to the receiver’s video output.  Users may also choose to connect another video device to the receiver’s AV input. 

To gain a better in-car entertainment experience, these 4 models also come equipped with the connection for an optional SiriusXM tuner, (SiriusXM Connect SXV300 satellite radio tuner required; sold separately), which enables album artwork and a variety of text information to be displayed from hundreds of channels of music, news, sports, talk, and more. 

“The release of these 4 multimedia receivers position our dealers to offer attractive features at price points that consumers are looking for,” said Ron Trout, JVC Director of Sales.  “With exclusive JVC features like Gesture Touch Control and Optimized Sound Quality, we couldn’t be happier with the ease of use and performance of these new receivers.” 

For more information on JVC Mobile Entertainment, visit us.jvc.com/car.

AudioControl Continues Weekly Web Trainings Thursday

Posted on by in Industry.

SEATTLE, WA (05.06.2020) – Tune in this Thursday for another episode of AudioControl’s Weekly Web Training series via a live session direct from AC HQ.:

-What makes these little amps so special?
-What in the world does IPx6 mean?
-Why do you call them “all-weather” amplifiers?
-Can I use these amps without a head unit?
-I don’t have a boat, can I still use these amps?
-When are these neat little amps coming out?
-Are these the same as your ACM series amps?

These and other questions will all be answered
this Thursday at 11:00am PST.
Click HERE to join us using Zoom.
Click HERE to watch via Facebook Live.

The eighth session in our ongoing weekly web training series, streaming LIVE from AudioControl HQ.

Join AudioControl’s National Trainer, Matthew Palumbo & Director of Mobile Audio, Chris Bennett for:

“Exploring the new ACX series of all-weather mobile amplifiers.”

Visit audiocontrol.com for more.

Accent Mobile Connects Customers

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SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (05.06.2020) – Accent Mobile, a division of Accele Electronics focused on solutions for Expeditors, Upfitters and Fleet Managers has announced their latest time saving products designed specifically for Ford & GM vehicles. Introducing Accent Mobile’s USB2HDMI35GM and USB2HDMI35F Connection Pods. These “Pods” are designed to fit in the Factory Switch Knockouts found on many late model GM & Ford vehicles. Each OE Style “Pod” contains (1) HDMI, (2) USB and (1) 35mm connection port to augment the vehicles existing connection points.

“In today’s connected world everyone can use more connection ports but more importantly, they need to be within reach of drivers and passengers. Accent Mobile’s Connection Pods can be conveniently installed in locations within the reach of users instead of being inconveniently hidden away in glove boxes or consoles,” said Bob Goodman, Director of Channel Sales, Accent Mobile.

Goodman continued, “Even today, many vehicles lack enough connection ports for the myriad of devices consumers are utilizing while driving. Even more important is the issue of compatibility since the many Smartphones, iPads, Tablets, Music Playback devices etc. usually require different types of connection, our Pods address this and do it in a seamless manner,” added Goodman. Installers will now have an option to add accessories to vehicles where it was previously not possible or perhaps inconvenient.

Like all Accent Mobile Products these Pods have a 3 Year Warranty and are available immediately. Additional OE Style applications will be available over the next 60 days, call for additional availability.

Visit accentmobile.net for more.

KENWOOD Shipping 11 New Products – Including Lower Priced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Ready Receivers

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LONG BEACH, CA (05.05.2020) – KENWOOD USA is now shipping 10 new multimedia receivers, as well as their first High Definition Backup Camera. KENWOOD eXcelon receivers include the DNX997XR (MAP $1,299.95), DDX9907XR (MAP $899.95), DNX697S (MAP $899.95), DMX957XR (MAP $799.95), and DMX907S (MAP $649.95). KENWOOD receivers include the DNX577S (MAP $799.95), DDX9707S (MAP $699.95), DMX9707S (MAP $599.95), DMX4707S (MAP $299.95), and DMX47S (MAP $299.95). The new High Definition Backup Camera will carry a model of CMOS-740HD (MAP $199.95).

During CES, KENWOOD made the announcement and provided details on 9 of the 11 new products referenced above.  Joining this release now are 2 new lower priced multimedia receiver models, the DMX4707S and the DMX47S.  These receivers mark the lowest price that KENWOOD has ever offered for an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready receiver.

The DMX4707S and DMX47S are both mech-less (no DVD slot) digital multimedia receivers that feature a 6.8” Capacitive touch screen.  They are ready for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto using a USB wired connection. Video connections include a Rear Camera Input with Parking Guidelines, an AV Input, and a Video Output. Audio features include Front, Rear, and Subwoofer 2V RCA Pre-outs for system expansion, and a 13 Band EQ with Digital Time Alignment.  Both receivers incorporate installer friendly features with less than 3” mounting depth, included mounting cage and trim bezel.

Multimedia receiver sales for models that are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready have now surpassed those sales of multimedia receivers that do not feature these technologies.  “After heavy consideration and discussion with dealers, we felt that it was necessary to provide this type of product to meet the needs of customers that are seeking KENWOOD performance at value price points,” said Mike Roberts, KENWOOD VP of Sales and Marketing.  “We take great pride in the success of our flagship products, as seen in our KENWOOD eXcelon Reference line, and now, with the addition of these new budget conscious models, we open the door to those consumers seeking more affordable options.” 

Here is a Sampling of Key Features Listed by Model:

Hi-Res Audio Wirelessly via LDAC, a 720P High Definition Screen, our Top-Level Sound Quality Components, and compatibility with the CMOS-740HD Camera:  DNX997XR, DDX9907XR, and DMX957XR

Compatibility with Apple CarPlay Wirelessly or Wired, and Android Auto Wirelessly or Wired: DNX997XR, DDX9907XR, DMX957XR, DMX907S, DDX9707S, and DMX9707S.

Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto using a USB Wired connection only: DNX697S, DNX577S, DMX4707S, and DMX47S.

3 Years of Free Garmin map updates and expanded KENWOOD Traffic Powered by INRIX services:  DNX997XR, DNX697S, and DNX577S.

USB Smartphone Mirroring for both iOS and Android, 4 Camera Inputs, DRV-N520 Integrated Dash Cam connection, and iDatalink Maestro RR compatibility:  DNX997XR, DDX9907XR, DMX957XR, DMX907S, DDX9707S, DMX9707S, DNX697S, and DNX577S.

Additional built-in and connection options for select models includes HD Radio and SirusXM compatibility.  The DNX997XR, DDX9907XR, DMX957XR, DMX907S, and DNX697S all include built-in HD Radio tuners, offering users the convenience of up to three extra HD stations from each frequency that’s being broadcast in digital sound, all with no monthly fees.  All 10 receivers are also SiriusXM-Ready (SiriusXM Connect SXV300 satellite radio tuner required; sold separately), enabling access to hundreds of channels of music, news, sports, talk, and more, all with album artwork and multiple lines of text information displayed on the receiver. 

For detailed product information, view their respective product pages at www.kenwood.com/usa/car.