AUBURN HILLS, MI (12.09.2021) – Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. a leading manufacturer of electronic components and automotive infotainment systems, and its domestic marketing division Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., is now shipping the third generation of AlpineF#1Status.

The Pinnacle of Car Audio

When it comes to experiencing music, nothing compares to a live performance. From incredible details like the breath of the artist between passages to the electrifying energy felt in the beat of every kick drum, live music creates an unparalleled emotional experience in every song. Now, this level of performance can be experienced in a vehicle with AlpineF#1Status System.

AlpineF#1Status is the first complete premium car audio system that can reproduce Hi-Resolution Audio Playback, bringing the experience of a live performance closer than ever before inside the challenging vehicle interior environment, making it the pinnacle of car audio.

High-Resolution Audio Playback

AlpineF#1Status represents the best that car audio technology can offer using the most important medium at the time. The first generation of AlpineF#1Status in 2001 focused on perfecting Compact Disc (CD) reproduction, the highest spec of its time (44.1kHz x 16bit). In 2004, the second generation shifted to DVD Audio™, which exceeded CD in data storage and playback quality. The third and current generation of AlpineF#1Status addresses the future of car audio: High-Resolution Audio (Hi-Res).

AlpineF#1 Status is the first car audio system in the industry to achieve 384kHz/32bit Hi-Res Audio Playback, the highest recording spec possible in a car audio system. This is more than 17 times the amount of digital audio data in a standard CD (44.1kHz x 16bit) and exceeds the standard Hi-Res spec (192kHZ x 24 bit). Hi-Res Audio Playback reproduces the details that are lost in lower-quality, compressed file formats. These details, like the breath of the artist or subtle interactions with the instruments, contribute to a listening experience that was once previously exclusive to a live performance.

As consumer listening habits shift from CD to digital streaming services, Hi-Res Audio Playback is quickly becoming the new benchmark for music reproduction. AlpineF#1Status exceeds the standards for this level of performance. To deliver this experience, each component in the system was designed in perfect synchronization to handle the ultra-Hi-Res audio files.

Unique Hi-Res Audio Source

To achieve 384kHz/32bit Hi-Res Audio Playback, AlpineF#1Status needed a source and a method that could get this level of Hi-Res audio files in the vehicle. Alpine partnered with Astell & Kern to create a custom, portable Digital Audio Player (DAP) for the AlpineF#1Status system. The DAP-7909 can host up to 780 Hi-Res files and is compatible with a variety of audio formats (.Wav, .Flac, AAC, etc.).

The DAP connects directly with the AlpineF#1Status Head Unit via USB. Longtime fans of the Alpine brand will appreciate the six-button “chiclet” design of the AlpineF#1Status HDS-7909 Head Unit Commander. The HDS-7909 controls the media on the DAP-7909 and sends the digital content to the HDP-H900 Digital Signal Processor (DSP) via a custom A2B data bus, which supports the Hi-Res Audio spec. As a bonus, the DAP can also be used as a standalone audio player.

The Workhorse of the System

To reproduce a live performance experience in the challenging vehicle interior environment is no easy feat. From the off-center positioning of the listener to the variety of materials in the cabin and even the internal cabin temperature, the vehicle introduces acoustic challenges that contribute to a lower quality sound experience.

To overcome these challenges, the AlpineF#1Status system features an HDP-H900 Digital Signal Processor (DSP) with the industry’s first Master Clock Management System, a high-performance crystal clock housed in an oven-controlled case at the heart of the DSP. Every component in the AlpineF#1Status system references this clock which results in ultra-Hi-Res playback without any jitter (timing errors) in the system, which is common in a system with independent components.

The HDP-H900 runs up to 1GHz/64Bit, comparable to the processing power of a high-end computer’s central processing unit (CPU), to achieve accurate sound tuning for High-Resolution audio playback at 384kHz/32Bit. High-performance sound processing gives the acoustic system tuner the tools to ensure that each speaker’s sound arrives at the listener’s ears at the same time, while also accounting for the vehicle’s unique interior environment, to maintain the integrity of the sound and ensure accurate High-Resolution Playback. The results are perfect synchronization and music that stays faithful to the artist’s original intentions.

Once the files are processed, the signal is sent to the HDA-F900 4-Channel Amplifier via Pro Audio Balanced XLR cables, which allows a full eight volts to be sent with virtually no noise and results in the most accurate sound reproduction possible.

Unified Speaker Material

Hi-Res Audio Playback requires that every speaker component plays within its optimal frequency band. From the tweeter to the subwoofer, the AlpineF#1Status HDZ-9000 4-way speaker system uses the same high-performance cone material, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).

By using the same cone material throughout the speaker system, rather than using a specific material or structure for each component’s frequency band, the sound maintains the same timbre and characteristic across the entire audible and inaudible frequency range. Each speaker component is designed to cover a wider range of playback spectrum giving the tuner a wider range of adjustability.  The HDZ-9000 speakers also feature proprietary Alpine technologies, that include DDDrive, DDLinear, and Dual Emission, which work together to maximize accuracy and reduce distortion between speakers. 

The HDZ-9000 4-Way Speakers feature an HDZ-9000SW 11” Subwoofer, pairs of HDZ-9000WF 6.5” Midbass Speakers, HDZ-9000MID 2.5” Midrange Speakers, and HDZ-9000TW 1” Tweeters for a true stereo image.

A Complete Audio System

Each component of the AlpineF#1Status system was designed to ensure that the system play at its intended Hi-Res spec. To reach this level of performance, the system’s signal path uses custom connectivity, including XLR cables and A2B, because of their ability to accurately support the Hi-Res spec. This makes the AlpineF#1Status system an all-inclusive, complete system designed in perfect synchronization.

While AlpineF#1Status was designed as a complete system, there is flexibility to add or retain a head unit other than the included HDS-7909. The HDP-H900 DSP includes a traditional RCA input, and up to six channels of high-level input, that can be used to retain the vehicle’s factory head unit or add an aftermarket head unit, which is valuable for the audio enthusiast who relies on smartphone connectivity and features, like Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, or Bluetooth®.

Whether retaining the factory head unit, upgrading to an aftermarket head unit, or using the AlpineF#1Status HDS-7909 Head Unit, the result is still a cohesive system that works in perfect synchronization to reproduce the highest level of performance available in the challenging vehicle interior environment.

AlpineF#1Status is exclusively available as a complete sound system at a M.A.P. of $35,000. An additional HDZ-9000SW 11” Subwoofer is available if more bass is desired at a M.A.P. of $2,600 (sold separately).

AlpineF#1Status is available for purchase at AlpineF#1Status Authorized Retailers. A list of retailers can be found on https://www.alpine-usa.com/alpineflagship/wheretobuy

POOLE, UK (12.09.2021) – CELSUS UK, Poole-based distributor for KICKER AUDIO Marine products in Europe, has announced their appointment of KENT Marine Equipment to manage the French market for the U.S. based manufacturer of high-end performance 12Volt audio products. The agreement was signed at the newly appointed companies’ facility in Saint-Herblain, near Nantes, France.

KICKER Marine is designed to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience season after season. Engineering excellence, rigorous testing and high-quality components combine to provide the best value premium performance marine audio on the market. The range provides complete end-to-end audio system solutions for external areas on all types of watercraft.

KENT Marine Equipment has been active in the French marine market since 1974 with a desire to deliver best in class service to their extensive dealer-base. The company’s reputation in the market for technical product sales and support make them the perfect partner for Celsus UK & Kicker Marine in France.
Commenting on their appointment Mike Keenan, Celsus UK European Sales Manager, said
“I am excited about working alongside KENT Marine Equipment to launch the Kicker brand to their customers. France is an integral part of the wider European marine market and I am confident the enthusiasm and expertise found in François Berson and his team positions them well for future success with Kicker Audio.”

François Berson, Managing Director – KENT Marine Equipment added, “From January 2021, Kent Marine expanded its product offering to the French aftermarket and OEM business with a new strategic product family – Electronics. We were looking for additional partners to empower our offer, we saw Celsus and Kicker as the best fit and an obvious partner for us with their wide and high performance range. We are all very excited to develop the Kicker brand in France and turn this new relationship into a success.”

The KICKER marine range of source units, speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and accessories are gaining a powerful reputation for quality performance and value since their introduction to the European market in 2018. KENT Marine Equipment join a growing and dedicated distributor network in Europe.

David Glasgow, International Sales Manager for Kicker Audio, added, “We are delighted to have a company with the heritage of Kent Marine represent our marine product line in France. We are confident of a bright future combining their experience with our product quality. Welcome to the KICKER family.”

Visit kicker.com and kent-marine.com for more.

MOUNTAINLAKE TERRACE, WA (12.08.2021) – Members of the Corona, CA-based Paragon Sales and Marketing team journeyed to AudioControl World HQ on Thursday, December 2nd, to tour the plant and set 2022 marketing plans for the firm’s territory.

Matt Palumbo, Mobile Audio Sales Manager, related, “We wanted to show the Paragon team all that we are doing in the marketplace to provide audio solutions moving into the future. Letting them see that first-hand was important. They flew into Seattle Thursday morning, we worked the schedule we had set and then enjoyed a delicious dinner on the waterfront. Friday we went to Tacoma to check out the LeMay Car Museum before dropping the team off at the airport to fly back home.”

The Paragon team members making the trip were Ed Gonzalez, Aaron Davis, Mike Rios and Wayne Smedile.

Rios related to the 12volt Central Studios “It was s great day and a half for us. Seeing the AudioControl facility in person to understand the production process and how everything comes together was terrific. For all of us the one-on-one time with members of the AudioControl staff set the stage for a successful 2022 and beyond. Discussing market specifics in our territory with Matt was terrific.”

Palumbo concluded, “It was a great couple of days and super valuable time for all involved.”

Since 2000, Paragon USA Inc has been representing product manufacturers to sell and market their products to independent retail, regional chain stores and distributor business channels. The firm has served retailers throughout SoCal and Hawaii from the beginning with Southwest states Arizona and New Mexico plus Southern Nevada added in 2018.

Visit paragonsalesreps.com and audiocontrol.com for more.

PHOENIX, AZ (12.06.2021) – Elettromedia-USA will be on the show floor and offering dealer trainings at this year’s KnowledgeFest in Dallas. – December 10 – 12, 2021.

“At our Booth on the Show Floor (Booth 601) – we will be featuring the five new products we highlighted at the SEMA Show as well as demonstrating the benefits of Percept and Mobile Phase Correction (when using the bit Tune 3.0 and bit Virtuoso 3.0 together) in a demo car at the booth all show long.”

Click here to view a PDF of products to be featured at KnowledgeFest by Elettromedia-USA

“Dealer Trainings – times and location are listed below. Please note that for the Saturday evening trainings, we will be serving dinner and drinks between the HERTZ training and the AUDISON bit Tune training for dealers attending both trainings.”

Friday, Dec 10 3:00 – 4:00 pm Room D223
AUDISON Line Overview: Ken Ward from Elettromedia will cover the AUDISON line, and present the B-CON wireless streaming receiver.

Saturday, Dec 11, 5:30 – 6:30 pm Room D223
HERTZ New Product Introductions – We will launch the Mille Pro Shallow MPS Subwoofers, plus 3 new Harley products you need to know about for your 2022 business!

Saturday, Dec 11, DINNER & DRINKS 6:30 – 7:00 pm Room D223
EM-USA will provide dinner and drinks for dealers attending the Hertz training and the AUDISON bit Tune training.

Saturday, Dec 11, 7:00 pm Room D223
AUDISON bit Tune 3.0/ bit Virtuoso 3.0 Training: Ken Ward from Elettromedia will demonstrate new bit Tune measurement tools. The best acoustic RTA in the car-audio field, HSM Sweep acoustic spatial averaging, new electrical signal analysis capabilities – plus he will show the benefits of Percept and Mobile Phase Correction when using the bit Tune 3.0 and bit Virtuoso 3.0 together! It’s not like anything you’ve seen before.

Visit elettromedia-usa.com and knowledgefest.org for more.

CERRITOS, CA (12.06.2021) – Harley Davidson motorcycle owners now have a simple solution for improving their audio systems and overall riding experience. SoundSkins Global, in collaboration with American Hard Bag, will roll out the market’s first-ever, full lineup of custom-cut sound deadening kits for Harley Davidson touring motorcycles in January 2022.   

SoundSkins Global has teased the release of this lineup since Knowledge Fest in 2019, and since then they released a line of pre-cut kits for ‘14 Street Glide, Electra Glide, Road Glide, and Road King saddlebags in June 2021. The rest of the upcoming lineup includes kits for saddlebags, speaker lids, fairings, and fairing speaker pods of Street Glide, Electra Glide, Road Glide, and Road King models from ’98-’13 and ‘14+.

“These kits are something we saw in the market that was missing,” said Dennis Garcia, Chief Operating Officer of SoundSkins Global. “A few competitors have tried to put something like this in the market, but no one else has the complete lineup that covers the entire bike.”

These kits will cut down on excess vibration and noise to create a smoother riding experience. The sound deadening material will also dramatically lower the resonant characteristics of the saddlebags, fairings, and fairing speaker pods, making them much better speaker enclosures. This results in increased speaker efficiency, allowing the speakers to do exactly what they were designed to do – project sound directly toward the listener.

Both SoundSkins Global and American Hard Bag will offer this lineup on their websites. The kits will be available as bundles and individual sections.

SoundSkins Global and American Hard Bag will display these new kits at Knowledge Fest in Las Vegas on February 18-20, 2022.

For more information about this new lineup, visit https://soundskinsglobal.com/ or contact SoundSkins Global at usa@soundskinsglobal.com.

DALLAS, TX (12.03.2021) – Blue Tiger USA has won the CES 2022 Innovation Awards for the Solare headset, the world’s first solar-powered communications headset for hands-free driving. The powerful Solare Headset harvests light from any source – indoor or outdoor for continuous use without the need to recharge a battery. Blue Tiger will be introducing Solare at CES 2022, held in Las Vegas from January 5-8, 2022 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

Military Grade — Never Recharge with Solare’s Sustainable Solar Energy Technology

Targeted to the demanding needs of road warriors, such as truckers, professional drivers, commuters, and long distance travelers, the Blue Tiger Solare military-grade Bluetooth headset combines patented solar technology for virtually unlimited use without recharging, with powerful 97% noise cancelation technology and high-quality speaker components — all powered by a flexible solar cell for a seamless driving communications experience. Solare continuously self-charges when exposed to indoor or outdoor sunlight, eliminating the worry about battery life, so drivers always receive and transmit essential communications clearly.

“We are honored to win the CES 2022 Innovation Award for our break-through solar powered innovation. With the Blue Tiger Solare, professional drivers can now travel more safely without worrying about distractions and potential accidents that can be caused by plugging in a headset to charge while driving,” said Chantal Saah, CEO and Co-founder, Blue Tiger USA. “With Solare, drivers connect to important weather alerts, accident and traffic reports, GPS instructions, dispatchers, fellow drivers, friends, and loved ones. And because of Solare’s solar technology, truckers and other drivers never again have to worry about dead batteries or remembering to charge their headsets.”

For more information, see the website at: bluetigerheadsets.com/bluetigersolare and bluetigerheadsets.com.

This article was written by Larry Printz for TheDetroitBureau.com

DETROIT, MI (12.03.2021) – As automakers rush to develop self-driving cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans, most consumers have an incorrect perception of the emerging technology. That’s the latest finding of the J.D. Power 2021 Mobility Confidence Index Study released Tuesday.

Driver education is key

When asked to choose one of seven possible descriptions that correctly defines fully automated self-driving vehicles, a mere 37% of respondents chose one of the two correct answers, with one defining Level 4 autonomy, the other Level 5. Fifty-five percent of respondents incorrectly selected descriptions of driver assist technology rather than self-driving technology.

What’s worse is that among drivers who profess to have more knowledge of fully automated self-driving vehicles, only 32% could describe it correctly. Among those who knew nothing of the technology, 37% described it correctly.

“This is a ‘Danger, Will Robinson’ moment for the fully automated self-driving vehicle industry,” said Lisa Boor, senior manager of global automotive at J.D. Power. “There is a significant gap between actual and perceived AV knowledge. Right now, consumers don’t know what they don’t know.”

Others agree.

Acceptance of AVs is rising

But overall confidence in automated automobiles is growing according to J.D. Power, with 42% of those surveyed expressing confidence in fully automated self-driving vehicles. That’s up from 34% a year ago. And 31% had full confidence in fully automated delivery vehicles. But that level of acceptance rises to 47% among those whose vehicles have driver assist technology. When asked, consumers also saw AVs as being a boon to those who can’t drive due to age, illness or injury.

But acceptance will increase only if the safety of AVs is assured. 

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