Industry

MB Quart Releases Nautic Premium Speakers

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CHICAGO, IL (07.27.2020) – MB Quart has just what you’ll need to make the most out on the deck, while you search for that perfect sunset. Gear up with Nautic Premium speakersand hear every treble, low, and bass drop in between. Nautic Premium marine speakers are waterproof and include three different grill inserts as seen below.

With the Nautic Premium Series, you are choosing the best available speaker on the water. An element shield keeps the plastic components of every speaker protected from water and dust.

Every Nautic Premium speaker features titanium tweeters with high-energy neodymium motors and co-molded Santoprene surrounds mounted in composite frames.

Visit mbquart.com for more.

Volkswagen to Offer SiriusXM with 360L in 2021 Model Year Vehicles

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NEW YORK, NY (07.24.2020) – SiriusXM and Volkswagen have announced that Volkswagen will begin introducing SiriusXM with 360L – SiriusXM’s newest and most advanced audio entertainment platform – in most model year 2021 vehicles.

For model year 2021, the majority of Volkswagen models receive the all-new third generation of Volkswagen’s modular infotainment platform—MIB3. Every model that is equipped with MIB3 will offer SiriusXM with 360L, including the model year 2021 Arteon, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf GTI, Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Tiguan. The Atlas, introduced as a MY21 vehicle this spring, will incorporate MIB3 and SiriusXM with 360L as a mid-year change for MY21.5.

Volkswagen owners receive a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM’s top tier All Access package with the purchase or lease of equipped 2021 model year vehicles and drive off the lot immediately enjoying SiriusXM.

SiriusXM with 360L gives the listener access to over 10,000 hours of on-demand SiriusXM exclusive shows, interviews and events in the car, giving listeners more of what they want, when they want to hear it.

SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, upgrading the way the subscriber interacts with the service by providing more choice in entertainment than ever before. SiriusXM with 360L gives drivers and their passengers access to more than 10,000 hours of SiriusXM’s recorded On Demand content whenever they want – including exclusive interviews, unique shows and live performances.  It also delivers more live channels than ever from SiriusXM’s acclaimed satellite and streaming lineup, which features an extensive selection of ad-free music, plus sports, entertainment, news and much more.  SiriusXM with 360L’s personalized “For You” recommendations and ability to quickly access related content also make it easier than ever for listeners to discover more of the programming they love.

“Volkswagen’s 2021 lineup will be more connected than ever before,” says Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy for Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We’re pleased to offer SiriusXM with 360L to complement our new infotainment system.”

“We are excited to begin the rollout of SiriusXM with 360L in model year 2021 Volkswagens,” said Chris Paganini, VP, Automotive Partnerships, for SiriusXM. “SiriusXM with 360L’s hybrid content delivery system gives drivers access to even more of the SiriusXM content they love, and a new level of personalization, right at their fingertips in Volkswagen’s easy-to-navigate infotainment system.”

The benefits of SiriusXM with 360L include:

More variety

  • More channels available to listeners, including many of SiriusXM’s exclusive streaming channels.
  • Access to over 10,000 hours of on demand SiriusXM exclusive shows, interviews, and events in the car, giving listeners more of what they want, when they want to hear it.
  • Enhanced sports play-by-play offering that makes it easier to find the listener’s favorite team when it is game time, and gives them access to the official broadcasts for more pro and college teams.

A more personalized experience

  • Smart “For You” content recommendations enable listeners to discover more of what they love, based on listening habits, served on screen in an easy to use way.
  • Individual SiriusXM listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize and maintain their own SiriusXM favorites.

Ease of use

  • Dynamic user interface allows for easy navigation between satellite and streaming channels and SiriusXM On Demand content.
  • “Related” recommendations feature allows listeners to easily discover other channels and on demand shows/episodes related to the currently playing channel and content.

SiriusXM All Access delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied programming, plus access to SiriusXM outside their vehicle on the SiriusXM app and on compatible connected devices and speakers in their home.  For more on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways you can listen, go to www.SiriusXM.com.

Visit vw.com for more.

Remembering Larry ‘Lars of Mars’ Milboer

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DELRAY BEACH, FL (07.23.2020) – Sad news – Industry veteran and proponent, Larry Milboer suddenly died at his home, in Delray Beach, Florida over the July 4th weekend. Everyone who had attended the Spring Break Nationals over its 32 years, will recognize and remember Larry, aka “Lars of Mars,” as the show’s emcee. Milboer took the stage, entertaining attendees, holding contests, creating a fun environment, issuing thousands of dollars of car audio gear and swag every year. He also emceed the Pizza Eating Contests and the infamous SBN Bikini Contest. Repeat SBN revelers came to the event, asking if “Lars” was present, opting for a chance to win prizes.

Recently retired, Larry’s role in Mobile Electronics was that of a Sales Representative. Milboer had worked for two different Florida Distributors, and performed International Sales for Directed Electronics. Milboer’s candor was always frank, to the point, pleasant and cheerful. He would always go “above the call”, serving his clients with thorough and timely product information, sales tips and training doing anything he could do to stimulate his client’s sales.

Longtime friend Paul Papadeas contributed these poignant words and thoughts.

CRUX Interfacing Solutions Intros Side View Cameras System

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CHATSWORTH, CA (07.23.2020) – CRUX is shipping the new CSV-01 universal side view camera system that easily mounts to the door on the side of a vehicle. The 2 camera system is offered in 4 colors… black, silver, white and grey.

Hamza Khalid, CRUX Marketing Director, offered “The cameras mount very easily with no holes to drill. Clean the door surface where the camera will mount, making sure to remove any car wax. Remove the backing from the 3M tape on the camera, position and press. The cameras will fit securely and are safe to run through the car wash.”

All wiring is included in the box. The MSRP for the CSV-01 is $138.00.

Visit cruxinterfacing.com for more.

The new CRUX Universal Side Mount Camera System installs with no drilling of holes.

New Ground Zero 25th Year Anniversary Component Set

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DANIA BEACH, FL (07.22.2020) – What better way to celebrate our 25th year in the audio game than to release a Limited Edition kit, available all across the world, but we did it in a different kind of way. With the launch and success of our new Radioactive Components (GZRC 165.2SQ), and the announcement of our new Uranium series of components, we have decided to combine these two lines into one single box, bringing you the best of both. 

While using the aluminum cone midbass driver from the RadioActive series of SQ components, and pairing it with the newly designed 28mm silk dome Uranium tweeter, we needed to build a passive network that was a step above. Either used in a passive install, or active with a DSP, this kit brings an uncompromised level of quality to an often overlooked price point. 

The 25-Year Anniversary GZRC165 comes in this attractive commemorative box.

“We expect to start shipping this amazing limited edition component sets before end of August to the best retailers across USA”, says Diogo Iannaccone.

Visit www.GroundZeroUSA.com for more information. 

Major League Baseball is Back on SiriusXM

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NEW YORK, NY (07.22.2020) – When the 2020 Major League Baseball season begins on July 23rd, SiriusXM will be there to deliver subscribers live play-by-play of every regular season and postseason game, plus daily news, talk and analysis on the exclusive MLB Network Radio channel.

MLB programming on SiriusXM, including game broadcasts and the 24/7 MLB Network Radio channel, is available to subscribers nationwide on their SiriusXM radios, via the SiriusXM app and at home with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or however they stream in their house. 

The SiriusXM app offers 30 play-by-play channels dedicated to streaming the official radio broadcasts of every MLB team, giving fans the choice between the home and visiting team announcers for every game.

The 2020 MLB season begins with an Opening Night doubleheader on Thursday, July 23rd, that will feature the defending World Series Champion Washington Nationals hosting the New York Yankees at Nationals Park (7:08 pm ET/4:08 pm PT), followed by the San Francisco Giants visiting the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium (10:08 pm ET/7:08 pm PT). 

Opening Day presented by Mastercard, T-Mobile and Geico is the next day, July 24th, and will feature 14 games.  Every team will be in action in a full 15-game slate on Saturday, July 25th. For a schedule of MLB games and their SiriusXM channels visit www.SiriusXM.com/MLBschedule.

Listeners also get the most in-depth coverage of the league 365 days a year with MLB Network Radio. The channel’s roster of expert hosts includes former GMs Jim Bowden, Jim Duquette and Steve Phillips, former players Matt Diaz, Jensen Lewis, Brad Lidge, CJ Nitkowski, Carlos Peña, Eduardo Perez, Rico Petrocelli, Ryan Spilborghs, Steve Sax, Mike Stanton and Kevin Frandsen, former manager Kevin Kennedy, national baseball writers Mel Antonen, Tyler Kepner, Scott Miller and Jon Morosi, as well as Casey Stern, Mike Ferrin, Jeff Joyce, Jim Memolo, Scott Braun, Dan Graca, Grant Paulsen and Jody McDonald.

Subscribers can also hear pitcher Trevor Bauer host his exclusive SiriusXM show, Bauer Hour, regularly during the season on the MLB Network Radio channel. The outspoken Reds hurler discusses the headline stories happening around the league, and shares his thoughts on baseball and pitching technique and other off-the-field topics as well. 

Throughout the season, listeners will hear regular one-on-one interviews with 16 managers including: Rocco Baldelli (Twins), Bud Black (Rockies), Kevin Cash (Rays), Craig Counsell (Brewers), Terry Francona (Indians), Ron Gardenhire (Tigers), Joe Girardi (Phillies), Gabe Kapler (Giants), Torey Lovullo (Diamondbacks), Bob Melvin (Athletics), Ron Roenicke (Red Sox), Scott Servais (Mariners), Derek Shelton (Pirates), Mike Shildt (Cardinals), Jayce Tingler (Padres) and Chris Woodward (Rangers).

MLB Network Radio also features a simulcast of Christopher “Mad Dog” Russo’s MLB Network show, High Heat with Christopher Russo presented by Liberty Mutual, every weekday afternoon at 1:00 pm ET as well as simulcasts of additional MLB Network television programming, including the flagship studio show MLB Tonight on weeknights at 6:00 pm ET.

Visit www.SiriusXM.com/MLBschedule for more.

Mobile Solutions’ Subwoofer Profile Gauges

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TEMPE, AZ (07.21.2020)Mobile Solutions announces the release of a new and innovate product for subwoofer enclosure fabrication; the MS Subwoofer Profile Gauges. The super-light, 1/4 inch expanded PVC plastic fitment gauges are silkscreened with the exact dimensional profile of a specific subwoofer, including its specifications such as power handling, multiple diameter measurements and mounting depth details. These innovative fitment gauges were developed in collaboration with Juan “JT” Torres, former ME-Mag Installer of the Year and Owner of HB Automotive Entertainment.

Available currently as a complete five (5) piece JL Audio set with clear acrylic storage tray or individually, these Subwoofer Profile Gauges help technicians and fabricators speed up the process of trial fitting a subwoofer into a custom enclosure where space of depth or placement near ports and bracing are an additional challenge in tight quarters.

This image shows the Mobile Solutions subwoofer profile gauge in use checking the fit for the mounting flange countersink, plus the depth.

“With the popularity of under-seat truck subwoofer enclosures and other small profile or down-facing applications such as consoles and up under the dash, the necessity to check fit and verify clearance is highly important” comments Mobile Solutions President Bryan Schmitt. He notes that using these lightweight profile gauges avoids the need to bring the subwoofer itself out of its packaging, which exposes an open magnet structure to unnecessary microscopic sawdust and/or fiberglass dust, as well as exposing the cone, surround and dust cap areas of the subwoofer to oils and solvents on the hands of the fabricator. “It’s not only lighter and easier for the fabricator to do trial fitting using the profile gauges, but it means preserving the subwoofer’s integrity until it’s time for final fitting well after the dust and dirt of fabrication has been completed” continued Schmitt.

Mobile Solutions believes this approach to using Subwoofer Profile Gauges as the fitment guide can only help to mitigate premature product failures as a result of subwoofers themselves being over-handled in the enclosure fabrication and vehicle build stages. Plus, subwoofers are heavy and awkward to trial fit in tight spaces or downward-facing applications. Another advantage is that, should subwoofers be backordered and not in stock, a retailer can move ahead with a custom enclosure build with confidence knowing the subwoofer(s) will fit once received and ready to install.

The five (5) piece JL Audio set of Subwoofer Profile Gauges (SI-JLPRO-PKG) includes fitment for:

  • 13TW5v2
  • 12TW3 and 10TW3
  • 12W3v3 and 10W3v3
  • Also includes Clear Acrylic Storage Tray

Mobile Solutions is offering the JL Audio Subwoofer Profile Gauges, as the set or individually, for a limited time through July 31, 2020 at special launch pricing:

Although it was not part of the initial design criteria, Schmitt and Torres both noted that using these gauges to verify fit and keeping the subwoofers packaged until they are to be finally installed increases the safety of the technician and customer from COVID-19 concerns of surface germ transfer. “Cleaning subwoofer cones, surrounds and exposed parts with harsh chemicals to disinfect is harmful to the delicate subwoofer materials. With our Subwoofer Profile Gauges it makes contact with the product much less and safer for everyone in the end” adds Schmitt. The Subwoofer Profile Gauges themselves are easily cleaned and disinfected with an alcohol-based cleaner or simply using soap and water. Neither cleaning process harms the silkscreen nor plastic material on the profile gauges.

To maximize the efficiency of these JL Audio Subwoofer Profile Gauges and the construction of custom subwoofer enclosures, Mobile Solutions also offers durable shatter-resistant plastic specialty-shaped templates that speed the process of creating mounting, countersinking and a pressed grille  cutouts for the shallow-mount JL Audio 10TW3, 12TW3 & 13TW5 subwoofer frames with the difficult to replicate mounting flange offsets. Other completely round-frame subwoofers can simply use the Mobile Solutions Circle Smart Templates as a guide for mounting and countersink cutouts. 

For more information about the Subwoofer Profile Gauges or to place orders on any Mobile Solutions products, check out www.mobilesolutions-USA.com, or call 480-968-2074.

SiriusXM with 360L Makes Its Debut in BMW Vehicles This Summer

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NEW YORK, NY (07.21.2020) – SiriusXM and BMW announced today that SiriusXM with 360L – SiriusXM’s newest and most advanced audio entertainment platform – will be available to BMW customers for the first time in most of the 2021 BMW model year vehicles starting with July production.

The SiriusXM with 360L platform will be making its BMW debut in model year 2021 BMWs, including the 2 Series Gran Coupe, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 8 Series, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and Z4 models. The first BMW models equipped with SiriusXM with 360L are expected to be available later this summer.

SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, upgrading the way the subscriber interacts with the service by providing more choice in entertainment than ever before. SiriusXM with 360L gives drivers and their passengers access to more than 10,000 hours of SiriusXM’s recorded On Demand content whenever they want – including exclusive interviews, unique shows and live performances.  It also delivers more live channels than ever from SiriusXM’s acclaimed satellite and streaming lineup, which features an extensive selection of ad-free music, plus sports, entertainment, news and much more.  SiriusXM with 360L’s personalized “For You” recommendations and ability to search for related content also make it easier than ever for listeners to discover more of the programming they love.

BMW vehicles that feature SiriusXM with 360L will also be equipped to receive software updates that will allow BMW owners and lessees to receive the latest features from SiriusXM. One expected future software update will enable 360L’s newest feature, Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora. With Personalized Stations Powered by Pandora, drivers can create their own ad-free music stations based on the artist they are listening to, then give songs a thumbs up or thumbs down within the SiriusXM service, or even skip songs, to create their own personal channel that plays more of what they want.

“For almost two decades, BMW drivers have been enjoying the unique entertainment content provided by SiriusXM. In-vehicle entertainment has always been important and today, our customers’ expectations have grown to include the choice to listen to exactly what they want to listen to in that moment,” said Ralph Mahler, Department Head, BMW Product & Strategy. “Just as we were back in 2002, we are excited to be one of the first to offer the new SiriusXM with 360L service to our owners and drivers. Offering entertainment options is as critical to us as offering a choice of how you wish to interact with your vehicle to make driving your BMW an exciting experience every single day. This experience must always be premium however and this premium experience is what our partnership with SiriusXM brings to the enthusiastic BMW owners.”

“BMW produces some of the finest vehicles in the world, and their reputation for delivering the ultimate driving experience is well-deserved.  BMW’s broad adoption of SiriusXM with 360L will give drivers a more rich, diverse and exclusive audio entertainment offering,” said Chris Paganini, VP, Automotive Partnerships, for SiriusXM. “SiriusXM with 360L will be available in several of BMW’s most popular 2021 models, meaning more drivers than ever can discover and enjoy exactly what they want, when they want, from SiriusXM’s variety of premium content.”

The benefits of SiriusXM with 360L include:

More variety

  • More channels available to listeners, including many of SiriusXM’s exclusive streaming channels.
  • Access to over 10,000 hours of on-demand SiriusXM shows, interviews, and events in the car, giving listeners more of what they want, when they want to hear it.
  • Enhanced sports play-by-play offering gives listeners access to the official broadcasts for more pro and college teams.

A more personalized experience

  • “For You” content recommendations enable listeners to discover more of what they love, based on listening habits, served on screen for easy, one-touch access.
  • Individual SiriusXM listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize and maintain their own vehicle favorites.

Ease of use

  • Dynamic user interface makes it easier to browse by genre and allows for easy navigation between satellite and streaming channels and SiriusXM On Demand content.
  • “Related” recommendations feature allows listeners to easily discover other channels and On Demand shows/episodes related to the currently playing channel and content.
  • The new Live Sports Category puts all the games in one place, making it easier to find your favorite team before or during the game, or check the score afterwards.
  • Search function allows you to enter the artist name or channel you are looking for to find what you want to listen to.

BMW owners and lessees receive a 12-month subscription to SiriusXM’s top tier All Access package with the purchase or lease of any SiriusXM-equipped BMW vehicle. Those customers buying or leasing the 2021 model year vehicles referenced above can drive off the lot and immediately enjoy all of the satellite and streaming features that SiriusXM with 360L offers.  

SiriusXM All Access delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied programming, plus access to SiriusXM outside their vehicle on the SiriusXM app and on connected devices and speakers in their home.  For more on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways you can listen, go to www.SiriusXM.com.

Alphasonik Releases Treis Series 12” Low Profile Subwoofer

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GARDENA, CA (07.20.2020) – The TSW312 Shallow Mount Subwoofer from Alphasonik bring the reliability and powerful bass response of bigger subwoofers to limited space applications. With an ultra-slim mounting depth of 3.54 inches, the TSW312 Shallow Sub is capable of fitting under seats and behind truck benches to bring big bass to any space. Reliability and durability are at the core of the product line and these slim subs are no exception.

With exceptional features like the proprietary low-profile heavy gauge, open air stamped steel “Alpha” basket, one piece spun aluminum cone designed to be lightweight yet rigid, EPDM Rubber Surround for enhanced control, vented pole piece, and a 2” Voice Coil, they are overbuilt to outperform the competition.

Designed to work in both small sealed and ported enclosures and power handling capabilities of 500 Watts RMS, the TSW312 delivers all the rich, deep, controlled bass you have come to expect from Alphasonik.

Also available in a 10” model-TSW310 and TSW312 are in stock and shipping.

For more info, visit www.alphasonik.com or contact Enrique Avalos – enrique@alphasonik.com

Safety Requirements for 2020 SEMA Show

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DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.20.2020) — SEMA Showgoers will be required to wear a face masks or a face shield during the 2020 event, as part of a proactive plan to prevent the spreading of germs and provide exhibitors and attendees with a safe environment where they will be able to conduct business. With 1,800 exhibiting companies participating in the upcoming event on Nov. 3-6, 2020, in Las Vegas, NV, the annual B2B SEMA Show will include several precautions and preventive safety measures.

Click here to view the Safety Guidelines PDF.

“Just like the world we live in today, this year’s SEMA Show will be different,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA VP of events. “We recognize the challenges that the industry is going through, and we’ve made changes so that the industry will be able to gather and conduct business safely.”

In addition to adhering to best practices, Show organizers released the video below that outlines additional precautions that will be taken to focus on the health and well-being of those at the SEMA Show. The guidelines, which include the following, are posted at www.semashow.com.

  • Require use of face masks or face shields, frequent hand washing and social distancing
  • Designate entrance and exit areas to control and screen visitors with discrete daily health queries, incorporating non-invasive thermal cameras, etc.
  • Configure traffic flow with one-way aisles where possible
  • Install hand sanitizing stations throughout the Show, 200 feet apart
  • Enhance physical cleaning with hourly sanitizing of high traffic areas throughout the Show floor and common areas, including doorways, elevators, and escalators
  • Collaborate with Las Vegas Convention Center in their advancements to be among the first in the nation to pursue certification for safety measures aimed at outbreak prevention through actions such as sanitizing the facility nightly

Click here to view the Safety Guidelines PDF.

Show organizers are also working with hotel partners, the Las Vegas Convention Center, and with state and city officials in Las Vegas, NV, to ensure high safety standards and government compliance for the November event.

“As a trade event focused on doing business, the SEMA Show is unique,” said Gattuso. “We’re confident that we can successfully host an event where businesses can connect safely.”

Full details about the safety guidelines and the SEMA Show are available at www.semashow.com.