Industry

MECA to Feature Daily Manufacturer Member Facebook Posts

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NASHVILLE, TN (04.16.2020) – MECA, the Mobile Electronics Competition Association, Inc., based in Nashville, begins a series of daily posts featuring 2020 Manufacturer Members at: facebook.com/steve.stern07

The car / truck / motorcycle events, with MECA sound-off contests, have been temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MECA is working to keep members engaged and ready for future shows, hoping to resume in early summer.

Steve Stern

Highlighting the Manufacturer Members, focusing on each brand, and working with the club’s Retail Members to sell the gear is always priority one for the multi-faceted organization. Offering a proven business plan for hosting and sponsoring events, the club has been a beacon for car audio professionals and enthusiasts since 1999.

“Our Manufacturer Members are critical for our club and contests, helping to make what we do bigger and better. The industry benefits from our partnerships with Manufacturer and Retail Members who participate, building and fortifying their brands. These facebook posts will bring a lot of good mojo for our Manufacturer Members.”

See Manufacturer Member section at www.mecacaraudio.com and News regarding the rest of the 2020 season.

Directed Announces New Representation Alignment In Three Territories

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VISTA, CA (04.16.2020) – Directed is has announced new representation in the following territories and states: Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico and El Paso. These territories and states were previously covered by Reil’s and Associates.

Al Fontane, Directed VP of Sales, stated  “In order to provide the best service and support to our dealers we decided to use three separate rep firms and realign the area between three rep firms for maximum coverage. N&S Marketing will cover Montana and Idaho. Oliver Marketing will cover New Mexico plus El Paso TX. MSS Marketing will cover Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.”

N&S Marketing’s Dale Naeseth stated “For our firm Jack Weiss will now expand the area he covers in Montana and Ryan Christy will expand the territory he covers in Idaho.”

Visit directed.com for more.

Accent Mobile Is In Control

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SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA (04.15.2020) – Accent Mobile, a division of Accele Electronics focused on solutions for Expeditors, Upfitters and Fleet Managers has announced their latest innovation, a solution for integrating any smart device into the Infotainment screen of most late model vehicles, replicating the vehicle’s OE system.

“Expeditors and Restylers can now offer their customers who purchased vehicles without Android Auto or Apple Car Play a practical solution. Installers can now use our Smartphone Application System to integrate their customers devices seamlessly into factory or aftermarket infotainment screens,” said Bob Goodman, Director Of Channel Sales, Accent Mobile. Our SPA500 enables users to access popular applications installed on their smart devices seamlessly and quickly. The Universal SPA500 kit includes an 8-Way Universal Controller, similar to those found on late model vehicles, a Microphone to access voice control functions, and HDMI and Composite AV connections. Plug & Play versions are available for certain Mercedes and BMW models with more becoming available, added Goodman.

Like all Accent Mobile Products, the Smartphone Application System has a 3 Year Warranty and is available immediately. Additional OE applications will be announced when available, call for applications.

Visit accentmobile.net for more.

Learn Something New with AudioControl Web Training

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SEATTLE, WA (04.14.2020) – The fifth session in our ongoing weekly web training series, we’ll be streaming LIVE from AudioControl HQ.

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

“Tech Support: Answers to the most frequently asked tech questions” -a live training direct from AC HQ.

-How do I set up AccuBass?
-How do I do signal summing on an LC7i?
-Why does an Epicenter need to have full range signal?
-What is ANC? How do I deal with that?
-Why is the “Maximized” light on all the time?
These and many other questions will be answered this Thursday at 11:00am PST.

Click HERE to tune in using Zoom.
Click HERE to tune in via Facebook Live.

Visit audiocontrol.com for more.

Directed Appoints Mid-State Distributing in MO, IA, NE, KS, CO, UT, & WY

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VISTA, CA (04.14.2020) – Directed has announced the appointment of Mid-State Distributing as their new distributor for Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.

Al Fontane, Directed’s VP of Sales, stated, “We already do business with Mid States in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota so this was an easy decision.”

Tom Kolar, VP of Sales & Marketing for Mid-State Distributing, stated, “We look forward to servicing the new territory and building business and relationships with Directed in our upcoming fall season.”

Visit directed.com and midstatedistributing.com for more.

PAC Announces New RadioPro Integrated Installation Kit for Jeep Grand Cherokee

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CLEARWATER, FL (04.14.2020) – PAC has launched a new RadioPro integrated kit (SKU#: RPK4-CH4103) that allows drivers of 2014 – 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokees to upgrade their factory radios. The kit, equipped for any radio size (5”, 7”, 8.4”), allows the retainment of all factory functionality including vehicle information, performance gauges and climate controls.

The stylish and easy to install kit features OEM quality buttons, knobs and graphical interface creating a familiar user experience while expanding new features via a show-stopping 5.2” LCD touch-screen.

Key Features include:

  • Factory-matched dash kit with complete set of climate control knobs and buttons (no need to use OE parts)
  • 4 programmable hard buttons with proximity-sense technology for quick access of cameras and more
  • Retains factory camera (if equipped)
  • Supports up to 5 driver safety cameras (sold separately)
  • Accommodates a single-DIN or double-DIN aftermarket radio
  • Multi-purpose 5.2” touch-screen LCD display for climate control, camera selection, vehicle settings, performance gauges, vehicle information and feature setup (for installer use)

Click here to visit the RPK4-CH4103 product page.

The kit is available at an MSRP of $649.95.

Visit pac-audio.com for more.

XS Power Batteries Acquires Ultracapacitor Manufacturer Ioxus

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KNOXVILLE, TN (04.13.2020) – XS Power Batteries has announced its acquisition of all of the assets of New York-based ultracapacitor manufacturer, Ioxus, Inc.

Ioxus HQ

Ioxus will continue to manufacture the same great quality products through Systematic Power Manufacturing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Systematic Power Solutions, LLC d/b/a XS Power Batteries. Existing customer orders will continue to ship on schedule with no foreseeable delays in the manufacturing and delivery process. The company will continue to push the envelope with new product development and advancements in the ultracapacitor industry.

“For many years XS Power Batteries has partnered with Ioxus to offer ultracapacitor products to our customers because Ioxus has always offered the most reliable, powerful and longest lasting product suitable for the rigorous demands of our customers,” stated Scottie Johnson, founder and CEO of XS Power Batteries. “The opportunity to combine the synergistic technologies and expertise of both companies to develop and manufacture cutting edge new products, including high tech lithium batteries, smart charging solutions and new hybrid capacitor and battery solutions will propel both brands forward much further than ever possible individually.”

Chad Hall, Co-Founder of Ioxus, Inc. also commented, “For most applications, ultracapacitors were always intended to complement batteries, not replace them. With the streamlined collaboration under common ownership, XS Power Batteries and Ioxus will be able to expand their offerings to their respective customers and supply more advanced hybridized energy storage options in the future.”

Visit www.xspowerbatteries.com and www.ioxus.com or for more.

CE Guys to Represent and Distribute Braille Battery Products in 12 Midwestern States and Hawaii

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CHICAGO, IL (04.13.2020) – “We are extremely excited to announce that we are the rep and distributor for Braille Battery in the Midwest and Hawaii. We have stock and are ready to ship to dealers” stated Michael Foundation stated.

Braille Battery is a US manufacturer of high end Lithium ION and AGM batteries for cars, SUV’s, trucks, motorcycles, UTV/ATV,s, high performance race cars, boats, golf carts and RV’s.

Contact CE Guys to find out how to become an authorized dealer in the following states: IL, WI, MN, SD, ND, MO, IA, IN, KY, TN, 0H, MI and HI. CE Guys is a very aggressive rep firm and distributor based in Chicago IL focused on car audio, motorcycle, powersports and motorsports.

Visit ceguys.com and instagram.com/ceguys for more.

SiriusXM Celebrates Holy Week and Easter Sunday with Special Religious Programming

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NEW YORK, NY (04.10.2020) – SiriusXM has announced special Holy Week and Easter Sunday programming across its religious channels, including Joel Osteen Radio, The Catholic Channel, The Billy Graham Channel, Kirk Franklin’s Praise, enLighten, and The Message. Coverage begins today, April 9.

With so many empty churches and houses of worship on Easter this year, SiriusXM will provide special programming so that listeners can remain connected in faith and celebration, all from the safety of their homes. Listeners will hear special live Masses and holy services from around the world, along with messages of hope, faith, love and inspiration, and Easter-themed worship music across the Christian Gospel community.

SiriusXM’s special faith-based programming is available to subscribers nationwide and to everyone – including anyone who is not already a SiriusXM subscriber – as part of SiriusXM’s recently announced free streaming access period through May 15. For more information and to start listening, visit: SiriusXM.com/streamfree.

The full Holy Week and Easter Programming schedule can be found below. All times are ET.

The Catholic Channel (Ch. 129)  
The Catholic Channel will air services and Holy Masses from around the globe.

Mass of The Lord’s Supper from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City 
Airs: Holy Thursday at 5:30 pm

Meditations of The Seven Last Words from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City
Airs: Good Friday at 12:00 pm and replays at 9:00 pm

Solemn Liturgy of The Lord’s Passion from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City
Airs: Good Friday at 3:30 pm and replays at 12:30 am on Holy Saturday

Easter Vigil Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Airs: Holy Saturday at 8:00 pm

Easter Mass from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome celebrated by His Holiness Pope Francis 
Airs: Easter Sunday at 4:55 am with replays at 7:00 am & 5:00 pm

Easter Mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Airs: Easter Sunday at 10:00 am

Easter Mass from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, California celebrated by Archbishop Jose Gomez
Airs: Easter Sunday at 1:00 pm and will replay at 9:00 pm

Easter Mass from the Basilica of The National Shrine of Immaculate Conception in Washington DC 
Airs: Easter Sunday at 3:00 pm

Joel Osteen Radio (Ch. 128)  
Celebrate with a special Good Friday service with Pastor John Gray and special message from Joel and Victoria.
Airs: Good Friday at 8:00 pm

Special Easter service at Lakewood Church with Joel and Victoria Osteen with special messages from Tyler Perry, Mariah Carey, & Kanye West & Sunday Service Choir
Airs: Easter Sunday at 9:30am, 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm

The Billy Graham Channel (Ch. 460)  
Hear special messages of hope and love from Billy Graham, Franklin Graham and Cissie Graham Lynch who remind listeners that they can live in peace, even in the midst of a global pandemic. Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with The Billy Graham Channel’s Easter service from New York’s Central Park with Franklin Graham and songs of celebration from Michael W. Smith. 
Airs: Easter Sunday at 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

The Message (Ch. 63)  
Easter Sunday Praise Virtual Guest DJ Special – The Message is celebrating Easter with a very special edition of their weekly Worship music show, “Sunday Praise.” Hear encouraging Worship music and Easter-themed song selections from Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, for KING & COUNTRY, Sidewalk Prophets, Meredith Andrews, Jason Gray, We Are Messengers, Big Daddy Weave, Danny Gokey, Matthew West, Matt Maher and many others, as several Message artists take turns as virtual guest DJs.
Airs: Easter Sunday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Kirk Franklin’s Praise (Ch. 64)   
Kirk Franklin’s Praise will air their weekly show, “Good Vibes with Isaac Carree” and an Easter Special. Tune in for a mix of both traditional and contemporary Gospel music, and more.
Airs: Easter Sunday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

enLighten (Ch. 65)  
enLighten will be featuring resurrection-themed songs throughout the day, along with scripture readings highlighting the Resurrection, and special Easter editions of Homecoming Radio and The Gospel Greats:

Homecoming Radio Easter Edition – Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Radio celebrates the Christian world’s most important holiday by featuring songs of the Resurrection by Southern Gospel’s top artists, as well as thoughts from Bill’s panel of all-stars. 
Airs: Good Friday at 12:00 pm with rebroadcasts: Holy Saturday at 12:00 am, Easter Sunday at 7:00 pm

The Gospel Greats – Easter Edition – This week, Paul Heil celebrates Easter, featuring songs and artist commentary highlighting the Lord’s resurrection nearly 2,000 years ago – and what that means  today.
Airs: Holy Saturday at 6:00 pm, Easter Sunday at 8:00 pm, Tuesday at 10:00 pm

Easter on enLighten –Throughout the day, enLighten will feature songs of the Resurrection by Southern Gospel’s leading artists, as well as hourly scripture readings highlighting the Resurrection.
Airs: All day Easter Sunday

Visit siriusxm.com for more.

Midbass Distribution Limited and Aurigin Inc. Join Together in International Collaboration

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SUTTON COLDFIELD, UK & ATLANTA, GA (04.10.2020) – Midbass Distribution Limited is the master distributor of Vented Innovative Bass Enclosures (VIBE) Audio, founded in 1993, the first brand in the world to trademark the now-iconic alloy spun turbo port in all of its bass enclosures. The VIBE product line consists of speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, powered enclosures, and installation accessories, is the UK’s biggest 12V car audio brand, and recipient of numerous European awards including the EISA award for best speaker in 2019.

Aurigin Inc. is owned by Scott Buwalda, who also founded Hybrid Audio Technologies in 2005. Hybrid Audio is best known for producing some of the world’s finest car audio speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers, and have garnered more International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA) wins than any other manufacturer in the past ten years. The company celebrates its 15th Anniversary in 2020 with a commemorative component set known as the “XV Series,” and planned release of their first DSP amplifier later this year.

The collaboration will include Aurigin Inc. warehousing and order fulfillment of VIBE products in the USA with sales and marketing coordination by Midbass from their UK offices, while Midbass assumes responsibility for Hybrid Audio Technologies warehousing and exclusive distribution through the European Union, EMEA, and the UK.

Jon Knowles, Head of 12V Midbass Distribution and Director of Sales for VIBE Audio stated “we are very happy to be taking big steps back into the US market, after an overly long time away. We now will have a mechanism in place to warehouse the VIBE products and ensure timely order delivery from Aurigin’s Georgia headquarters and a satellite fulfillment and support location in Chicago, Illinois.” Knowles went on to say “further, having the Hybrid Audio Technologies line-up in the EMEA fills a void in the high-end audio categories for us, and is a natural fit.”

“We formed Aurigin Inc. two years ago for this very purpose” explains Klifton Keplinger, VP of Sales for Aurigin and Hybrid Audio Technologies. “We are positioned well to be a warehousing and order fulfillment center for VIBE as they seek to grow their business in the USA.” Keplinger continues “furthermore, Midbass will be an asset to Hybrid Audio Technologies as the brand is proliferated throughout the UK and Europe, thanks to Midbass’s extensive distribution network which covers thirty countries in EMEA.”

Midbass will market both brands (VIBE in the USA and Hybrid Audio Technologies in UK and EMEA) as protected lines, with a focus on the specialist “brick and mortar” retailers. In Europe, the Hybrid Audio Technologies line completes the Midbass portfolio of products and bolsters the super high-end and SQ product lines currently not fulfilled by the company with VIBE Audio and EDGE Car Audio.

For more information on VIBE Audio, contact Jon Knowles, Director of Sales, Midbass Distribution Ltd. at jon.k@midbass.com, or by calling +44(0) 121 311 9090. For more information on Hybrid Audio Technologies, contact Klifton Keplinger of Aurigin Inc. at klifton@aurigin.us, or by calling toll-free 1.833.AURIGIN x.101.