ALPINE ELECTRONICS UPS THE ANTE FOR IN-CAR CONNECTIVITY AND GREAT SOUND WITH NEW 2008 HEAD UNITS

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 7, 2008 – Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy about what they want for the in-car environment. Not only do they want access to their digital sources while on the road, they also demand a quality listening experience from these sources. Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, offers four new 2008 in-dash head units that make it simple for consumers to get the most out of their driving experience. With easy connectivity to the latest digital media and entertainment sources such as iPod®, satellite radio, HD Radio™ and Bluetooth®, the new 2008 CD head units offer innovative solutions for every consumer.

With the iPod becoming synonymous with today’s digital lifestyle, all four of these new head units offer easy iPod connection through Alpine’s KCE-422i Full Speed Connection™ for iPod cable. The KCE-422i comes packaged with the two new Ai-NET head units (CDA-9884 and CDA-9886), and is an optional feature for the other two units (CDE-9872 and CDE-9874). All four head units feature Percentage Search, which takes the iPod’s music library and divides it evenly into six groups that are accessible through the six preset buttons on the head unit. This unique feature lets users jump to a section of their music library instead of individually scrolling through each file, so finding music is made easier.

Bluetooth hands-free capabilities are available for all four units through the separate KCE-300BT Bluetooth interface, enabling consumers to conduct hands-free phone conversations that are played through the vehicle’s sound system. “Caller ID,” “Missed Calls,” “Dialed Calls” and “Received Calls” information is displayed on and controlled through the Alpine head unit. All units can also wirelessly stream audio files stored on an A2DP-enabled Bluetooth phone or device, allowing the music to be played through the car’s sound system. Bluetooth phones or devices with AVRCP protocol also allow for “Track Up,” “Track Down,” “Play” and “Pause” functions to be managed via the Alpine head unit.

In addition to enhanced connectivity, consumers can get superior sound from their new head unit with Alpine’s head unit audio upgrades. All four models are compatible with the new KTP-445 Head Unit Power Pack. The KTP-445 is a small amplifier that can fit behind the head unit to boost its power output to the CEA-2006 rating of 45W RMS x 4. This power increase results in dynamic response with tighter bass and clearer highs.

The CDA-9886 and CDA-9884 are also compatible with the new PXA-H100 IMPRINT™ audio processor, a hide-away box that adds Alpine’s IMPRINT sound engine processing to the head unit. The PXA-H100 works with the required KTX-H100 Tuning Kit and consists of a microphone, IMPRINT sound manager set-up software and a USB PC cable. These items are used to measure the vehicle cabin’s interior, aggregate these measurements, and then apply adjustments to the system for optimal sound reproduction.

“The shift to a digital-based ecosystem is here, and Alpine is keeping in tune with consumers’ changing behavior and needs,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing and product planning, Alpine Electronics. “The new CD head units combine the best in digital connectivity with the ability to achieve a great listening experience in the vehicle.”

CDA-9886
The CDA-9886 is a robust CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA head unit with simplified, faster iPod connectivity and file navigation via the included KCE-422i iPod cable with Percentage Search function. This head unit can connect to various digital media sources and formats, including HD Radio, XM® or SIRIUS® satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity for hands free calling, USB mass storage devices and CD changers, for a truly integrated in-car digital experience. (Separate adapters and/or subscriptions required.)

The CDA-9886’s three pairs of 4V pre-amp outputs make it easy to build a fully amplified system, and provide the lowest noise floor for the discriminating audio enthusiast. The unit also features a built-in 18W x 4 RMS amplifier (at the CEA-2006 Power Rating), a high-pass crossover, blue illumination and backlit buttons. Using Alpine’s own BioLite® display, the CDA-9886 displays animated icons for each source that is connected to the unit, along with two lines of text and a choice of viewing options. It comes with a remote control and is also steering wheel remote ready.

CDA-9884
In addition to intuitive iPod command via the included KCE-422i iPod cable with Percentage Search, the CDA-9884 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA receiver allows full control of digital media sources and formats directly from the head unit, such as HD Radio, XM or SIRIUS satellite radio and Bluetooth. (Separate adapters and/or subscriptions required.)

The CDA-9884 features a 12-segment dot matrix LCD display, three pairs of pre-outs (2V), built-in 18W x 4 RMS amplifier (at the CEA-2006 Power Rating), a high-pass crossover and blue or red selectable illumination for the buttons. It is remote control ready and steering wheel remote ready.

CDE-9874
The CDE-9874 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA head unit makes it easy to connect to external sources through its front panel auxiliary input. It is ideal for those looking for a CD head unit that also offers quick, easy iPod connection and Bluetooth capabilities (separate adapters required). iPod users will appreciate the advanced human-to-machine interface (HMI) that uses the rotary encoder and built-in Percentage Search function, making it simple to find iPod content quickly. The receiver features two pairs of pre-outs (2V) with selectable subwoofer control, built-in 16W x 4 RMS amplifier (at the CEA-2006 Power Rating), a selectable high-pass crossover and clean blue and red fixed illumination.

CDE-9872
The new CDE-9872 CD-R/-RW/MP3 receiver offers Full Speed iPod connection with Percentage Search for quick, easy iPod file navigation (separate KCE-422i cable required). The head unit also features one pair of pre-outs (2V) with selectable subwoofer control, built-in 16W x 4 RMS amplifier (at the CEA-2006 Power Rating), a selectable high-pass crossover and blue and green fixed illumination.

CDA-9887
In addition to the four 2008 models, Alpine continues to offer the CDA-9887 CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA receiver, the first aftermarket head unit to incorporate Alpine’s IMPRINT sound engine processing. The KTX-100EQ IMPRINT tuning kit for the CDA-9887 is required to apply the IMPRINT technology. The CDA-9887 has three pairs of pre-outs (4V) and built-in 18W x 4RMS amplifier (at the CEA-2006 Power Rating). This unit is also compatible with the KTP-445 Head Unit Power Pack.

Specifications, Pricing and Availability
Alpine head units are available at authorized Alpine dealers. (Note: see attached spec sheet for complete product details, suggested retail indexes and shipping dates.)

Alpine Electronics 2008 Head Units

About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is a global supplier of automotive mobile media solutions including audio, video, satellite-linked navigation and portable device connectivity systems for original equipment and aftermarket applications. Alpine is at the forefront of vehicle entertainment and information system innovation, with many first-to-market technologies such as portable navigation that docks into an in-dash unit, iPod® integration, full-range digital amplification and automated acoustical correction sound systems.

With manufacturing and R&D facilities in Japan, China, Europe and North America, and more than 1,600 global patents, Alpine’s premium sound systems and user-friendly navigation products combine the latest in advanced technology with an enhanced user experience.

Alpine is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world’s premier manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics equipment. Visit www.alpine-usa.com to learn more about Alpine products or to find an authorized retailer.

Notice: Product information is based upon current information at the time of writing, but cannot be guaranteed. All designs, features, specifications and delivery dates are subject to change without notice.

Alpine Media Contact(s):
Jennifer Quon
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
AlpinePressRoom@alpine-usa.com