Press Releases

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 7, 2008 – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is taking water recreation up a notch this year with the introduction of its full line of marine products. The industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions is taking its expertise to the waves with a product offering that lets users get loud on the water and makes boating more fun. Having the right gear that can withstand abuse from water, salt and sun is critical for products that last, and Alpine’s new marine system is the solution.

Alpine’s marine system, which consists of two head units, two PDX amplifiers, two remote controls, two speakers and one subwoofer, debuted today at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Every Alpine marine component is engineered for the severe marine environment and is designed to work together for maximum performance and durability. The rugged, efficient sound system components play loud without wasting battery power. The Alpine marine system, which won a CES Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Award in the In-Vehicle Accessories category, is installed in a custom-fabricated 25-foot demo boat that was also unveiled today at CES.

The rigorous U/V, salt, fog and water intrusion protection applied to the units combine to create a durable, long-lasting marine sound system. All the Alpine marine components pass both American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings for ATSM B117 salt spray/fog testing, as well as ASTM G154/D4329 UV resistance tests.

“Alpine’s new marine products are built as an engineered system solution for the marine environment,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing and product planning, Alpine Electronics. “Consumers know Alpine for great sound in the car. With our marine systems, they can now have the same premium sound on the water.”

Head Units
Alpine’s two marine head units are the iDA-X100M and the CDA-9886M. The iDA-X100M Digital Media Receiver delivers a fully integrated iPod® experience and is based on Alpine’s award-winning in-vehicle iPod interface. The 2.2-inch full color TFT screen displays artist, album details and track information from the iPod. If the iPod displays album art, this will also be shown on the iDA-X100M’s screen. The unit includes a double-action knob, which rotates to control volume or to easily find an Artist or Playlist. A push-in-and-turn motion is used to quickly scroll through large music libraries using Alpine’s Alphabet Search or Percentage Search features. A “Quick Search/Enter” button is built onto the knob for easy file navigation.

The CDA-9886M is a robust CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA head unit with simplified, fast iPod connectivity and file navigation via the included KCE-422i Full Speed Connection™ for iPod cable and the Percentage Search function. This head unit, along with the iDA-X100M, 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. (Separate adapters and/or subscriptions required.)

Remote Controls
Combine an Alpine marine head unit with multiple remote controls for multi-source flexibility from anywhere in the boat. The MC1 wireless marine commander not only controls the head unit, it also offers full control of additional sources such as iPod, HD Radio and satellite radio, which is a unique feature in the marine market (additional sources and subscription fees required, sold separately). A full dot matrix display with backlighting allows users to view metadata (such as album, artist and song information), volume levels and sub levels.

The RUE-M1RF remote control is designed for the marine environment. It floats and is compatible with both Alpine marine head units or any Alpine head unit that has the steering wheel remote-control ready feature. Previous remotes mostly used infrared (IR) designs, rendering them poorly suited for the outdoor boating environment because sun reflection interferes with the IR remote eye. Alpine overcomes this obstacle by using RF (radio frequency) technology to extend the operational range for boaters. The RUE-M1RF kit comes with one remote and an RF receiver that plugs into the head unit through the steering wheel remote control jack. Additional single RUE-M1EX remotes may be purchased separately, as up to eight units can be simultaneously connected.

PDX Amplifiers
Alpine’s PDX family of digital amplifiers combines a small, uniform design with superb fidelity, maximized output power control and efficiency. With the new PDX-1.600M 600-watt mono digital block and PDX-4.100M 4-channel power density digital amplifiers, Alpine extends the PDX series’ super-efficient digital architecture and compact, stackable form factor to the marine environment. These amplifiers run cool and efficiently, making them well-suited for a day of playing the sound system with the engine off while at the beach or a dock.

Speakers and Subwoofer
Alpine offers two speaker options that are specifically designed for fresh or saltwater boats. The SPR-M700 (7-inch) and SPS-M600 (6.5-inch) speakers bring Alpine’s popular automotive Type-R and Type-S speaker technology to the marine environment. Both models are 2-way coaxial speakers and exhibit excellent power handling and great bass performance.

The SPS-M600 Type-S speaker uses a .5-inch PEI dome tweeter for crisp highs. The Type-S speakers are designed to help optimize sound quality by improving sound dispersion and can handle higher volume levels to carry in an outdoor environment. Its larger voice coil allows for higher power handling and deeper bass.

The SPR-M700 Type-R speaker uses a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter that swivels to direct the highs toward the listener, while its 7-inch woofer provides big bass that carries in the outdoor environment. UV-treated Centrex 813-coated grilles and high-strength, non-resonant, high-temperature ABS frames provide hard-wearing durability and UV protection against yellowing. Santopreneâ„¢ surrounds on the SPR-M700 offer high quality frequency response performance and excellent resistance against moisture, oil, heat and chemicals.

The popular Type-R subwoofer line makes its marine debut with the SWR-M100 10-inch subwoofer. It has a high excursion for deep, high-output bass. Its infinite baffle design allows for a wide variety of installation applications in the boat, such as under a bench seat, without sacrificing sound quality.

Specifications, Pricing and Availability
The Alpine marine systems will be available at select authorized Alpine dealers. See attached specifications for pricing and details.

Alpine 2008 Marine Products Specifications, Pricing and Availability

iDA-X100M Marine Digital Media Receiver Connectivity Features: USB and Full Speed Connections for iPod w/ USB Album Art USB MTP allows Microsoft Plays-from-Device compatibility iPod tagging ready with new HD Radio interface Percentage Search and Alphabet Search Ready for USB mass storage devices Ai-NET bus system allows connection to HD Radio with Multicasting, satellite radio, CD changer and aux input (using the KCA-121B) Bluetooth ready with AV profile Control Features: 2.2-inch TFT full color display Selectable dual illumination (blue/red) Double-action knob Spanish language compatible Sub display output for use with Marine Commander Remote control ready Steering wheel remote ready Audio Features: KTP-445 Head Unit Power Pack ready 18Wx4 RMS power 2 volt pre-outs for front, rear and subwoofer channels with subwoofer level control High-pass crossover (selectable 80 hz, 120 hz, 160 hz) Bass center frequency control with Q, treble center frequency control Marine Ready Marine coating system American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings: Salt/fog (ASTM B117) certified UV (ASTM D4329) certified Availability – April 2008 Suggested retail index – $450	CDA-9886M Marine CD Receiver/iPod Controller Connectivity Features: Full Speed Connection for iPod using KCE-422i Percentage Search Ready for USB mass storage devices Ai-NET bus system allows connection to HD Radio with Multicasting, satellite radio, CD changer and aux input (using the KCA-121B) Bluetooth ready with AV profile Control Features: BioLite high-definition display Blue illumination Rotary encoder volume control Spanish language compatible Sub display output for use with Marine Commander Remote control included Steering wheel remote ready Audio Features: CD/MP3/AAC/WMA playback KTP-445 Head Unit Power Pack ready 18Wx4 RMS power 4 volt pre-outs for front, rear and subwoofer channels with subwoofer level control High-pass crossover (selectable 80 hz, 120 hz, 160 hz) Bass center frequency control with Q, treble center frequency control Black Out mode Marine Ready Marine coating system American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings: Salt/fog (ASTM B117) certified UV (ASTM D4329) certified Availability – April 2008 Suggested retail index – $400
MC1 Wireless Remote Commander Compatible with all Alpine marine head units High contrast display designed to work in direct sunlight Quick Search lets you find your favorite song fast on any source IPx6 Waterproof design – mount it anywhere Multiple commanders can be added to a system Marine Ready National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) ratings: IPx6 High Pressure WJ American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings: Salt/fog (ASTM B117) certified UV (ASTM D4329) certified Availability – Spring 2008 Suggested retail index – $180	RUE-M1RF RF Remote Control Works with all Alpine units capable of steering-wheel control Water resistant design RF remote works up to 100 feet away from the unit Kit comes with remote and interface unit Up to 8 remotes can be programmed to work with the same kit Marine Ready National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) ratings: IPx6 High Pressure WJ American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings: Salt/fog (ASTM B117) certified UV (ASTM D4329) certified Availability – Now Suggested retail index – $120
PDX-1.600M Marine Mono Power Density Digital Amplifier 600W RMS X 1 @ 4 ohm/2 ohm (CEA-2006 Power Rating) Mono subwoofer amp Low-pass crossover 50Hz-200Hz variable Subsonic filter 15Hz/30Hz selectable “Quick Connect” high current speaker terminals UV resistant materials/finish Corrosion resistant hardware Marine Ready Marine coating system American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings: Salt/fog (ASTM B117) certified UV (ASTM D4329) certified Availability – April 2008 Suggested retail index – $650	PDX-4.100M Marine 4/3/2 Channel Power Density Digital Amplifier 100W RMS X 4 @ 4 ohm/2 ohm (CEA-2006 Power Rating) 4/3/2 channel HP/LP crossover 30Hz-400Hz variable “Quick Connect” high current speaker terminals UV resistant materials/finish Corrosion resistant hardware Marine Ready Marine coating system American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings: Salt/fog (ASTM B117) certified UV (ASTM D4329) certified Availability – April 2008 Suggested retail index – $650
SPR-M700 7-inch Coaxial 2-way Marine Speakers CEA-2031 speaker ratings: 50W RMS/150W peak 7-inch poly/mica woofer cone 1-inch titanium dome tweeter with swivel In-line crossover 12dB/6dB Santoprene™ rubber surround Centrex 813 grill Magnetically shielded basket Gold plated push terminals Marine Ready American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings: G154 Non-Metal UV rating D4329 UV Plastics UV rating ASTM G117 Salt Spray/Fog Wear and Erosion rating National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) ratings: IPx5 Ingress Protection from low pressure water jet from any direction Availability – Now Suggested retail index – $200	SPS-M600 6.5-inch Coaxial 2-way Marine Speakers CEA-2031 speaker ratings: 35W RMS/110W peak 6.5-inch poly/mica woofer cone .5-inch PEI balanced dome tweeter Santoprene™ rubber surround Centrex 813 grill (5 year UV spec) Magnetically shielded basket Gold plated solder terminals Marine Ready American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings: G154 Non-Metal UV rating D4329 UV Plastics UV rating ASTM G117 Salt Spray/Fog Wear and Erosion rating National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) ratings: IPx5 Ingress Protection from low pressure water jet from any direction Availability – Now Suggested retail index – $120
SWR-M100 10-inch Marine Subwoofer CEA-2031 speaker ratings: 300W RMS/900W peak 4 ohm Impedance – Single VC High excursion for deep, high output bass Infinite baffle design for widest application Marine Ready National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)ratings: IPx5 (Low pressure water jet) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ratings: Salt/fog (ASTM B117) UV (ASTM D4329) Availability – April 2008 Suggested retail index – $230

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.