January 5th 2017
Alpine Electronics Expands Entertainment Options for AVN and AV Systems
Torrance, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2017) – Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. debuted three new 8 and 7-inch screen-based systems at the 2017 International CES, taking place Jan. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. All models have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility and can also serve as control hubs for system expansion with external accessories, drive assist cameras and rear seat entertainment products.
“We’re excited to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in these new systems,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. “Alpine is the only manufacturer to offer aftermarket connectivity solutions in a selection of systems ranging from the standard 7-inch to the oversize, vehicle-specific 8 and 9-inch sizes.”
The new lineup consists of three mech-less systems: the 8-inch Alpine Restyle X208U audio/video/navigation (AVN) system, the 7-inch INE-W977HD AVN system and the iLX-207 audio/video (AV) system. The X208U is compatible with vehicle-specific Alpine Restyle dash kits that come with all needed accessories for the plug-and-play installation of the X208U, while the INE-W977HD and iLX-207 are for universal application in vehicles.
Optimized Smart Phone Connectivity
The X208U, INE-W977HD and iLX-207 are optimized for connectivity with an iPhone or Android™ phone. The systems are designated as “Work with Apple CarPlay” models. Apple CarPlay lets iPhone users make and receive calls, access text messages, play music, and get directions in a way that allows them to stay focused on the road. Apple CarPlay is accessed through the capacitive touch screen or “Voice” hard key with Siri voice control and is compatible with iPhone 5 and later, including iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and the latest version of iOS.
The three models are also Android Auto compatible. Android Auto was designed with safety in mind. With a simple and intuitive interface, integrated steering wheel controls, and powerful new voice actions, it’s designed to minimize distraction so drivers can stay focused on the road. The corresponding audio, driving directions and phone calls from either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are played through the vehicle’s speaker system.
System Expansion Capabilities
All three models can serve as control hubs for other accessories. When used with the optional KAC-001 External Accessory Control Module (sold separately), the screen becomes a hub for touch screen control of add-on electrical accessories like a motorized tonneau cover, winch, LED lights, etc. Eight outputs are available to control eight relay-connected accessories. A graphical icon and custom text can be assigned to each accessory for quick identification on the screen. The individual outputs can be configured as Pulsed, Latched or Momentary.
The models are compatible with Alpine’s rear and front camera systems and can be used with the optional KCX-C250MC Multi-Camera Controller (sold separately) to manage multiple camera systems. The KCX-C250MC allows up to three camera systems (rear, front, side) to be controlled from the screen for one-touch viewing of the camera images.
DVD or CD entertainment can be added to any of the systems with the optional DVE-5300 add-on DVD player. The KCX-630HD HDMI Selector Interface (sold separately) can also be added to retain HDMI capability when the X2008U, INE-W977HD or iLX-207 is connected to the DVE-5300. It uses an HDMI connection for maximum signal quality and a digital optical connection for output to an external processor (processor sold separately).
Audio Features
Audio features on the X208U, INE-W977HD and iLX-207 include:
Video and Navigation Features
The three models each have an HDMI input for video entertainment through connectivity to HDMI-enabled devices (HDMI cable sold separately). Each system also has an HDMI output, allowing for full digital audio/video output to a rear seat entertainment system (sold separately). The dual zone video control allows the driver to use a source in the dash while the rear seat passengers enjoy a separate video in the back.
The X208U and INE-W977HD come with onboard navigation systems with free lifetime HERE® traffic RDS service, pre-loaded maps of the United States and Canada and more than seven million Points of Interest (POIs). Major landmarks, buildings and terrain details are depicted in 3D. Driving directions are delivered through text-to-speech announcements and the highway services list displays the services at each exit (gas, ATM, etc.).
Bluetooth® Wireless Technology Features
Alpine’s advanced Bluetooth® wireless technology features include secure simple pairing (SSP); multipoint technology which allows for pairing and connecting of two different Bluetooth devices at the same time; phone battery, cellular signal level and received message indicators; as well as call waiting.
iDatalink® Maestro® Compatibility
The X208U, INE-W977HD and iLX-207 retain various factory features through compatibility with the iDatalink Maestro module (sold separately). The retained features and customized vehicle information will vary by vehicle model, examples include: OnStar® from GM, SYNC® from Ford, SiriusXM, factory amplified system, rear seat entertainment system, rear view camera and steering wheel controls. Customized vehicle information (diagnostic data, gauge screen, parking assist screen, etc.) may also be viewable.
Customizable Settings
The X208U and INE-W977HD have smartphone connectivity powered by Airbiquity® for iPhone and Android based smartphones, featuring a portfolio of useful and popular infotainment content. The companion Alpine Connect smartphone app provides simple content selection and user personalization and integrates it into the Alpine system’s user and navigation interfaces. Current Alpine Connect content includes: iHeartRadio® for streaming live radio stations from across the country, custom music stations, 24/7 news, on-demand podcasts, and the best in sports, talk and comedy programming; Yelp® for finding local places to eat, drink, and shop; and Glympse® for sharing locations with friends and family. Additional content will be added to Alpine Connect in 2017.
The “My Favorites” feature lets users customize a quick-access screen with shortcuts to their most-used features. Shortcuts can be created from audio sources, navigation commands and phone settings. If the chosen radio station broadcasts metadata, the metadata is fed into the radio station icon so the user can see the current song before choosing the radio station.
The X208U, INE-W977HD, iLX-207, and system expansion products are available at authorized Alpine retailers, visit www.alpine-usa.com for a store locator.
X208U Mech-less 8-inch Restyle Dash System
Alpine Restyle Dash Kit Solutions for the X208U 8-inch AVN system
The following dash kits are available now at authorized Alpine retailers:
INE-W977HD Mech-less 7-inch Audio/Video/Navigation (AVN) System
iLX-207 Mech-less Audio/Video (AV) system
Additional Models with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are:
X209-WRA 9-inch Alpine Restyle Dash System for 2011-Up Jeep Wrangler
i209-WRA Mech-less 9-inch Alpine Restyle Dash System for 2011-Up Jeep Wrangler
KAC-001 External Accessory Control Module
KCX-C250MC Multi-Camera Selector Interface
KCX-630HD HDMI Selector Interface
DVE-5300 Add-On DVD Player for Mech-less Systems
Notice: Product information is based upon current information at the time of press, but cannot be guaranteed. All designs, features, specifications and delivery dates are subject to change without notice.
TuneIt and MediaXpander are registered trademarks of Alpine Electronics, Inc. iPhone, CarPlay, Works with Apple CarPlay, iPod, iPhone, and Made for iPod and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google Inc. PANDORA, the PANDORA logo, and the Pandora trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandora Media, Inc., used with permission. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries. “HD Radio” is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Alpine Electronics, Inc. is under license. iDatalink is a trademark of Automotive Data Solutions, Inc. Chevrolet and Silverado are registered trademarks of General Motors Corporation. Ford, F-150, Super Duty, Navigator and Expedition and SYNC are registered trademarks of Ford Motors Corporation. Airbiquity is a trademark of Airbiquity Inc. HERE is a registered trademark of HERE Global B.V. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics manufacturer that provides consumers and leading auto makers with audio, video, navigation and driver assistance products. The company specializes in system integration solutions with innovative vehicle entertainment and information technologies. Alpine’s R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Europe and North America ensure that all products address the real world requirements of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing safe, comfortable and eco-friendly automotive electronics products.
For information about Alpine’s aftermarket products, visit www.alpine-usa.com and these social media channels: Facebook: facebook.com/AlpineUSA, Instagram: instagram.com/AlpineUSA, Twitter: twitter.com/AlpineUSA
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.