Alpine’s First Double-DIN iPod Digital Media Station Features Touch Screen and Knob Controller
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, today announced that it is shipping the iXA-W404, its first 2-DIN touch-screen Digital Media Station. The unit offers an enhanced iPod experience in the car with new ways for consumers to navigate their iPod/iPhone music and video content.
The iXA-W404 is a high-performance iPod controller that uses either the double-action encoder knob or the vibrant 4.3-inch QVGA color touch-screen. The unit has an AM/FM tuner and a high-speed USB connection for the best iPod/iPhone sound, plus connectivity to any USB-based portable music player or memory device. Any iPod with a 30-PIN dock connector is compatible with the iXA-W404, and the unit meets Apple’s “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” compatibility specifications.
“More than ever, consumers want to use their portable digital media players in the car and enhance this experience with great sound and visuals,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing, Alpine Electronics. “The iXA-W404 provides a fun, new way for consumers to control and experience all the digital content they are carrying around in their iPod, iPhone or portable device.”
The unit’s Percentage Search or Page Skip functions let users navigate through large music files alphabetically, making it easier to find music. Consumers also can personalize the iXA-W404 by selecting one of seven included display widgets, including a clock, calculator and a calendar, with as many as four widgets viewed on the screen at once. Additionally, iPod and iPhone video playback is fully supported by the iXA-W404 when the vehicle is parked.
The iXA-W404 offers the ability to add additional entertainment and information options, including satellite radio, HD Radio™ content with multicasting and iTunes Tagging support, Bluetooth and navigation. (Separate tuners, adapters and subscriptions required.) iTunes Tagging makes it easy for consumers to discover new music. Whenever they hear a song they like playing on HD Radio, they can “Tag” the song by pressing and holding the “Enter” button on the iXA-W404. Information about the “Tagged” songs are stored on the iPod/iPhone and presented in a “Tagged” playlist the next time the iPod/iPhone is connected to iTunes. The user can then preview and purchase the songs from iTunes, if desired.
The iXA-W404 easily connects to Alpine’s KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface Module (sold separately). This feature allows cellular phone conversations to be heard through the vehicle’s sound system, and phone functions are controlled via the iXA-W404. It also provides wireless streaming of music from AVRCP and A2DP-enabled Bluetooth devices. The iXA-W404 is also GPS navigation-ready for Alpine’s optional navigation products. When one of these products is connected to the iXA-W404, the map information and driving directions from the navigation unit are displayed on the iXA-W404’s screen.
Pricing and Availability
The iXA-W404 Digital Media Station is available now for $550 SRI. The KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface Module is available for $180 SRI. The TUA-T550HD HD Radio Tuner is available for $230 SRI. All products are available through authorized Alpine dealers.
