— XHD6425 and XHD6420 Offer True Integrated HD Radio Capability
With Exceptionally Rich Feature Sets for Under $150 —
HEATHROW, FL, September 20, 2007 — Dual Electronics has announced two new automotive entertainment head units with next-generation HD Radio capabilities, allowing consumers to access a large selection of unique, HD Radio-specific content, subscription-free, with the simplicity of commonplace CD head units and without the need for a separate module.
Like traditional AM and FM stations, HD Radio programming is free, but that is where the similarity ends. HD Radio reception is unique in that it allows stations to broadcast up to three FM stations on a single frequency, with all three “multicasts” offering CD-like quality audio. As of September 2007, there are more than 1,500 HD Radio stations in the U.S.
Dual’s new XHD6425 and XHD6420 HD/FM/AM/CD head units (both priced under $150 at retail) require no learning curve on the part of the consumer. Commonplace functions such as SEEK and SCAN allow end-users to peruse station selections, and a separate HD Radio-only seek function is provided for the user’s convenience. Thirty presets can be applied to HD Radio multicasts as well as standard FM and AM stations. When metadata is available, both head units display station, track, artist, and related information.
In addition to its HD Radio capabilities, the new XHD6425 also offers the latest in today’s digital connectivity features. An optional Bluetooth connection allows for hands-free communications with most Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, letting users answer and place calls directly from the unit’s front panel controls.
For music playback, the XHD6425 features a front-panel, full-speed USB connection, which can accept MP3 and WMA files directly from mass storage devices like USB flash drives. Additionally, there is a 3.5mm auxiliary input on the front panel plus two preamp outputs for added installation flexibility. A remote control is included as well for safety and convenience.
Both the XHD6425 and XHD6420 include a full complement of audio and convenience features, including MP3 and WMA disc playback, high-speed audible track search, electronic detachable face plates and 30 station HD/AM/FM presets, among many others.
“HD Radio technology is one of the most exciting advances in mobile audio since the introduction of the CD head unit,” said Robb Groner, Dual’s Vice President of Product Development. “And in keeping with our ‘high value’ approach to new technologies, we created two models that offer all the benefits of HD Radio broadcasting without having to install a separate module or learn a new set of procedures, and at prices that are well within the reach of most consumers.”
“Dual is a good match for HD Radio technology,” said Jeff Jury, COO of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of HD Radio technology. “Its adoption of HD Radio reception will make this outstanding technology available to the mass market by offering all of its benefits in intuitive packages.”
Dual Electronics’ XHD6425 and XHD6420 HD/FM/AM/CD mobile audio receivers are shipping as of mid-September, and are available at national chain retailers and select independent specialists.
About Dual
Dual Electronics, a subsidiary of Namsung America, Inc., is based in Heathrow, FL. Managed by Jim Braun, President and CEO; Clyde Podraza, President, Dual Commerce Division; and Matt Vinson, Senior Vice President and Senior Technology Officer, Dual offers a wide selection of mobile electronics, marine electronics, and home audio loudspeakers. For further information, visit the company’s web site, www.dualav.com, or contact Adam Sohmer, SOHMER ASSOCIATES, 718-499-9161 (voice/fax), 347-512-0066 (cell), adam@sohmerassoc.com.
About HD Radio
HD Radio broadcasting is crystal-clear, subscription-free digital AM and FM radio. It’s your local radio stations, gone digital. More than 1,500 stations across the country are now broadcasting with HD Radio technology, offering over 600 new HD2 Multicasting channels to their local communities with unique new content devoted to everything from classic to new country, blues to the BBC, tropical to eclectic chill-out. HD Radio receivers offer valuable information across their display screens, such as song title, artist, traffic, weather, news, school closings and other emergency alerts. HD Radio broadcasting offers vastly superior sound: AM sounds like FM stereo; FM is CD-like quality. With an HD Radio receiver, all of this new programming and more is free, no monthly subscription fees. Visit http://www.hdradio.com for a complete list of HD Radio stations.
