Alpine Electronics’ First Double-Din iPod Digital Media Station

Alpine Electronics of U.K. Ltd., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, today announced that it has launched the iXA-W404R, its first 2-DIN ScrollView touch control 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-W404R is a high-performance iPod controller that uses either the double-action rotary button or the vibrant 4.3-inch QVGA colour 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 colour display iPod is compatible with the iXA-W404R, 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 Keith Holness, National Sales Manager, Alpine Electronics. “The iXA-W404R 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 personalise the iXA-W404R 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-W404R when the vehicle is parked.
The iXA-W404R offers the ability to add additional entertainment and information options, including Bluetooth, navigation or reversing cameras and by using the Drive Assist buttons at the bottom of the unit these are accessible at the touch of a button for ease of use.
Alpine’s KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface Module (sold separately) can be added to allow mobile phone conversations to be heard through the vehicle’s sound system. Phone functions are controlled via the iXA-W404R. It also provides wireless streaming of music from A2DP-enabled Bluetooth devices. The iXA-W404R is also GPS navigation-ready for Alpine’s optional navigation products. When one of these products is connected to the iXA-W404R, the map information and driving directions from the navigation unit are displayed on the iXA-W404R’s screen.  It is also possible to add a reversing camera to see what’s around the vehicle, allowing greater safety and easier parking.

Pricing and Availability:
The iXA-W404R Digital Media Station is available now with a Typical Selling Price of £499.99. The KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface is available with a Typical Selling Price of £149.99. All products are available through authorised Alpine dealers. To learn more about the iXA-W404R or to find an authorised Alpine retailer, please visit http://www.alpine-electronics.co.uk

Technical Specifications
– 4 x 50W
– Works with iPhone
– USB connection for iPod (iPod 5th gen. iPod nano 1st – 4th gen. iPod classic, iPod touch 1st – 2nd gen) or USB sticks
– iPod / USB adapter + 2.0m USB cable included
– 4.3in high resolution touch screen display
– Dual Action Encoder
– Quick Search with alphabet search
– iPod video playback
– Dual Zone Entertainment
– Multi-Information Display
– Parrot Bluetooth Ready (with KCE-400BT)
– Navigation Touch Control
– Direct reversing camera port (for HCE-C107D)
– Standard RCA camera input
– IMPRINT Ready with PXA-H100
– 24-Bit DAC
– 3 Pre-Outs
– 2 Pre-Ins for PXA-H100
– 1 A/V input
– MP3/AAC/WMA Playback
– Ai-NET
– KTP-445 Power Pack Ready
– Steering Wheel Remote Control Ready
– CD Mechanism-free design