Las Vegas, Nev. – (October 29, 2018) SCOSCHE® – (pronounced skōsh/skohsh) Industries, innovators of award-winning consumer technology, powersports, car audio products and accessories will be introducing new products across the board at the upcoming SEMA and AAPEX Shows in Las Vegas, Nev. Visit us at SEMA in Booth #11717, North Hall of the Convention Center, and at AAPEX in Booth# 5542, Level 2 at the Sands Expo Center, for a demonstration of these and other innovative Scosche products.

The MagicMount™ Charge Direct Fit Qi-Wireless Charging Solutions join the Scosche range of MagicMount Pro Charge Wireless Charging window, dash and vent-mounted options. We’re adding to the growing line of Direct Fit vehicle make- and model-specific options, which now includes Toyota Tacoma and Tesla 3, as well as a universal version. The Universal version was selected by TWICE for a 2018 Very Important Product (VIP) Award.

The MagicMount Charge Direct Fit combines the latest (and safest) Qi Wireless Charging technology with the #1 U.S. mount brand. It provides up to 10W of charging power, supports Apple and Samsung Fast Charge, and holds your device securely with powerful, 100% device-safe Neodymium magnets. Qi-Certified for compatibility with current and future Qi-enabled devices, the Direct Fit includes advanced safety features such as foreign object detection.

Building on the success of the BaseClamp and TerraClamp lines of powersports mounts, Scosche will be debuting their latest addition, Terra2Clamps . Built from heavy duty resin and rust-free stainless steel hardware, Terra2Clamps, come in two sizes, which can be adjusted to accommodate a range of diameters from 1 to 3.5 inches. Designed to securely mount everything from a phone to a fire extinguisher to ATVs, UTVs, PWCs, boats, bikes and motorcycles, Terra2Clamps are adaptable, adjustable and affordable.

As the innovator of in-dash vehicle integration products, Scosche introduced the first generation of Integrated TouchScreen Control (ITC) installation kits in 2012. T his year we are excited to introduce the first kits to include a dual, full-color touchscreen system to control the vehicle’s HVAC, as well as other vehicle technology systems and convenience features. The kit requires no complex programming or cutting of any of the OEM wiring in the vehicle during installation.

The latest Scosche ITC line is comprised of: The Integrated Car series kits contain touch panel control or Digital Display Retention Interfaces. The Link Series Interfaces offer all information necessary to keep the vehicle fully operable when the radio is upgraded to an aftermarket model, including steering wheel controls retention. The Link+ Series adds features like amplifier retention, reverse camera retention, and/or USB retention. Amplifier add-ons for select European vehicles allow you to keep your SKU mix in check, so you stock the right balance of interfaces and amplifier upgrades. Follow us on: Instagram (@scoscheinc) and @scosche on Twitter, Facebook, GOOGLE+, Pinterest and LinkedIn for the latest news on all of the company’s award-winning consumer tech and car audio products and accessories.

Las Vegas, Nev. – (October 29, 2018) SCOSCHE® – (pronounced skōsh/skohsh) Industries, a leading innovator of car audio, powersports, and consumer technology products will showcase their products in no less than 24 show vehicles at this year’s SEMA Show. SEMA attendees are invited to visit Scosche in the Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall at Booth #11717 to see our latest car audio installation solutions, newest powersports mounts line, Direct Fit Qi-wireless charging solutions, and mobile accessories for most domestic and imported vehicles.

Scosche’s headline vehicle this year is a unique 2018 Jeep JL Rubicon , built by the pros at Rockstar Garage of Southern California . It is supported by a host of top automotive aftermarket companies including:
Performance enhancements : Battery by Odyssey; Intake by K&N; Tuner by SuperChips; and Exhaust by MagnaFlow
Protection : Front and rear high-clearance bumpers by Gen-Right Offroad; and Sliders by Rockslide Engineering.Suspension: Shocks by Fox: 3.0; and 2.5” Lift by Rock Krawler. Lights : Pods and Rock Lights by GG Lighting. Wheels and Tires: Addict 2: Wheels by KMC; and 37” Extreme Country Tires by Dick Cepek. Recovery: Zeon S-12 Winch by Warn; and Fair Lead by Factor 55. Miscellaneous: Bantam 8 Switch Control System by sPOD; CO2 Air System by PowerTank.; Electric Cooler by Dometic; and Rooftop Tent by CVT. The Jeep wouldn’t be complete without road-tested Scosche products, including: MagicMount™ Pro Window/Dash Device Mounts, the Revolt Dual Charger, and EFX Installation Wiring. "The Scosche Family is excited to present this year's product line-up at SEMA!

We have over 200 new products represented in vehicles throughout the show in our Brand Ambassadors’ and Industry Partners’ booths. Visit us at the Scosche booth #11717, and check out one (or more) of the two dozen, fully modified show vehicles loaded with Scosche gear."
– Kas Alves, Executive Vice President, Scosche Industries

Visit Booth, #90060 In South Hall Upper level, to see the RSG build of Scosche’s 2018 CanAm X3 rs Turbo R, with a custom UTV Wolfpack roll cage, lighting by GG Lighting, KMC Machete wheels, Micky Thompson Baja Claws tires and more. This is also a great opportunity to see
Scosche PowerSports mounts in use on the vehicle. Scosche’s two headline vehicles from the 2017 SEMA Show, supported by top automotive aftermarket companies, will be back for 2018! The updated 2017 Camburg Racing built Scosche Toyota Tacoma TRD will be on display
at the DECKED exhibit, in the Silver Lot #61022 . Scosche’s 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali, which has been rebuilt into a massive
Overland vehicle, will be on display in the Titan Fuel Tanks exhibit in the Silver Lot #62002. In addition to our four show vehicles, look for Scosche products that feature in the project vehicle builds of 20 of our automotive industry partners throughout SEMA. There’s something
for everyone and every interest, from a rugged, hard-working, yet still great-looking, array of trucks, to some seriously well-equipped (and seriously fun) UTV and ATV vehicles. Scosche products look good in every vehicle, as you will see – from the best of American muscle – the new Dodge Demon, to the refined European power of Porsche and BMW.

Visit Scosche at the AAPEX Show – Booth# 5542, Level 2, Sands Expo Center, Oct. 30 – Nov. 2. Follow us on: Instagram (@scoscheinc) and @scosche on Twitter, Facebook, GOOGLE+, Pinterest and LinkedIn for the latest news on all of the company’s award-winning consumer tech and car audio products and accessories. And also visit our company Press Room on Scosche.com.

Retailers have remote start season and the holidays in common, but each business has its own unique way of tackling year-end opportunities.

Words by Rosa Sophia

Retailers everywhere are gearing up for remote start season and beginning to prepare for the holidays. In Vernon, Conn., ACT Audio and Mill St. Auto presented the Cruise’n on 83 event on the twenty-third of September. The sound-off drew a big crowd, trophies were awarded and ACT Audio raffled off items—including a Viper remote start.

This was the shop’s first time hosting such an event. “One of the reasons we do remote starters in raffles and giveaways is because, in the customers’ eyes, they hold so much value,” said James P. Smith, who manages ACT Audio with business partner Adam Thomas. Smith remarked that while a $200 gift card could be offered instead, the customer tends to feel the remote starter is worth more to them. Customers then pay for the work involved and any add-ons. The shop has no trouble selling remote starters. According to Smith, they sell between 700 and 800 per year, and they don’t need to advertise very much at all.

“We’re a very busy remote starter store,” Smith said, adding that the shop gets backed up with work very easily. “The year before last, we were six weeks backed up.” If the shop advertised remote starters, they’d have to start rejecting clients, Smith added.

ACT Audio attributes much of its recent success and improvements to KnowledgeFest. Two years ago, Smith attended for the first time. “I didn’t realize what was out there,” he said. “KnowledgeFest reignited my fire, so I went back and worked really hard to implement what I always wanted and make a grade-A store. We did the expansion and changed the... Read the rest of the story HERE.

Home Grown

JC Audio operates from the very same building in which owner Jeff Cantrell first got started in the industry. Today, JC Audio is a robust business that is also giving back by hosting training sessions at its location.

Words by Rosa Sophia

Opening in November of 2001, it seemed that JC Audio was meant to be. Owner Jeff Cantrell knew almost from beginning what he wanted, though prior to his involvement in the industry, he had a few other short-lived jobs.

As a kid, Cantrell worked for his uncles’ asphalt business, laying asphalt and sealing parking lots. During the summers, he worked at a hardware store. “It was from my uncles that I learned the importance of having a skill, and that I’d always be able to support myself if that was the case,” he said.

For several months, he even learned and taught line dancing and built sets at a dance studio. At 16, he got into 12-volt and never looked back.

“I grew up in a family of entrepreneurial parents, brothers and uncles who taught me the value of hard work,” Cantrell said. “Mobile electronics is simply the vehicle to which I’ve applied these principles, in order to build a career.”

In high school, Cantrell studied electrical theory. He recalled his high school electronics teacher, Mr. Johnston, “who never settled for anything less than a perfect job.” Cantrell went on to receive an Associate’s Degree in Business Management in 1999. Now, Cantrell is an MECP Master Technician and stated that he even had the opportunity to contribute to part of the latest MECP Mobile Product Specialist study guide. With a focus on learning and sharing knowledge, Cantrell continues... Read the rest of the story HERE.

Introspection Leads the Way

Those who took home awards agreed that giving back to the community, offering encouragement to others and learning to be self-aware are essential aspects to fostering growth in the industry.

Words by Rosa Sophia

As everyone gathered in the banquet hall for the industry awards announcements, many attendees who were up for awards shared in both excitement and nervousness. A number of the winners who were called up on stage later said they felt as if they’d fumbled—such was the feeling of overwhelm. Ethan Blau of Sound Wave Customs in Virginia Beach, Va. expressed a similar sentiment.

Later, after the awards had been given out and this year’s winners had time to absorb the reality of it, Blau commented on his hopes for the future. “We try to help and give back,” he said of him and his team. “I want to keep going that route and hopefully inspire others. Maybe push people past their limits and help them beyond their fears.”

This year, Sound Wave Customs was awarded Retailer of the Year for a single store. It hasn’t completely sunk in for Blau—not yet. “It’s still so new,” he added.

Making Connections at KnowledgeFest

At one of the most successful KnowledgeFest events to date, attendees shared how much they’d learned from workshops, manufacturer trainings and by talking to reps and networking on the show floor. By the time the awards event came around on Sunday evening, a lot of new connections had already been made.

Solomon Daniels, editor-in-chief of Mobile Electronics magazine, went up on stage and reminded everyone in attendance, “You have homework. That’s the attitude you have to take away from KnowledgeFest.”

After gathering a plethora of information at the show, Daniels stated... Read the rest of the story HERE.

SiriusXM to Acquire Pandora in All-Stock Transaction Valuing Pandora at $3.5 Billion

Both SiriusXM and Pandora Brands, Products, and Services to Continue
Complementary Transaction Adds Largest U.S. Audio Streaming Platform to SiriusXM's Strong in-Car Presence
Pandora to Benefit from SiriusXM's Scale, Industry Expertise, and Financial Resources
SiriusXM to Benefit from Pandora's Mobile Strength, Digital Presence, and Ad Capabilities
Investor and Analyst Call Scheduled for This Morning at 8:30 AM ET

Coming to America

Based in Brazil, SounDigital is establishing its footprint in the U.S. with a crackerjack engineering team, self-manufactured product, and plans to double its dealers within a year.

Words by Jamie Sorcher

It takes only a few moments on the phone to determine Diogo Ianaconi is a mobile guy—not just because of his role as the CEO of SounDigital USA (the company makes competition-grade amps for cars, boats and bikes), but more so because he is actually on the go so much of the time.

“We opened up for business in Miami back in 2016 with a warehouse that handles distribution to the U.S. as well as the Caribbean and Mexico,” Ianaconi said. “I’m definitely traveling a lot right now, but the idea is for me to move to the U.S., hopefully by the end of the year.” For now, he spends time in both the States and Brazil. In between are side trips to Russia and other far-flung locations to see distributors.

SounDigital, in existence for 12 years and based in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil, employs over 200 people. The company’s products can be purchased in over 45 countries, but it is the U.S. market where SounDigital is focusing its efforts now.

“We had a presence in the U.S. years ago, but it was only in... Read the rest of the story HERE.

A Grassroots Goliath

Tucked inside its massive parent company, Sony Car Audio covers the country with trainings, support, sales and more to keep its dealer base satisfied and strong.

Words by Jamie Sorcher

The name speaks volumes. The Sony brand in the consumer electronics industry, and around the world, has always carried weight—and still does today. The Japanese company was founded in 1946 with only 20 employees and launched iconic products like the Walkman in 1979 and the world’s first compact CD player in 1982. While currently best known for its PlayStation and digital cameras, the mammoth company is regarded as a design trendsetter and desirable brand whether for TVs, computers or car stereos.

Nestled within this large conglomerate, which has its U.S. headquarters in San Diego, Calif., is a gem of grassroots operation. Sony Car Audio operates its tight-knit support team under the guidance of Distribution Sales Manager Anthony Tozzi who works remotely from New Jersey.

“We are a really unconventional business,” he said. “While Sony is this large company, car audio is just a small part of their business. One of the things we constantly say is ... Read the rest of the story HERE.

There are many ways to learn new strategies and absorb knowledge during lectures and trainings. Continually putting these tactics into practice as you study new processes is essential for personal and professional growth.

Not knowing how to do something can leave you feeling less than adequate. That feeling is compounded when it’s your job to know it. Knowledge truly is the power behind your success, and there are many ways to learn. If you are like most of us, learning is a result of just figuring it out on your own and using every available resource to find a solution to your problem. Taking the solitary approach can be satisfying, but you may have to endure several mistakes before you find what works best. This takes time and money and depending on your situation, may cause others to doubt your ability. And, you won’t get the benefit of learning from the mistakes of others. Regardless, if you’re attempting to learn something new at a lecture, class, or training, or trying to find a better way with your current process, knowing how best to absorb knowledge will help you reach your goals.

Listening

Learning by hearing allows you to pick up the experience of others and put into practice what you have heard, or to learn from their past mistakes. Hearing someone tell their story helps you relate personally, although just hearing it may not be enough. If the presenter is less than descriptive, you may be left to your own interpretation of what you have heard when implementing this newfound knowledge. This can lead to mistakes that leave you less that satisfied.

Seeing is Believing

Seeing how it’s done is the next step after listening to an explanation. A visual representation can make all the difference. While hearing may leave you wondering, when you see it done step-by-step, you have a better chance of figuring it out for yourself. Watching video representations of a process will get your further down the road of understanding. But seeing may not leave you fully believing. There is still room for some interpretation.

Modeling Others

In my opinion, there’s nothing better than a live demonstration, and modeling what you have seen and heard with the instructor. This allows real-time questions and answers to cement your understanding. Think about the last time you participated in a learning process that was hands-on. You heard the instructor and saw their presentation. Both were most likely helpful and provided a great foundation to let you model the process with the instructor and others who may have provided input. When you left this environment, you were ready to put your newfound knowledge into practice.

Practice Until You’re Proficient

This new knowledge requires practice. Take the time to repeat the process until you feel you have become proficient. Once you have mastered the strategy you’ve learned, you can take some creative license to make it your own. Be cautious in your quest to make it yours. Making it your own should never include shortcuts that diminish the quality. Ensure your modification to what you’ve learned does not sacrifice quality. Your reputation is not something you want to have to rebuild. Remember, your work not only represents your business, it represents our industry.

Passing On What You’ve Learned

Learning from your peers is only the beginning. Now that you have learned from others and added your own ideas, consider passing your knowledge on to others. Passing on what you have learned will help others embrace the perfection you have mastered. When you take time to teach, you will find another level of learning. Teaching is a rewarding endeavor. The peer to peer learning process is the foundation of KnowledgeFest and why so many come to learn and leave the event energized and ready to conquer challenges in their own businesses.

Make every effort to learn something new every day, week and month. Never let your quest for learning be put on the shelf. And make every effort to be part of any learning experience offered. If you have not attended a local dealer or distributor training, or made plans to attend KnowledgeFest, now is the time. Go with a mission and goal to learn what you lack, share the knowledge and become the professional you were born to be.

VISTA, Calif. (February 16, 2018) Directed, a leader in the automotive aftermarket and connected car space, announced today that technology veteran Robert Lacroix has joined the company as Vice President of Engineering. Lacroix will lead Directed’s global engineering team from its Lachine (Montreal), Quebec office. He will help drive Directed’s aggressive growth plans in connected car products and services.

“Rob brings over two decades of innovation and engineering accomplishments to Directed,” said Bob Struble, Directed CEO. “His successful track record of building and managing large technical teams through complex new product launches will ensure that Directed maintains its preeminent market position. I’m thrilled to add Rob to our executive team, and welcome his leadership and vision.”

Prior to joining Directed, Mr. Lacroix led Engineering and R&D activities at Immersion Corporation. He has broad experience in software and hardware systems and new product development as well as specific expertise in wireless and Bluetooth. Mr. Lacroix has over 50 patents granted or pending. He earned his Bachelors degree in Engineering from McGill University.

"I am looking forward to working with the talented engineering team in Lachine to further Directed’s leadership in aftermarket automotive and connected car," added Mr. Lacroix. "The automotive sector is in the midst of great transformation, creating opportunity for innovators.  It’s an exciting time at Directed, and I’m thrilled to join the team and help drive our growth strategy."

Don’t Miss Out

KnowledgeFest is Your Place to Learn and Connect with the Mobile Electronics Community

"These education events are designed provide you with the latest information to help you advance the professionalism and profitability of your business."

If you missed attending CES 2018 then take heart in knowing that you have another chance to discover your favorite brands at KnowledgeFest West in Long Beach, California, KnowledgeFest East in Indianapolis, Indiana and KnowledgeFest Dallas in Dallas, Texas. KnowledgeFest is the only industry event dedicated to the mobile electronics specialist, the installing dealer. These events combine a trade show floor with educational workshops and manufacturer trainings for added value to you, the attendee.

The next event is just around the corner in Long Beach California, February 23-25, 2018. This city is a great destination for West Coast dealers, especially those in the Southern California market. The Long Beach Convention Center is a downtown venue with lots of nearby hotels and restaurants. And February is a great time for manufacturers to showcase their new products and provide the best information and education to sell and install them.

The KnowledgeFest experience is designed to provide you with the information you need to provide that experience. Here's how:

Education

Learning from the best in our industry provides an unequalled educational experience that now occurs three times a year. Make plans to experience the next event in your area. These events combine educational workshops and manufacturer trainings with a trade show floor. No other event provides the quality and hours of training targeted to mobile specialists. These education events are designed provide you with the latest information to help you advance the professionalism and profitability of your business. Employees of MEA member companies attend all KnowledgeFest events free of charge.

The three-day event is packed with more than 40 hours of top-notch educational workshops, great networking opportunities, over 50 hours of manufacturer training sessions, and an exhibit floor on which new products and categories are available to discover. Educational workshops and manufacturer trainings will empower you to deliver exceptional customer experiences and grow your business.

Information

Mobile Electronics Association publishes Mobile Electronics® magazine, the best read for business, sales and installation. Mobile Electronics magazine, our Hotwire e-newsletter and various websites keep you in the know and ready for action. MEA member companies and their employees receive free magazines, e-newsletter subscriptions and access to MEA digital media. Social media sites like the Mobile Electronics Facebook page also offer ways to connect with the industry.

Empowerment

Mobile Electronics Association is the only industry group dedicated to the 12-volt specialist. Our primary focus is help you build your business. The MEA community is comprised of retailers, manufacturers, sales reps, distributors and service providers. The Mobile Electronics Association is committed to growing the mobile electronics industry and ensuring a future for mobile specialists. You can support that through your membership. Become a part of our community. Be empowered. Let your voice be heard and ensure your interests are represented.

Learn by Profession

The education at KnowledgeFest is comprised of three tracks that focus on each area of expertise. For the installer, there is the Technician and Fabricator track. This track provides a balance of the top techniques for making physical modifications to the vehicle as well technical expertise for key topics like remote start and audio upgrades. The Sales and Marketing track will appeal to owners, managers, sales professionals and those responsible for marketing. You will learn tried-and-true processes taught by retailers who use these techniques effectively in their own businesses.

Also, for the entrepreneur there is the Owner and Manager track. This year the focus will be on essential practices that every CEO should live by. Topics will include: a day in the life of a CEO and learning the best way to calculate your true hourly rate. In addition to these business building topics, a special keynote address will help you define what success in your business and life should look like.

Peer Advice, Meet the Makers

KnowledgeFest provides the best networking opportunity in our industry! Talk one-on-one with people with whom you do business (or should be). Participate in your choice of 50-plus product training sessions to get real insight on product characteristics and selling strategies to make you the expert in your market.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a relative newcomer to mobile electronics, KnowledgeFest has something for you. Learn from the experiences of others in our industry who have dealt with both failure and success. Many social activities after hours add fun to the mix.

I challenge you to join us this February in Long Beach for our first KnowledgeFest on the West Coast.

On behalf of myself, and of the entire Mobile Electronics Association team, we thank you for being part of the only industry event dedicated to the Mobile Electronics Specialist, the installing dealer!

Read the story in Mobile Electronics magazine HERE.

LONG BEACH, CALIF., January 16, 2018 (MEDIAWIRE) – Last year, KENWOOD introduced Hi-Res Audio compatibility in its line of multimedia receivers. For its 2018 line which debuted at the 2018 CES, the brand is adding a pair of multi-channel amplifiers as well as two sets of component speakers that are fully capable of reproducing the extended-range audio as it was originally intended. The addition of these models allows KENWOOD to offer an end-to-end, premium audio experience for music lovers and audiophiles.

The XR901-5 (MSRP $650.00) is a five-channel amplifier in a two-inch-high chassis, ideal for under-seat applications. It produces 60 watts RMS from each of four channels with a frequency response of 20Hz to 50kHz at four ohms. The remaining channel provides 400 watts RMS at four ohms to a subwoofer. At less than 1.5 inches high, the XR401-4 (MSRP $450.00) features a four-channel structure that can be reconfigured to two or three channels. Its powerplant provides 75 watts per channel RMS with a frequency response of 20Hz to 50kHz at four ohms. Both models are two-ohm stable and allow for speaker-level or line-level inputs. Their output can be tailored with high-and low-pass filters and a wired remote control.

To complement the amplifiers, KENWOOD’s newest separates are specially designed to fit into most factory locations and still deliver a Hi-Res Audio-compliant frequency response of 25kHz to 48kHz. the XR-1603HR includes a 6.5-inch midrange, while the XR-1703HR features a 6.75-inch design. Both are partnered with a one-inch, silk-dome tweeter with adjustable surface-mount options. MSRP for both models is $600.00.

“With music services like TIDAL™ and Spotify®, which tout higher-bandwidth streaming, more attention is being paid to the Hi-Res Audio category in the vehicle,” said Tony Mercado, marketing manager for the KENWOOD brand. “We feel we are introducing Hi-Res Audio components to our retailers at the right time, giving them products that can really deliver on the experience that customers may have only read about.”

For more information on select models and features, visit www.kenwood.com/usa.

January 15, 2018 -- COO Gudrun Fischer, COO of Audiotec Fischer, announced that MSC America has been awarded exclusive rights for our Brax, Helix and Match brands. “We are excited to bring our Specialty Independent Dealer culture and focus to Audiotec Fischer and our US Dealer Partners” explained Larry Penn, President of MSC. “Our business model is unique, and we look forward to explaining our methodology with all of the current dealers, as well as welcoming new dealers to our company” Penn continued.

MSC America will be based in Chandler Arizona. “We have acquired a brand new 7000 square foot facility that will house our warehouse and will also include a state of the art training center for our partners” said Penn. “MSC is going to create a dealer support program like no other; this will include an industry leading training project that will insure our dealers are fully educated on getting the most out of our reference “Made in Germany” DSP processors and integration products” explained Julian Fischer CEO of Audiotec Fischer. Doug Dobson, Technical Director for MSC added “we look forward to bringing the technical based culture of Audiotec Fischer to a select group of Specialty Independent retailers across the country.”

Industry leader Jason Digos heads the US Sales Team in his role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MSC America. “We cannot contain the passion and excitement we have for this brands and our upcoming launch event! While we will introduce the details on that event shortly, I will be in contact with existing Dealer Partners and Sales Representatives over the next week to discuss our mutual plans” Digos explained. “We are also available to take care of any emergency warranty items and product orders” Digos continued.

Heinz Fischer, Co-Founder of Audiotec Fischer closes by saying “MSC understands our culture and our product. We will assist them in all of their efforts in supporting our dealer partners both old and new.”

MSC is hard at work putting the final details on their website etc. To contact MSC please email them at their temporary email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

VISTA, Calif. (January 16, 2018) Directed is pleased to announce it has acquired Alcohol Detection Systems (ADS), a leading provider of breathalyzer-based ignition interlock devices (IIDs). ADS provides IIDs under its Determinator® product line, which Directed will maintain moving forward.

Evolving state regulations that require IID devices in DUI and DWI remediation programs have propelled the growth of the IID market. A growing body of evidence shows that IIDs have a positive effect on reducing the incidence of drunk driving.

“Ignition interlock devices really do save lives, and the growth of the IID market has been driven by the major benefit they provide to society,” said Directed CEO Bob Struble. “Directed and ADS share core technology, and we are confident that by bringing our leading product design, technical service, and distribution capabilities to the IID market, we will rapidly expand ADS’s business. IIDs are primarily installed by mobile electronics retailers and auto service shops, and we are excited to bring this new business opportunity to our longstanding partners.”

ADS Founder, Nick Cassiere commented, “We believe we have found an ideal partner in Directed. Directed’s national distribution and service footprint will allow us to expand quickly. I’m enthusiastic to push forward with the Directed team and bring the important benefits of our products to more drivers.”

ADS products are easy to install and use. During remediation programs, users have IIDs installed in their cars, and the devices ensure that the driver successfully passes a breathalyzer test before allowing the car to start. It is typical for IIDs to be recalibrated on a regular basis and then uninstalled upon program completion.

Directed is a division of DEI Holdings, a portfolio company of Boston-based private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners, LLC. Charlesbank acquired DEI Holdings in 2011. “We are pleased to support the expansion of Directed and to help bring together two complementary companies,” said Ryan Carroll, a Charlesbank Managing Director. “We look forward to a successful integration building on the cultural similarities, talent, and best practices of these two companies and to a stronger future as one entity.”

Any dealers interested in learning more should call 1-800-677-1361 or visit directed.com/ads/.

AudioControl Adds First-Ever 6-Channel Amplifiers to Mobile Audio Lineup

Superb sound and build quality along with unparalleled OEM integration capability give 12V retailers the ultimate amplifier solution for discerning consumers 

Seattle, WA, January 4^th, 2017 – AudioControl (audiocontrol.com), makers of innovative high-performance audio solutions for the residential, commercial and automotive markets has unveiled two 6-channel car audio amplifiers that offer unparalleled innovation and set new levels of performance for aftermarket sound systems. The design goals of the AudioControl LC-6.1200 and the D-6.1200 were to deliver the ultimate solution for factory (OEM) sound system integration and superior overall performance.

The new 6-channel amps from AudioControl are high-current designs housed in a solid one-piece aluminum chassis with internal cooling. Each amplifier delivers 125 watts into 4 ohms/200 watts into 2 ohms and 400 watts bridged into 4 ohms. Each pair of channels is bridgeable, giving installers unprecedented flexibility from a single amplifier. Both AudioControl 6.1200 models are the first automotive amplifiers to offer 8 Summable speaker-level inputs, eliminating the need for clunky external adapters and making OEM integration possible even for the most complex factory systems. Innovations such as input summing have top 12-volt installers worldwide turning to AudioControl as their premium aftermarket car audio solutions provider.

The LC-6.1200 features fully adjustable independent Linkwitz-Riley crossover networks for precise system configuration. The D-6.1200 offers AudioControl’s matrix digital signal processor, providing the most refined levels of tuning flexibility for any factory or aftermarket sound system. Using AudioControl’s smart user interface allows complete control over all features including 30 bands of equalization, signal time-alignment, input delay and phase correction, plus integrated input and output RTA’s.

Other key features of the new 6-channel amplifiers include AudioControl’s proprietary patented AccuBASS® circuit, a unique smart technology that has been designed to seamlessly apply bass compensation only when required in order to restore low frequencies to their proper level within the recording. Both amps also feature MILC™ level-matching technology and the GTO™ signal sensing circuit, helping installers overcome OEM integration hurdles and deliver the finest possible automotive sound systems. An optional ACR-1 assignable remote level control gives users fingertip access to bass level on the fly. All AudioControl automotive amplifiers are designed and assembled in the USA from components sourced globally and come with a 5-year warranty.  

“Installers need premium solutions to make OEM integration easier and with absolutely stunning performance and overall sound quality,” commented Chris Bennett, AudioControl’s National Sales Manager of Mobile Electronics. “These 6-channel amplifiers are complete system solutions in a single chassis that deliver the features and performance that today’s car audio consumers demand.”

The AudioControl LC-6.1200 has an MSRP of $699 and is expected to become available Q1, 2017. The D-6.1200 has an MSRP of $999 and is expected to become available later in 2017.

PLEASE VISIT AUDIOCONTROL AUTOMOTIVE AUDIO SOLUTIONS AT CES 2017, BOOTH 5016 NORTH HALL & THE AUDIOCONTROL HOME AUDIO LIVE DEMO IN THE VENETIAN HOTEL, SUITE 29-103