Auburn Hills, Mich. (Sept. 8, 2022) – Today Alps Alpine North America, Inc. (“Alpine”) launches its TIDAL integration available via a free software update. The compatible head units include the new Alpine Halo11 iLX-F511, the Alpine Halo9 iLX-F509, the iLX-507, and Jeep®-specific radios i509-WRA-JK and i509-WRA-JL. Alpine is the first aftermarket car audio company with full TIDAL integration.

Music the Way the Artist Intended

High-Resolution Audio is quickly becoming the new benchmark for music reproduction, and as the desire for high-fidelity playback becomes mainstream, many music artists are starting to release the “master” (uncompressed) studio recordings of their songs or albums.

Hi-Res Audio playback captures and reproduces the details that are lost in lower-quality, compressed file formats. These details, like the breath of the artist or subtle interactions with the instruments, contribute to a listening experience that was once previously exclusive to the “master” studio recordings, and in turn, allow the listener to experience music as the artist originally intended.

However, playback of Hi-Res music files or streaming is only made possible through audio sources that support the intended Hi-Res specification. Using trickle-down technology from Alpine’s new High-Res line; Ultra AlpineF#1Status (384kHz/64Bit) and Alpine Status System (192kHz/24Bit), Alpine’s new line of head units are able to reproduce music at the High-Res spec of 96kHz/24Bit.

Making Hi-Res Sound More Accessible

From today, compatible Alpine head unit customers can access the high-res streaming experience with TIDAL, accessing its catalog of over 90 million songs. For TIDAL HiFi and HiFi Plus Members, they’ll get lossless audio and high-fidelity music options for superior sound quality that elevates the music experience. TIDAL Masters, delivered in partnership with Master Quality Authenticated (MQA), allows HiFi Plus Members to listen to music exactly as the artist intended the track to sound. With thousands of expertly curated playlists, customers will be able to listen to all genres and discover new artists via TIDAL Rising.

Customers can access select TIDAL features directly on the head unit, including My Mix, a personalized curation of sound based on listening history, expertly curated playlists and individualized daily listening insights. The TIDAL feature also has convenient access to music controls like Play/Pause, Repeat, Shuffle, Playing List, and Search, where listeners can browse through featured artists, genres, “moods,” and more.

To get started, the software update is free to download and can be found on the Alpine Knowledge Center (https://kb.alpine-usa.com). The TIDAL app is available on the App Storeor Google Play. A TIDAL subscription is required and sold separately. To access TIDAL on the Alpine Head Unit, the head unit must be tethered to a mobile or smartphone hotspot. Data rates may apply.

Alps Alpine Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of electronic components and automotive infotainment systems, has brought the world numerous “First 1” and “Number 1” products since its founding in 1948. The Alps Alpine Group currently operates 110 bases in 26 countries and regions, supplying roughly 40,000 different products and solutions to around 2,000 companies worldwide. Those offerings include devices such as switches, sensors, data communication modules, touch input panels, actuators and power inductors; electronic shifters, remote keyless entry systems and other automotive units; consumer electronics like car navigation and audio-visual systems; and systems and services such as digital keys based on smartphone app and blockchain technology, and remote monitoring.

TIDAL is a global music and entertainment streaming platform that aims to create a sustainable, artist-first and fan-centric business model for the music industry. With innovative experimental features like direct-to-artist payouts and fan-centred royalties, TIDAL is empowering artists to redefine their place in the music industry.

Available in 62 countries, the streaming service has more than 90 million songs and 450,000 high-quality videos in its catalogue, along with original video series, podcasts, thousands of expertly curated playlists, and artist discovery via TIDAL Rising. TIDAL is available in Free, HiFi, and HiFi Plus tiers, with the HiFi Plus membership offering access to immersive audio features like Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) recordings, Dolby Atmos Music, and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio recordings.

TIDAL is part of Block, Inc. (NYSE: SQ), a global technology company with a focus on financial services.

For more information, please visitwww.tidal.com.

CONTACTS:

Alps Alpine North America Media Contact

Allison Saunders

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(586) 719-8966