NYNE, a new company specializing in the design, manufacture and sales of innovative audio and multi-media products, is excited to announce the retail availability of its new NB-200 and NB-230 Bluetooth Speakers. The first two models in its Bluetooth Speaker Series, the NB-200 and NB-230 provide in-home quality audio through either a wireless connection with any Bluetooth enabled device, or a 3.5mm aux-in cable connection with a non-Bluetooth device. Their stylish and portable form allows for music enjoyment on-the-go both indoors and outdoors.

The NB-200 is designed to be taken with you wherever you go and can be attached to a bike or baby stroller handlebars with its included custom clips. It also features a built-in splash-proof microphone for hands-free calling and a rechargeable lithium ion battery for up to 5 hours of playtime. The NB-230 includes a hidden carrying handle so it can be easily carried to the pool, beach, campground or tailgate. Its two full-range speakers and innovative passive radiator make the NB-230 the 21st century boombox.

The NYNE NB-200 and NB-230 are available now at Huppin's retail stores and OneCall.com for $129.95 (NB-200) and $149.95 (NB-230).

For more information on NYNE, please visit www.nyne.com.

SEATTLE, WA - Snow and cold temperatures are approaching; meaning that 12-volt retailers across the country are gearing up for remote start season. This season, Compustar (makers of remote start systems and DroneMobile) will be introducing four new remote kits into their lineup: RF-P2W902-SP, RF-P1WG7-SP, RF-P1B-SH and RF-1WG6-AM. These new systems will feature redesigned casings and a new remote frequency, Super Heterodyne PLUS.  

The RF-P2W902-SP, RF-P1WG7-SP and RF-P1B-SH will each be added to the Compustar Pro Series, which is sold exclusively by Compustar's top dealers. The RF-P2W902-SP features a 2-way remote that provides instant audible and visual confirmation via LED lights. The RF-P1WG7-SP is a 1-way remote that is encased in a heavy-duty shell that is both high-impact and water resistant. Videos and images released by Compustar via their Facebook page (@compustaronline) showed the remote working even after being dunked in water and being ran over by a SUV. Both of these remotes can send remote start & security commands to your vehicle via Super Heterodyne PLUS, which has an extended range of 3000 feet. Lastly, the RF-P1B-SH supersedes Compustar's previous Pro 1-button remote, RF-P1B-SS. 

The RF-1WG6-AM is Compustar's latest addition to its Prime Series, available at all retail locations where Compustar is sold. This remote has the same heavy duty/water-resistant casing featured on the RF-P1WG7-SP. The RF-1WG6-AM has a range of 1000 feet. 

Earlier this fall, Compustar released the thinnest 2-way remote in the industry, Slice. Slice is a 2-way remote that is less than a 1/4" thick and uses five ghost-LED’s to provide command confirmation. 

All of these remote kits require professional installation with a Firstech control module (either FT6 series or LT series). These remote kits can also be added onto most existing Compustar systems installed within the last five years. Please check with your local Compustar retailer or visit www.compustar.com for more information. 

ICE will be attending Knowledgefest 2012at booth #202.  The group is known for figuratively taking the load off of retailers and will be taking it a step further by offering no charge  chair massages for all attendees.

During the show ICE will be looking to fill some specificregions of the country where they have previously not had members.  Retailers are encouraged to stop by the booth to discuss their region's availability. 

Come relax at the ICE booth (#202)

Sunday and Monday from 12:00pm til 5:00pm come get your FREE Chair Massage. Trades shows can be extremely tiring, so come take a load off at the ICE booth. 

MERA KnowledgeFest, DALLAS, TX – August 17, 2012 – Audiovox Electronics Corporation (AEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International, announces new firmware for all Audi/VW/BMW Audiovox Driven by DICE MediaBridge OE Integration products that enable Voice Control capability that helps improve driver safety and adds many hands-free convenience features. This voice control capability is the first to market in the OE Integration category and is part of the strategic partnership with DICE Electronics, a respected industry leader in OEM vehicle integration. DICE has been developing their voice control software platform in the iOS environment for months and have focused on enabling the iPhone 4S Siri capability to realize a connected entertainment and information system in the vehicle.

“We continually add new technologies that improve driver safety and convenience features that provide our dealers the ability to satisfy their customers’ needs for advanced Smartphone solutions. No question that the connected car is the driving force for innovation in the aftermarket business and these voice controlled products deliver on bringing exciting, saleable products to market,” said Tom Malone, President, Audiovox Electronic Corporation. “The partnership with DICE Electronics gives us an innovation engine to leverage new technology quickly into our products. They share our passion and commitment to the aftermarket so being the first to deliver voice control and a connected car experience in OE Integration benefits our retailers and consumers”.

The MediaBridge kits deliver plug and play integration for selected factory radios that take advantage of Apple’s ever evolving iOS capabilities. Enabling Siri Voice Control in the car allows drivers to have total voice control over their music playback including asking for a song, artist, playlist or even the genre. Hands free texting is now possible with MediaBridge. A driver can dictate and send text messages. A new incoming text message can be read back by Siri as well.

Hands-free voice controlled dialing of any phone number in Contacts helps keep drivers’ attention on the road not the phone. Drivers can also make a reminder to do a task, make a calendar entry for meetings or conference calls and even have Siri take a note all hands free.
The new MediaBridge firmware adds VOICE CONTROL and makes the SCAN button on compatible factory radios initiate a Siri session. In BMW and VW/Audi vehicles with compatible factory radios, the steering wheel voice or talk button is active.

Coming with the upcoming next iOS release for iPhone, drivers will have more voice activated capabilities that will further enhance the safety and convenience with hands free control of features like launching music apps, navigation, finding and routing to POI’s and more.

MediaBridge™ Multimedia Integration:
MediaBridge™ is an advanced entertainment and information connectivity solution that connects Smartphones to factory audio systems to enable USB digital audio from iPhone™, Livio internet radio,

iPod™, USB flash drives and aftermarket SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio tuner and adds Bluetooth support for hands-free calling, wireless audio streaming,

Internet Radio is now accessible on the go with many of your favorite internet radio apps! MediaBridge displays information shown on the “now playing” screen of compatible iPhone applications. Text from enabled applications shows when streaming Bluetooth audio from a variety of Smartphones. Data connections including “3G” or “4G” through wireless carriers, or a third party wireless Internet access point connected to your mobile device thru WiFi can be used to stream internet radio.

The MediaBridge digital audio circuitry is designed to meet or exceed the sound quality of any premium audio system and creates a seamless interconnection between the devices and the entertainment system of the vehicle. Text display is available on the radio systems where CD or SAT text is supported. The interface also delivers integrated control from the radio, and steering wheel buttons for OEM look and feel. iPod and iPhone devices are charged when connected and ready to go when you are.

The MediaBridge 1500 product is compatible with select models of Acura, Audi, BMW, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mini, Nissan, Scion, Toyota and VW vehicles. MSRP: $299.99
The Audiovox, Driven by Dice brand is marketed by Audiovox Electronics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corp. (NASDAQ: VOXX).

For information on becoming an Audiovox Dealer in the US, email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information about Audiovox’s Automotive Entertainment product lines please visit: http://audiovoxproducts.com

Like us on our Facebook Page: Audiovox on Facebook Subscribe to our channel: Audiovox on YouTube

Kenwood USA Corporation announced the long-awaited first delivery of the industry’s most innovative OEM integration solution for the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury SYNC entertainment systems. 

A breakthrough in seamless OEM integration with a factory SYNC system is made possible through Kenwood’s first-to-market introduction of CarPortal for iDatalink Maestro RR (manufactured and sold by Automotive Data Solutions, $169.99 suggested retail price).  Using the iDatalink Maestro module and a vehicle-specific quick-connect T-harness system, the compatible Kenwood in-dash receiver communicates with the vehicle data network and SYNC module.   This single-box solution allows the Kenwood receiver to offer touchscreen command and control of factory satellite radio and display text, Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming and SYNC voice controlled features while retaining steering wheel controls and factory-installed audio functions.  All five of Kenwood’s 2012 in-dash DVD/navigation receivers are compatible with the iDatalink Maestro RR (DNX9990HD, DNX7190HD, DNX6990HD, DNX6190HD and DNX5190). 

Keith Lehmann, senior vice president for Kenwood’s consumer electronics sector, commented on the business opportunity for Kenwood dealers.  “Today, there are millions of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles on the road in the U.S. that are equipped with a SYNC system, and a quick search of online customer reviews shows that there are many who dislike the factory SYNC system for a number of reasons.  Kenwood dealers will be able to offer an elegant radio replacement solution that millions of potential consumers will immediately understand and embrace.  Kenwood is the first brand to offer iDatalink Maestro RR compatibility, giving Kenwood dealers an advanced integration solution that is currently not available with any other aftermarket brand.”

“We are excited to bring our tradition of innovation into the audio integration industry,” said Robert Di Cesare, Automotive Data Solutions’ general manager.  “Maestro products eliminate objections associated with radio replacement by not only retaining many existing OEM system features but by delivering a superb experience to the consumer.  Finally, users will be able to benefit from all the advantages of a Kenwood DVD/navigation receiver while seamlessly retaining the Ford SYNC features they love.”

The iDatalink Maestro RR module (sold by ADS) connects to a Web portal and obtains vehicle-specific firmware, which allows the module to connect directly to the vehicle data network and communicate between the SYNC module and the Kenwood aftermarket in-dash unit.  A vehicle-specific T-harness allows for a quick and reliable connection to the vehicle’s bus system. 

Kenwood and ADS are reaching out to Ford Mustang and truck owners through highly targeted advertising on selected web forums.  These forums generate over 100,000 impressions per month and are expected to generate a strong buzz among Ford vehicle enthusiasts.  The campaign begins in August and will run through the summer of 2012. 

More information about the iDatalink Maestro RR interface system can be found at http://www.idatalink.com/maestro  and dealers can contact their Kenwood rep for further details.  

Grapevine, Texas – August 18, 2012 – As the latest benefit for its members, the Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA) announced it has selected Safeware to receive its Exclusive Endorsement as Extended Service Plan Provider. The announcement was made as MERA kicks off KnowledgeFest, its annual show and conference, at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Conference Center, August 18-21 in Grapevine, Texas.

With 30 years of experience designing customized product protection solutions, Safeware has worked closely with MERA to develop a program fine-tuned for the mobile electronics industry. The result is an Extended Service Plan program that provides real value to the consumer while helping members increase revenue as well as grow their service department. 

"We are truly excited about the endorsement from MERA to provide Extended Service Plans to its members. We look forward to working with MERA’s retailers to give them the ability to offer a quality Extended Service Plan solution that will give their customers peace-of-mind, while increasing the stores’ bottom line,” said Safeware's Vice President of Business Development Andre Kwasnik.

Safeware will be exhibiting at KnowledgeFest 2012 in Booth #216. In addition, Safeware will be speaking at the Member Workshop on Sunday, August 19^th, from 6 – 7pm in the Austin Room (Austin 5).

About MERA:

The new MERA is dedicated to the success of the mobile electronics industry and is focused on growth of the retailer channel. MERA is making the call to come together as an industry for the advancement of the in-vehicle mobile lifestyle category and to promote driving fun, driving safe and driving smart. For the latest information about KnowledgeFest, please visit www.KnowledgeFest.org. For more information please contact (800) 949-MERA.  MERA can be found on the World Wide Web at www.merausa.org.

About Safeware:

Safeware is a leading provider of consumer product protection solutions. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Safeware's ongoing success is attributed to its ability to create innovative, world-class solutions that meet their customers' and partners' unique needs. For more information visit Safeware at KnowledgeFest 2012 at Booth #216. 

AVIDWORX Productions Inc. is pleased to announce the release of DASHWORX, a free web-based system for businesses to track the key business indicators that mean the most on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis.

Located online at http://dashworx.avidworx.com, DASHWORX is both simple and free to use with easy tools to track Traffic (the number of people to visit your store), Sales (daily total sales), Average Sale (average value of each sale) and Close Rate (number of sales vs. total Traffic) — and to set realistic goals for each indicator.

Unlike monthly financial reports and bank statements, DASHWORX provides managers and supervisors with a real time look at how their businesses are doing, identifying opportunities and potential problems as they happen. You can also use DASHWORX to set long-term goals, and then track your day-to-day performance in reaching them.  

“We’re using the acronym GPS to describe DASHWORX,” said AVIDWORX President and CEO Marcel Newell. “Goals plus Performance equals Success.  Like your car’s GPS, if you don’t set your target destination and then track your progress, it’s unlikely that you’re ever going to get there.”

Newell adds, “There are a lot of numbers that go along with running a business. While it’s important to measure everything you can, it’s even more important that you focus day-to-day on the numbers that matter most. You’re probably not going to update your balance sheet on a daily basis, but by entering a few key measurements into DASHWORX you’ll get a clear picture of how you’re really doing, and some insight how to do it better.”

DASHWORX is free to use, but there are subscription options as well. If you subscribe to DASHWORX+, you can use AVIDWORX’s automated Traffic Activity Counter (.avidworx.com/shop/dashworx-traffic-activity-counter/), which transmits Traffic data directly to your computer in real time and automatically uploads it to your DASHWORX account using a downloadable app. 

You also get daily reminders by text or email to update your DASHWORX data, and regular reports on your progress. DASHWORX Pro includes a few extra features, including the ability to manage accounts for up to 10 stores. DASHWORX PROe (enterprise) is for larger chains with 10 or more stores.

DASHWORX and PRICEWORX, if you subscribe to AVIDWORX’s free online label generator, will both available using the same login, making it easy for managers and supervisors to manage labels and inventory, and track daily performance. 

“The importance of measurement can’t be over-emphasized. If you can’t measure it, you can’t understand it. If you can’t understand it, you can’t control it. If you can’t control it, you can’t improve it.” -James Harrington

TEMPE, Ariz. – Lightning Audio announced that it will launch the LA-ONE subwoofer series during MERA KnowledgeFest, held from August 18 – 21 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas. The LA-ONE Series 10- and 12-inch, 300 Watt, 4 Ohm, SVC subwoofers will begin shipping in October.

“This new series of Lightning Audio subs allows the end user to select the perfect size and power for nearly any installation,” said Jake Braaten, director of product development. “Combining classic Lightning Audio sonic abilities with an edge, they fit the needs of just about any consumer in the market looking for Lightning Audio quality and performance. These are the ideal mate for a Lightning Audio LA-400M amplifier to add killer bass to any system.”

The LA-ONE (L1-S410; L1-S412) include both 10- and 12-inch models, as well as stitched tinsel leads to reduce mass, stress, and strain over a greater area, and a 1.5-inch voice coil venting to help eliminate thermal issues and increase power handling. Its 16 gauge compound steel basket provides added rigidity and structural integrity, as well as reduced distortion and increased accuracy. The high density poly-foam surround provides proper stiffness and thickness for optimum performance.

Its anodized aluminum voice coil former with spun laced Nomex collar provides superior heat dissipation (including up to 100 degrees F cooler at full power levels), and its hard anodized finish increases former strength. The LA-ONE also incorporates nickel-plated spring loaded terminals for easy installation and enhanced conductivity.

Additional Lightning Audio LA-ONE Specs & US Pricing:

Specifications and prices subject to change without notice.

At the end of the 2011 MERA KnowledgeFest event, plans were made to accommodate an even larger group of exhibitors and attendees for 2012. Based on the current number of commitments to this year’s KnowledgeFest, held August 18-21 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Conference Center near Dallas, these plans have proven necessary.

Accele Electronics, Crimestopper, elettromedia, Hybrid Audio, Kicker, Rosen and Wet Sounds highlight more than 15 new exhibitors coming to the KnowledgeFest show floor. Several of these companies, including Cimble, Crux, PartnerShip and Safeware, are new entrants to the aftermarket segment of the mobile electronics industry.

“Despite a continually changing economic outlook, we are pleased to see growth from retailers who have attended KnowledgeFest and applied the ideas learned from the keynotes, education tracks and peer-based networking opportunities,” said MERA President Chris Cook. “This has prompted the attendee and exhibitor growth we’re seeing this year. Further, we are honored that new companies that want to service retailers in our industry recognize KnowledgeFest as a primary venue to help them accomplish their goals.”

Recently confirmed exhibitors include: Fortin, MMATS, Morel, Steelmate, Wirez, Prospect Genius, Sound Off Audio and Beat-Sonic. Additionally, several returning companies, including Scosche, Sony, Memphis Car Audio, AudioControl, Focal and Arc Audio, have enhanced their visibility in the show with larger booths over the previous year.

KnowledgeFest has quickly become the go-to event for industry professionals to come together and network in a learning-first environment. Educational tracks in several disciplines provide lessons and tips that can be quickly implemented, while keynote seminars deliver an industry overview that creates direction for retailers outside of their four walls. Vendors also leverage the "captive audience" of proactive retailers and installers to hold afternoon training sessions on the understanding and marketing of their product lines.

MERA posts and continually updates information on exhibiting vendors on its show-specific knowledgefest.org website, along with an educational tracks schedule and show floor map. Up-to-date information is also posted on the organization's Facebook page at facebook.com/KnowledgeFest.

To register online to attend KnowledgeFest, go to www.knowledgefest.org and click “MERA Member Registration” or “Non-MERA Member Registration.” For more information on MERA or KnowledgeFest, visit www.merausa.org, www.knowledgefest.org, or contact MERA at (800) 949-6372.

The Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA), in continued preparation of the upcoming KnowledgeFest at the Gaylord Texan near Dallas August 18-21, has announced the entertainment for the show’s “KnowledgeFest Live!” networking event. Dave Whiteman and the Love Chocolates will entertain attendees courtesy of SiriusXM and Voxx International at the Glass Cactus Club on the evening of August 20.

A 13-member, 11-piece ensemble, Dave Whiteman and the Love Chocolates is one of the most entertaining bands in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. Since 2001 the band has created a festive party atmosphere for countless gatherings and venues, playing a popular mix of Top 40, R&B, Latin and dance music in addition to many classics. The band’s versatility has made it a hit with groups of different ages and musical tastes.

Sony, which sponsored the KnowledgeFest Live! event last year, is again the event’s overall sponsor and will facilitate food and beverages.

KnowledgeFest Live! allows retailers, vendors and other industry professionals to come together in a relaxed atmosphere to catch up on friendships, discuss ideas or simply enjoy a night of food, drinks and music. Buses shuttle attendees to and from the Gaylord Texan hotel nearby.

“It’s perfectly fitting to have three companies known for providing entertaining content to be the sponsors for a night of food and fun with a vibrant group of musicians and performers,” said Chris Cook, MERA president. “We appreciate the participation of SiriusXM, Voxx International and Sony for creating a night to kick back with friends and colleagues within the education-intensive show and conference.”

To register online to attend KnowledgeFest, go to www.knowledgefest.org and click “MERA Member Registration” or “Non-MERA Member Registration.” For more information on MERA or KnowledgeFest, visit www.merausa.org, www.knowledgefest.org, or contact Chris Cook at (800) 949-6372.

The Mobile Electronics Retailers Association (MERA) is putting a new spin on the traditional keynote for KnowledgeFest 2012, its annual show, educational and networking event. The association is eschewing the high-level presentation for a nuts-and-bolts, ground floor interactive discussion on propelling business with innovative ideas.

Five progressive retailers will participate in the “Young Guns Power Panel” moderated by MERA President Chris Cook. The panel will take place on the second day of KnowledgeFest, August 19 at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Conference Center near Dallas. 

The five panelists head to Dallas from all over the country:

• Jon Kowanetz is owner of Handcrafted Car Audio in Mesa, Ariz., and the 2010 Mobile Electronics Installer of the year. He holds a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) Master Installer certificate, and despite his many duties as owner and head installer, contributes to several industry forums and writes peer-based articles for Mobile Electronics magazine.

• Jason Kranitz very recently dealt with flooding at his shop, Kingpin Car Audio in Wilsonville, Ore., but it hasn’t stopped him or his staff. In his typical innovative style, he used Facebook to keep customers up-to-date and even offered wholesale pricing to anyone who purchased through the shop’s reconstruction period. Kingpin is known for its strong relationship with its community, with events like the “Kingpin Cruise” and support of local business events.   

• Derek Pace is a 15-year industry veteran and owner of Certified Sounds, located in Wailuku, Hawaii. Pace is heavily involved in MECP, both as a certification recipient (Master Installer) and a contributor: he currently serves as a test proctor and contributes to written materials as a Subject Matter Expert. He is a multi-year Top 12 Installer and Retailer and is participating in educational tracks for the upcoming KnowledgeFest event.

• John Schwartz took over ailing Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security 13 years ago and has turned it into one of the top shops in Anchorage, Alaska. A current Mobile Electronics Retailer of the Year award is only the latest in a string of honors for the store and its owner, including several ‘Best’ awards from local papers and Retailer of the Year awards from several manufacturers.  

• Micah Williams, owner of Sonus Car Audio in Clarksville, Tenn., is known for staying up-to-date on the latest tools, products and techniques, and the modern look of his shop and showroom reflect this forward-looking attitude. Williams has been a Top 12 Installer six times and has received other awards for his four-year-old business, which generates $1 million per year in revenue from a single location.

“This will be a highly energized session with retailers that hold nothing back and will tell it like it is,” said Cook. “The retailers we’ve chosen for the Young Guns Power Panel have consistently proven their ability to innovate in any economic climate. Not only are they great examples of what a specialist retailer should be, they willingly share information and advice with other retailers to help them achieve success. They are all true ambassadors of the mobile electronics industry.”

To register online to attend KnowledgeFest, go to www.knowledgefest.org and click “MERA Member Registration” or “Non-MERA Member Registration.” For more information on MERA or KnowledgeFest, visit www.merausa.org, www.knowledgefest.org, or contact Chris Cook at (800) 949-6372.

Massive Audio, So CAL a leader in12 volt audio product for over 13 years, is pleased to announce the shipping of its New 2012 “LX / LK” series line of high powered coaxial speakers.

All eight “LX / LK” models are CEA 2031 compliant and have power ratings from up 50 to 300 Watts Max with High Output Sensitivity from 87dB - 93.5dB. Models range in size from the 4”, 5.25”, 6.5” 4x7”, 5x7” 6x9” and the new hot 8” coaxial.

All LX / LK Series speakers are carefully designed to fit any foreign or domestic automobile manufacture on this planet to insure these transducers deliver Luxury, Power and Performance through Technology.

Features:

• Ultra-Light PP Injected Cones with Supple Surgical Rubber Surrounds,
• Pure German Silk 20mm Swivel Dome Tweeters
• Stamped Steel Baskets
• Two Piece Custom Grills
• Built-In 6dB Crossover (Coaxials)
• Competition Grade In-Line X-Over (Components)
• 35mm 100% Pure Copper Voice Coils
• Fully Isolated Tinsel Leads
• Custom Designed Pole Piece for Low Distortion

Models include: LX4, LX47, LX5, LX57, LX6, LX 69, LX8 / LK 6

MSRP LX 6 = $109.95

AudioControl, the U.S. leading designer and manufacturer of award winning products that transform the sound performance of in-car audio systems, today announced the launch of the LC7i with AccuBASS, a new six channel high-performance line output converter that ‘makes good sound great’ and restores the Bass in today’s factory installed audio systems.

The LC7i allows all music lovers who want a great in-car audio experience to keep their factory radio set-up and dramatically improve and upgrade their system performance. The LC7i delivers amazing sound quality and fixes one of the biggest letdowns of today’s factory systems when the volume is turned up and the Bass signal fades away! AudioControl’s unique and exclusive AccuBASS patent pending circuitry in the LC7i maintains and restores the Bass signal as the volume is turned up, improving the audio performance and allowing the music to be played and listened to the way the artist intended.

The AudioControl LC7i is designed to meet a market need for a high-performance, competitively priced line output converter capable of six channels of speaker level input, with internal summing across all channels, 400w of power handling, AudioControl’s ‘Great Turn On’ (GTO) feature for signal sensing and with AudioControl’s exclusive patent pending AccuBASS circuitry. 

The LC7i allows the flexibility of powering the audio signals downstream to single or multiple factory amps maximizing sound quality & achieving high output at a great price. In addition, the LC7i is designed to fit into a new AudioControl compact chassis allowing an easy & flexible factory system upgrade in today’s space constrained vehicles.

Jay Small, AudioControl’s National AutoSound Sales Manager stated, “Our line output converters are like none other. The LC7i will work with factory installed audio systems and give high quality, level matched, pre-amp signals that deliver the great sound performance that AudioControl has been providing for over 30 years. The LC7i also improves the performance of aftermarket amps and processors while keeping the convenience and cosmetics of the factory installed source unit.”Small added “that the introduction of the new LC7i brings to the market a unique, dealer led product, at an affordable price that transforms the audio and multimedia performance of the in-car entertainment experience”. Small emphasized that “having the LC7i with AccuBASS as part of a dealers mix offers a one-stop solution for increasing audio and multimedia performance and allows our dealers a great way to increase the audio performance of today’s factory radio installations while our AccuBASS circuitry restores much needed Bass to the in-car audio experience that today is stripped away in factory systems.

Full details of the AudioControl LC7i can be found at AudioControl’s website, www.audiocontrol.com or on AudioControl’s Facebook page. The LC7i will begin shipping to all U.S. and international dealers and distributors in July 2012. AudioControl will be holding a national free webinar to help dealers maximize the potential of the LC7i and train all personnel. To receive an invitation to the webinar, dealers & installers should email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  . The LC7i will be on display for the first time at AudioControl’s booth at the MERA Knowledgefest in Dallas from August 18^th -21 ^st, 2012.

MEDIA ALERT: Sony introduces five new in-dash audio receivers featuring Pandora control, USB input functionality featuring universal smartphone connectivity, enabling users to control music on their compatible smartphones.  The systems work with Pandora® on iPhone®, Android®, and Blackberry® phones, and are SiriusXM Satellite Radio ready. Sony’s Advanced Sound Engine allows customization of audio settings for an optimal listening experience.

CDX-GT575UP

The new CDX-GT575UP in-dash receiver enables users to stream Pandora® internet radio from an iPhone® and connect and charge their Walkman^®, iPod®, iPhone®, Android™, Blackberry®, or other compatible USB device while accessing  digital music files via the front USB input. Added features include variable key illumination. The CDX-GT575UP receiver will be available this fall for about $119 with specialty dealers.

CDX-GT570UP and CDX-GT57UP

The newly designed CDX-GTX750UP enables drivers to stream Pandora® internet radio from their iPhone® and enjoy clear sound from MP3s or playback digital music files using the USB input for iPod®, iPhone®, Walkman® or other USB devices. The CDX-GT570MP receiver will be available this fall for $99 with specialty dealers. The current CDX-GT57UP model will also be available this fall for $89.99 with national distribution.

CDX-GT470UM

Enjoy the crisp and clear sound of your MP3 files with CD or playback your digital music files using the front added USB input on the new Sony® CDX-GT470UM in-dash audio receiver. Not compatible with Apple® products. The CDX-GT470UM receiver will be available in national distribution this fall for $89.99.

CDX-GT270MP

With the new CDX-GT270MP CD receiver, drivers enjoy listening to MP3 files, CDs and or AM/FM radio directly from their iPod® or Walkman® player plugged in to the front aux input. The CDX-GT270MP receiver will be available in national distribution this fall for $69.

The receivers will be available this fall at Sony Stores, online at www.sony.com/car as well as throughout the Sony Authorized Dealer Network nationwide.

TEMPE, Ariz. – July 11, 2012 – Rockford Corp, the industry leader in high-performance car audio systems, is proud to announce that it has signed an agreement granting the company exclusive distribution rights for the Blaupunkt brand of car multimedia and headphones for the North American market. In addition, Rockford and Blaupunkt are extending their cooperation to service the global OEM market. By leveraging each party’s respective regional strengths, product portfolios, and support structures, the companies plan to offer global solutions on product areas such as radios, navigation, amplifiers, loudspeakers, rear seat entertainment, and connectivity for both automotive and commercial vehicle platforms.

Rockford will offer Blaupunkt car multimedia and headphone product through a network of distributors in the U.S. market. Product is expected to be available in late Q3 or early Q4 2012.

“We are excited about this opportunity with Blaupunkt,” commented Bill Jackson, CEO and president of Rockford Corporation. “Although the brand has been fairly quiet over the past couple years in North America, it is a brand that is clearly identified with quality, performance, and a strong brand recognition.”

Added Lars Placke, CEO and managing director of Blaupunkt Group, “In cooperating with Rockford Corporation, we have found the perfect partner to reestablish our distribution in North America. The partnership on the OEM business segment creates additional synergies for both sides. By synchronizing our sales team and combining our technology platforms, engineering capabilities, and production facilities, we will be able to serve our OE customers even better.”

Blaupunkt is a leading car radio brand in Europe and Asia and represents quality and innovation. The history of Blaupunkt goes back to the early 1920’s when the company entered the headphone market. The company has a rich history of innovative consumer electronic and OEM automotive based products. Blaupunkt today is located in Hildesheim, Germany and has manufacturing facilities in Malaysia and China.

Distributors who are interested in offering Blaupunkt products should contact Ginny Leff, market development manager, or Dan McLeod, director of sales at Rockford Corporation.

For more information on Rockford Corporation, visit www.rockfordcorp.com.

TAMP BAY, FL -  AAMP of America is proud to announce that it has hired Joe Durre - a 12-volt industry veteran with extensive experience with such companies as BMW and Caterpillar - as the company’s new Director of Engineering. In this capacity, Durre will be responsible for developing and managing a world-class team whose mission is to create the next generation of technological innovations in OEM integration, mobile electronics accessories, car audio components and much more.

Durre was hand selected because of his extensive experience in the automotive industry; specifically his work development, systems integration and vehicle validation for the BMW Z3, X3, X5 and X6. Additionally, the AAMP of America leadership was impressed by Durre’s reputation for managing design and engineering teams operating out of multiple locations across the globe, as well as developing “best practices” for field testing and quality assurance.     

According to Josh Triplett, Vice President of Product Development, “While many companies are cutting back on their R&D capabilities, we at AAMP of America are investing a great deal into building an R&D and engineering team that is second to none in the 12-volt industry. Joe has proven to us through his talent and experience that he is the right person to lead this team and ensure all AAMP of America brands are on the cutting edge of mobile audio and electronics technology. I am excited to have Joe onboard and have the utmost faith that he will help take us to a whole new level of innovation and industry leadership.”