Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. will attend the upcoming Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) KnowledgeFest show, hosted at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas from Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11.

Alpine’s exhibit will be in booth #801 where staff will be on-site to demo Alpine’s universal receivers, like the 9” iLX-F259 Alpine Halo9 with a customizable interface, the 7” iLX-W650 Receiver and KTA-450 Amplifier PowerStack system, and new navigation systems.

The booth will also feature Alpine’s sound system product line, like the PXE-0850S Advanced Wireless Digital Sound Processor (DSP) and three full sound system lineups: Alpine’s X, R, and S-Series speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers. 

The X-Perience Toyota Tundra® will be on-site loaded with Alpine’s premium X-Series sound system. Visitors can experience the power and detail of their music like never before from the 6”x 9” component speakers powered by three X-Series amplifiers and a PXE-0850S processor for unrivaled sound.

This year, Alpine partnered with Frisco Audio & Tint to load a 2019 Kia Stinger with a full R-Series sound system, including three 10-inch subwoofers and a PXE-0850S (DSP), to display during KnowledgeFest. The vehicle will demonstrate the integration capabilities of the processor to power the R-Series sound system for a “Loud and Fun” music experience. After KnowledgeFest, the Stinger will be used by the dealership for Alpine product demos and sales support.

Alpine will host three training sessions on the 2019 Alpine Product Lineup, with a focus on “Simple” and “Sound” products that will include a guided open forum for industry and dealer discussion. Sessions are Friday, August 9 from 1: 45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., Saturday, August 10 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, August 11 from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Alpine’s continued presence at KnowledgeFest is part of an ongoing effort to invest in their 12-Volt independent retailers, so activities such as Alpine’s nationwide X-Perience events will also be discussed at the training sessions.

All KnowledgeFest attendees are welcome to visit the Alpine booth, join the training sessions, and meet with Alpine staff from the sales, marketing, and product planning teams. Attendees are encouraged to visit www.knowledgefest.org and use the “Education Workshops & Vendor Training” link to register for the Alpine training sessions.

Toyota Tundra® is a registered trademark of Toyota Motor Corporation.

The first day of KnowledgeFest Dallas saw packed classrooms, where attendees learned about improving their businesses, selling accessories, stereo and more. Bryan Schmitt of Mobile Solutions presented on 12-volt industry trends, along with ideas on how to keep a business moving forward.  "Saying you're an expert is one thing," Schmitt noted during his lecture. "Being an expert takes clear direction and dedication to that goal."  

The biggest takeaway from today's sessions were the numbers: Training sessions were very well-attended, with people waiting outside the door in some cases, trying to look inside. Knowledge-seeking continued into the evening with "Night School" sessions, including Part 2 of JL Audio's School of Sound; Mastering Instagram; and a store owners' roundtable discussion led by Chris Cook of MEA.

My personal favorites included the first part of JL Audio's presentations on sound, and Vince De Stefano's lecture on "The Fine Art of Selling Accessories." Look for a feature article by the same name in the September issue of Mobile Electronics magazine, in case you missed the class or would like a refresher!

See you on the show floor.

VISTA, Calif. (March 15, 2019) – Directed announced today its training schedule for KnowledgeFest Indianapolis, continuing its relationship with the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) as Platinum Partners.

“Exhibiting and training at KnowledgeFest and strengthening our partnership with MEA are fantastic ways to showcase Directed’s industry leadership in product innovation and support,” said Directed CEO Bob Struble. “We had a great time last month in Long Beach and look forward to sharing our latest and greatest this week in Indy and this summer in Dallas.”

Directed will be at the Indiana Convention Center from the 15th through the 17th. Attendees can experience Directed’s industry leading innovation in  Booth 522, where they’ll see the latest on the breakthrough DS4 Digital Remote Start and Security System; Viper SmartStart Pro, the industry’s fastest Connected Car Product; Viper Powersports Security and GPS products; and the brand new industry-first Wireless Bluetooth Siren. Attendees can also learn about the new revenue opportunities available from Directed’s Ignition Interlock business, Alcohol Detection Systems.

Directed’s booth will showcase the “Race the CEO Challenge — V2” – a live installation challenge in a Jeep Wrangler. To highlight the speed and simplicity of DS4 and SmartStart Pro installations, Directed’s CEO Bob Struble throws the challenge flag for KnowledgeFest attendees. Participants in the install race will try to beat Bob’s time and compete for prizes. Directed’s Race the CEO Challenge will be available during all show floor hours. In Long Beach, Tyler Hargrave of J’s Alarms won the Race the CEO challenge with a time of 1 minute and 49 seconds and won a Denon / Definitive Technology sound system.

Directed will again award a sound system for the fastest installer in Indy, and give away two additional systems, one to a participant in Directed’s #RaceTheCEO social media challenge, and one for simply checking in to the booth.

During trainings at KnowledgeFest Indy, Directed Product Specialist Representatives will coach up attendees on the latest technical updates in Directed’s evolving product line. Show attendees can choose from four different timeslots, so there’s no reason to not attend. All training attendees will receive a Directed giftbag full of Directed swag and as an added bonus, Directed will give away Denon headphones and Bluetooth speakers during trainings.

VISTA, Calif. (February 11, 2019) – Directed announced today the expansion of its relationship with the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) as Platinum Partners. Directed also confirmed its plans to exhibit and train at all three Knowledgefest shows in 2019.

“Strengthening our partnership with MEA is a fantastic way to showcase Directed’s industry leadership in product innovation and support,” said Directed CEO Bob Struble. “We look forward to sharing our latest and greatest in Long Beach, Indianapolis, and Dallas.”

This month Directed will be at the Long Beach Convention Center from the 23rd through the 25th. Attendees can experience Directed’s industry leading innovation in  Booth 1614, where they’ll see the latest on the DS4 Digital Remote Start and Security Systems, the Viper SmartStart Pro Connected Car Product, Viper Powersports Security and GPS products, and Directed’s Ignition Interlock business, Alcohol Detection Systems.

Directed’s booth will showcase the “Race the CEO Challenge — V2” – a live installation challenge in a Jeep Wrangler. To highlight the speed and simplicity of DS4 and SmartStart Pro installations, Directed’s CEO Bob Struble throws the challenge flag for Knowledgefest attendees. Participants in the install race will try to beat Bob’s time and compete for prizes. Directed’s Race the CEO Challenge will be available during all show floor hours.

During trainings, Directed Product Specialist Representatives will coach up attendees on the latest technical updates in Directed’s evolving product line. Show attendees can choose from four different timeslots, so there’s no reason to not attend. All training attendees will receive a Directed giftbag full of Directed swag and as an added bonus, Directed will give away Denon headphones and Bluetooth speakers during trainings.

Finally, to show appreciation for visiting its booth, Directed will be raffling off three Denon / Definitive Technology sound systems. Come by the booth for more information.

Training sessions for Knowledgefest Long Beach are scheduled as following:

Saturday, February 23 from 12:30pm-1:30pm in Seaside 3B

Sunday, February 24 from 6:00pm-7:00pm in Seaside 4A

Monday, February 25 from 9:00am-10:00am in Seaside 4A

Monday, February 25 from 10:15am-11:15am in Seaside 4A.

Not a Directed Dealer? Pease visit http://www.directed.com/contact/becomedealer or call 1-800-876-0800 to become a Directed Dealer today!

Directed is a world leader in automotive electronics, the largest North American designer and marketer of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, and a pioneer in the connected car space. Its products connect more consumers to their vehicles than anyone else on the planet. Directed markets its broad portfolio (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart®, AstroStart®, Alcohol Detection Systems® and other brands) through leading national retailers and specialty chains. For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Chicago, Ill. -- March 15, 2019 -- Today, Quartix, a global vehicle tracking provider, announces the launch of their Channel Partner Program in the United States. With this new program, the company will develop new marketing and distribution channels to expand the reach of the company’s fast-growing US customer base.

Since its formation in 2001, Quartix has built a reputation for reliability, a dedication to customer service and technical excellence. One of the channels Quartix is seeking to develop is in the Mobile Electronics industry which represents installing resellers of automotive aftermarket technology products. US Distribution Manager Ashley Bates said, "KnowledgeFest is the perfect place for us to launch this new program. We feel that KnowledgeFest will give us a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with potential partners.”

The Authorized Dealer Program gives business owners an opportunity to sell Quartix products with the complete backing of the company and with zero start-up fees. Our dealer partners will earn significant commissions and will have coaching and marketing support from Quartix.

Selena Davies, Head of Operations at Quartix describes the benefit of partner with Quartix, “Partners can choose to handle installations themselves or use Quartix’s installer network provided by InstallerNet. Whether you prefer telephone sales or face-to-face, whether you wish to only order tracking devices once a sale is made or hold your own stock, there is a business model to suit your existing business.” Quartix is the exception in terms of speed of order processing, installation, support, marketing and response to queries.

To find out more about this partnership opportunity and the earning potential for you, visit us at KnowledgeFest Indy, March 15-17 or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 855-913-6663.

Quartix has delivered real-time vehicle-tracking and telematics solutions to fleets for over 18 years. Businesses choose Quartix because we offer cost-efficient solutions that are easy-to-use from installation through to reporting. Over 13,000 companies are using Quartix solutions to gain actionable insight into vehicle movements, engine usage, driver behavior, and fuel consumption. With short-term contracts and no auto-renewal, customers stick with Quartix to help them optimize their operations, while getting exceptional and personal customer service.

For additional information, visit www.quartix.com.

For press inquiries:

Contact: Kristen Roach, Marketing Executive

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone number: 312-800-9882

Holly Hill, Fla. – February 11, 2018 – Metra Electronics® is hosting three new product training sessions at the 2019 KnowledgeFest™ event for mobile electronics installers in Long Beach, Calif. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers which will outline new audio integration products and dash kits with built-in electronics. The Installer Institute® will also be at the show, promoting their mobile electronics training programs and continuing education courses for existing installation professionals.

Metra’s vendor training sessions will cover many of the new mobile electronics and integration products introduced at SEMA and CES, including the new AX-DSP-X and AX-DSP-LITE from Axxess. The training sessions will also go over the latest dash kits with integrated electronics from Metra’s TurboTactile™, TouchTronix™ and TurboTouch™ product lines. The sessions will take place at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 23, at 4:45 PM on Sunday, February 24 and at 10:15 AM on Monday, February 25. Metra’s customers can register for KnowledgeFest at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Metra will be at booth #1010 in Long Beach from 2/23 - 2/25 and will also be at the Indianapolis event in booth #222 from 3/15 - 3/17. Additional information about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), is available at KnowledgeFest.org.

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world.  We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources into developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make more dash kits for the most vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-Spec®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp™ and Metra Marine®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®.  For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 800.221-0932.

Holly Hill, Fla. – March 7, 2019 – Metra Electronics® is hosting three training sessions at the 2019  KnowledgeFest™ event in Indianapolis for mobile electronics installers. As a Diamond Ultra sponsor, Metra is proud to support the industry by providing in-depth training sessions for installers which will outline new ways car audio shops can expand their business with powersports customizations and reduce installation time with new audio integration products. The Installer Institute® will also be at the show, promoting their mobile electronics training programs and continuing education courses for existing installation professionals.

The training session “Reach New Markets with Metra’s Latest Solutions” will help installers grow their business with powersports and marine customization services. Attendees will learn how to use Metra’s latest aftermarket safety, lighting and audio accessories to diversify into these growing markets and take advantage of additional opportunities beyond traditional car audio. During this training, Metra will cover the newest products launched within the last year designed for popular powersports, motorcycle, Jeep® and marine applications. This vendor training session will be held on Friday, March 15 at 3:00 PM and Sunday, March 17 at 10:15 AM.

“The Future of Integration and How the Axxess DSP Can Help” training session will address the growing complexity of vehicle technology and OEM integration. With the reduction in OE radio chassis sizes, the rising popularity of tablet-style screens, and many of the personalization features controlled through the OE radio, it is difficult for shops to offer simple aftermarket solutions that are “plug and play.” This training will cover the new Axxess AX-DSP product line and how these solutions can increase sales in the showroom and decrease time in the bay. Metra will also discuss how to use and set up the AX-DSP-X and AX-DSP-LITE through the app for complete tuning control. This training will also go over and explain how to use the different types of applications offered within the AX-DSP line, including CAN-based systems, new A2B systems, MOST25, and MOST50 vehicle technology. This vendor training session will be hosted on Saturday, March 16 from 4:45 – 5:45 PM.

Metra’s customers can register for KnowledgeFest at no cost using Metra’s VIP code, available by request from their sales representative. Metra will be at booth #222 from 3/15 - 3/17. Additional information about the show, produced by the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA), is available at KnowledgeFest.org. 

At Metra, 12-volt installation and integration is our passion. We strive to continuously offer the highest quality products to meet the fluctuating technological challenges of the automotive world.  We actively listen to our customers’ requests and invest resources into developing the highest quality dash kit and harness solutions. We make more dash kits for the most vehicle applications than anyone else in the world. That’s why we’ve been known as “The Installer’s Choice” ® for more than 72 years. Our other brands include: Axxess®, T-Spec®, The Install Bay®, Heise LED Lighting Systems®, iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems®, Shuriken High Performance Batteries®, Raptor®, Ballistic®, AmmoTenna®, Metra PowerSports®, Saddle Tramp™ and Metra Marine®. Metra’s expertise in connectivity solutions is also applied to its division of premium home theater and surveillance products, Metra Home Theater Group®.  For ordering information and pricing, visit Metra Electronics online at MetraOnline.com or call 800.221-0932.

The $2.1 Billion Dollar Category and Growing

March 5, 2019 -- Race Sport Lighting, leading the way for the past 12 years as the Pioneer for the lighting category is hosting a lighting training session at KnowledgeFest in Indiana. The first half of the training focuses on the recipe for success in the lighting category. The second half of the training will be “CORE” training on the newest technology in lighting that dealers need to know to be successful and eliminate problems in the install bay.

Meet with us at KnowledgeFest in Indianapolis at Booth # 539. Training will take place on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 12:30 pm in the Marriott Ballroom 3 – 2nd Floor.

Race Sport Lighting is the leading manufacturer of LED and HID lighting technology in North America. Race Sport Lighting primarily serves the Mobile Electronic, Truck Accessory, Powersport, Motorcycle, Marine and RV industries. Founded in 2007, Race Sport Lighting is going on its 12th year leading the way as the Pioneer for the lighting category. They offer the highest quality lighting products to the industry and back it up with award winning customer service and tech support. This reputation has earned them the position of Preferred Lighting Vendor for AAM, MESA and Tint World franchises.

For more information on pricing and becoming a dealer, please visit us online at https://www.racesportinc.com/customer/account/login/or call us at 847-327-0073.

March 12, 2019 -- Sony, in its long tenure as a contributor to the Mobile Electronics Association (MEA) and of KnowledgeFest events, has announced training events at the upcoming KnowledgeFest - Indianapolis event. Sony’s support through its Diamond ULTRA Sponsorship of the event, specialist retailer-focused training, and prominent booth space are designed to expose retailers to new products, offer tips on increasing their profit, and answer technical questions.

“Our sponsorship and support of KnowledgeFest events goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to the specialist retailer in this industry. This environment grows the knowledge and skill-level of the retailers that attend, and gives us a chance to interact with them one-on-one,” said Anthony Tozzi, Distribution Sales Manager.

Sony will be showing examples of the XAV-AX7000 High Power CarPlay and Android Auto deck that they showed at CES in its 2018 Subaru Impreza on the show floor. Retailers will be able to sit and listen to it power its XS-GS1631C three-way components, XS-GS1621 coaxial speakers, and two XS-GSW101 subwoofers, with no external amplifiers in the booth.

National Trainer Kris Bulla will lead three training sessions focused on subjects that retailers will be able to use immediately upon returning to their stores.

Sony training sessions for KnowledgeFest - Indianapolis are:

• 3/15 - How to maximize your profit with Sony Car Audio Products

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Marriott Ballroom 2, Second Floor

• 3/16 - Sony High-Power Head Units – How to Sell and Install Them Properly

4:45 PM - 5:45 PM, Meeting Room 121

• 3/17 - Sony GS Speakers and Amplifiers – How to Make More Profit

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, Meeting Room 120

Sony won Vendor of the Year in 2018 at the MEA Industry Awards and took the Top Vendor: Autosound & Video award as well. These awards, voted on by the industry, are the result of the hard work of the Sony support team through its valued Distribution Partners, and the excellent retailers they service.

For questions, please contact Anthony Tozzi at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Kris Bulla at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New EVO Series amplifiers include high-level inputs, better tuning flexibility.

DAVIE, FLA., March 4, 2019 (MEDIAWIRE) – SounDigital USA introduced more than 800 mobile electronics professionals to the newest versions of its popular EVO series amplifiers during the KnowledgeFest tradeshow and education conference, held February 23-25 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif. The 800.4S EVO and 400.4S EVO will replace the 800.4D EVO and 400.4D EVO, respectively. The newer versions of these amplifiers give retailers enhanced flexibility to use EVO amplifiers to improve the performance, headroom and clarity of factory-installed radios.

"The requirement to have back-up cameras on new vehicles means having radios with screens, and since these screens are often set up to display other functions of the vehicle, they cannot easily be removed," said SounDigital CEO Diogo Ianaconi. "Our new amplifiers are designed to better connect to these factory radios to allow customers to build a personalized audio experience while keeping the familiar factory installed ergonomics."

Power-wise, the 400.4S EVO and 800.4S EVO share the output capability of their predecessors. Also, like the 800.4D, the 800.4S comes in two-ohm and four-ohm versions. In addition to low-level inputs through RCA-style connectors, the new amplifiers add two connections for four channels of high-level inputs. The high-pass / low-pass / full crossover switch for each pair of channels is now paired with a variable adjustment of 45-850Hz, providing greater precision to match output with the system configuration.

Internally, SounDigital has employed higher-quality components and a new PC board to improve sound quality and noise rejection throughout the entire 2019 product line. In addition, all of the variable adjustments are now flush-mounted into the chassis, eliminating the possibility of accidental movement.

The 800.4S EVO and 400.4S EVO are expected to ship in April, with MSRPs to be announced. For information on the new SounDigital line, visit soundigitalusa.com.