In-Car Media Hub Offers iPod integration & Bluetooth

Alpine U.K. have taken the wraps off their new iXA-W407BT double-DIN Media Station, a CD Mechanism-less design featuring iPod and iPhone capability, integrated Parrot Bluetooth and a 7-inch, high resolution touch-screen display. Its built-in 4 x 50W amplifier makes it a one-box solution but with plenty of upgrade options.

The unit's display gives easy viewing of menus, customisable information and album art, offering consumers an enhanced way to navigate their iPod/iPhone® music and video content. Its touch screen iPod controller uses a Scrollview interface, making it possible to drag and tap your finger to view menus and make selections. There's an AM/FM tuner and a high-speed USB connection for the best possible sound from your iPod/iPhone, plus connectivity to many USB-based portable music players or memory devices.

Any colour display iPod is compatible with the iXA-W407BT ((iPod 5th gen, iPod nano 1st-4th gen, iPod classic, iPod touch 1st-2nd gen), and the unit meets Apple’s “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” compatibility specifications. The built-in Parrot Bluetooth means that the iXA-W407BT is also ready to link up with many Bluetooth-enabled phones, giving the convenience of hands-free operation as well as full phonebook access, on-screen display of user names and easy touch-screen control. Parrot software updates provide support for future phones.

"This exciting new product represents the best option for the iPod / iPhone user on the move," said Keith Holness, National Sales Manager, Alpine Electronics, "and allows access to iPod Audio, Video and also USB Memory source. The integrated Parrot Bluetooth means best compatibility with Bluetooth enabled phones and the user interface is perfect for ease of use and safety whilst driving. We are very proud of this new product and it already looks like being a real winner."

The unit's Percentage Search or Page Skip functions lets users navigate large music files alphabetically, making it easier to find music. Consumers also can personalise the iXA-W407BT by selecting one of seven included display widgets, including a clock, calculator and a calendar, with as many as four widgets viewed on the screen at once. Additionally, iPod video playback is fully supported by the iXA-W407BT which can be viewed when the vehicle is parked. In addition, the iXA-W407B offers 2 x AV inputs that can be used to add other media players, TV tuner or games console, for example. It also has an AV output that can be used for rear screen entertainment (e.g the Alpine PKG-850P).

The iXA-W407BT - which offers Dual Zone Entertainment (Rear A/V Output) - also offers the ability to add additional entertainment and information options, including navigation or reversing cameras and, by using the Drive Assist buttons at the bottom of the unit, these are accessible at the touch of a button for ease of use. It is also IMPRINT Ready. Connecting the PXA-H100 will enable you to manually select a multitude of sound tuning parameters but the 'magic' happens when the system is tuned using the dedicated IMPRINT software. The IMPRINT technology uses a unique method that automatically adjusts your crossovers, frequency and time correction for unsurpassed imaging, and clarity of sound.

The iXA-W407BT is also GPS navigation-ready for Alpine's optional navigation products. When one of these products is connected to the iXA-W407BT, the map information and driving directions from the navigation unit are displayed on the iXA-W407BT’s screen. It is also possible to add a reversing camera to see what's around the vehicle, allowing greater safety and easier parking.

The iXA-W407BT Digital Media Station is available now with a Typical Selling Price of £699.99. It is available through authorised Alpine dealers.