FEATURES
First Look - 2006 International CES
By Jacqueline Bates
Posted on Feb 8, 2006

It’s the beginning of a new year. That means parties, broken resolutions, and, of course, The Consumer Electronics Show (CES). We just didn’t get enough of Vegas in November, so we’re heading back out to check out the newest products. We’ll be drooling over new stuff, checking out demo vehicles, and breaking resolutions of our own, all to help you stay up to date with all of the new technology you should be lusting over in the coming months. Here are some of the things that we’re looking forward to checking out at the show. Unfortunately, we can’t tell you about all the new stuff that’ll be there — we’re sworn to secrecy on some of it — but we’ll be able to tell you all about it when we get back.

Peripheral Electronics’ (Tel: 727.572.9255, Web: www.peripheralelectronics.com) iPod2car interface for OEM radios and recently released Generation 2 interface for aftermarket radios are fully compatible with Apple’s new iPod Nano and video capable iPod.

Peripheral’s Research and Development team has conducted extensive testing between the iPod Nano and the iPod2car products to establish 100 percent compatibility. Connection of the iPod Nano and the iPod2car interface yields access to functions like digital quality audio and continuous charging of the iPod Nano’s battery, along with track up/down and ffwd/rev. When using the Nano with an iPod2carGen2 you not only gets digital quality sound and a constant battery charge, but also the availability of complete browsing capabilities with an aftermarket head unit which also displays track and artist information. The iPod2carGen2 Aftermarket has been designed to work with satellite or iPod compatible Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer or Sony radios. Supported radios will display track and artist information, along with a familiar looking browse menu on the face of the radio. The iPod2carGen2 Aftermarket’s simple programmability enables this single interface to operate on all current and future applications keeping the iPod2carGen2 Aftermarket an all-in-one solution.

Peripheral’s first generation iPod2car is now compatible with Eclipse Radios, enabled by the creation of the PXHEC1, a harness that simply connects the iPod2car to the Eclipse Radio. Users can control track up and down as well as fast forward and rewind from the head unit, but if you’re a hardcore iPod aficionado, you’ll appreciate that click wheel operation is retained. Digital sound quality is achieved with a direct link of the iPod2car to the radio via CD changer port.

Alpine (Web: www.alpine-usa.com) is spotlighting its redesigned Type S speakers and new CDA-9856 CD/MP3/WMA receiver.

Alpine’s popular SPS-17C2 is a 6.5-inch coaxial speaker. Its common size allows it to fit in a wide variety of vehicles. The SPS-17C2 produces high quality sound, thanks to a balanced dome tweeter and swivel tweeter design. The new grill not only has a sleek, brushed aluminum look, but was also designed to help optimize sound. The angle of the tweeter guard is set at the same angle as the surround guard, resulting in linear expansion of the sound.

Alpine’s 2006 head units are “enabled,” allowing you to connect and play back many of today’s popular media formats. The new CDA-9856 CD/MP3/WMA receiver exemplifies how these media options can be brought together into one head unit. The CDA-9856 is compatible with Alpine’s new KCE-422i Full Speed connection cable for the iPod. This third-generation adapter provides control and playback of iPod songs at faster speeds than before. XM or Sirius Satellite Radio, HD Radio and other portable music players can also be added and played back through the CDA-9856, via the use of other additional Alpine interface products.

Parrot’s (Tel: 877-9-PARROT. Web: www.parrot.biz) 3200 LS-COLOR Advanced Car Kit is for drivers who want wireless hands-free phone function with an easy-to-read color LCD display.
The 64mmx58mmx20mm dash-mounted color LCD screen displays information (including Caller ID) for both incoming and outgoing calls, adding Photo ID when photos are programmed into the address portion of either the car kit or phone. The unit also allows the user to browse a phone’s address book and provides a visual menu that’s easy to see at a glance.

Like all of Parrot’s installed Bluetooth car kits, the 3200 LS-COLOR automatically mutes the vehicle’s radio or CD player and uses the speakers for phone audio. Voice recognition and voice activation features allow drivers to make calls, take calls, and access a 150-name address book without taking their hands off the wheel.

The Parrot LS 3200 LS-COLOR is compatible with the vast majority of Bluetooth-enabled phones regardless of carrier or manufacturer. With Parrot products, the car kit is automatically ready to go whenever your vehicle is turned on. Just start the engine, drive, and talk hands-free.

From Rockford Fosgate, (Web: www.rockfordfosgate.com) the company that developed cutting edge products such as Rockford Fosgate Symmetry and class BD amplifier technology, comes the Rockford Fosgate 3SIXTYº Interactive Signal Processor. 3SIXTYº delivers unprecedented control and flexibility to aftermarket and OEM sound systems with up to 153 bands of equalization. The 3SIXTYº Interactive Signal Processor also allows for aftermarket car audio equipment to be integrated into existing OEM environments and features an additional auxiliary input for other in-car entertainment devices, such as gaming and MP3 players.

Rockford Fosgate’s 3SIXTYº signal processor technology, design, and function make system and signal manipulation seamless. The DSP based processor combines many common audio components into one. The DSP based engine allows for six channels of 1/3rd octave equalization, each channel has a three-way crossover (50Hz-10kHZ) with selectable slope, subsonic filter (20 Hz-35 Hz) with selectable slope, delay and output level. The 3SIXTYº Interactive Signal Processor delivers countless tuning options and is the ultimate in car audio system control.

Not just a state-of-the-art equalizer, Rockford Fosgate has included OEM integration into the 3SIXTYº. It can integrate with factory source units, which enables users to add aftermarket amplifiers and speakers to any OEM environment. Through artificial intelligence the 3SIXTYº will automatically correct and, if needed, sum the OEM inadequacies by restoring a flat frequency response while maintaining factory features such as navigation, steering wheel controls, and all other features the vehicle was originally delivered with.

The 3SIXTYº Interactive Signal Processor is available in two platforms, 3SIXTY.1 and 3SIXTY.2. The 3SIXTY.1 offers a full feature set and optimizes equalization and OEM integration, a perfect addition to any car audio sound system. The upgraded 3SIXTY.2 is loaded with additional features and allows for the ultimate in system control and performance. Offering a fully interactive touch screen wireless solution via a Bluetooth-enabled PALM OS, the unit gives the user the ability to tune the sound system in real-time anywhere within the vehicle.

As the newest edition to Beyma’s (Web: www.beyma.com) high quality handcrafted car audio products the Sound Concept Series is complete with component systems, tweeters, mid bass, coaxial speakers and Subwoofers.

The Sound Concept series has been especially developed and designed with the more discerning listener in mind. Strict attention was given to the die-cast aluminum baskets, for clarity and lighter weight. Fiberglass cones for high quality midbass and midrange sound and Butyl surrounds for durability and longevity can be found in the Sound Concept Series line. Beyma provides a three-year limited warranty on each item in all product categories against defects in manufacturing.

Metra (Tel: 800.221.0932, Web: www.Metraonline.com) has a wide-ranging line of products ready to roll, including several new models in the Monkey Video line and new entries in the Warlock line.
Metra’s Monkey Video MFDM17HP Video Kit features a 17-inch roof-mount, TFT-LCD 16:9 widescreen color monitor with TV tuner, one set of IR headphones and remote control. Other features include: active matrix high resolution of 1280 x 760; 300:1 contrast ratio; 6 bit interlaced display colors (16M), 160-degree wide viewing angle (horizontal and vertical), and 400 cd/sq.m brightness. Built-in dome lights replace factory lights.

The Monkey Video MDVDAT6.5 in-dash DVD/CD/MP3 player with motorized flip-out 6.5-inch color monitor and TV/AM/FM tuner offers a variety of features, including TFT LCD color display; 1440 x 234 resolution, 50 x 4 watts, horizontal and vertical panel adjustment, multi-subtitle, multi-angle function, multi-audio language function, two A/V inputs, one video output, antenna socket and remote control.
The Monkey Video MVM51, a seven-inch TFT-LCD sun visor color monitor, features 16:9 aspect ratio, 1440 x 234 resolution, NTSC/PAL, auto on/off with video signal, color module, one video input and video in/out, remote control and mounting bracket.

The Warlock WSR-2 two-way Remote Start and Security System offers a number of appealing features, including visual confirmation on the LCD transmitter, code hopping, even-channel receiver with eight effective channels, six channel code learning programmable receiver, programmable active or passive arming selections, LCD visual confirmation of alarm features, “smart” disarm, on-glass superheterodyne transceiver antenna, seven-function bright blue LED, starter disable, parking meter timer alarm (LCD clock), vehicle interior temperature indicator (selectable for F or C readout), personal pager to LCD transceiver, 15 selectable alarm/conformation tunes, memory preset controls for seats and accessories (if applicable), and a Telematics data port for system expansion.

Metra’s new Warlock WSR-1 four-button Code-Learning Remote Start and Security System features automatic start transmitters and receiver, safety control switch for remote start, selectable automatic timed start mode, four-channel code-learning receiver that accepts up to four transmitters, simultaneous multi-tone siren activation at all entry points, audible confirmation for Arm/Disarm/Defective Zone, true last door arming, arming disables starter, dual-stage plug-in shock sensor, seven-function bright blue LED, programmable start-and-run cycles from five to 20 minutes, and an automatic start-up timer mode that runs vehicle on programmed cycle during two- or four-hour intervals for up to 48 hours.

Metra’s WS-10 four-button Code-Hopping Remote Security System features a two-stage shock sensor and starter disable, five-channel receiver with six effective channels, seven-function bright blue LED, active or passive arming selections, high-decibel six-tone siren with instant activation, tamper confirmation, true last door arming (hardwire installation only), hardwire or voltage sense, panic button, RF on-demand chirp delete, RF inhibit when ignition is on, outputs for keyless entry, starter disable, illuminated entry, and headlight illumination, and a Telematics data port for easy system expansion. User-programmable features include: auto lock and unlock on/off, door lock pulse duration, active or passive door locks, custom code override and permanent chirp delete.

Phoenix Gold International, Inc. (Web:  www.phoenixgold.com) is shipping its new Radial Sd amplifier, speaker and subwoofer lines.
Available in mono, two-channel and four-channel configurations, the new CEA 2006-compliant Radial Sd amplifiers from Phoenix Gold feature eye-catching aesthetics, high performance power output, and extensive feature sets, including built-in electronic crossovers, on-board protection circuitry, high speed/high current MOSFET switching power supply, high current/high voltage fully complementary output stage, line/aux outputs, wide range input sensitivity adjustment, multi-function protection indicator, and variable bass boost.

From three-inch coaxes to 6.5-inch component speakers, Phoenix Gold’s new Radial Sd speaker line has what the discerning audiophile wants. Engineered from the ground up, these speakers were designed to handle very high power and provide outstanding performance. Each speaker in the Radial Sd line has been designed to complement the new Radial Sd amps and add exciting cosmetics and durable construction. Radial Sd coaxes and speakers are designed to provide long-lasting performance.

The new Phoenix Gold Radial Sd woofer line includes 10- and 12-inch models, each with 500-watt power handling. The line was designed with power, performance, and sound quality in mind. Features in the new Phoenix Gold Radial Sd subwoofers and speakers include injected molded aluminum-plated grained polypropylene cone, Butyl rubber surround, flat linear roll spider (on select models), interwoven tinsel leads woven directly into the spider which provide added strength and reliability, rigid powder coated steel frame, and optimized magnet/motor structure.

PowerBass USA (Tel: 909.993.5399, Web: www.powerbassusa.com) is unveiling its new Xtreme line of coaxial speakers. This speaker is brand new from the ground up, starting with a proprietary stainless steel stamped basket. The speaker offers a unique four-layer wool and paper pulp cone for a warm natural sound that you can listen to for hours without audio fatigue. Integrated into the speaker is a Poly Switch “tweeter limiter,” Butyl rubber surround and BASV voice coil former for increased power handling. A full one-inch pure silk dome tweeter delivers impressive clean highs. Other features include gold plated input contacts, protective custom rubber magnet boot, deluxe Xtreme grill, and pivoting tweeter.

Like several series in the next years line-up, the 2XL series incorporates a 3-ohm system impedance for more efficient use of amplifier power.
Keep your eyes glued to the pages of CAR SOUND & PERFORMANCE for more information on these hot products, and all the other goodies that were released at the show.  <<