Alpine's first Double-DIN iPod Digital Media Station

Alpine Electronics has launched the iXA-W404R, its first 2-DIN ScrollView, touch control, in-car Digital Media Station or "media hub". The unit claims to offer "an enhanced iPod® experience in the car" with new ways to navigate through your iPod's content. But it goes way further, with options to add a navigation module (with mapping viewed on the W404R's screen), reversing camera and handsfree phone use via Bluetooth. And its USB input allows lots of devices to be hooked up, not just the iPod and iPhone.

Apple's iPod is king of MP3 players right now, so not surprisingly Alpine have catered very well for both the iPod and iPhone. The iXA-W404R is an advanced in-car iPod controller that uses either the double-action rotary button or the 4.3-inch QVGA colour touch-screen for data entry. Any colour display iPod or iPhone is compatible with the iXA-W404R (including iPod 5th gen, iPod nano 1st – 4th gen, iPod classic, iPod touch 1st – 2nd gen), and the unit naturally meets Apple’s “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” compatibility specifications.

The unit includes an AM/FM tuner, 4 x 50W built-in Power Amp, high-speed USB connection for connectivity to any USB-based portable music player or memory device, Dual Zone Entertainment facility, reversing camera port (for Alpine's HCE-C107D) plus a standard RCA camera input , 3 sets of audio PreOuts, 2 PreIns for Alpine's PXA-H100 IMPRINT system, and it's Steering Wheel Remote Control Ready.

“More than ever, consumers want to use their portable digital media players in the car and enhance this experience with great sound and visuals,” said Keith Holness, Alpine UK's National Sales Manager. “The iXA-W404R provides a fun, new way for consumers to control and experience all the digital content they are carrying around in their iPod, iPhone or portable device.”

The unit’s Percentage Search or Page Skip functions let users navigate through large numbers of music files alphabetically, making it easier to find that favourite track. You can also personalise the iXA-W404R by selecting one of seven included display widgets, including a clock, calculator and a calendar, with up to four widgets viewed on the screen at once. And then there's the video side - iPod and iPhone video playback is fully supported by the iXA-W404R when the vehicle is parked.

The iXA-W404R offers the ability to add additional entertainment and information options, including Bluetooth, navigation or reversing cameras. By using the Drive Assist buttons at the bottom of the unit, these extras become accessible at the touch of a button.

Alpine’s KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface Module (sold separately) can be added to allow mobile phone conversations to be heard through the vehicle’s sound system.  Phone functions are controlled via the iXA-W404R. It also provides wireless streaming of music from A2DP-enabled Bluetooth devices such as music phones.

The iXA-W404R is also ready to take a GPS navigation module. When one of these products is connected, the map information and driving directions from the navigation unit are displayed on the iXA-W404R’s screen.  It is also possible to add a reversing camera to see what’s around the vehicle for easier, safer parking.

The iXA-W404R Digital Media Station is available now with a Typical Selling Price of £499.99. The KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface carries a TSP of £149.99. All products are available through authorised Alpine dealers. For more info check www.alpine-electronics.co.uk.