Alpine debuts iPod Media Station at CES

Alpine has announced the upcoming introduction of the new iXA-W404 in the US, its first 2-DIN touch-screen Digital Media Station dedicated to use of the iPod and iPhone. It features a brand-new touch-screen graphical user interface (GUI) that works in a similar way to the iPhone® and iPod Touch, so that consumers can have a familiar user experience when controlling their car audio system. It also allows several additional add-on units to be controlled, including an optional sat-nav module.

The iXA-W404 meets the specifications for "Made for iPod" and "Works with iPhone" compatibility. As a dedicated iPod receiver, it does not have a CD/DVD disc drive; instead, it has an AM/FM tuner and a high-speed USB input for optimal iPod/iPhone connection and digital audio from the iPod.  Users can also connect USB memory devices and MTP-based MP3 players via the USB input.  Any iPod with a 30-PIN dock connector is compatible with the iXA-W404.

"Consumer demand has evolved from simply being able to play digital music in the car to having a complete iPod user experience.  With this new iXA-W404 touch-screen and knob control system,  consumers can have intuitive control over their iPod or iPhone music," said Stephen Witt, vice president of marketing at Alpine Electronics in the US.

The iXA-W404 gives users a new way to navigate their iPod/iPhone music and video content via their in-dash head unit.  It can be controlled by the double-action encoder knob or through the 4.3-inch colour touch-screen monitor. The touch-screen lets users quickly browse through their file collection by lightly dragging the on-screen album covers with their finger. The current album is shown in the centre of the screen, with the previous two albums/songs and next two album/songs on either side of the current selection. Users also can navigate through files alphabetically. With this option, an alphabet bar is shown on the right side of the screen that corresponds to the listed files, similar to the iPhone/iPod Touch. Users can lightly tap the desired letter on the alphabet bar to view the files that begin with that letter.

iPod and iPhone video playback is also fully supported by the iXA-W404. Additionally, consumers can customize the iXA-W404 by selecting one of five included display widgets, including a clock, a photo-viewer and a calendar. Up to three of these 'widgets' can be viewed on the screen at once.

The iXA-W404 is Bluetooth-ready (optional Alpine KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface Module required). With this feature, hands-free phone conversations can be conducted through the car's sound system, and all phone functions controlled via the iXA-W404. Users can also wirelessly stream audio from AVRCP and A2DP-enabled Bluetooth devices, such as music phones. And to help keep rear-seat passengers entertained, the iXA-W404 can control optional Headrest Monitors. The Media Station offers three pairs of 2V pre-outs and a built-in 4x18W (RMS) amplifier.

It's also possible to turn the iXA-W404 in to a touch-screen navigation system by adding the Alpine NVE-P1 Navigation Drive and PMD-DOK2 Docking Station (both sold separately). The NVE-P1 provides preloaded NAVTEQ map data, text-to-speech driving instructions and Bluetooth hands-free functionality.

The iXA-W404 2-DIN Digital Media Station is expected to be available in the USA during April 09, so expect availability in UK and Europe to be shortly after that. In the US the retail price should be around $550.