Integrating the iPod and iPhone is still a key feature in-car

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Alpine have launched its latest, third generation iPod Digital Media Receivers. The iDA range comprises the iDA-X301/iDA-X301RR, iDA-X303 and iDA-X305, and all are said to offer seamless control over all digital music sources, but specifically iPods and iPhones. These head units meet Apple's "Made for iPod" specification, and the iDA-X303 and the iDA-X305 have been endorsed with the official "Works with iPhone" logo. It all means that when you're searching for music, the iDA range offers the same simple functionality as the iPod and iPhone.

The iDA-X301/iDA-X301RR is Bluetooth-ready with Alpine's KCE-400BT (Parrot) interface and this provides users with full mobile phone access and wide phone compatibility. The module can be updated to support future phone models and also incorporates A2DP audio streaming.

The iDA-X305 and iDA-X303 have a dedicated USB port, which can also be used to connect to iPods and iPhones, as well as USB memory devices and MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) portable MP3 players. There's also ID3 tag searching for MP3 files.

Both the iDA-X305 and iDA-X303 offer a Double-Action encoder (jargon for control knob), which enables you to search all of your music media at the touch of a button. The iDA-X305 even allows you to personalise the background of the 2.2 inch TFT full colour screen via Alpine's iPersonalize facility (http://i-personalize.alpine.com/eue/index.html). The iDA-X301/iDA-X301RR has a large rotary encoder for music search functions and features a white, 2-line LCD display for easy visibility, night or day.

The "Works with iPhone" logo isn't simply a marketing gimmick so manufacturers can have two stickers on the box. The iPhone, because it's a phone and therefore radiates signals that can interfer with audio electronics, requires particular attention from audio equipment designers, especially when it comes to shielding. While it's possible to use the iPhone to play back music and video on some "Made for iPod" units, the iPhone senses that the item isn't specifically designed for it and shuts down the phone part. If you want it to still function as a phone while it's docked, playing audio or whatever, you need to look for the "Works with iPhone" logo.

The iDA-X305 and iDA-X303 are both IMPRINT ready, which means that with an additional processor, the PXA-H100, you are able to tailor the sound to your vehicle's acoustics, adjusting both the staging (to give a more realistic perspective) and tonal balance.

The X301 and X303 models provide 4 x 45W of built in output power, while the X305 pushes out a slightly meatier 4 x 50W. All three are equipped with 2V pre-outs for adding external amplifiers (3 sets in the 303 and 305). All offer CD changer control functions.

Expect the price of the iDA-305 to be around £325; the iDA-X303 typical selling price is £224.99; while the TSP for the iDA-X301/iDA-X301RR is £149.99.

Also newly introduced by Alpine is their KCE-425i, a powerful little black box which enables you to update your current AV in-car system so you can watch movies stored on your iPod. It provides a composite or high quality S-Video output.

At a TSP of £199.99, this versatile add-on allows you to connect your iPod to an existing in-car TV monitor. It offers a nice user interface which works in a similar way to an iPod, making it easy to navigate and very user friendly. Combined with an additional interface, the KCE-425i can also be used to upgrade existing factory-fitted systems with displays, allowing you to play music and videos as well as view photos.

The KCE-425i can plug straight into any rear AV input or overhead monitors, so you can keep the kids entertained on long journeys with their favourite movies and TV shows. There's a convenient remote control, or playlists can be easily created with 'My Jukebox'.

Graham Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director of Alpine Electronics in the UK, told us, "As the features on our iPods are becoming more and more complex, they offer us the ultimate entertainment package. Not only can we listen to music and audio books, but there is now the technology to store full length movies. With our new multipurpose KCE-425i, you can bring your current multi-media stereo up to date without the expense of buying a whole new system." [KOB]