CES News Highlights

A collection of relevant news stories coming out of the 2009 International CES trade show in Las Vegas. [K O'Byrne, News Editor]

New EFX amps, speakers and high-end HEXAD cables
EFX, Scosche Industry’s high-end aftermarket car audio accessories brand, introduced its improved range of speakers, amplifiers, accessories and wiring at CES. The amplifiers have been completely redesigned, using MOSFET power supplies and low noise circuitry, with 0-12dB variable 45Hz bass boost, high and low level inputs, and five-way protection circuitry (thermal, short circuit, impedance, voltage, reverse polarity). The attractively designed exterior has an illuminated logo badge and brushed aluminium heatsink and top plate, which complements its sturdy aluminium side panels. In addition, the EFX mono amplifiers feature an attractive remote level control with power LED.

The new EFX Competition Speakers - EFX C65 and C692 - feature 12dB, 2-way integrated crossovers. The C65 convertible component set can be mounted in either a coaxial or component alignment with separate tweeter, and includes a Universal Backmount Adapter for secure and easy tweeter mounting behind factory panels or A pillars. There's also a line of EFX Competition subwoofers optimised for small enclosures, featuring 2.5” high temperature voice coils, heavy double stacked magnets, stitched and bonded large rubber surrounds and one piece IMPP parabolic cones.

At the upper end of their line of wiring accessories comes the EFX “Hexad” range, claimed to combine some features and materials found in ultra high-end audiophile cables with EFX's own innovative technologies. “Accuflow” frequency tuned “Litz” conductors utilize individually insulated, multiple gauge OFC strands for optimum signal transfer. Constructed using EFX's “HEXAD” Dual Opposing Ground Path braid geometry and Rhodium plated RCA ends, it's claimed to be class-leading cable.

EFX is also introducing REVO deluxe audio cables - featuring an improved triple shielded, twisted pair construction which maximizes noise rejection, and high grade OFC copper conductors -  and a new line of power and speaker cables under the tag of FLUX, offering flexible, high strand count, AWG standard, OFC copper cable in different jacket colours and lengths.

Clarion launches first HD-ready Radio, the VZ309
Clarion announced the introduction of their first head unit ready to receive HD Radio broadcasts. The VZ309 is a single DIN CD/DVD multimedia station with 3.5-inch TFT colour display and front panel USB input for MP3/WMA playback. Adding Clarion's optional HD Radio tuner module (THD309) will give users high definition digital radio.

HD Radio - a digital audio and data transmission system along the lines of the European DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) network, but not the same - has been adopted largely in the USA  and parts of Canada, with over 80% of the United States currently able to tune in to radio stations that are using this technology. It allows both AM and FM to carry digital audio and data alongside their normal analog signals, enabling simulcasting of music in both digital and analog formats on the same channel.

In addition to its DVD/ CD receiver and USB connector, which supports playback of MP3, WMA and JPEG files, Clarion’s VZ309 has a  front AUX input for portable audio players and optional iPod audio and video playback (when hooking up their CCUIPOD2 iPod adaptor). There's a 50W x 4 built-in amplifier, 6 channel RCA outputs, subwoofer volume control, included Infra-Red remote control, Rear AV output and Rear Vision Camera RCA input. The flip-down colour display offers control of all the included media formats, giving maximum usability in a small, one-DIN package that clearly offers a lot more than just the HD Ready option.

The VZ309 has a price tag of $400 (MSRP) in the USA, with the optional HD Radio tuner at $130. Both should hit US shops within the first 3 months of 09.

Clarion Take to the Sea too
Clarion has also announced the summer 09 introduction in the US of an all-new line of multimedia units designed specifically for the marine market. Marine has always struck us as a market not especially well targeted by UK audio installation specialists - with a few notable exceptions - and yet on an island like ours we'd expect good opportunity probably exists to grade up or install new audio-video products to boats of various size and specification. Clarion’s custom Marine line for 2009 includes five newly designed units featuring upgraded multimedia capabilities and sleek new cosmetics, plus a brand new marine speaker line.

The top-of-the-line CMV1 is claimed to be the marine industry’s first watertight head-unit to offer video playback on a front panel colour display. The unit was selected by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) at the CES, as an Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award honoree in the In-Vehicle Audio product category for product and design excellence.

The CMV1 features a 3.5-inch TFT full colour display and offers DVD-video, DivX and iPod Video playback capabilities. Also on board is Dolby Digital playback circuitry, BBE® MP sound enhancement, a USB input for MP3/iPod playback, rear panel AV inputs and outputs (for driving a remote display), and shockproof memory for uninterrupted playback when the going gets a bit choppy! It's equipped for satellite radio (ok, not much use around the shores of the UK or the Med) and is Bluetooth ready.

It'll be interesting to see if Clarion UK - certainly not new to the marine market - will again risk getting their toes wet by bringing in at least the CMV1 and the new speakers (Clarion will have new 6 x 9 3-way marine speakers, 6.5 inch and 7 inch coaxial and component speakers, plus 8 and 10-inch subwoofers). It won't matter too much if the radio is only US-spec - go on Graham, give it a go.

Case Logic Celebrates 25 years with new Security Friendly Laptop Cases
Case Logic introduced a variety of new mobile lifestyle products at the CES, in the year that marks Case Logic’s 25th anniversary. It all started for them in Boulder, Colorado, in 1984 and the goal was simple: to create a solution for cassette tapes rattling around on the floor of the car while traveling to the region's famed ski slopes. Today, Case Logic offers more than 350  products - including CD/DVD pouches and carriers, and robust portable Sat Nav cases - as one of the leaders in developing intelligent solutions to help people organise and protect the various and ever-growing number of  things we need to carry.

One of the highlights of its 2009 product assortment is a collection of Security Friendly Laptop Cases and Sleeves. In 2008, Case Logic responded to new guidelines implemented by the US Transportation Security Administration regarding carry-on luggage. The new collection allows travellers to pass through security checkpoints without removing their laptops from the protection of their cases or sleeves for individual inspection. The Security Friendly Cases isolate the laptop computer so x-ray screeners have an unobstructed view of the laptop and can inspect it quickly and easily.

Great idea, we just wonder if the airport authorities are aware of them... having a debate about it with a US Customs Official in Vegas or JFK isn't advisable, and at Moscow definitely to be avoided, trust me.

Birthday for Alpine too
Alpine Electronics of America was also celebrating at this year's CES. 2009 is the company’s 30th year in the U.S. and they put on a show with two impressive new demo cars on their stand. The first, a Mercedes Benz E350, was used to  showcase a system built around keeping the factory radio functions and cosmetics, using Alpine's PXE-H650 System Integration Audio Processor, a PDX-5 five-channel amplifier, two pairs of SPX-17REF Type-X Reference component speakers, and one SWR-1222D Type-R 12-inch subwoofer.

What made it especially marketable as a system is that Alpine will promote this very package through participating Alpine retailers in the U.S. The dealer can recommend this package while adding other features to suit the customer,  such as iPod® or iPhone® integration, and Bluetooth® hands-free calling. "This solution helps dealers work in conjunction with, rather than be locked out of, today’s newer factory systems", say Alpine. It's certainly a sensible strategy in our view. Infact it's fast becoming the ONLY strategy.

The second car on the Alpine CES stand, part of which was designed to resemble a typical dealer's store, was a Scion xD intended as an example of a practical system that sounds good, loud, and with plenty of upgrade paths. The system consisted of a CDE-102 CD receiver, MRP-M500 mono amplifier, KTP-445 Head Unit Power Pack, one SPS-600C 6.5-inch component two-way speaker set, one SPS-500 5.25-inch coaxial two-way speaker set and one SWS-1043D 10-inch subwoofer.

The CDE-102 can play songs from a USB memory stick or MP3 player plugged in through the faceplate, so it meets the needs of the customer who wants to play digital music in their car but is on a tight budget. This system will also be actively marketed as a package through Alpine dealers in the U.S. Alpine UK has already done similar system package campaigns here, so we can expect more of the same here too, giving savings for buyers compared to buying the items separately.

Phone calls and digital music combine in Parrot's new MKi
Parrot unveiled its new MKi range of  hands-free Bluetooth "music kits" with iPod/iPhone/MP3 integration. This allows drivers to make and take calls, hands-free, while giving them the option to play their digital music files through the vehicle sound system, whether via iPod/iPhone connector, USB or 3.5mm input for other MP3 players, or by streaming their music wirelessly via Bluetooth stereo (A2DP).

"Parrot's new MKi will be attractive to anyone seeking a user-friendly hands-free system that lets them listen to their digital music files while driving," said the company's David Wenning. "Today, everything can be a music source - MP3s, cell phones, computers and PDAs. People want to be able to listen to their music whenever they want and wherever they are, and the MKi system let's them move from home or office to car."

The MKi series comprises the Parrot MKi9100 and MKi9200, both with connections for an iPod, iPhone and/or iTouch, along with USB and 3.5mm jack.  Both car kits feature the latest phone communication technology, a built-in 20-watt amplifier, and display the phone's contacts list and iPod's playlist, which are controlled by a wireless remote. In addition, the user interface of the MKi9200 also has an SD and SD-HC compatible card slot that provides up to 32GB of music memory space. 

The larger screen of the MKi9200 displays the contact and playlist information, plus CD album covers and even the caller's photo if pre-loaded. The displays are removable as an anti-theft measure. 

Phone connection and synchronisation is said to be a breeze. Simply pair your Bluetooth cellphone with the device and wait a few seconds while your phone book is automatically uploaded to the MKi kit. Then, to make a call, simply push the green button on the remote control to start voice recognition. The device will ask, "Who do you want to call?"  Say your contact's name, and without any prior "training" process claim Parrot, the MKi system will recognise the name.  If several numbers are listed for them, the MKi will ask you to specify cellphone, business, home, etc. The voice synthesis function (text-to-speech) actually "speaks" your contact names and helps you easily browse your phonebook. 

Once set up, the MKi system will automatically connect your phone when you next turn on the car's ignition. It will also automatically synchronise your phone's contacts and numbers with the MKi's phonebook each time a new entry is detected. Retail pricing on these will be 250-300 dollars in the U.S.