Offering drivers more after-market audio choices for connectivity, functionality and design, Sony today unveiled two new Xplod® in-dash CD receivers.

Featuring an intuitive user interface with USB flash media support for Sony’s Quick BrowZer™ technology, the new CDX-GT920U and CDX-GT620U models deliver 52 watts x 4 high-power output and three additional pre-outs to satisfy drivers who want explosive sound and flexibility.

“The receivers deliver more options for a personalized approach to after-market car customization,” said Mike Kahn, director of marketing for mobile electronics in the Digital Imaging and Audio Division at Sony Electronics…

Pioneer Electronics Inc. today announced Sound Sensations as the winner of the prestigious 2008 Pioneer Sound Build-Off competition for having built the best sound quality vehicle, honored at the company’s annual dealer road show held in San Diego, California on Saturday, April 19. More than 20 vehicles from Pioneer’s nationwide Premier dealer base participated in this elite invitation-only event.

Each vehicle, equipped with a highly customized top-of-the-line Premier audio system, was thoroughly evaluated by certified International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA) judges for their realistic sound quality as well as creative installation…

In pursuit of providing the highest sound quality and in-vehicle listening experience, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today released its Premier PRS-A900 4-channel reference amplifier and in-turn redefines “state-of-the-art” with regard to mobile amplification. Following an unlimited design philosophy of performance and quality regardless of cost, this new amplifier surpasses the standard set by its spiritual predecessors, the critically acclaimed in-car amplifiers of the Pioneer Optical Digital Reference (ODR) system…

Alpine announced its IVA-W505 Mobile Multimedia Station™ ($1,100 SRI) is now shipping to authorized Alpine dealers in the U.S. and Canada. The IVA-W505 is a full-featured DVD/CD/MP3/AAC/WMA/DivX audio/video head unit that boasts a new, intuitive graphical interface and touch-screen control over virtually any digital media source in the car, as well as Bluetooth® connectivity…

Following a successful event last spring in Tucson, Arizona, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announced the second annual Pioneer Sound Build-Off. Twenty-two of Pioneer’s Premier nationwide retailers, including the top five that participated in last year’s event as well as the People’s Choice winner, are being challenged to build the best sounding demo vehicle using select Premier-branded audio equipment.

Participating dealers are given six weeks to install the provided audio system in their own demo vehicles and will then be evaluated based on International Auto Sound Challenge Association (IASCA) rules…

Blaupunkt, the car electronics division of Robert Bosch Corporation, has introduced a digital-savvy car radio designed to give users uninterrupted access to vast libraries of digital audio files on MP3-CD's and USB flash drives and large-format portable hard-drives. Unlike most car stereos, where MP3 playback is interrupted when searching digital play lists, the Blaupunkt New Orleans MP58 offers no-interrupt browsing capability of file menus and ID3 tag information without interfering with playback of the current track.

The New Orleans MP58 has a fixed 1-meter USB cable for connection and flexible placement of these external digital storage devices…

Kenwood unveils the NEXEDGE™ brand of conventional and trunked mobiles, portables and repeaters, incorporating new advanced digital narrow band technology designed for public service and enterprise users. NEXEDGE™ systems feature multi-mode operation, including 6.25/12.5 kHz NXDN™ digital mode featuring the NXDN digital air interface plus 25/12.5 kHz analog for easy migration from current communications systems.

The NEXEDGE product line includes the NX-300/300 portables, the NX-700/800 mobiles and the NXR-700/800 base units. Features include digital trunking for faster and more efficient calling capabilities, enhanced capacity and higher levels of security…

Kenwood USA Corporation is introducing new eXcelon in-dash CD receivers that continue the tradition of advanced audio technologies and high value. All models incorporate USB Direct Control for high-speed control of iPod or mass storage devices, 1-wire direct connection to iPods, and auxiliary inputs. Step-up audio features include 24-bit DACs for the best possible digital audio processing and high-voltage preamp outputs for better signal-to-noise performance.

The flagship KDC-X991 offers a customizable OEL display and all-digital platform for the ultimate in high-end audio…

Building on the success of its All-in-One Entertainment/Navigation product line, Kenwood USA is launching two break-through Dual DIN models with the latest audio, video and navigation technologies. Both units include full-memory Garmin navigation technology and the most advanced mapping data of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Navigation features include voice guidance that announces street names, over 6 million Points of Interest, and Sirf Star 3 GPS receiver that improves GPS accuracy. In addition, the DNX7120 is XM Traffic/Weather ready for live traffic and weather data…

Car enthusiasts know that upgrading their vehicles can be almost addictive. Once they start with one item, their enthusiasm for more grows. But taking that first step can be intimidating, leaving consumers wondering where to start without jumping into a complete overhaul. For those consumers who want to improve the sound of their system, but don’t want to purchase separate amplifiers, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. is offering a new Head Unit Power Pack expansion module. The KTP-445 packs big power in a small space, providing an easy power upgrade for improved sound quality…