Jan 7, 2014

Alpine Introduces IVE-W555BT AV Receiver

Alpine has introduced the IVE-W555BT, a new audio/video (AV) receiver for in-dash use. The receiver debuted at the 2014 International CES, taking place Jan. 7-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Alpine IVE-W555BT

The IVE-W555BT has a 6.1-inch WVGA high-resolution screen and DVD slot, making it a convenient product for users who prefer a screen-based entertainment system in the dash. Entertainment sources include Made for iPod and iPhone compatibility and Pandora internet radio control from an iPhone or Android smartphone.

The rear USB port allows for high-speed USB connections to music libraries stored on an iPod, iPhone or USB drive. Basic control of iPhone apps is available through the App Mode, which displays available metadata from the app on the IVE-W555BT’s screen.

Tuneit 2.0 Sound Tuning And Sharing App

The IVE-W555BT is compatible with Alpine’s exclusive TuneIt 2.0 smartphone app. TuneIt debuted in 2013 and is an easy-to-use sound tuning app which offers Facebook notifications. Users download the free app onto their iPhone or Android smartphone and create a user profile with information about themselves, their vehicle, and their Alpine sound system. They can follow the simple instructions to adjust sound settings (like Time Correction, Parametric EQ and Crossover) for their specific vehicle, or choose from the pre-made settings in the database.

Users download the free app onto their iPhone or Android smartphone and create a user profile with information about themselves, their vehicle, and their Alpine sound system.

Users can share settings and rate settings made by others. The sound setting activities are done through a graphical user interface on the smartphone. The phone only needs to be connected when downloading the sound setting into the IVE-W555BT; this connection can be done through USB for iPhone or through Bluetooth wireless technology with a compatible Android smartphone.

Now in its second generation, new features added to TuneIt 2.0 include increased vehicle choices for easier profile set-up and an expanded database of Alpine speakers and subwoofers for more precise sound system tuning. Bass Engine SQ tuning is a new feature that changes bass sound characteristics by automatically adjusting different combinations of EQ, Sub Level and Crossover settings through the choice of five bass profiles (Standard, Punch, Rich, Mid Bass, Low Bass). Bass Engine SQ tuning can also be adjusted through TuneIt 2.0.

Users are notified of incoming activity on their Facebook wall through a pop-up message on the IVE-W555BT’s screen, showing the name and profile image of the sender. If the user chooses to accept the notification, TuneIt 2.0 will play the message back via text-to-speech and the user can “Like” the message through the press of a button. When the vehicle is parked, the user can view posted photos and messages, or play them back via text-to-speech.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology

The IVE-W555BT uses Alpine’s advanced Bluetooth wireless technology. Ease-of-use features include secure simple pairing (SSP); phone battery, cellular signal level and received message icons; as well as call waiting. Sound quality features include digital sound processor (DSP) expansion for better streaming quality; MediaXpander technology for enhanced phone call sound quality; and a microphone that can be separately mounted for custom placement in the vehicle.