Kenwood USA Corporation has confirmed industry news of the pending merger between Victor Company of Japan (JVC) and Kenwood Corporation. The management integration of JVC and Kenwood is to be accomplished through the establishment of a joint holding company, named JVC Kenwood Holdings, Inc. Subject to approval of both companies’s respective shareholders, the joint holding company will be established on October 1, 2008.

“JVC and Kenwood have uniquely different businesses with mobile electronics being the one significant overlapping business,” said Shoichiro Eguchi, President of Kenwood USA Corporation…

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…

Kenwood Corporation is introducing an expansive line of CD receivers that emphasize connectivity and user-friendly features like 3 and 4-lines of text, Interactive Illumination Effect, and 1-Wire Direct Connection to iPods.

All 2008 Kenwood receivers (including entry-level models) include Aux inputs for easy plug and play of portable music devices. The KDC-MP438U and higher include USB Direct Control that allows control of USB portable music players like iPods directly from the receiver. Models with USB also offer 1-Wire Direct Connection so users can plug in their iPod with the USB cable supplied in the iPod box…