March News
Mark Eldridge joins JL Audio as Training Development Director
A legend in the car-audio competition circuit, Mark Eldridge has now joined JL Audio to develop training programs that he and JL Audio's training staff will then deliver to dealers in workshops and seminars worldwide. Eldridge is well known for the technical design and engineering expertise he has provided to the Harman Consumer Group, Stillwater Designs, MTX and Autosound 2000. He is also known for competing in the Expert Division with his winning 1987 Toyota 4Runner, which won more than 250 trophies. Eldridge will use his more than 20 years' experience to instruct dealers in the design, fabrication and tuning of high-performance car audio systems, acoustics and component interfacing, as well as in the use of appropriate tools and techniques to achieve maximum system performance. In addition, he will work closely with the JL Audio Marketing team to create technical support and training materials for JL Audio's mobile audio product lines. Eldridge is currently designing and building the ultimate show vehicle-a former NASCAR Nextel Cup race car that will be used to demonstrate superior sound quality and an impressive audio/video system using JL Audio components. At the MERA Knowledgefest (March 4-6), Eldridge participated in JL Audio's presentation of the School of Sound (March 4-5) as well as in the JL Audio Dealer Product Training (March 5).
IASCA Reaches a Milestone
During a recent trip to Singapore, IASCA President Paul Papadeas met with Kenneth Pua, manager of Sony Mobile Marketing Asia Pacific, and solidified an agreement to perform technical training seminars for Sony dealers throughout Southeast Asia and the Sogul region. In a strong commitment to their dealers in these emerging markets, Sony has retained IASCA to perform two- and three-day seminars covering several different aspects of car audio installation. Presented simultaneously with their Sony XPLOD new product launch, these sessions are being well received by their dealers. As the interest in training sessions grow around the world, IASCA is developing a team of qualified trainers who can accomplish these sessions and keep up with the anticipated demand. For more information about IASCA technical training contact info@iasca.com or call 386.322.1551.
Alphasonik Celebrates 30th Anniversary at CES 2006
Celebrating its 30th year in the 12-volt business, Alphasonik held nothing back at this year's CES. With two of the show's most photographed show vehicles on display, you couldn't walk the north hall of the convention center without stopping by Alphasonik's massive exhibit and seeing the company's new line of gear. The now notorious Alphasonik show truck, which recently graced the cover of Sport Truck, was undoubtedly the company's flagship. New for 2006, Alphasonik introduced processors, a new A/B mono block amplifier and a 15" model to the legendary Mayhem Series subwoofer. Major performance-enhancing improvements were made to many of Alphasonik's most popular products. The PSW8124J 800 Series Subwoofer now features a taller, narrower surround for increased control during excursion and more cone surface area for better air dissipation. To learn more about Alphasonik products or to request a catalog, please visit www.alphasonik.com or call 714.988.0370.
Thieves Disabled On*Star But Didn't Know Viper Was On Duty
One of Directed Electronic's 210-series GPS Tracking Systems was responsible for the successful recovery of a high-end Hummer H2. According to the installing retailer, Mark Wm. Turk of Mad Mark's Car Audio in Bradenton, FL, "We had a great experience with the Viper GPS Tracking System-the successful recovery of a tricked-out '05 Hummer, with 28" wheels, satellite system and video everywhere." Turk adds, "It was stolen at The Classic in Tallahassee, a big football game, and they made a clean getaway. By the time we started tracking it, they had driven all the way to Miami, and the thieves had disconnected the On*Star system, but they didn't know about the Viper GPS Tracking System and the police nabbed them and got the car back. The owner is a really cool guy and the vehicle is bad to the bone, so everybody is very happy except the crooks." The 210-series GPS Tracking Systems from Directed are available from authorized Viper, Python, Clifford and Automate retailers and new car dealers from coast to coast. MSRP is $599. For more information (including the "Find Store" zip code-based dealer locator), visit www.directed.com.
Rock and Roll Dreams Come True at the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp
Presented by JBL, the leading manufacturer of professional and consumer loudspeakers, and produced by David Fishof Presents, the 2006 Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp featured a remarkable lineup of all-star rock legends-including Roger Daltrey (The Who), all the members of Cheap Trick (Rick Nielsen, Robin Zander, Tom Petersson and Bun E. Carlos), Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead), Dickey Betts (The Allman Brothers, Dickey Betts and Great Southern), Neal Schon (Journey), Mickey Thomas (Starship) and many more. Over the course of five days and five nights in Los Angeles, CA, participants learned from, practiced, jammed and hung out with some of the world's greatest rock musicians and songwriters. No experience was necessary and all musical levels were welcome. Attendees also received daily small-group instruction from the celebrity musician camp band, led by Camp Director Jack Blades (Night Ranger). Paul Bente, president of JBL Consumer Products, noted: "JBL is extremely proud to present the 2006 Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp. JBL and rock and roll have always gone together. More professional musicians, recording engineers and touring sound companies rely on JBL loudspeakers than any other brand to convey music the way it was meant to be heard-with extraordinary clarity, power and realism, in concert halls, in the recording studio, and for listeners at home and in the car."
Xsite In Car Entertainment Launches Revamped Website
The new Xsiteice.com features a new layout with large navigation buttons, making it easier for visitors to find information about Xsite products, promotions, upcoming events and even view photos of the gorgeous Xsite model, Samantha. Additionally, the new Xsiteice.com introduces the company's current promotion: "X Marks the Spot." The web-based promotion encourages the public to email pictures of creative ways of "throwing up the X." Xsite Senior VP Doug Parks says, "Whether they're making an X with their arms, fingers, drumsticks, scissors-whatever, wherever-this web promotion gives everyone a chance to win some great prizes." The contest runs from March 1 through April 30 (see the site for rules). Xsite is eager to see the public response to the all-new Xsiteice.com and the X Marks the Spot promotion. "This year is looking bright," adds Parks. "All Xsite products are in stock and our new marketing gateways are sure to leave a big X-mark on the industry!" To learn more about Xsite or to request a catalog, please visit www.xsiteice.com or call 714.988.0399.
Psycho Brothers Fall Out of the Sky for Kicker
Kicker Car Stereo claims to be Livin' Loud, but is it adding "psycho" to its resume too? Kicker received a surprise recently in the form of the Psycho Brothers, a St. Louis-based skydiving threesome that plummeted to Earth bearing the company's yellow and black logo on their canopies. The jump occurred at Kicker Global Headquarters just after noon, soon after the dense fog, which had postponed the trio's morning jump lifted. "That's good stuff!" exclaimed Psycho Brother Rusty Bain. "Let's do it again!"
Turn Used Cell Phones into a Mission Trip
Do you have a used, outdated cell phone lying in a dusty drawer or closet? Did you know your phone could be turned into cash to help support charitable causes or provide emergency communications to underprivileged communities? Did you know discarding a cell phone in the trash is harmful to the environment? Did you also know that donating your cell phone is simply a mouse click away? AmericanCellPhoneDrive.org is a free and fast way to find a donation drop-off box near your house. Simply go to the website, enter your zip code and choose a location. Click on "map" for detailed directions. It's that easy! The funds have been used to help support an array of charitable causes. Your used cell phone may also help provide free 911 service to a senior citizen, a victim of domestic violence living at a shelter or a person who lives in an underprivileged community that has no landlines for telephone communications. Donating a cell phone is healthier for the environment than throwing it away. Most outdated cell phones contain toxic substances-such as arsenic, lead, nickel, copper and zinc-that linger in the environment for a long time. The toxins have been linked with health disorders in humans. Donated cell phones that are not reused are broken down according to environmental standards and the metals reused or disposed of properly. Log onto www.americancellphonedrive.org to find the nearest drop-off location, today!
Not Just a "FACE" Lift
With an all-new web site and marketing direction characterized by the slogan "Personify Your Sound," Digital Audio announces the redesign of its popular Extended Low Frequency Drivers. Producing deep, low-end bass frequencies, the 10" DA8010X woofer features a new basket design that made its debut at the 2006 International CES. What's unique about this line of newly designed subwoofers is the employment of Digital Audio's patent pending Forced Air Cooling Enhanced (FACE) technology. The composite chrome-plated magnet cover is specially designed to better direct the movement of cool air during operation. Instead of allowing air to travel in, out and away from the woofer's back plate, six ducts redirect outside air to circulate and cool the woofer's motor assembly. Overall, Digital Audio's FACE technology helps preserve the life of the voice coil and working life of the woofer. The DA8010X carries a target retail price of $199.99 and 12" and 15" models are also available. To learn more about Digital Audio products, or to request a catalog, please visit www.digitalaudioinc.com or call 866.897.7155.
Beyma Chosen as Exclusive Speaker in Zoragy Custom Cars
Dejan Milovanovic, designer for Zoragy cars, chose Beyma speakers to use in the Zoragy Roadster after listening to them. The Roadster appeared in the R. Kelly "Playas Only" video (www.r-kelly.com) and on the covers of numerous star-studded mags. R. Kelly purchased the Roadster and Zoragy is working on another hand-built car for him, with Beyma speakers, of course! "Beyma speakers instantly captured my attention with their wonderful sound and beautiful look," commented Dejan Milovanovic. "Beyma, has continually supported our company with their innovative designs and stunning sound. We will be incorporating them in our new car, the Sylvester." Check out www.zoragy.com and "prepare to be seduced" by Zoragy or www.beyma.com to see Beyma's innovative speaker designs.
Brea, CA, March 14, 2006 - Digital Audio's all-new A/B
MOSFET Amplifiers are currently shipping, with unconventional, more refined design elements that lend themselves to higher-end installation while delivering abundant power. The flagship DAB1800X mono block power amp is capable of producing 1600 watts at 2 ohms mono and features a sleek, narrower design accented by the enhanced 5-piece extruded aluminum heat sink. High level/speaker level inputs allow the user to conveniently integrate the DAB1800X with a factory sound system.
With frequency response ranging from 10Hz - 40kHz, the DAB1800X's new design is unlike any other Digital Audio amplifier ever manufactured. The black anodized chassis and surface-machined extruded aluminum heat sink are accentuated by red LED rail illumination and engraved Digital Audio logo. MSRP: $229.99 These amplifiers will be on display at Spring Break Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, on March 25 through 26. To learn more about these products or to request a catalog, please visit www.DigitalAudioinc.com or call (866) 897-7155.