Kenwood MPH
it's not available yet, but it's so exciting that we put it on this list-real in-car mobile digital television. Kenwood demonstrated the technology by creating prototypes of receivers that utilize the MPH (Mobile- Pedestrian-Handheld) in-band mobile dTV system developed by Harris Corporation, Lg Electronics and Zenith. MPH provides terrestrial dTV signals (as opposed to satellite) to a variety of mobile devices, even those traveling at high speeds. But it isn't a reality yet. it would work by upgrading the current ATSC digital television model. And that depends on the good old FCC. if it's approved we could be seeing this technology in devices by 2009.www.kenwoodusa.com
JL Audio Metawire
For anyone who installs a lot of car audio gear, this relatively simple concept deserves some attention. generally more positive power wire is used than ground wire, which poses stocking issues as you try to keep track of how much you have of each color-coded type. JL Audio has a solution with their MetaWire. The pure oFC copper wire is the same on the inside, but it has a removable outer jacket. Convert it from positive to ground wire by merely pulling away the outer jacket. Tinned for corrosion resistance, it's available in a variety of sizes and two colors: frosted blue over clear and frosted red over clear.www.jlaudio.com
Eclipse CD7200 MKII
Built for sound quality, the Cd7200 MKii has the features you'd expect from a high-end head unit. First off, the copper-plated chassis isolates the unit from electrical interference and noise. it also has gold-plated connectors and a high 8V preamp output. With highquality 24-bit dSP for signal processing, the receiver features speaker time alignment, crossover settings, seven-band parametric EQ and non-fader level/phase control. And since it's a dedicated unit, there's no power amplifier section (they did throw in Bluetooth for hands-free calls though).www.eclipse-web.com
ARC Audio KS Mini
Car audio engineer extraordinaire robert Zeff is at it again with these ultracompact new amps that feature Class g Multi-rail switching technology. Arc Audio didn't sacrifice quality for the easy-to-install size. The Mini amps offer a more than respectable 80 percent plus efficiency. The KS125.2 Mini amplifier measures just 7.25"L x 4.75"W x 1.7"H and produces 125 watts into each of its two channels at 2 ohms and bridged output at 250 watts x 1 at 4 ohms. A 4-channel version in the new line will produce 125 watts x 4 at 2 ohms, while the KS500.1 will be rated at 500 watts x 1 at 2 ohms.www.arcaudio.com
Audison Bitone
Integration is the big word in car audio, but it seldom translates well into sound quality. Audison would like to change that with the Bitone oEM integration tool. Also designed to be a source-selecting preamp, it features a 32-bit "floating" dSP that virtually eliminates any consequential noise. Since the dSP is the heart of the system, users can auto-sum channels and equalize/de-equalize the inputs, while each of the eight channels of output have their own crossover, 30-band equalizer and time correction control. And we hear that's only the basic stuff. We look forward to telling you more once we getting our hands on one.www.audison.com
Scosche Bluefusion
using their experience with Bluetooth solutions combined with knowledge gained in creating oEM integration products, Scosche has created BlueFusion. The device enables Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio directly on a factory radio while maintaining factory features. Caller id displays on the factory screen, "Answer" and "End Call" buttons can be assigned to the steering wheel or radio buttons and the smart interface will switch itself to the correct source when a call comes in. The interface menu enables users to check missed calls, dialed calls and, with select phones, have full access to the phone book. A simple plug-andplay harness is all you need to install.www.scosche.com
Alpine PDX-5
As if making one of the most power-dense, compact amplifiers wasn't enough, Alpine stuffed five channels of amplification in its new PdX-5. using the same size stackable chassis as all other PdX models, the "5" makes 75 watts x 4 and 300W x 1, enabling enthusiasts to build a complete multichannel system powered by just one amplifier. interested? it should be available by the time you read this at a retail of $650.ww.alpine-usa.com