peripherals-misc

06/23/2004, 3:55pm, EDT

Wednesday, June 23rd

Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod to ship this fall

Alpine today announced it would ship its Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod (model KCA-420i) this fall with a target retail price of $100. First introduced in January 2004 at CES, the interface enables users to "experience superior sound tuning and control of their iPod music using any of Alpine's 2004 Ai-Net in-dash head units." Alpine's Interface Adapter for iPod enables users to access the in-dash receiver's exclusive Bass Engine technologies for better sound quality and control of their digital music files in the car.

The solution allows users to control iPod playback using the head unit's front panel buttons or remote; view song information (artist, album and/or song name) on the display; and easily find tracks through the receiver's Quick Search interface. Alpine is also integrating exclusive MediaXpander technology, which restores lost detail to compressed digital media, according to the company.



The adapter features a hide-away design and can be installed anywhere in the vehicle, including under a seat, in the glove box or behind the dash. A single cable connects the adapter to the Alpine head unit, while a second cable connects the adapter to the iPod through the iPod dock connector. Alpine says the the iPod then acts like a plug n' play hard drive controlled by Alpine's rotary knob control. The Interface Adapter also charges the iPod's internal battery when the vehicle is powered on.




The Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod will be available through Alpine Authorized Dealers early this fall for $100 and is compatible with any iPod mini (firmware version 1.1) and iPod (firmware version 2.2) with a dock connector. Alpine's 2004 Ai-Net head units, sold separately, are available through authorized dealers at target retail prices starting at $200.


Filed under: peripherals

, , 9comments, del.icio.us, slashdot, digg, buzz


9 comments
Reader Reactions (Please use <i></i> for italic text)

subscribe to comments
for this article




Expand All   Global Settings
protected aac files?
0
06/23, 4:08pm, EDT
Yeah, but will it play protected AAC files?! Damn Apple and their "FairPlay" format -- it's not FAIR if they don't let 3rd party manufacturers use it!!
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Nov 1999
User is offline
Uhh...
0
06/23, 4:14pm, EDT
You realize that this is only an interface for the iPod, right?

Does your iPod play protected AAC files? Yes.

Will this work with protected AAC files? Yes.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2001
User is offline
Yes, but...
0
06/23, 4:20pm, EDT
Yes, but it says that it "acts like a plug n' play hard drive", which is very misleading. If it's simply an interface for the iPod then great, it'll play AAC protected files. But if actually treats the iPod like a HARD DRIVE, then we'll probably be running into problems with protected AAC files.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Nov 1999
User is offline
Not so fast
0
06/23, 4:22pm, EDT
"Alpine says the the iPod then acts like a plug n' play hard drive controlled by Alpine's rotary knob control"

If the Alpine is the player and the iPod is just acting as a mounted hard drive, then Apple will have to authorize this device as an iTMS player (like 5 iTunes, or unlimited iPods.) For some reason I don't see that happening, that will open the floodgates...

The picture I've seen show the iPod connected as a hard drive, the Alpine head unit is the entire interface. This release also makes no mention of browsing through PLAYLISTS. Perhaps it just indexes the ID tags and lets you browse through your library via artist/album? No integration with iTunes or the iPod interface itself = bad thing.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Nov 1999
User is offline
Ugh.
0
06/23, 5:33pm, EDT
"Alpine says it has engineered a unique interface box that takes advantage of the iPod Accessory Protocol allowing audio, track information, and control signals to be communicated over the Ai-NET system bus to the in-dash receiver. This seamless integration provides emulation of the iPod's controls through an Alpine head unit using both the front panel buttons and the wireless remote control."

In short, yes, it plays protected AAC. It uses the accessory protocol, which means the iPod does the playing, decoding, and track info, and transmits the audio and data to the receiver.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Sep 1999
User is offline
Yeah, but...
0
06/24, 9:39am, EDT
As outZider has pointed out, iPod is providing the audio.

However, what kind of feedback will the iPod provide to the head unit, I wonder? The BMW deal looks cheesy, hopefilly, more than "Track 1, Track 2..." are available.
Grizzled Veteran
Joined Dec 1999
User is offline
Loop up
0
06/24, 11:29am, EDT
did you miss this part:

"view song information (artist, album and/or song name) on the display"
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Apr 1999
User is offline
Alpine First NO WAY!
0
07/04, 11:05pm, EDT
Blitzsafe was the first to have the interface for the iPod and has a patent pending on it, they also have the interface for the Delphi Skyfi XM radio.

Alpine First NO WAY!
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Jul 2004
User is offline
BlitzSafe First NO WAY!
0
05/01, 2:59pm, EDT
ferrariF1, are you on crack?!?

It is May 1st, 2005 and BlitzSafe STILL does NOT have an interface for the iPod. BlitzSafe has been perpetually saying it will release "in about a month" for the past two or three years! What a load of BS!! (funny how they have the same initials)

Dension had the first iPod interface: the iceLink. Today, everybody except BlitzSafe seems to have an iPod interface released: Dension, Apple/BMW, Alpine, P.I.E., and Monster Cable/Sound Gate. Maybe if BlitzSafe spent less time spamming forums with their vapourware, they could actually get a product out the door.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Apr 2005
User is offline
Your Comments

In order to post comments: If you are a registered member, please login with your MacNN Forums username and password otherwise please uncheck the checkbox below.


Registered Member?
macnn forums login:

macnn forums password:

Not a member of the MacNN forums? Register now for free.

RSS Feeds

Have the latest content delivered to your desktop via RSS. Use the links below to get access to a specific blog, news, or reviews feed.



  MacNN -all

  MacNN Reviews

  MacNN Podcasts

  iPodNN

  Electronista

  Left Lane News
Want To Sell Your Laptop? Any Condition - receive Top Cash. Get an instant quote. Free shipping www.CashForLaptops.com

Click Now for Great Deals on FUJITSU Products!: Limited Time Offer on Lifebook Notebooks, Tablet PCs, and Ultra-Mobile PCs!

Get Special Offers on LENOVO Mobility Solutions!: TopSeller Desktops, affordable Notebooks, and much more while supplies last!

Get Special Rebates on SONY Mobility Solutions!: Synnex Resellers - Take advantage of Special Offers on a variety of Notebook series from Sony today!

Check out Rebates on MOTION COMPUTING Tablets!: Perfect for any Healthcare provider! Buy now and get rebates on Motion C5 and LE1700 Tablet PCs!

VMware Fusion for $59.99 - limited time offer: Run Windows on a Mac without rebooting with VMware Fusion

Buy from The Apple Store, iTunes.com, Amazon.com, TechDepot, OfficeDepot, Computers4Sure, or donate.