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Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Day Three
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV January 11, 2008
Story and photos: Mike Maez
»click here to see more pictures
Day Three of the CES once again did not disappoint. We took the time to
explore some of the more hands-on experiences and demos from various audio
companies and were rewarded with insight on what to expect for 2008 in the
aftermarket car-audio scene.
Pioneer stepped up to the plate, offering a surreal multimedia experience
inside their customized vault – complete with realistic circular vault doors
and walls. We saw and heard some of Pioneer’s new lineup, including their
touch-screen AVIC-F500BT "LINC" navigational device, which combines portable
navigation and in-dash functionality in a single unit.
Alpine made a huge splash, as well. They expanded their lineup of iDA
digital media receivers to three units. The new units focus on iPod
integration and are not CD-compatible. They utilize Alpine’s new tagging
service to make buying your favorite songs easier than ever. We also
couldn’t resist trying out Alpine’s V-Power Experience room, a sealed
enclosure in which 160 dB of sound is pumped through your body. Even with
ear protection, it was tough to hang on for more than 10 seconds – and some
people didn’t last longer than the first bass note!
Kenwood also launched their ’08 lineup of head units. One of the most
noteworthy new products was their digital TV receiver, which allows
passengers to view local digital broadcasts while traveling at speeds of up
to 100 mph! Kenwood also had what may have been the most impressive
all-in-one device at the show. Their DNX8120 may be the most accurate
in-dash routing unit ever, thanks to its built-in, full-memory Garmin
navigation.
On the speaker side of things, the trend seemed to be smaller units this
year. Companies such as Memphis Car Audio showcased several speakers in
their lineup that, while small, delivered improved sound quality. This, of
course, will be of interest to sport compact world, where space is limited.
Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming issue of Modified Mag, where we will
highlight the most memorable products from the CES in greater detail!
