Alpine Begins Shipping DVD-Based Multi-Format Head Unit

Alpine's New DVA-7996 In-Dash DVD Player Bridges Superior Mobile Video Entertainment With Playback of Latest Audio Formats Including MP3 and XM Satellite Radio

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 5 -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of high performance mobile electronics, today announced that it is now shipping its new DVA-7996 DVD-based AM/FM tuner to authorized dealers. The DVA-7996 combines premium in-dash DVD video playback with built-in MP3 decoding and support for XM Satellite Radio, CD-R/RW playback and other audio formats in one head unit. Alpine's DVA-7996 delivers high-end audio and video playback with ultimate system flexibility and control at a suggested retail index of $1,300.

"Early demand for the DVA-7996 has been high because it provides supreme digital media flexibility with the premium video playback and sound tuning capability that Alpine is known for," said Stephen Witt, Alpine's vice president of Brand Marketing. "For example, the DVA-7996 features independent DVD/CD audio outputs and rear seat audio control, providing rear seat passengers dedicated audio and video feeds, while allowing for independent use of other audio sources up front."

In keeping with Alpine's focus on premium sound quality, the DVA-7996 features Alpine's new Media Xpander(TM) compressed media sound enhancement technology, which restores the original dynamics and impact to compressed digital formats, such as XM radio and MP3/WMA audio files. Additionally, the DVA-7996 utilizes Alpine's signature Bass Engine Plus(TM) technology, allowing for head-unit controlled bass management and complete sound system tuning to optimize performance in any vehicle, including subwoofer level and phase (0 degrees - 180 degrees) control, four-channel time correction, three-position cross-over, and treble and bass center frequency adjustment, all from the dash.

The DVA-7996 features Alpine's own Ai-Net system bus technology, allowing for easy connection of Alpine components, such as CD/DVD changers, 5.1 multi-channel sound processors, or a range of in-dash/overhead/headrest monitors to build a premium rear seat entertainment or mobile theatre system that rivals the in-home Surround Sound experience. The DVA-7996 head unit is also VersatileLink(TM) Ready, allowing consumers to access the audio from their portable MP3 player, video game system or TV tuner into the head unit for better sound control and playback quality.

Other key features of Alpine's new DVA-7996 include:

-- Swing mechanism with detachable face: allows for faceplate viewing at three different angles -- MDAC: High-quality digital-to-analog converter -- Four-channel time correction -- Three-position crossover -- Optical Digital Output: provides CD audio, Dolby Digital(R), DTS(R) bit stream for processors -- Black Out Display: enables the LCD to be turned off during play, reducing power drain in the headunit -- 4 Volt PreOut with DC-DC Converter -- 3 PreOuts -- RUE-4190 integrated audio/navigation/DVD/TV-tuner remote control

About Alpine Electronics

Alpine Electronics is the world's leading mobile electronics system supplier. Alpine specializes in an integrated platform concept for mobile multimedia with premium components for digital audio/video media playback, digital broadcast reception, security and satellite linked navigation. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Alpine is the global leader for in-vehicle navigation systems in Japan, North America and Europe for both after-market and OEM factory installations. Alpine Electronics is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world's premier manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics equipment. Alpine is the Alps Group's specialized supplier of high-quality mobile electronics systems. Visit Alpine at www.alpine.com to learn more about mobile multimedia excellence or www.alpine-usa.com to find the closest dealer.