Alpine Electronics Issues Call for Indie Musicians; Artists Can Get Heard and Win Prizes in the 'Rock the Dash' Contest

Alpine Electronics Issues Call for Indie Musicians; Artists Can Get Heard and Win Prizes in the 'Rock the Dash' Contest

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, is seeking artists of all music genres to participate in its new "Rock the Dash(TM)" (http://www.rockthedash.com/) contest. The contest is intended to support awareness of unsigned artists' music and is part of the launch of the new eX-10 Advanced iPod(R) Controller with Bluetooth(R). The eX-10 is a new way for users to play their iPod music and have Bluetooth hands-free calling in the vehicle. The competition invites independent music artists to participate with a chance to win a full Alpine in-vehicle sound system.

The online contest allows individual musicians and bands from the U.S. and Canada to upload up to five original songs to the "Rock the Dash" site. The artists are encouraged to have friends and fans check out their music and to vote for their favorite songs. The top-ranked talent at the end of the contest will be awarded a complete car stereo system for its member/s. Total prizes are valued at over $18,000. The contest is currently underway and runs through March 31, 2008.

One grand prize "Rock the Dash System" will be awarded to the winning artist. The 1,600-watt system consists of:

-- (1) iDA-X100 in-dash iPod Digital Media Receiver
-- (1) SPR-13S 5.25-inch Component 2-Way Speaker
-- (1) SPR-17S 6.5-inch Coaxial 2-Way Speaker
-- (1) PDX-4.150 4/3/2 Ch. Power Density Digital Amplifier
-- (1) PDX-1.1000 Mono Power Density Digital Amplifier
-- (2) SWR-1042D 10-inch Subwoofer

In the event that a band is the grand-prize winner, each band member (up to a maximum of five members) will receive one "Rock the Dash System."

Alpine also will award four second-place prizes. Each second-place winner will receive an Alpine eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth (SRI $230). If any of the second-prize winners is a band, each band member (up to five) will receive one eX-10. Visit http://www.rockthedash.com/ for rules and more information.

The contest will be promoted by online activities such as banner ads on MySpace.com. The participating artists will be able manage their accounts by controlling the artwork and songs they choose to upload for the contest. The artists can also download linkable banners from the Rock the Dash site and place these banners on their own sites. The banners will direct users to http://www.rockthedash.com/, providing the artists an easy way to encourage their fans to vote for them.

eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth

The eX-10 is a dash-top solution for iPod playback and Bluetooth connectivity that works with any vehicle's RM radio system. It consists of a dash top-display unit with a 2.4-inch color TFT display, a remote control and a power module that plugs into the vehicle's cigarette lighter. The eX-10 does not require permanent installation.

The eX-10 connects to any iPod with a dock connector via Alpine's own KCE-422i Full Speed(TM) Connection for iPod cable (included). The iPod music is played back through the car's sound system via the FM transmitter or line output jack.

The combination of iPod and Bluetooth capabilities in one plug-and-play unit makes the eX-10 a unique and convenient device. The eX-10 can control a Bluetooth-enabled phone, allowing for a hands-free conversation to be played through the car's speakers.

About Alpine Electronics

Alpine Electronics is a global supplier of automotive mobile media solutions including audio, video, satellite-linked navigation and portable device connectivity systems for original equipment and aftermarket applications. Alpine 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. Visit http://www.alpine-usa.com/ to learn more about Alpine products or to find an authorized retailer.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

CONTACT: Connie Sung, +1-310-280-7963, connie.sung@wongdoody.com, or
Jennifer Cody, +1-310-280-7717, jennifer.cody@wongdoody.com, both of
WONGDOODY, for Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

Web site:

http://www.rockthedash.com/

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