For 2013, Alpine announced two in-dash audio-video-navigation (AVN) systems, the INE-W927HD with a 7-inch screen and the INE-W940 with 6.1-inch screen (pictured above). Continuing in the line-up from 2012 include the groundbreaking INE-Z928HD AVN system with an 8-inch WVGA screen; the largest screen available for the aftermarket and INE-S920HD with a 6.1-inch screen.
Video and Navigation Features
All Alpine AVN systems have full VGA high-resolution screens for crisp, detailed picture quality. They utilize Alpine’s own navigation graphical user interface which includes pre-loaded maps of the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada, as well as over six million Points of Interest (POIs). Major landmarks, buildings and terrain details are depicted in 3D. Driving directions are delivered through text-to-speech announcements, and a handy highway services list displays the services available at each exit (gas, food, ATMs, etc.) to help drivers make quick decisions while en route. The INE-Z928HD and INE-W927HD come with free lifetime traffic monitoring service.
Bluetooth Wireless Technology Features
The four AVN systems use Alpine’s advanced Bluetooth wireless technology. Ease-of-use features include secure simple pairing (SSP); phone battery, cellular signal level and received message icons; as well as call waiting. Sound quality features include digital sound processor (DSP) expansion for better streaming quality; MediaXpander technology for enhanced phone call sound quality; and a microphone that can be separately mounted for custom placement in the vehicle.
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Customizable Setting and Sound Features
The INE-Z928HD, INE-W927HD and INE-S920HD let users set up their systems for more convenient use. The “Favorites” page allows users customize a quick-access screen with up to eight shortcuts to their most-used features. Two separate users can each design their own Favorites page profile, choosing from their favorite audio sources, navigation commands (favorite places direct search, nearest Point of Interest [POI] search), or phone settings (favorite person direct call). Each user’s favorites profile is automatically recognized via his or her smartphone. Each time the user enters the vehicle, the Alpine system recognizes the phone profile (via Bluetooth wireless technology) and automatically loads the user’s system preferences.
These three AVN systems also offer vehicle-specific sound field settings. The included iPersonalize feature lets users adjust their sound field settings through a simple on-screen tutorial. The user indicates the vehicle style, speaker locations and seat upholstery type. This data is analyzed and optimal sound field settings are created and automatically applied to the system. As an added perk, the INE-Z928HD comes pre-loaded with data for the vehicles in the Perfect F.I.T. installation kit program. The user chooses his or her vehicle from the list, and the INE-Z928HD automatically tunes itself to deliver the best sound for that vehicle’s interior.
Audio Features
- HD Radio Technology: The INE-Z928HD, INE-W927HD and INE-S920HD feature a built-in HD Radio receiver for free, crystal clear digital sound from the over 2,000 AM and FM stations broadcasting with HD Radio Technology. Alpine’s MediaXpander technology also provides enhanced sound quality to HD Radio channels by adding back missing harmonics in compressed media.
- Pandora internet radio: All four AVN systems can control Pandora from Android™, BlackBerry® and iPhone® smartphones. Users can create new Pandora stations, rate songs with the thumbs up or down rating system, and bookmark songs for later purchase from the touchscreens of these two AVN systems.
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio: All models are compatible with SiriusXM’s vast programming, using the SXV200 Vehicle Connect Tuner (tuner and subscription sold separately).
- iPod and iPhone: All four AVN systems are “Made for iPod and iPhone” compatible.
- Metadata such as artist name, song name and album art can be displayed on the screens of the AVN systems, if the information is available from the audio source.
Perfect F.I.T. Installation Kits
Perfect F.I.T. dash kits allow the INE-Z928HD’s 8-inch screen to fit seamlessly into the vehicle’s dash. Eleven dash kits are currently available, and at least four new kits will arrive in 2013. Each kit is designed to cosmetically match the shape, color and texture of the vehicle’s interior. The Perfect F.I.T. kits come with all necessary accessories for the plug-and-play installation of the INE-Z928HD, including an Alpine/vehicle-specific harness, antenna adapter (if necessary), Alpine-specific steering wheel interface, and BUS adapter (if necessary).
Alpine’s AVN system and Perfect F.I.T. lineup includes:
INE-Z928HD AVN System with 8-inch full VGA high-resolution screen (above)
- Largest AVN system for the aftermarket
- HD Radio receiver built-in
- Works with Pandora internet radio for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry
- Made for iPod and iPhone
- SiriusXM compatible (tuner and subscription required, both sold separately)
- BT Plus Bluetooth wireless technology with audio streaming
- Free lifetime NAVTEQ Traffic RDS
- My Favorites customizable profile setting
- iPersonalize sound field setting feature
- Direct input for camera systems
- Nine-band parametric EQ with time correction and MediaXpander Pro
- 4V pre-amp outputs
- Built-in 18W x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 rating)
- Rear USB port
- Steering wheel remote ready
- Price: $1,499.95 (available now)
INE-S927HD AVN System with 7-inch full VGA high-resolution screen (above)
- HD Radio receiver built-in
- Works with Pandora internet radio for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry
- Made for iPod and iPhone
- SiriusXM compatible (tuner and subscription required, both sold separately)
- BT Plus Bluetooth wireless technology with audio streaming
- Free lifetime NAVTEQ Traffic RDS
- My Favorites customizable profile setting
- iPersonalize sound field setting feature
- Direct input for camera systems
- Nine-band parametric EQ with time correction and MediaXpander Pro
- 4V pre-amp outputs
- Built-in 18W x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 rating)
- Rear USB port
- Steering wheel remote ready
- Price: $1,199.95 (available March 2013)
INE-W940 AVN System with 6.1-inch full VGA high-resolution screen
- Works with Pandora internet radio for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry
- Made for iPod and iPhone
- SiriusXM compatible (tuner and subscription required, both sold separately)
- BT Plus Bluetooth wireless technology with audio streaming
- Direct input for camera systems
- Nine-band parametric EQ with time correction and MediaXpander Pro
- 2V pre-amp outputs
- Built-in 18W x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 rating)
- Rear USB port
- Steering wheel remote ready
- Price: $699.95 (available March 2013)
INE-S920HD AVN System with 6.1-inch full VGA high-resolution screen
- HD Radio receiver built-in
- Works with Pandora internet radio for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry
- Made for iPod and iPhone
- SiriusXM compatible (tuner and subscription required, both sold separately)
- BT Plus Bluetooth wireless technology with audio streaming
- My Favorites customizable profile setting
- iPersonalize sound field setting feature
- Direct input for camera systems
- Nine-band parametric EQ with time correction and MediaXpander Pro
- 4V pre-amp outputs
- Built-in 18W x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 rating)
- Rear USB port
- Steering wheel remote ready
- Price: $999.95 (available now)
Perfect F.I.T. Dash Kits for the INE-Z928HD 8-inch AVN system
The following dash kits are available now at authorized Alpine retailers:
- Ford F-150, 2009 – Present models (KTX-FPU8); SRI: $300
- Ford Mustang, 2011 – Present models (KTX-MTG8); SRI: $600
- Ford Fusion, 2010 – Present models (KTX-FUS8); SRI: $300
- Ford Escape, 2013 model (KTX-ECP8); SRI: $300
- GM Trucks and SUVs, Various 2007 – 2011 models (KTX-GM8-O); SRI: $400
- Toyota Camry, 2012 model (KTX-CMY8-S); SRI: $250
- Toyota Prius, 2009 – Present models (KTX-PRS8-S); SRI: $200
- Toyota RAV4, 2009 – Present models (KTS-RV48-S); SRI: $300
- Toyota Tacoma, 2012 model (KTX-TCM8-S); SRI: $200
- Volkswagen Jetta and Passat, 2011 – Present models (KTX-VW8); SRI: $250
- Universal Trim Bezel (KTX-UTB8); SRI: $30
The following new dash kits will be available in 2013, prices and availability dates TBA:
- Mazda 3, 2011 – 2013 (KTX-M38)
- Toyota Tundra, 2007 – 2013 (KTX-TND8)
- Kia Optima, 2011 – 2013 (KTX-OPT8)
- Nissan Altima, 2007 – 2012 (KTX-ALT48)
- Bracket kit for the following Ford vehicles: 2005 – 2013 Super Duty, 2004-2008 F-150, 2007 – 2013 Navigator, 2007 – 2011 Edge, 2006-2009 Fusion, 2007 – 2013 Expedition, 2005-2010 Mustang, 2006-2010 Explorer, 2005 – 2013 Five Hundred, 2004 – 2013 Freestar (KTX-FDB8)