CLARION showcases direct IPOD audio control via USB in 2008 mobile entertainment products

Cypress, Calif., – Clarion Corporation of America, a leading manufacturer of mobile electronics, introduces an enhanced feature for direct iPod audio control via USB built directly into many of it’s newest multimedia source units.

Clarion presents six new CD and multimedia units with simple intuitive direct iPod connection using the standard iPod USB cable. “Clarion is committed to providing products that offer innovative and advanced features to improve the customer experience in the mobile environment,” said Adam Thomas, Vice President of Marketing at Clarion Corporation of America. “These products enable users to bring their own iPod and USB cable into the vehicle for effortless connection with no additional cost.”

All three Clarion DXZ models feature this capability including the DXZ785USB, DXZ585USB and DXZ385USB along with the DUZ385SAT entry-level 2DIN source unit. Direct USB iPod control is also a key aspect in the elegant premium single DIN VRX785BT and MAX685BT DVD double DIN multimedia units.

The showcase CD receivers, the DXZ785USB and the DXZ585USB both have Clarion’s signature “SLIDETRAK” HMI control, direct USB iPod connection, USB digital media streaming with DRM (WMDRM10) and MP3/ WMA/ AAC playback.

The SLIDETRAK control is a natural fit for scrolling through music files from an iPod. Both units are Bluetooth and Satellite Radio ready and offer CeNET control. If that’s not enough, they also are capable of interfacing with OEM steering wheel controls (with optional third party accessory), have AUX inputs and come with a two-year warranty.

The premium model, DXZ785USB also offers audiophile features such as: time alignment control, 3 band parametric EQ and 3-way crossover control. Its motorized detachable front panel has a highly visible full dot LCD, 2-line letter display which stands out to illuminate any dash brilliantly.

Clarion’s DXZ585USB unit is anything but middle of the road and features many of the same perks as the DXZ785USB also offering digital Z-enhancer, Sound Restorer, 24-Bit DAC and built-in low pass/ high pass frequency with 6 channel/ 6 volt RCA output.

For those who need a robust CD receiver with all the key features at a low-end price, the DXZ385USB answers the call. With all-new cosmetics, the DXZ385USB is a sleek unit offering MP3/ WMA/ AAC playback, front panel AUX input and USB port and is also Bluetooth and Satellite Radio ready. The unit includes CeNET control with 6-channel/ 2-volt RCA output, a detachable faceplate and it even comes with a remote control.

Clarion’s new DXZ line-up will be widely available in January 2008.

Product features include:

DXZ785USB (MSRP $399.99) All Models Available January 2008

* “SLIDETRAK” Control

* Motorized Front panel

* MP3/WMA/AAC Playback

* Direct USB iPod Control

* USB Media Streaming Playback WMDRM10

* Bluetooth (BLT370) Ready

* SAT RADIO READY

* CeNET Control

* Rear AUX Input

* Rear USB Pigtail

* OEM Steering Remote Ready (Requires optional third party accessory)

* 3 Band Parametric EQ

* Sound Adjustment (Digital Z-Enhancer/Sound Restorer) and 24-Bit DAC

* Time Alignment Control, 3-way X-Over Control

* Built In LPF/HPF

* High Visibility Full Dot LCD and 2 –Line Letter Display

* 728 Variable Color

* 6ch/6V RCA Output

* 53W x 4 Built In Amplifier

* Detachable Face Plate

* Built In IR Eye (RCB176 Remote Included)

DXZ585USB (MSRP $319.99)

* “SLIDETRAK” Control

* MP3/WMA/AAC Playback

* Direct USB iPod Control

* USB Media Streaming Playback WMDRM10

* Bluetooth (BLT370) Ready

* SAT RADIO READY

* CeNET Control

* Rear AUX Input

* Front USB Port

* OEM Steering Remote Ready (Requires optional third party accessory)

* Sound Adjustment (Digital Z-Enhancer/Sound Restorer) and 24-Bit DAC

* Built In LPF/HPF

* 13 x 10 Digit 2-Line High Visibility LCD Display

* 6ch/6V RCA Output

* 53W x 4 Built In Amplifier

* Detachable Face Plate

* Built In IR Eye (RCB176 Remote Included)

DXZ385USB (MSRP $199.99)

* MP3/WMA/AAC Playback

* Front 3.5mm AUX Input

* Front USB Port

* Direct USB iPod Control

* USB Media Streaming Playback WMDRM10

* Bluetooth (BLT370) Ready

* SAT RADIO READY

* CeNET Control

* OEM Steering Remote Ready (Requires optional third party accessory)

* Sound Adjustment (Z-Enhancer+ /Magna Bass EX)

* 13 x 8 Digit High Visibility LCD Display

* 6ch/2V RCA Output

* 50W x 4 Built In Amplifier

* Detachable Face Plate

* Built In IR Eye ( RCB176 Remote Included

About Clarion:

Clarion Corporation of America, headquartered in Cypress, California, is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Clarion Co. Ltd., which joined the Hitachi-group companies as a consolidated subsidiary in 2006. Clarion Corporation of America ranks among the top 150 North American OEM Suppliers and is recognized by an independent research firm for the highest customer satisfaction for 6CD radios in new vehicle’s sold in the U.S. Clarion, an international leader in mobile electronics since 1940, conducts research, development, engineering, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of vehicle entertainment, navigation, rear vision, communications and security products for the automotive, marine and recreational vehicle environments. Clarion has over 10,000 employees worldwide and 12 factories in 10 countries, with marketing and sales affiliates in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. Clarion is located on the Web at www.clarion.com.

iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries.