Infinity Systems, a Harman International company, announced its innovative new line of Kappa One, Kappa Four and Kappa Five amplifiers. The new Kappa amplifiers utilize Infinity expertise in full-range Class D amplifier technology. The Kappa One and Kappa Five apply Dynamic Bass Optimization (DBO) – a proprietary variable subsonic filter with variable bass boost. DBO conserves power at frequencies below 100Hz, protecting woofers in vented-box applications from over excursion, and flattening response through the lowest octaves in sealed-box and infinite-baffle applications, according to Infinity. All three amps feature a one-year warranty and range in price from $549.95 to $599.95. These amps are shipping in April 2009. For more information, Infinity’s Kappa Web page.

Kenwood introduces a new subwoofer line for 2009. The 12-inch KFC-W3012 ($140.00 suggested retail price) retains the best attributes of 2008’s best-selling KFC-W3011, according to the company, but features a new cosmetic design, shallower mounting depth and longer cone excursion. RMS power is rated at 400 watts, with a maximum peak power of 1,200 watts. The KFC-W3012 offers silver 8-gauge push-type input terminals, designed for quick system hookup. The KFC-W2512 ($130.00 suggested retail price) is a 10-inch subwoofer that is rated at 300 watts (RMS) with a maximum peak power of 1,000 watts. A 12-inch dual 4-ohm voice coil version, the KFC-W3012DVC ($150.00 suggested retail price), provides multiple impedance options. Maximum power handling is also increased to 1,400 watts. These subwoofers are available now. For more information, read Kenwood’s press release.

The CompVT Sub Box with reduced mounting depth is 8 inches in size. The TCVT8 CompVT features a special four-layer voice coil, ventless solid-pole design allowing flush mounting to the enclosure’s back wall, space-minimizing binding posts and a KICKER wood box covered with plush gray carpeting. Impedance can be designated at the terminal cup assembly to be either 2 or 4 Ohms. CompVT subwoofers’ injection-molded cone with a modified spoke design and 360-degree back bracing is shaped to provide maximum excursion from a slender basket, Kicker said. TCVT8 Sub Boxes handle 200 watts RMS (400w peak). CompVT Sub Boxes are also available equipped with a 12-inch (TCVT12) or 10-inch (TCVT10) subwoofer. MSRP for the CompVT is $249.95 and it’s available now. For more information, visit Kicker’s CompVT Web page.

Mike Harootunian of AudioMax in Walpole, Mass. gives us a basic look at the latest body style Acura MDX remote start wiring.

Here is the all new MDX dashboard.The panel on the side of the dash must be removed before the dash panel under the steering column can be removed.

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We all know the story. You buy a tone generator and thee weeks later it has been “borrowed,” the leads needs to be re-soldered or the housing is crushed. Rob Davidoski of Mobile One in Texas shows how to make your own from spare shop parts. Rob said, “This tone generator cost next to nothing to build and takes about fifteen minutes to construct.”

Take a walk around the bay, and start shopping. You will need an old, working alarm siren, a scrap RCA, a toggle (valet) switch, heatshrink, or electrical tape, a 9-volt battery and plug, and a detachable face-case. Take a walk around the bay, and start shopping. You will need an old, working alarm siren, a scrap RCA, a toggle (valet) switch, heatshrink, or electrical tape, a 9-volt battery and plug, and a detachable face-case.

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In order to remove the under dash panel, the side panel and wooden trim to the left of the steering wheel must be removed.

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Clarion Corp. of America offers the FZ709 mechless audio video entertainment head unit. Clarion’s FZ709 receiver features an iPod-focused user interface with USB, MP3/ WMA/ AAC playback from external sources, CeNET control and built-in Bluetooth hands-free, phonebook and audio streaming. Users can wirelessly connect with various Bluetooth devices such as mobile phones, PDAs and MP3 players. Other features include 6-channel 4V RCA outputs, 50W x 4 built-in amplifier and 18 FM/6 AM presets. The FZ709 is OEM steering wheel remote ready and CeNET Sirius/XM Mini-tuner ready. MSRP is $349.99. This product is available now. For more information, visit www.clarion.com/us/en/top.html.

Pioneer offers its new 5.8-inch touch-screen A/V receiver. The AVH-3100DVD double-DIN multi-media system offers playback of iPod video, DVD/CD discs or downloaded DivX content, iPod and iPhone integration and Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) technology, which restores sound lost during compression of a recording into MP3, WMA or AAC file formats, according to the company. Other sound-related features include MOSFET50 Watts X 4 amplification, high volt pre-amp outputs and two-way crossovers.

The AVH-3100DVD provides connection to other sources, such as an optional XM or SIRIUS satellite radio tuner (activation required), HD Radio tuner and Bluetooth wireless adapter for hands-free calling. Music devices with USB or mini jack outputs can also be connected via a USB port located on this receiver’s front or via an auxiliary mini jack input. MSRP is $450. This product is available now.  For more information, visit www.Pioneerelectronics.com.

Dual Electronics has two automotive entertainment head units that offer iPod control and HD Radio technology with iTunes Tagging. The XHD7720 and XHD7714 in-dash head units let listeners “tag” favorite new songs on FM HD Radio stations by pressing a button on a head unit’s front panel or supplied remote control. The “tagged” track information is transferred to an iPod when connected and then appears in iTunes in a list, giving users the option to find out more about the songs and artists, sample and purchase the songs directly from the iTunes store.

Both the XHD7720 and XHD7714 are compliant with digital disc and file formats (MP3 and WMA, including ID3 tags, and are also CD-R/CD-RW compatible. The XHD7720 is also Bluetooth-ready and compatible with Dual’s BTM60 Bluetooth module, while the XHD7714 features full built-in Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity. The XHD7720 and XHD7714 retail for $249.99. Both are now available. For more information, visit www.dualav.com.

Alpine offer its HCE-C105 rearview camera system, which is compatible with any in-dash screen that has a video input. The small 1-inch camera can be mounted anywhere on the rear of a vehicle and is connected to the compact hideaway box via 5-meter long cables. With a 138-degree wide horizontal viewing angle and a 105-degree vertical viewing angle, the HCE-C105’s camera captures a wide picture of the area behind a vehicle.

The KTX-C10LP license plate-mounting kit is designed exclusively for the HCE-C105. Constructed from cast metal with rust-resistant coating, the black license plate frame blends the rear-view camera with the rest of a vehicle. The frame has built-in LED lights to illuminate the license plate in applications where the original license plate light may be blocked by the camera, and has an adjustable camera tilt angle of 45 degrees for optimal viewing angle positioning.

The HCE-C105 rear-view camera retails for $220 SRI. The KTX-C10LP license plate-mounting kit retails for $60 SRI. Both are now available. For more information, visit www.alpine-usa.com.