Peripheral Electronics has announced the availability of its new CHYAH08, an interface designed to allow the replacement of a factory radio with an aftermarket head-unit in select late model Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. This plug-and-play device facilitates a time-saving professional headunit installation while retaining full use of the factory amplifier and speaker system, as well as providing navigation radio outputs for nav/non-nav radio installation and steering wheel control interfacing.  Visit www.peripheralelectronics.com for more information.

Directed Electronics, a business unit of DEI Holdings, Inc. announced that the new Viper 350 Plus vehicle security system is now available at authorized Viper retailers worldwide. Introduced at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Viper 350 Plus is an upgrade to the Viper 350, featuring new-style 4-button remotes with dedicated arm and disarm buttons.

Other enhancements include the Control Center – a combined antenna, valet switch and status LED in one unit – which means no drilling holes in the dash. The Viper 350 Plus also now features a super-heterodyne XR+ receiver, for range of up to a quarter mile. MSRP is $239. Available at the same price are the new Python 460 Max and Clifford Matrix +1, also introduced at CES. For more information visit www.directed.com.

EGOCorp USA, formerly Funkwerk Americas, announced the release of its EGO DASH TS hands-free Bluetooth car kit. The EGO DASH TS is an integrated version of the EGO Talk. It provides DSP echo and noise suppression for Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles.

Other features include incoming and outgoing calls mute the factory car-stereo. The privacy mode allows switching conversations back to the phone. Also, a phone’s voice commands and full audio volume control are accessible through the EGO DASH TS. Other features include: accommodates up to 8 different Bluetooth mobile phone pairings, car-specific plug-and-play wiring harnesses and a three-year limited warranty.

JVC Mobile Entertainment’s KW-NT1 AV Navigation features Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) GPS and a 6.1-inch widescreen touch panel. The double-DIN front panel can be detached. The unit features voice guidance and Text-to-Speech in three languages, 6 million points of interest (POI), Lane Guide, and Speed Limit Display. With the StreetDirector Assistant feature, users can search POI data on a PCs Google Maps and add them to the unit via an SD card.

Coverage includes United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This unit provides both USB and AV-In on the front panel. The unit is iPod/iPhone audio and video, Bluetooth, and satellite radio compatible. Satellite radio requires an optional tuner. The KS-U29 cable is required for iPod/iPhone video playback and compatibility depends on iPod model. MSRP is $1,099.05 and this unit is currently available.

Kicker introduces its Solo Classic Subwoofer, designed to be used insmall, sealed enclosures. According to the company, the 8-inch sub (300 watts RMS) distributes bass from a miniature 0.33 cubic-foot box, while the 15-inch (750 watts RMS) makes bass from a compact 1.25 cubic-foot enclosure. The Solo Classic uses one-piece SoloKon with continuous back-bracing and high-temp, dual voice coils. Other recent developments include the T-cut top plate, polyimide voice-coil former, ventless solid-pole design, and Spiralead tinsel leads for reliability, according to Kicker. Stitched surround, stamped-steel basket, and spring-loaded terminals are also standard. The Solo Classic comes in 8, 10, 12, and 15-inch sizes. Model numbers are the S8C, S10C, S12C, and S15C. MSRP is $249.95, $299.95, $349.95 and $449.95, respectively. The Solo Classic is currently available. For more information, visit Kicker’s site here.

Kenwood introduces its KDC-X693 single-DIN eXcelon CD receiver. It features an advanced digital sound processing called “Sound Excellence,” 4-volt preamp outputs and built-in high-pass and low-pass crossovers. The CD receiver is iPod and iPhone ready and comes with an EQ feature that extracts the best possible sound from an iPod, iPhone or iPod Touch device, according to Kenwood. A new “Favorite Memory” function allows a user to program and access specific selections from multiple sources. The KDC-X693 has a $230 suggested retail price. It can be upgraded to Bluetooth hands-free operation, though this requires the KCA-BT200 Bluetooth module, which retails for $150. It is shipping now (March 2009). For more information, visit Kenwood’s site here.

NAV-TV’s new iPod universal Vehicle Dock allows installers to directly integrate an iPod with the Range Rover’s factory touch-screen. The system is a hideaway unit that gives users iPod control through the supplied remote control and directly from the factory radio when installed with a NAV-TV Range Rover IR interface. It allows for both new and old iPods to be charged and authenticated while connected and playing in the vehicle.

Vehicle Dock capitalizes on an available audio video input in a factory mobile multimedia system. It allows the iPod to play music, video and display pictures in a slideshow and also control options through the iPod itself. Selections are viewed with full menu support via the OEM LCD screen. It also supports display of the iPod on the factory installed rear-seat entertainment system. This product is currently available. For more information visit www.navtv.com.

Scosche Industries announced the introduction of its environmentally conscious new Bluetooth speaker phone, the solCHAT. Harnessing the power of the sun, the solCHAT is powered by an integrated solar panel and lithium ion rechargeable battery combination. Utilizing voice announce technology, the solCHAT announces calls as they come in so users can keep their eyes on the road while driving.

The solCHAT features three visible buttons, volume up, volume down and an answer/hang-up multi-function button. It also features an auto shut-off feature that activates when the phone moves out of pairing range. The solCHAT comes with a windshield suction-cup mount and sun visor clip for easy operation and solar charging. Scosche said the solCHAT is available now and has a MSRP of $99.99. For more information visit www.scosche.com.

DLC introduces its new Black Widow BW2450 vehicle security system. Unveiled at the 2009 CES show, this product is in stock and shipping now. The BW2450 features two 4-button transmitters with blue LEDs, built-in parking light relay, dual-stage shock sensor, two auxiliary outputs, starter defeat output, super-bright blue in-dash LED, two-car compatibility and more.

According to DLC, especially important to installers is the BW2450’s compact size, designed for today’s space-limited vehicles. At roughly 1.75 inches by 2.5 inches, the BW2450’s brain module is about half the size of an average bar of soap, and the most diminutive model Black Widow has ever produced, the company stated. DLC said MSRP is $149.99. For more information, visit http://dlcparts.com/index.php.

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. announced its PND-K3msn portable navigation system with MSN Direct is available now. With the purchase of the PND-K3msn, consumers will receive a free three-month subscription to MSN Direct’s continuously updated Smart Traffic information, weather reports, gas prices, movie times, news and alerts, local event information and stock prices (some services available only in select cities where coverage exists). MSN Direct has wireless coverage in 134 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada. MSN Direct’s “Send to GPS” feature lets users find addresses, business listings and other locations on Live Search Maps at www.mapslive.com and wirelessly send the information directly to the PND-K3msn from their home or office PC.

In addition to access to MSN Direct, the PND-K3msn’s OnPoint Advanced GPS Positioning ensures a moving vehicle stays accurately positioned on the map even in areas where it’s difficult to receive GPS reception. The device also features built-in Parrot Bluetooth, an SD card slot, 6 million points of interest, preloaded NAVTEQ maps and text-to-speech announcements. Suggested MSRP is $299.95.