Alpine's "Rock the Dash" Music Contest Gains Momentum

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.'s "Rock the Dash" music contest at http://www.RocktheDash.com is gaining momentum among emerging music artists. With the competition leader board changing almost daily since the contest launched in January, artists are encouraged to participate and fans urged to vote for their favorite artists before the contest ends on March 31, 2008.

The competition gives participants widespread exposure and a chance to win a full Alpine in-vehicle sound system and other prizes totaling more than $18,000. "Rock the Dash" is part of the launch of Alpine's new eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth, an easy plug-and-play solution for consumers who want both their iPod music and Bluetooth hands-free calling in the car.

"Rock the Dash" is an online contest that invites up-and-coming musicians and bands of all genres from the U.S. and Canada to upload up to five original songs to the "Rock the Dash" site at http://www.RocktheDash.com. Fans check out the music and vote for their favorite songs. The talent ranked no. 1 at the end of the contest will be awarded a complete car stereo system; four second-place prizes will also be awarded.

To date, entrants include a wide variety of talented musicians across all genres, from rock to hip-hop, alternative to country. Contest participants are mobilizing their fan bases via Myspace, online banners and other grassroots methods, asking fans to cast daily votes and making this a truly voter-controlled contest.

As of Feb. 25, the top 10 artists are:

Program the Dead
Kiss Kiss
The Skyler & King Band
Feature Presentation
Hazard Los Angeles
C R O S S
Happy Music for Happy People
Ali Taylor
Mystary
Tie Down Teddy Roosevelt

Contest Prizes
One grand prize "Rock the Dash System" will be awarded to the winning artist. If a band is a grand-prize winner, each band member (up to five) will receive a system. 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 channel Power Density Digital Amplifier
(1) PDX-1.1000 mono Power Density Digital Amplifier
(2) SWR-1042D 10-inch subwoofer

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.

Please visit http://www.RocktheDash.com for complete contest rules and more information.

eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with BluetoothThe eX-10 is a plug-and-play device for integrated iPod playback and Bluetooth connectivity that works with any vehicle's radio and does not require permanent installation. It consists of a dash top-display unit with a bright 2.4-inch color TFT display, a remote control and a power module that plugs into the vehicle's cigarette lighter.

The device 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 eX-10 can also control a Bluetooth-enabled phone, allowing for a hands-free conversation to be played through the car's speakers. Phone features such as "Phonebook List," "Missed Calls," "Received Calls" and "Dialed Calls" are accessible through the eX-10 and displayed on the unit's screen.