Alpine Electronics has announced the iXA-W404, its first 2-DIN touch-screen Digital Media Station. The unit offers an enhanced iPod experience in the car with new ways for consumers to navigate their iPod/iPhone music and video content. The iXA-W404 is a high-performance iPod controller that uses either the double-action encoder knob or the vibrant 4.3-inch QVGA color touch-screen. The unit has an AM/FM tuner and a high-speed USB connection for the best iPod/iPhone sound, plus connectivity to any USB-based portable music player or memory device. Any iPod with a 30-PIN dock connector is compatible with the iXA-W404, and the unit meets Apple’s “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” compatibility specifications. The unit’s Percentage Search or Page Skip functions let you navigate through large music files alphabetically, making it easier to find music. You also can personalize the iXA-W404 by selecting one of seven included display widgets, including a clock, calculator and a calendar, with as many as four widgets viewed on the screen at once. Additionally, iPod and iPhone video playback is fully supported by the iXA-W404 when the vehicle is parked. The iXA-W404 offers the ability to add additional entertainment and information options, including satellite radio, HD Radio content with multicasting and iTunes Tagging support, Bluetooth and navigation; separate tuners, adapters and subscriptions are required. iTunes Tagging makes it easy for you to discover new music. Whenever you hear a song you like playing on HD Radio, you can “Tag” the song by pressing and holding the “Enter” button on the iXA-W404. Information about the “Tagged” songs are stored on the iPod/iPhone and presented in a “Tagged” playlist the next time the iPod/iPhone is connected to iTunes. You can then preview and purchase the songs from iTunes, if desired. The iXA-W404 easily connects to Alpine’s KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface Module (sold separately). This feature allows cellular phone conversations to be heard through the vehicle’s sound system, and phone functions are controlled via the iXA-W404. It also provides wireless streaming of music from AVRCP and A2DP-enabled Bluetooth devices. The iXA-W404 is also GPS navigation-ready for Alpine’s optional navigation products. When one of these products is connected to the iXA-W404, the map information and driving directions from the navigation unit are displayed on the iXA-W404’s screen. Need a power boost? Add the KTP-445 Head Unit Power Pack! It delivers a true 45W x 4 RMS power and is compact enough to install behind the iXA-W404. It plugs right inline with the iXA-W404's wiring harness so you don’t even need additional wires. Pricing and Availability The Alpine iXA-W404 Digital Media Station is available now for $550 MSRP.