Multimedia Manager

The latest DVD 6.1-channel surround playback and full multi-format DVD compatibility

Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1 channel surround are standard surround audio formats, comprised of five channels – front left/right, rear left/right, center and one channel for subwoofer. Playback of content in these formats let you enjoy virtually the same sound and presence you would get in a movie theater. Formats beyond these continue the evolution in the quest of more realistic and dynamic reproduction, and among the newest ones are extended formats such as Dolby Digital Surround EX and DTS-ES. Dolby ProLogic II and DTS Neo:6 have been newly added to enable conversion of two-channel sources to playback with the surround effect. Most of the formats include additional surround channels, such as a back surrounds or a rear center surround – aiming at increased natural presence and realistic positioning, for an even more dramatic surround experience.                 
                
The crucial keys to obtaining high-quality surround playback are decoding support and decoder accuracy. All signal processing for the digital surround system in the PXI-H990 Multimedia Manager is handled by a 32/64-bit floating-point DSP, the industry-leading Aureus made by Texas Instruments. This is one of the world’s fastest, large-capacity 64-bit processors – operating at 1,800 MIPS fixed-point arithmetic and 1,350 MFLOPS floating-point arithmetic – and has previously only been used in high-end home theater applications. In comparison to conventional processors, the Aureus is far more advanced in both speed and performance, making it ideal for the super-precise decoding of surround and compressed audio data needed to create the most dynamic, multi-dimensional surround experience.                        

Advantages of the new formats

• Dolby Digital Surround EX

This format brings an additional channel – rear center – to movie soundtracks in Dolby Digital. This 6.1-channel system adds a new dimension to the Dolby Digital 5.1 cinematic experience, creating a fuller, more realistic sound with greater presence and dramatic effect, no matter what the listening position.

• DTS-ES/DTS Neo:6

DTS-ES (Extended Surround) adds a rear center channel to the 5.1-channel DTS digital surround. The system comes in two “flavors”: Matrix and Discrete, with the rear channel discretely encoded into the DTS data. Enhancing the already high-quality sound of DTS, DTS-ES is able to deliver a greater sense of distance between front and rear as well as right and left, and a significant improvement in the three-dimensional surround impression.

DTS Neo:6 is used to convert two-channel stereo sources to 6.1-channel surround. It applies the high precision digital matrix decoder used for DTS-ES to achieve full-band virtually discrete 6.1-channel surround playback, even for conventional stereo signals.

DTS Neo:6 surround features two modes for optimum decoding of the signal source: Cinema and Music. The format is an easy and highly effective means of creating a dynamic three-dimensional surround experience from stereo sources.

Built-in eight separate 96kHz/24-bit DACs – Burr-Brown K-grade sine-magnitude

Designed to satisfy the most discerning music lovers and audiophiles, the new DVD-Audio format delivers the very best in audio quality. It has an ultra-high sampling frequency of 192 kHz (CD is only 44.1 kHz) and a resolution of 24 bits (CD is 16-bit). The audio resolution is around 1,000 times greater than that of the CD format, with a high frequency range of over 96 kHz (20 kHz for CD) and a dynamic range that stretches to 144 dB (CD is about 96 dB). This amazing capacity covers the entire range of sonic information that exists in nature.                 
Take, for example, the sound of a violin. It contains a rich variety of harmonics far beyond what our ears can actually hear. Yet these ultra-high frequencies are a delicate but important part of the expressive range of the instrument and their presence can truly be felt. DVD-Audio, with its exceptionally high resolution, captures the passion, intensity and beauty of the music and the musician’s deep intentions.
                
AlpineF#1Status is completely capable of extracting and reproducing the full sonic range of this new format. To do this, we’ve installed eight separate sets of the renowned Burr-Brown K-grade sine magnitude 96kHz/24-bit digital-to-analog converters for the eight independent channels of our PXI-H990 Multimedia Manager. These are the highest quality converters available in the market today, featuring exceptionally low distortion (1/3 that of conventional units) and an unmatched S/N ratio of 120dB. The output is virtually noise-free even at the lowest volume, and expressively reproduces the audio in all its subtle nuances and natural detail. This is without doubt the finest, most accurate D/A converter available today.

24-bit digitalfilter / High-precision GIC low-pass filter / Four-layer PCB with S.T.A.R. circuit

Alpine’s quest for quality permeates every single component of the AlpineF#1Status system – and the absolute best in car-audio technology and materials are used in it. Our PXI-H990 Multimedia Manager utilizes the most advanced technology available – no other manufacturer comes close – from its primary digital circuitry to the final analog stage. This system also boasts a 24-bit digital filter with 8-times oversampling that ensures the highest accuracy in digital-to-analog conversion. In the final analog stage, a high-precision GIC (generalized impedance converter) low-pass filter reduces the risk of harmful noise generation and eliminates noise even in non-audible frequency ranges – far better than that of conventional 8x oversampling low-pass filters. The result is exceptional accuracy and depth in the sound. A high-precision, high-performance I/V converter uses an op-amp to convert the DAC output current to a voltage-level signal (over 4 volts). Thanks to this high-output design, the need for extra boost circuits – which would amplify noise – is minimized, thus ensuring that the final output is absolutely pure and clean.                 

As with the DVI-9990, we’ve applied a four-layer circuit board with S.T.A.R. circuitry for all stages. This design lowers the impedance of the power supply for less noise. One of the four layers serves as the circuit ground, and features an original S.T.A.R. circuit of Alpine design with added grounding to optimize the circuitry scheme and patterning to reduce mutual interference within the circuit, delivering high-speed audio transmission.

Fully comprehensive, advanced equalization features

The car cabin has no shortage of elements that fight against getting good sound. Smooth surfaces such as glass windows randomly reflect high frequency sounds and distort the original sonic characteristics, while soft furnishings such as the seats and carpet absorb sound energy. As a result, a maddening amount of frequency peaks and dips exist within the narrow confines of the car interior. Is there anything that can be done to remedy this?

Yes. The PXI-H990 Multimedia Manager employs the following state-of-the-art signal processing and enhancement tools to achieve the absolute best sound possible.

• 175-band 1/3-octave digital EQ
• 31-band graphic EQ
• Independent 10-band parametric EQ
• Road EQ
• MediaXpander processing

For overall equalization, both the parametric EQ and graphic EQ divide the bandwidth with ten times the precision of conventional EQs. For example, the parametric EQ frequency range is finely divided into 60 different adjustment points. The extremely high-Q slope characteristics accurately isolate and eliminate just those peaks and dips that occur in the sound inside the car. Moreover, the 31-band graphic EQ can be used to fine-tune the overall sound, and adjust the sound balance for your particular listening position. Now, you can finally create the ideal sound space in your vehicle – without excuses, without compromise.         

Road EQ

Inside the car, noise is inescapable – particularly road and engine noise. Not only is the noise itself jarring and disruptive of music playback, it also masks specific frequency bands in the sound, and can break down the musical balance. Moreover, both the level and frequency of the noise changes dynamically every moment you drive, making any attempts to compensate with static, one-setting processing completely useless. Some compensation technologies, such as auto loudness/volume controls, raise the level of the music as noise increases; however, these are unnatural sounding stopgap measures and not fundamental solutions to the problem.             

The core technology behind this newly developed Road EQ feature is the super-fast, high-precision 24-bit DSP – used originally for Dolby processing, and now specially adapted for automatic noise compensation. The ultra-high speed of the processor makes it possible for the first time to adjust to changes in noise in near real time – at a lightning-fast 48,000 times every second! The frequency monitoring range for noise detection has been expanded to a bandwidth of 10 Hz - 10 kHz, and the detection speed has been improved 1,000-fold to a nearly instantaneous 20ms (compared to 20 seconds on conventional systems).
One major problem with previous systems is that electronic circuitry cannot distinguish which signals are noise and which are music. The crucial task here then is to precisely isolate the noise elements from the signal containing music mixed with noise. Any inaccuracies in separating the noise from this mix makes the compensation less effective or even completely ineffective, leading to unnatural and unbalanced sound reproduction.
                
To develop this system, Alpine has brought the full might of its technological expertise, as well as the voluminous amount of relevant data and know-how accumulated over many years. We have conducted repeated and extensive acoustic tests, and created an original algorithm that carries out exceptionally precise noise compensation. Based on this acoustic model, the system closely monitors the noise every moment, then compensates accurately and correctly. All sound and noise in the car are captured with a special microphone. The system compares the music playback with the combined noise-and-music signal at individual frequencies throughout the spectrum, evaluates the isolated signals with the original, and applies frequency-specific adjustments to the music signal. This means that finally, natural-sounding, real-time equalization – at 48,000 times/second – can be employed to combat noise. The process is smooth, the effect is seamless. Now, music playback can be heard with the highest fidelity, whatever the driving conditions. Now, despite being in a moving vehicle, you can enjoy – for the first time – a level of reproduction quality previously obtainable only in a stationary, quiet room.

24-bit digital filter / High-precision GIC low-pass filter / Four-layer PCB with S.T.A.R. circuit

Alpine’s quest for quality permeates every single component of the AlpineF#1Status system – and the absolute best in car-audio technology and materials are used in it. Our PXI-H990 Multimedia Manager utilizes the most advanced technology available – no other manufacturer comes close – from its primary digital circuitry to the final analog stage. This system also boasts a 24-bit digital filter with 8-times oversampling that ensures the highest accuracy in digital-to-analog conversion. In the final analog stage, a high-precision GIC (generalized impedance converter) low-pass filter reduces the risk of harmful noise generation and eliminates noise even in non-audible frequency ranges – far better than that of conventional 8x oversampling low-pass filters. The result is exceptional accuracy and depth in the sound. A high-precision, high-performance I/V converter uses an op-amp to convert the DAC output current to a voltage-level signal (over 4 volts). Thanks to this high-output design, the need for extra boost circuits – which would amplify noise – is minimized, thus ensuring that the final output is absolutely pure and clean.     
    
As with the DVI-9990, we’ve applied a four-layer circuit board with S.T.A.R. circuitry for all stages. This design lowers the impedance of the power supply for less noise. One of the four layers serves as the circuit ground, and features an original S.T.A.R. circuit of Alpine design with added grounding to optimize the circuitry scheme and patterning to reduce mutual interference within the circuit, delivering high-speed audio transmission.

Multi-channel System

Experience Multi-channel surround sound on an unprecedented scale with dual Multimedia Manager processing.

An absolutely awesome multi-amplifier, multi-speaker system of transcendent power – capable of unleashing a raging sonic storm. Comprehensive multi-channel processing – for taming that storm and precisely creating the most vivid, richly textured sound. Introducing a mobile entertainment system of which dreams are made – and fulfilled. For AlpineF#1Status owners only.

DVD Audio Link / IONBUS

No matter how advanced and superior each component is, substandard data transmission can bring down the quality of an entire system. Also, if the user interface is convoluted and awkward or many settings have to be changed with every operation, your in-car entertainment ceases to be enjoyable.
With AlpineF#1Status, we focused on creating a system that would not only be the most advanced, it would maintain the highest resolution throughout the data flow and provide its owners with the greatest pleasure and enjoyment. Just a single cable provides full-spec signal transmission of DVD-Audio data. Moreover, the multi-data IONBUS connection – in our ultra-high-definition monitor TMI-M990, for example – vastly enhances the system configuration. This link makes it possible to see more setup details and information, such as for the head unit, onscreen control of processor settings, operation of other connected changers and monitors – all with intuitive, at-a-glance, central control.

IONBUS

In designing the AlpineF#1Status system, we paid particularly close attention to creating an ideal signal transmission interface, one that would allow comprehensive control from a central, convenient location – that is, the driver’s seat. With its signal purity and accuracy, the newly developed IONBUS data bus transmits digital signals a blazing speed of 40 kbps – more than 1,300 times faster than the conventional Ai-NET interface. Various system functions and the operating environment itself have been greatly enhanced by the ultra-high speed and completely noiseless signal transmission.

The main features are:

• Digital audio transmission

By keeping all signals in the digital realm, IONBUS effectively eliminates any possible degradation in sound quality, especially in comparison to the analog transmission of the conventional Ai-NET interface. Instead of optical fiber, the system uses copper cable which not only optimizes transmission accuracy but allows all data (audio, control, etc.) to be carried on the same high-speed line – for ease and convenience in system connection.

• Directionless connectors

All connectors are identical regardless of input or output, since data routing is handled by the interior circuitry. This directionless capacity makes it easy to expand your system and add new components to the chain at any time.

• Forward compatibility

The high-capacity, multiple-signal, broadband connection ensures compatibility even with media that is yet to be developed and functions/features that are coming in the future.

With the head unit increasingly taking on the role of system command, the use of IONBUS provides an unprecedented degree of central control. Moreover, the benefits of the ultra-high-speed digital bus include not only better sound quality but total insulation from electrical noise in the car.

Graphic EQ bands BAND     

• Front (L/R): 31 bands; Rear (L/R): 31 bands; Center: 31 bands; Subwoofer: 10 bands

Parametric EQ bands     

• ±9dB

Parametric EQ bands     

• Front/Rear Center: 10 bands; Subwoofer: 2 bands

Parametric EQ frequencies     

Front/Rear/Center

Band 1     

• 20 / 22 / 25 / 28 / 31.5 / 36 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 56 / 63 / 71 / 80 / 90 / 100 / 110 / 125 / 140 / 160 / 180 / 200 / 220 / 250 / 280 / 315 (Hz)

Band 2     

• 31.5 / 36 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 56 / 63 / 71 / 80 / 90 / 100 / 110 / 125 / 140 / 160 / 180 / 200 / 220 / 250 / 280 / 315 / 350 / 400 / 450 / 500 (Hz)

Band 3     

• 50 / 58 / 63 / 71 / 80 / 90 / 100 / 110 / 125 / 140 / 160 / 180 / 200 / 220 / 250 / 280 / 315 / 360 / 400 / 450 / 500 / 560 / 630 / 710 / 800 (Hz)

Band 4     

• 80 / 90 / 100 / 110 / 125 / 140 / 160 / 180 / 200 / 220 / 250 / 280 / 315 / 360 / 400 / 450 / 500 / 560 / 630 / 710 / 800 / 900 / 1k / 1.1k / 1.2k (Hz)

Band 5     

• 125 / 140 / 160 / 180 / 200 / 220 / 250 / 280 / 315 / 360 / 400 / 450 / 500 / 560 / 630 / 710 / 800 / 900 / 1k / 1.1k / 1.2k / 1.4k / 1.6k / 1.8k / 2k (Hz)

Band 6     

• 200 / 220 / 250 / 280 / 315 / 360 / 400 / 450 / 500 / 560 / 630 / 710 / 800 / 900 / 1k / 1.1k / 1.2k / 1.4k / 1.6k / 1.8k / 2k / 2.2k / 2.5k / 2.8k / 3.2k (Hz)

Band 7     

• 315 / 360 / 400 / 450 / 500 / 560 / 630 / 710 / 800 / 900 / 1k / 1.1k / 1.2k / 1.4k / 1.6k / 1.8k / 2k / 2.2k / 2.5k / 2.8k / 3.2k / 3.6k / 4k / 4.5k / 5k (Hz)

Band 8     

• 500 / 560 / 630 / 710 / 800 / 900 / 1k / 1.1k / 1.2k / 1.4k / 1.6k / 1.8k / 2k / 2.2k / 2.5k / 2.8k / 3.2k / 3.6k / 4k / 4.5k / 5k / 5.6k / 6.3k / 7.1k / 8k (Hz)

Band 9     

• 800 / 900 / 1k / 1.1k / 1.2k / 1.4k / 1.6k / 1.8k / 2k / 2.2k / 2.5k / 2.8k / 3.2k / 3.6k / 4k / 4.5k / 5k / 5.6k / 6.3k / 7.1k / 8k / 9k / 10k / 11k / 12.5k (Hz)

Band 10     

• 1.2k / 1.4k / 1.6k / 1.8k / 2k / 2.2k / 2.5k / 2.8k / 3.2k / 3.6k / 4k / 4.5k / 5k / 5.6k / 6.3k / 7.1k / 8k / 9k / 10k / 11k / 12.5k / 14k / 16k / 18k / 20k (Hz)

Parametric EQ frequencies     

Subwoofer

Band 1     

• 20 / 22 / 25 / 28 / 31.5 / 36 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 56 / 63 / 71 / 80 / 90 / 100 / 110 / 125 (Hz)

Band 2     

• 31.5 / 36 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 56 / 63 / 71 / 80 / 90 / 100 / 110 / 125 / 140 / 160 / 180 / 200 (Hz)

Parametric EQ boost/cut range     

• ±9dB

Time adjustment control range     

• 0 – 20ms (0.05ms steps)

Frequency characteristics     

• 20Hz – 20kHz; 20Hz – 40kHz (for DVD audio playback)

S/N ratio     

• 110dB (IHF-A)

Channel separation     

• 90dB

Input sensitivity     

• 1.2V (analog)

Subwoofer crossover     

• 20 – 180Hz (1/6 oct/step)

Pre output     

• 4V (load 10kΩ at IONBUS and DVD audio link); 2V (load 10kΩ,AUX input)

Distortion ratio     

• 0.01 %

Input impedance     

• 10kΩor greater

Output impedance     

• 10kΩor less

Sound output level     

• preout: 4V/10k Ω (maximum; front/rear); preout 4V/10kΩ (maximum; subwoofer/center;); AUX IN: 1.2V/10kΩ

Size (W x H x D)

• 260 x 68 x 161 mm

Weight

• 2.3 kg