Vista, CA (11.30.2011) – Viper is pleased to announce that the company was selected by an esteemed panel of judges for introducing one of the best new international products at this year’s SEMA Show. Viper is among an elite group of companies to receive one of the SEMA Show’s highest honors.
The voting panel reviewed nearly 2,000 new style and performance products that were featured at this year’s Show. From these, the judges selected 10 products each that would be of the most interest and most likely to succeed commercially in their respective countries.
“This is a huge honor for SmartStart as our product goes global,” said Arturas Rainys, Director of International Sales & Corporate Development. “We recently announced availability of SmartStart in Australia, Mexico and the UK, with further announcements on the horizon. Just as the SmartStart signal can travel around the world, soon the SmartStart ecosystem will span the planet, bringing smartphone control to cloud-connected cars everywhere.”
For more information about Viper SmartStart, please visit www.viper.com/smartstart or call (760) 598-6200
For some people, simply having decent bass in their cars just isn’t enough. These folks want their bass low, loud and proud. Whether you’re cruising along the boulevard or fighting for bragging rights in the SPL wars, Orion has created a series of woofers with you in mind. Meant to be some of the highest output woofers this side of a full-on SPL competition vehicle, the XTRPRO series are built to play loud and sound good doing it. One of the most popular models in the series is the XTRPRO124, and we thought we’d take a close look at it and see what makes it special.
Features
The XTRPRO124 is a 12” dual four-ohm voice coil subwoofer, and is designed to be used in sealed or vented applications. After unpacking the woofer, the first word that came to mind when looking at it was tall. From the tall and narrow “Symmetrical Tuned” long throw surround, to the nearly 3” deep stacked magnet assembly, to the 6.5” overall mounting depth, everything about the XTRPRO124 says tall. And tall can be good, because it generally means more opportunity for high excursion, and that means more output.
Examining the construction and features from the top down, I noted the tall surround is secured to the cone with adhesives and stitching, another sign that the woofer is built for high performance use. The entire cone is made of a paper/carbon blend to reduce ringing and cone resonance. An injection molded poly dustcap trims out the center of the radiating surface. The woofer also includes a stylish ABS trim ring to hide the mounting screws and trim out the look of the woofer nicely.
Moving down below the cone, pair of linear Nomex spiders holds the former precisely in the magnetic gap, and also serve as a mounting surface for the heavy duty insulated tinsel leads that are stitched to the spider to prevent lead slap issues at high excursion. Providing the drive for the woofer is a 2.5” four-layer copper voice coil, wound on a vented aluminum former. All of this technology resides within the confines of a robust cast aluminum basket, which incorporates four large vented areas as part of the Orion “Tri-Cooling” system. The cooling system is designed to manage air flow through the voice coil by integrating vents in the former, the basket area above the magnet but below the spider, and the large vented pole piece. Of course the better the air flow, the greater the thermal reliability of the woofer will be, and Orion has definitely focused their engineering on this critical area.
The XTRPRO124 basket is nicely finished in a matte black powdercoat and the basket features sleekly integrated set screw type terminals that will easily accept 10 gauge wires. I’ll admit it was nice to see something a bit different in the sea of spring loaded terminals found on most everything else these days.
There’s one other thing I felt was worth noting about the XTRPRO series, and that is the very useful owner’s manual that comes with these woofers. Not only are all the Thiele-Small parameters listed, but there are very detailed instructions and plans for enclosure design included as well. In a day and age where so many companies are cutting corners on things like manuals, this one is certainly useful and nicely done.
Listening
After the usual break in period and following the recommendations in the excellent and detailed owner’s manual, I mounted the woofer in a 1.5 cubic foot sealed enclosure, and wired it to my reference system with the coils in parallel for a two ohm load. With the gains adjusted and the subwoofer crossover point set to 100Hz, I sat down and began my audition of the XTRPRO124. I already expected prodigious output from the Orion woofer, but man this thing plays LOUD. And while loud is good, to be really recognized as a high performance product, a woofer has to sound good too. Turns out I had nothing to be concerned about, because the bass was tight, really deep, and well-defined. The sound from the XTRPRO124 was really musical and natural sounding without adding a bunch of its own resonance or “ring” to the music. One of the tracks I use frequently when evaluating woofers is “My Maria” by Brooks and Dunn. The kick drum in this track is very well recorded, and has excellent definition. On a good system you can hear the attack as the batter strikes the drumhead, and the full, warm resonance of a properly tuned bass drum. The XTRPRO124 passed this test with ease, and went on to sound great on everything from Jennifer Warnes to Nelly.
As I listened, I grew more impressed with the performance of this “SPL” woofer. In the sealed enclosure I was using, the bass was very linear and I did not have to increase the volume to hear the bass detail. But when I did “get on the knob”, the sound never got boomy or sloppy sounding. From rock to hip hop, classical to country, the Orion XTRPRO124 sounded excellent. When pushed hard with bass heavy music at high power levels the woofer retained its control and composure, and delivered good sounding, loud bottom end.
Measured Performance
After spending a lot longer listening to it than I had originally planned, the woofer was allowed to cool overnight, and the next morning I moved it into the lab for some measurements. After completing the measurements of the woofer, I was happy to see that my data closely correlated with the published data in the owner’s manual which is a good indicator of build quality and consistency. The numbers indicate that the woofer can also be used effectively in a vented enclosure, but unfortunately I had run out of time, so I didn’t have the opportunity to try it. But if the sealed performance is any indication, in a vented box, this thing will really haul the mail! Quite honestly though, it sounded so good in the sealed enclosure that I’d be reluctant to give up any of the control and low frequency extension just for more output. But, if SPL is where it’s at for you, by all means give the vented option a try.
Conclusion
I knew that the XTRPRO series woofers were designed to handle power and play loud. But what I didn’t know is that the woofer would also sound as good as it does while doing it! If you’re looking for a good sounding, musical woofer that also likes to stretch its SPL legs, the XTRPRO124 fits the bill. And with a street price of around 200 bucks (U.S.), it’s also great bang for the buck.
VISTA, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Directed Electronics is proud to announce that it is working with Microsoft Corporation to develop a version of Directed's award-winning Viper SmartStart app for Microsoft's Windows Phone 7. The product should be widely available for Windows Phone users later in the year.
The vast potential of the new app on the powerful Windows Phone 7 platform was demonstrated today at Microsoft's sold-out BUILD Conference, which is taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center through September 16.
"We're very excited about partnering with Microsoft to extend Viper SmartStart products to the Windows Phone 7 platform," said Mike Simmons, Executive VP of Directed Electronics. "Our developers were able to quickly bring the app to Windows Phone 7 because they are so familiar with the Microsoft environment. We look forward to collaborating with Microsoft in other areas, including jointly developing advanced solutions for the cloud connected car."
"Viper SmartStart has been on our radar screen for Windows Phone 7 since it launched," said Jeff Sandquist, Senior Director of Developer Relations for Microsoft. "The app has changed the way smartphone users interact with their vehicles, and Microsoft is very pleased that this innovative app will be available to millions of Windows Phone users."
2-Way confirmation of commands received at vehicle.
Smart Alerts sent via push notification or text messaging (SMS).
Security alert messages (for security/RS or security systems only)
Error messages if command not executed at vehicle (all Viper systems)
Vehicle personalization – add a picture or change the name.
Dealer locator – find the nearest dealer quickly and easily using the Find a Dealer tool.
App passcode protection
Password management
Button confirmation sounds
New features:
SmartPark – Remembers where you parked your car everytime you lock your doors. Provides directions back to your car. See a demo!
Viper Motor Club – Free 24/7/365 roadside assistance is included with all SmartStart Secure service plans. That's a $79/year value included at no additional charge
Smart Alerts – Customers receive a text message to their smartphone if their alarm triggers (with compatible security systems)*.
Vista, CA (05.17.11) – Directed Electronics, maker of Viper SmartStart GPS, which allows users to track and control their car from virtually anywhere with their smartphone, is pleased to announce that it will be donating up to 100 Viper SmartStart GPS units to local law enforcement auto theft task forces around the country as part of the “Catch a Thief” campaign.
Viper SmartStart GPS (model number VSM250) has all the features of the award-winning Viper SmartStart – plus compelling GPS features that enhance family safety and vehicle security. It can be integrated with a Viper security or remote start system to enable features like remote start, lock and unlock, panic, trunk pop and security alerts. However, Viper SmartStart GPS can also be installed as a stand-alone unit, offering the following location based features on smartphones using the Viper SmartStart app:
VEHICLE LOCATOR: Press a button on the smartphone and receive vehicle’s current location, speed and direction
SOCIAL CHECK-IN: Text or e-mail the vehicle’s location with one-touch, or check-in to update a social network
SPEED ALERT: Request a notification when a vehicle exceeds your specified setting
LOCKDOWN ALERT: Receive a notification if the vehicle is moved without permission
LOW BATTERY ALERT: Receive a notification when battery is low
All of the above features are included in the SmartStart GPS Secure Service Plan starting at just $5 a month. Other features can be accessed with the Premium Secure Service Plan, starting at under $6 a month, including:
SMARTFENCE: Creates a secure zone around the vehicle so the user will be alerted if the vehicle leaves the zone
HOTSPOT: Adds a virtual Do Not Enter zone around a location so the user will be alerted if the vehicle goes there
SCHEDULING: Schedule time frames and curfews for notifications
According to Kevin Duffy, President of Directed Electronics, “Viper and our other vehicle security brands have been in the auto theft prevention business for decades. We see unique opportunities to partner with law enforcement with Viper SmartStart GPS, which can be a powerful deterrent against auto theft, alerting officers immediately when a bait car gets stolen and where it is headed – right on their smartphone.”
Police departments interested in receiving a Viper SmartStart GPS unit can contact ken.gammage@directed.com or call (760) 599-1325.
SmartStart GPS is now available for smartphones running the Android operating system. We released Viper and Directed v2.2 apps with SmartStart GPS features and Home Control support to Android Market yesterday afternoon. This means anyone with a compatible Android smartphone can now enjoy the latest SmartStart features and upgrades, including:
- SmartStart GPS (when used with DSM/VSM250 systems)
o Includes alert programming for standard SmartStart GPS features: over speed, vehicle movement (Lockdown), low battery
o Alerts for Premium features not fully functional in this release (SmartFence, HotSpot) but will be for next release by end of the month
- Home Control (when used with compatible Alarm.com-powered home security systems)
- Enhanced user feedback & error messaging
- In-app Help pages covering all key features
- Alert tab fully functional
- Alerts track phone time settings now
- On-screen login button provided
- Compatible with Android v1.6 OS and newer (dropped support for v1.5 with this release)
Vista, CA – May 12, 2011 – DEI Holdings, Inc. (PinkSheets: DEIX.PK) today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by funds affiliated with Charlesbank Capital Partners in an all-cash transaction.
Under the terms of the merger agreement, holders of the outstanding common shares of DEI Holdings will receive approximately $3.79 - $3.81 per share in cash. The price represents a premium of approximately 142% to DEI Holdings‟ closing share price on May 12, 2011. The total enterprise value of the transaction, including debt assumption, is approximately $285 million.
The merger agreement was unanimously approved by the full Board of Directors of DEI Holdings.
Troy Templeton, Chairman of the Board, said, “We are pleased to announce this agreement as it delivers significant value to our shareholders. In addition, it is a clear endorsement of DEI Holdings and of the hard work and commitment of each and every one of our employees. Charlesbank is a well respected private investment firm whose substantial resources and experience will enable the company to invest in its future growth. After a thorough assessment, based on independent financial and legal advice, we concluded this transaction will maximize value for the company‟s shareholders. We are also pleased to have successfully negotiated for a robust „go-shop‟ provision that allows us to entertain alternative proposals.”
Michael Choe, a Managing Director of Charlesbank, said: “We are very pleased to participate in the next chapter of the company‟s growth. DEI Holdings‟ strong management team and brand equity combined with its proven multichannel strategy position the company extremely well to expand its business, both in the U.S. and internationally.”
The transaction will be financed through a combination of equity and debt. Charlesbank has secured committed debt financing from General Electric Capital Corporation and OPY Credit Corp., an affiliate of Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.
Following completion of the transaction, DEI Holdings will remain headquartered in Vista, CA, and maintain its offices in Maryland and Canada. The company will continue to be led by its existing management team, including James E. Minarik, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Kevin P. Duffy, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Funds affiliated with Trivest Partners, which own approximately 9.2 million common shares, representing approximately 36% of total shares outstanding, have agreed to vote those shares for approval of the merger. However, in the event that the merger agreement is terminated, Trivest Partners will be released from this obligation.
The agreement permits DEI Holdings to solicit, receive, evaluate, and enter into negotiations with respect to alternative proposals for a 35-day “go-shop” period from the date of the merger agreement. DEI Holdings, with the assistance of an independent financial advisor, will actively solicit alternative proposals during this period. DEI Holdings does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until its Board of Directors has made a decision. The merger agreement provides Charlesbank with a customary right to match a superior proposal. There can be no assurance that this process will result in a superior offer or transaction. If there is no superior offer, the transaction is expected to close in late June 2011, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. Completion of the transaction also requires approval by a majority of the outstanding DEI Holdings common shares.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP is acting as legal advisor to DEI Holdings in connection with the transaction. Goodwin Procter LLP is acting as legal advisor to Charlesbank.
About DEI Holdings, Inc.
Headquartered in Southern California, DEI Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of some of the most respected brands in the consumer electronics industry. DEI Holdings is the largest designer and marketer in North America of premium home theater loudspeakers (sold under the Polk Audio® and Definitive Technology® brand names), and consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems (sold under Viper®, Clifford®, Python®, Autostart® and other brand names). DEI Holdings is also a supplier of mobile audio sold principally under the Polk Audio® and Orion® brand names. DEI Holdings markets its broad portfolio of products through many channels including leading national retailers and specialty chains throughout North America and around the world. Founded in 1982, the company has operations in California, Maryland, Canada, Europe and Asia. For more information on the company, visit http://www.deiholdings.com/.
About Charlesbank Capital Partners
Charlesbank Capital Partners is a middle-market private equity investment firm managing more than $2 billion of capital. Charlesbank focuses on management-led buyouts and growth capital financings, typically investing $50 million to $150 million per transaction in companies with enterprise values of $100 million to $750 million. The firm seeks to partner with strong management teams to build companies with sustainable competitive advantages and excellent prospects for growth. For more information on the firm, visit http://www.charlesbank.com/.
Octo announces its entry into the United States insurance telematics marketplace through a joint venture with Directed Electronics, and the appointment of Nino Tarantino to CEO.
With the launch of its U.S. operations, Octo Telematics North America is poised to offer its comprehensive range of vehicle telematics solutions to the considerable North American automotive insurance market: from usage-based insurance, driving behavior and mileage reporting, to safety and security services, crash kinematics and dynamics reconstruction.
Octo Telematics will provide auto insurance-telematics services to Seattle-based Safeco Insurance, a member of Liberty Mutual Group, and Octo Telematics' first U.S. insurance customer.
Mr. Tarantino, who had previously served as Octo Telematics' Head of Business Development in the U.S., brings 25 years of experience to the role stemming from a range of general management, operations and business development positions in the U.S. and around the world.
"The Octo Telematics North America board unanimously selected Nino," said Fabio Sbianchi, CEO, Octo Telematics S.p.A. and Octo Telematics North America Board Member "He has built several companies from the ground up, knows how to grow and inspire a team and satisfy a rapidly growing customer base in an even faster growing market. Our time working with Nino this past year sealed the deal and we know he's the right person to expand on our success in Europe to North America."
With the launch of its North American operations, Octo Telematics can now offer its end-to-end vehicle telematics solutions to the considerable U.S. automotive insurance market. With more than a million active subscribers and more than 50 Insurance partners worldwide, Octo Telematics has significant experience with automotive usage based insurance programs for which it received the 2010 Frost & Sullivan Award for Growth Leadership. With a growth rate over the past five years of more than 1100%, Octo was also featured in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA 2010 ranking.
Directed Electronics is the largest designer and marketer in North America of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, with extensive experience in automotive OEM and aftermarket logistics and client care. "Our union with Octo Telematics represents a unique opportunity for both companies to expand into the U.S. Insurance Telematics market, and we look forward to a very successful relationship," said Kevin Duffy, President of Directed Electronics and Octo Telematics North America Board Member.
Octo Telematics North America, LLC is an advanced Telematics Service Provider (TSP) that provides advanced telematics services and systems to the insurance and automotive markets. The company is headquartered in Southern California and is a joint venture between Directed Electronics and Octo Telematics SpA, based in Italy.
With more than one million active customers and the largest insurance telematics statistical database in the world, Octo Telematics is the global leader in the research, development and management of cutting-edge telematics applications for auto insurance. Its services have achieved widespread acceptance, most recently adding an average of over 1,400 new customers each day and connecting with more than 50 different insurers worldwide. Octo Telematics was founded in Rome in 2002 and operates internationally today with offices and partners throughout the world.
Directed Electronics is the largest designer and marketer in North America of consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems, with extensive experience in automotive OEM and aftermarket logistics and client care. Founded in 1982, the company is a business unit of DEI Holdings, Inc. with primary operations located in Vista, California and Montreal, Canada.
Purchase a Viper security* or convenience system at $199 or higher AND a Viper Window Film package at
$199 or higher to receive a $50 rebate. Purchases can be made from two different authorized retailers as
long as both items are purchased within two weeks of each other. Purchases must be made between May 1, 2011 until July 31, 2011.
Why Should You Choose Viper Window Film?
Beauty. Comfort. Protection.
There are many reasons to choose high quality Viper Window Film and Window Tint for your vehicle. The most obvious reason is to improve the cosmetic appearance of the vehicles glass with professionally installed window film. Viper Window Film also improves the comfort of the vehicle for drivers and passengers – reducing heat, glare and harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun’s rays. And of course, Viper Window Film protects the interior of your vehicle and its contents from those same harmful rays while strengthening the vehicle glass. The many benefits speak for themselves – Viper Window Film is your only choice.
Four More Important Reasons to Choose Viper Window Film and Window Tint:
1. Made in America
Viper Window Film is Made in the U.S.A. with proven technologies and the highest quality materials, manufactured in an ISO 9000: 2000 certified facility with precision equipment, maintained and operated by an experienced staff. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
2. One-Year $5,000 Guaranteed Protection Plan (GPP)
Directed Electronics is increasing the deductible on its popular one-year Guaranteed Protection Plan (GPP) from $2,500 to $5,000 when you purchase Viper Window Film and a Viper security system at the same time. Click here for details.
3. Non-Metallic Means Clear Reception
You and your vehicle need unimpeded reception of radio frequency (RF) signals – including cell phones! From GPS to tire pressure gauges to your Viper security and remote start system, Viper Window Film does not interfere with RF (including the cellular signals used by Viper SmartStart!)
4. Lifetime Warranty
We told you your satisfaction is guaranteed – and we back that up with Viper’s famous Limited Lifetime Warranty – the strongest in the industry. Click here to view the Warranty Policy.
*In addition to Viper, the following security and convenience systems are also eligible as long as all other conditions
are met: Clifford, Automate, and Python. Security system and Viper Film can be purchased from two different authorized retailers as long as both items are purchased within two weeks of each other.
To find an authorzed Viper Tint dealer in your area click here
Vista, CA (04.21.11) – Directed Electronics, maker of the award-winning Viper SmartStart, which lets users start, track and control their car from virtually anywhere with their smartphone, is pleased to announce the immediate availability of home control features on the Viper SmartStart app.
“By integrating interactive security services from Alarm.com in the Viper SmartStart app, users can not only control their car, but also arm and disarm their home alarm quickly and easily using their smartphone,” said Mike Simmons, Executive Vice President of Directed Electronics. “With control of the things customers access on a daily basis in one convenient app, we are one step closer to replacing the keychain with the smartphone thanks to Viper SmartStart.”
A quick flip of the wrist toggles between the car control and home control screens in the Viper SmartStart app. With the integration of the industry leading interactive security services from Alarm.com, users can now arm and disarm their home security system with one touch using their smartphone.
Home security system remote arming and disarming, powered by Alarm.com, is the very latest feature of the award-winning Viper SmartStart. Depending on the features and installation of their compatible Viper system, Viper SmartStart also allows users to: Start their engine to control their cabin temperature, Lock and unlock their doors from anywhere, Pop the trunk, Control the horn or siren as a panic alert or car finder and Receive security alerts pushed to their smartphone
Users can also take advantage of the useful SmartPark feature, which remembers where the car is parked each time the user locks the car using their smartphone, as well as Viper Motor Club roadside assistance, which is available at no additional charge with all Secure Service Plans.
In addition to the new Home Control feature, Directed Electronics has also just released Viper SmartStart GPS (model number VSM250) which allows users to control, locate and track their vehicle using their smartphone, with additional family safety and social networking features. With Viper SmartStart GPS, parents can get alert notifications pushed right to their smartphone if their teen driver is speeding or drives where they’re not supposed to.
Viper SmartStart is currently available on the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android platforms. Current users can update their app to v2.2 to receive home control features. To enable smartphone control of an Alarm.com-enabled home security system, please visit http://www.alarm.com/ to find an authorized dealer.
Models register to win a $20,000 vehicle make over, meet with top talent agencies in Los Angeles & a photo shoot with your newly pimped out ride! Earn points by showing up at authorized Orion Car Audio dealers with your Orion gear on, taking photo's or video and posting it on the Orion Car Audio Facebook page...the model with the most points wins...it's that simple
Orion Fans register on our Facebook page to win Orion gear and vote for your favorite model. Make sure you check the Facebook page and the Gallery to vote for your favorite model often.
About Orion
Since the beginning, Orion has been all about High Performance Car Audio and Hardcore Attitude... Attitude that's hammered into the DNA of every piece of industrial-strength Orion Car Audio equipment, and the players who use and abuse it, the bass-heads and boulevard bullies who will testify that the baddest car and the loudest system ride on the same chassis -- theirs! SPL competitors, world champions, hot-rodders and urban cruisers alike are motivated to roll with the bulletproof performance and legendary muscle that is Orion Car Audio.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 -- Vista, California – Directed Electronics, maker of the award-winning Viper SmartStart, is pleased to announce the immediate availability of Viper SmartStart GPS , announced at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show.
According to Kevin Duffy, President of Directed Electronics, “Viper SmartStart enables you to start your car from virtually anywhere with your smartphone. With Viper SmartStart GPS, we've added a host of great new features previously unavailable in any single app. For families with younger drivers, Viper SmartStart GPS now offers the ability to monitor their safety and security with unprecedented ease and affordability, while enjoying fun and interactive features such as one-touch Facebook integration.”
Available starting today at thousands of authorized Viper retailers in the U.S. and Canada, Viper SmartStart GPS (model number VSM250) has a suggested retail price of $299.99 and is compatible with virtually all vehicle security and remote start systems from Directed Electronics, including Viper, Clifford, Python and Avital.
Viper SmartStart GPS can be installed as a stand-alone system, allowing users to enjoy the following location based features on their smartphone using the Viper SmartStart app:
VEHICLE LOCATOR : Press a button on your smartphone and receive vehicle's current location, speed and direction
SOCIAL CHECK-IN : Text or e-mail your car's location with one-touch, or check-in to update your social network
SPEED ALERT : Request a notification when a family vehicle exceeds your specified setting
LOCKDOWN ALERT : Receive a notification if your vehicle is moved without your OK
All four of the above features are included in the SmartStart GPS Secure Service Plan starting at just $5 a month. Other features can be accessed with the Premium Secure Service Plan, starting at under $6 a month, including:
SMART FENCE: Creates a secure zone around your vehicle so you'll be alerted if your vehicle leaves the zone
HOTSPOT : Adds a virtual Do Not Enter zone around a location so you'll be alerted if your vehicle goes there
SCHEDULING : Schedule time frames and curfews for notifications
In the attached video, a HotSpot alert allows the mom to be notified automatically when her daughter arrives home from school. I ntegrating Viper SmartStart GPS with a compatible Viper security or remote start system enables the complete Viper SmartStart feature set depending on system features and installation, allowing users to:
Start their engine to control their cabin temperature
Lock and unlock their doors from anywhere
Pop the trunk
Control the horn or siren as a panic alert or car finder
Receive security alerts pushed to their smartphone
Users will also be able to take advantage of the useful SmartPark feature, which remembers where the car is parked each time the user locks the car using their smartphone, as well as Viper Motor Club roadside assistance, which is available at no additional charge with all Secure Service Plans.
In addition to Viper SmartStart GPS, a major update to the free Viper SmartStart app now allows users to arm and disarm their home security system using their smartphone. A quick flip of the wrist toggles between the car control and home control screens in the Viper SmartStart app. To enable smartphone control of an Alarm.com-enabled home security system, please visit www.alarm.com to find an authorized dealer.
Viper SmartStart is currently available on the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android platforms. Viper SmartStart GPS is available initially for iOS devices as an update (v2.2) to the Viper SmartStart app at the iTunes App Store ( http://itunes.apple.com/app/viper-smartstart/id333400981?mt=8 ) and at www.viper.com/smartstart . Viper SmartStart GPS will be available soon for Android smartphones. Store locator to find a local retailer is online at www.viper.com
Directed Electronics is launching a new program called “100% Pure Viper” on February 1 to crack down on Internet discounting of its Viper remote starters.
The company also aligned with Shopatron to help its authorized retailers get a bigger share of Internet sales.
In a memo to retailers last week, Viper introduced both programs.
Under 100% Pure Viper, the company launched a “whistle blower hotline,”—which is really an email address (viperhotline@directed.com) dealers may contact to report an illegal online auction or a transshipper.
Directed is also now tracking serial numbers of Viper products. It will not warranty any products sold uninstalled or stocked by an unauthorized dealer.
In the past few months, the company took legal action against multiple retailers in violation of transshipping policies, and it is shutting down thousands of illegal online product auctions a month, it said.
But since the Internet is where much of the business now takes place, the company also instituted a new program with Shopatron that starts mid-February.
“The Internet is not going away, and over 80 % of consumers first shop at the manufacturer’s site before searching for the product online. We want to capture these consumers…” it told retailers. So using Shopatron software it will let consumers buy from its Web site but the product must be shipped to a local Viper dealer where it may be picked up by the consumer. (Product will NOT be shipped directly to the consumer. And Directed won’t warranty it unless the dealer installs it).
Directed said in the memo, “We have set up extensive criteria for Viper dealers to become part of this program, and we are only allowing retailers to join that meet these criteria…”
President of Directed Electronics Kevin Duffy confirmed the memo and said that visits to Viper’s Web site have increased 158% over the last 2 years. “We have been trying to find ways to convert the increased consumer traffic to our Web site into increased floor traffic for our specialist retailers. Shopatron will help make that handoff seamless.”
Duffy said to expect additional retail programs this year.
Earlier this month Shopatron announced that consumer electronics stores using its service saw same store online sales grow 83 percent year over year in Q4, including a 109% increase in December.
More than 15 CE brands including JL Audio use Shopatron.
One more note: Viper offers up to a $2,500 refund on your insurance deductible if your car is stolen in the first year after you buy a security system. Directed told retailers it will increase that guarantee to $5,000 if the consumer buys both a Viper security system and Viper Window Film in a combo package.
Directed Electronics today announced a major new enhancement to the free Viper SmartStart app: integration with the Alarm.com security platform, allowing users to arm and disarm their home security system directly from the Viper SmartStart app.
Available early in Q1 2011 for the iPhone, the free Viper SmartStart app will include feature integration with the industry leading Alarm.com GSM-based residential security platform – allowing users to quickly arm and disarm their Alarm.com-powered home security system right from the Viper SmartStart app on their smartphone. Now securing and accessing your car and your home just got easier. A quick flip of the wrist toggles between the Car and Home control screens in the Viper SmartStart app, giving users quick access to their most important security controls in a single app.
Integration with the Alarm.com service will be the latest free upgrade to the Viper SmartStart app. Directed Electronics recently released Viper Motor Club roadside assistance, as well as SmartPark (a free upgrade that allows users to find their parked car with the push of a button on their smartphone). Directed is making another major announcement at CES about Viper SmartStart – a new product called Viper SmartStart GPS, also available in the first quarter of 2011.
"Viper SmartStart is rewriting the rulebook for what an app can do," said Mike Simmons, Executive Vice President of Directed Electronics. "In the months ahead we will be expanding Viper SmartStart control into the home. We see a near future where smartphones replace the heavy bundles of keys and keyfobs in a pocket or purse, and Viper SmartStart will enable that new paradigm. But to get there, the user experience has to be really great – as quick and easy as using a key. We've designed Viper SmartStart to enable quick, one-touch access to the really important things people use their keys for everyday."
To enable smartphone control of an Alarm.com-enabled home security system, please visit www.alarm.com to find an authorized dealer. Current Viper SmartStart users will be able to simply update their app to get the new feature. New users can download the free Viper SmartStart app at the iTunes App Store, BlackBerry App World, the Android Market, and at www.viper.com/smartstart.
Viper SmartStart GPS is the latest generation of Viper SmartStart 2.0 Module with GPS, and can be added to virtually any Viper security or remote start system. Viper SmartStart GPS has all the features of the current Viper SmartStart platform including the Viper Motor Club, SmartPark and compatibility with iPhone, BlackBerry and Android smartphones – but adds GPS capabilities that allow users to know where there vehicle is at all times.
"The benefits of Viper SmartStart GPS for the connected lifestyle are compelling. We've developed a completely new value proposition for location-aware products for the connected car. Never have customers been offered such great feature integration in such a great user interface at such an affordable price," said Kevin Duffy, President of Directed Electronics. "Not only can users connect with friends on social media, they are able to monitor the safety and security of young drivers in the family. Combined with other features like Viper Motor Club roadside assistance, Viper SmartStart GPS provides a whole new paradigm in family safety."
The new product offers the following state-of-the-art, location based features, all accessed and programmed through the Viper SmartStart smartphone app:
Users know where their vehicle is at all times. They can check the location and status of their vehicle right from a Viper SmartStart app at any time. They see real-time location on a map, as well as how fast the vehicle is moving and where it's going.
Social Media Check-in feature supports the connected lifestyle, allowing users to let Facebook friends know where they're parked with one-touch check-in and customizable messaging
Protecting family members with security and safety alerts:
•Speed Alert provides notification when a family vehicle exceeds the specified setting •Lockdown Alert sets the vehicle location and provides notification if the vehicle leaves that spot •Curfew feature restricts above settings to a specified time frame
All five of the above features are included in the SmartStart GPS Basic Service Plan. The SmartStart GPS Premium Service Plan includes all the features above, plus:
•SmartFence creates a secure zone around the vehicle, alerting users if the vehicle leaves that zone •HotSpot creates an alert zone around a prohibited location, notifying the user if the vehicle goes there
The company projects availability of Viper SmartStart GPS (model number VSM250) in Q1 2011 at authorized Viper retailers throughout the U.S. Suggested Retail Price is $299.
