Harman/kardon

Transcript

harman/kardon ® PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 January 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HARMAN KARDON® TAKES AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER DESIGN TO NEW PERFORMANCE LEVELS WITH ITS 7.1-CHANNEL LINEUP AT CES 2003 WOODBURY, NY – In a move that reaffirmed the company’s position as the industry’s leading manufacturer of 7.1-channel audio/video receivers, Harman Kardon recently introduced its AVR 7200, AVR 525 and AVR 325 audio/video receivers. The three receivers incorporate a number of significant new technologies to deliver greater performance and flexibility than ever before, including advanced bassmanagement capabilities for DVD-Audio and SACD sources, the innovative A-BUS® multiroom connectivity system, the latest 24-bit/192kHz D/A converters for state-of-the-art sound quality, and many additional refinements. Tom McLoughlin, Harman Kardon President, pointed out: “With the introduction of our AVR 7200, AVR 525 and AVR 325 receivers, Harman Kardon has truly taken audio receiver design to a new performance level. Thanks to a host of breakthrough technologies, these receivers offer functionality, connectivity and sound quality that were literally unattainable until now – making them the ideal control centers for the widest range of high-performance home entertainment systems, custom installations and multiroom applications.” Redefining 7.1-Channel Audio/Video Receiver Performance Harman Kardon’s AVR 7200, AVR 525 and AVR 325 incorporate state-of-the-art multichannel home theater receiver amplification, providing seven high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier channels to fully reproduce today’s 7.1-channel and 6.1-channel surround sound movie and music formats with extraordinary clarity and dynamic impact. This superior amplifier topology yields far better phase linearity, lower distortion, greater high-frequency headroom and more accurate frequency response in the audible range. All three receivers deliver equal power output into all seven main channels. The AVR 7200 offers truly exceptional measured performance, delivering 100 watts x 7 (into 8 ohms, 20Hz–20kHz, <0.07% THD, all channels driven; 115 watts x 2 in stereo) with an astounding ±75 amps of high-current capability. The AVR 525 delivers 70 watts x 7 (into 8 ohms, 20Hz–20kHz, <0.07% THD, all channels driven; 85 watts x 2 in stereo) and the AVR 325 provides 50 watts into each of its 7 channels (into 8 ohms, 20Hz–20kHz, <0.07% THD, all channels driven; 65 watts x 2 in stereo). As both the number of channels in an A/V receiver and their power increase, proper heat management becomes critical. Harman Kardon addresses this in two ways to assure maximum amplifier efficiency and safe operation at all times. The AVR 7200 utilizes massive heat sinks, along with a carefully designed circuit layout, which allows the unit to operate without the need for a fan, even though its amplifiers can produce a 700-watt cumulative power output. The AVR 525 and AVR 325 incorporate Harman Kardon’s variable– more – 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 516.496.3400 Fax: 516.682.3523 www.harmankardon.com HARMAN KARDON® TAKES AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER DESIGN TO NEW PERFORMANCE LEVELS WITH ITS 7.1-CHANNEL LINEUP AT CES 2003 Page 2 speed fan, which automatically adjusts its speed according to input from a microprocessor-controlled monitoring system that examines the system’s temperature, as well as the volume setting. This means that the fan is only turned on when needed, and when the volume level is high enough to mask any air-flow noise. This eliminates the possibility of overheating, while minimizing fan noise during quiet passages. Leading-Edge Digital Audio Technologies The AVR 7200, AVR 525 and AVR 325 are compatible with all popular surround sound formats, including the latest Dolby* Digital EX 6.1 format that provides surround back channels from Surround EX™-encoded DVD discs, and Dolby Pro Logic* II, which provides 5.1-channel surround sound from two-channel stereo and matrix-encoded sources. All three receivers also provide unsurpassed 6.1-channel DTS-ES® Discrete, DTS-ES Matrix, DTS Neo:6® and Dolby Digital decoding; the AVR 7200 and AVR 525 also include High Definition Compatible Digital® (HDCD®) processing to deliver the best-possible sound quality from CDs. The receivers also incorporate two proprietary audio technologies developed by Harman International, Logic 7®/7.1 and 5.1. Now upgraded to include 96kHz decoding capability, Logic 7 delivers improved, derived multichannel reproduction from both matrix-encoded and two-channel stereo recordings with derived stereo decoding (unlike the mono decoding provided by other 6.1 formats), for the back surround channels. The sonic result is better imaging and separation along with a greater sense of envelopment and a more seamless sound field. All the receivers also incorporate Harman International’s patented VMAx® Virtual Theater audio processing, a DSP method of producing realistic, high-fidelity, three-dimensional surround sound audio in 360 degrees from stereo and matrix-encoded multichannel audio sources, using just two loudspeakers or headphones. All three receivers include sophisticated MP3-decoding capability. When connected to a compatible computer or sound card** with a compatible S/P-DIF output (or USB port and Harman Kardon’s DAL 150 Digital Audio Transcoder), this function enables users to enjoy high-quality playback of MP3-encoded CDs or Internet-delivered “streaming media” programs on their home entertainment systems. Advanced Bass-Management Capabilities For complete compatibility with even the most sophisticated home theater systems, regardless of the speakers being used, the AVR 7200, AVR 525 and AVR 325 feature extensive bass-management capabilities. The receivers’ Triple Crossover system is among the most advanced available; it gives the listener the ability to select three different bass crossover frequencies, for the front, center and surround speakers, to perfectly tailor the audio output fed to each set of speakers and yield the optimum frequency response and performance from all the loudspeakers in a multichannel system. This is a much more precise and sophisticated bass-management system than those available from most receivers and DVD players, which have more limited crossover filtering options or none at all. A further element of customization is provided by the capability of setting different crossover points for different program sources, so that each input may be optimized for music or movie soundtrack playback and the user’s speaker system. In the AVR 7200 and AVR 525, the Triple Crossover system is extended to also function with the analog 8-channel direct inputs provided for connection to a DVD-Audio or SACD player. Both units offer the option of passing signals from a DVD-Audio or SACD player through a “bypass” mode or digitizing them so that the Triple Crossover system may be used. This is critical for achieving optimal sonic performance when the units are used in conjunction with a player that does not have internal bass management and redirection. The new Harman Kardon receivers are among the very few that offer this level of complete bass management. – more – HARMAN KARDON® TAKES AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER DESIGN TO NEW PERFORMANCE LEVELS WITH ITS 7.1-CHANNEL LINEUP AT CES 2003 Page 3 Unmatched Control and Connectivity The AVR 7200, AVR 525 and AVR 325 provide an exceptionally comprehensive array of digital and analog audio and video connections, including wide-bandwidth component video switching, to pass the full bandwidth of HDTV signals with virtually no loss of resolution and the best possible HDTV image quality. All three models also feature multiple S-Video and composite video inputs and outputs, and all automatically simultaneously down-convert S-Video signals to parallel composite video output to simplify connection options in some home theater systems and assure video connectivity with TVs that only have composite video inputs. For easier setup and installation, all three receivers utilize the CEA standards for color-coding of speaker terminals and input/output jacks for all channels, and include banana-plug-compatible speaker terminals. All the receivers include versatile preprogrammed, learning remotes with Harman Kardon’s (patent no. 5,386,478) functionality. The EzSet feature provides a built-in sound-pressure-level measuring and calibration system that enables the user to automatically balance speaker-channel levels for optimum surround sound listening, regardless of the speaker complement or room conditions. Setting speaker levels is one of the most critical adjustments for proper movie-soundtrack reproduction, and the EzSet feature makes the process accurate and virtually foolproof, maximizing sonic benefits. In addition, all three receivers are supplied with a convenient Zone II remote that may be used to operate a second-room audio system. The AVR 7200 and AVR 525 offer digital and analog front-panel inputs that can be switched to also function as outputs to facilitate connecting a program source such as a video game console, VCR, camcorder, CD recorder or portable audio product for either playback or recording – a Harman Kardon exclusive feature. Additional features for all three models include an on-screen display system, 6-/8-channel direct inputs to accommodate DVD-Audio or SACD, a Listener Preference System that allows users to set specific speakerchannel-level settings for each program source and DSP format (for example, the subwoofer level can be set differently for two-channel CD music listening and multichannel Dolby Digital DVD movie viewing), an RS-232 port to enable control by external keypad or computer systems, and many other advanced features. Sophisticated Multizone/Multiroom Technology For multiroom versatility, the receivers’ amplifier sections are assignable for use in either 7.1 or 5.1-plusstereo configurations. The AVR 7200, AVR 525 and AVR 325 can be used in full 7.1-channel surround sound mode or, if desired, switched to 5.1-channel operation to power the main room system, with the remaining two channels used to drive the stereo audio channels in a second room. In this configuration, both the main-room 5.1 system and second-room audio system can be fed by two separate audio sources. For example, viewers in the main room can enjoy a DVD movie in 5.1 surround sound, while listeners in another room can hear stereo audio from another source such as a CD or MP3 player or the receiver’s tuner. All three receivers also provide separate audio preamp outputs so that the multizone system may be powered with external amplifiers such as the Harman Kardon PA 2000 or PA 4000. Each of the new Harman Kardon receivers also incorporates the A-BUS Ready® system for easy multiroom connectivity without the need for additional external amplifiers. The A-BUS system utilizes a standard Cat.5 Ethernet cable to connect to an RJ-45 jack on the AVR’s rear panel in one room, and to a Harman Kardon AB 1 A-BUS-compatible amplifier/control module located in the second room. The AB 1 remote module, which will be available from Harman Kardon in early 2003, provides stereo audio amplification along with local volume control, and has a built-in IR sensor that is used with the standard AVR Zone II remote to control the receiver, as well as other compatible Harman Kardon source components. – more – HARMAN KARDON® TAKES AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER DESIGN TO NEW PERFORMANCE LEVELS WITH ITS 7.1-CHANNEL LINEUP AT CES 2003 Page 4 The AVR 7200: The Ultimate In Features and Flexibility The Harman Kardon AVR 7200 truly sets a new standard in audio/video receiver flexibility and versatility. The AVR 7200 delivers exceptional audio performance and full 7.1 operation, thanks to seven channels of high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplification (100 watts x 7 into 8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD, all channels driven, 115 x 2 in stereo; and ±75 amps of high-current capability) and 192kHz/24-bit audio D/A conversion. Despite its high power capability, the AVR 7200 is fan-free for totally silent operation. Its HDTVcompatible, wide-bandwidth component video switching makes it ideally suited to the most sophisticated home entertainment systems using HDTV video sources. The AVR 7200 includes the full complement of Harman Kardon’s newest receiver features, such as a Triple Crossover bass manager for optimization of any multichannel home entertainment system, including those with DVD-Audio and SACD program sources; the A-BUS Ready multiroom connectivity system and a choice of multiroom setup options; an RS-232 port for integrated system control; and many additional performance and convenience features. Among the AVR 7200’s comprehensive suite of digital and analog inputs, outputs and switching facilities are six digital inputs (two optical, two coaxial, plus front-panel optical and coaxial); three digital outputs (including one front-panel coaxial output) for connection to a CD recorder or other component; two sets of wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs plus component video outputs; 6-/8-channel direct inputs with digital bass management to connect a DVD-Audio player or multichannel SACD player; S-Video inputs and outputs with parallel composite video down-conversion; and many additional connection options. The remote control is Harman Kardon’s most advanced; it features a two-line LCD display that makes programming and operation easier than ever. The remote allows components to be programmed by brand name, without the need to refer to code number lists; it also incorporates the most advanced version of Harman Kardon’s patented EzSet™ automatic speaker system calibration functionality, with the capability of using the remote as a direct-readout SPL (sound-pressure level) meter for precise manual speaker calibration. A separate Zone II remote for independent control of a second-room audio system is also included. The Harman Kardon AVR 7200 will be available in spring 2003 at a suggested retail price of $1,999. The AVR 525: High-End Receiver Performance The 7.1-channel Harman Kardon AVR 525 receiver incorporates many of the features of the AVR 7200, with a seven-channel, high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth-amplifier section that delivers a generous 70 watts into each of its seven channels (into 8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD, all channels driven, 85 x 2 in stereo). The AVR 525 is engineered for outstanding audio performance, featuring premium 24-bit/192kHz audio D/A conversion, compatibility with all popular 7.1-, 6.1- and 5.1-channel surround decoding formats, and built-in HDCD processing. The AVR 525 is compatible with all high-resolution video formats and display devices, thanks to its wide-bandwidth, HDTV- and DTV-compatible component video switching. The AVR 525 includes all of Harman Kardon’s latest receiver features and offers highly versatile independent multiroom operation with a variety of setup and configuration options, including A-BUS Ready connectivity and an RS-232 port for interface with other system components and third-party controllers. The AVR features a wealth of digital and analog inputs and outputs to accommodate virtually every type of audio/video component, and comes with a universal preprogrammed/learning remote with EzSet functionality, plus a Zone II remote for independent control of a second-room audio system. The Harman Kardon AVR 525 is currently shipping at a suggested retail price of $1,199. – more – HARMAN KARDON® TAKES AUDIO/VIDEO RECEIVER DESIGN TO NEW PERFORMANCE LEVELS WITH ITS 7.1-CHANNEL LINEUP AT CES 2003 Page 5 The AVR 325: Exceptional Sound Quality and Versatility The Harman Kardon AVR 325 is a highly versatile 7.1-channel home entertainment control center with “best-in-class” performance and features. It delivers 50 watts of high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth power into each of its seven main channels (into 8 ohms, 20Hz – 20kHz, <0.07% THD, 65 watts x 2 in stereo) for powerful, dynamic movie soundtrack and music reproduction. In common with all Harman Kardon receivers, the AVR 325 offers highly versatile multiroom control capabilities and a wide array of digital and analog inputs and outputs, including wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video switching. The AVR 325 is supplied with an A/V system remote control with a built-in EzSet feature, plus a Zone II remote. The Harman Kardon AVR 325 is currently shipping at a suggested retail price of $899. The AVR 7200, AVR 525 and AVR 325 join Harman Kardon’s 2003 lineup of advanced-technology audio/video receivers, including the revolutionary new DPR 2001 and DPR 1001 Digital Path Receiver models, and the AVR 8000, AVR 225 and AVR 125 A/V receivers. In addition, the company offers its HK 3475 and HK 3375 stereo receivers, two flexible music system receivers that combine renowned Harman Kardon sound quality with outstanding control flexibility. The Harman Consumer Systems Group (HCSG) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity speakers, audio and video components and multimedia systems for use in homes and automobiles, and with computers. The Group’s brands include JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Revel, Proceed, Audioaccess and Lexicon. HCSG is a division of Harman International Industries, Inc. Harman International (www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the consumer and professional markets. The Company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol: HAR. ### For additional information, contact: Franklyn Roth Dobbin/Bolgla Associates (212) 388-1400 [email protected] Harman Kardon and Logic 7 are registered trademarks, and Harman International Industries, Incorporated. (patent no. 5,386,478) is a trademark, of A-BUS and A-BUS Ready are registered trademarks of LeisureTech Electronics Pty Ltd. Australia. *Trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. DTS, DTS-ES and DTS Neo:6 are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. High Definition Compatible Digital and HDCD are registered trademarks of Pacific Microsonics, Inc. VMAx is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, and is an implementation of Cooper Bauck Transaural Stereo under patent license. ** Compatibility with playback of MP3 files directly from a computer may require additional, optional software drivers for proper formatting of the data output. Harman Kardon cannot guarantee MP3-file playback with all computers and/or sound cards.