WOODBURY, NY — At CES 2005, Harman Kardon showcased a wide variety of home entertainment components and System Solutions packages that incorporate the industry’s most advanced features and technologies, and that set new standards in design, performance and operational versatility for custom installations, home entertainment systems and multiroom applications. In addition, Harman Kardon significantly expanded its product offerings with the introduction of its ABH 4 A-BUS Multiroom Hub, the first A-BUS distribution component offered by the company.
Tom McLoughlin, Harman Kardon president, pointed out: “In 2005, Harman Kardon continues to advance the state of the art in home entertainment with our most diversified and innovative product line ever. Our latest components and System Solutions incorporate more leading-edge features and technologies and provide greater functionality than ever before, to deliver the highest levels of audio and video performance. Equally important, Harman Kardon systems and components are engineered to work together with total synergy and ease of operation, and their elegant, distinctive design integrates perfectly into the home environment.”
Following is an overview of the Harman Kardon audio/video components and System Solutions featured at CES 2005 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth 12429 (January 6 — 9):
AVR Series Receivers: Unmatched Sonic Performance and Flexibility
Harman Kardon’s 7.1-channel AVR 635, AVR 435, AVR 335 and AVR 235 and 6.1-channel AVR 135 audio/video receivers offer an expanded complement of the latest Harman Kardon technologies, features and connectivity options to redefine receiver performance and value in their respective categories. The AVR 635 and AVR 435 include Harman Kardon’s groundbreaking EzSet/EQ feature, which provides precise automated room equalization and comprehensive system calibration functions to achieve extraordinary sonic realism.
Representing a major evolution in audio/video receiver functionality, EzSet/EQ automatically measures the frequency-response peaks and dips inherent in every listening room, and applies a compensating full-range equalization curve for all loudspeakers in the system, providing smooth, accurate in-room frequency response. EzSet/EQ also automatically determines if the loudspeakers are connected properly, and sets speaker-output levels and delay times. The AVR 335 incorporates Harman Kardon’s exclusive EzSet+ feature, which automatically sets speaker-channel levels, speaker crossover points and delay times. The AVR 235 includes a programmable remote with EzSet automatic speaker-level calibration, while the AVR 135 is supplied with a full-function remote.
All five AVR Series receivers are ideal for use in HDTV-based home entertainment systems and custom installations, and include wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video switching as well as switchable digital input polling, a Harman Kardon convenience feature that detects whether the audio signal from a program source (such as a cable set-top box) is digital or analog, and automatically selects the correct input type. All models offer more video and audio inputs than their predecessors, and incorporate 24-bit/192kHz D/A converters and powerful DSP processors to deliver superlative fidelity and resolution.
The receivers offer a host of advanced features such as a Quadruple-Crossover Bass-Management System, which allows the selection of one of six different crossover frequencies for each of the four loudspeaker groups in a 7.1-channel system (models AVR 635, AVR 435, AVR 335 and AVR 235); a Triple-Crossover Bass Management System (AVR 135); Dolby* Pro Logic* IIx, Dolby Headphone and Dolby Virtual Speaker processing (all models except the AVR 135); A/V Sync Delay (all models except the AVR 135); exclusive Logic 7 surround-enhancement technology to deliver heightened sonic realism from surround sound and stereo source material; and many additional refinements.
Pricing for Harman Kardon’s AVR 35 Series receivers is as follows: AVR 635, $1,299; AVR 435, $999; AVR 335, $799; AVR 235, $549; AVR 135, $449. All models are currently available.
AVR 7300: High-End Audio/Video Receiver With Advanced Digital Video Processing
The Harman Kardon AVR 7300 is an ultimate-performance audio/video receiver that includes built-in video scaling and advanced digital processing. The 7.1-channel AVR 7300 utilizes an integrated video processor with patented DCDi (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing) by Faroudja technology, which provides extraordinary image quality with 480p progressive-scan video output from interlaced 480i video sources so that only a component video connection is required between the AVR 7300 and a video display.
The AVR 7300 incorporates a full complement of leading-edge technologies and features, including a Quadruple-Crossover Bass Manager, bi-directional RS-232 connectivity with software and firmware upgradeability, A/V Sync Delay, which ensures exact synchronization of audio and video signals in any home entertainment installation, and many additional refinements.
In addition to standard-setting video performance, the AVR 7300 is engineered for exceptional sound quality, featuring a high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier section that provides a massive 7 x 110 watts of power output (into 8 ohms, 20Hz — 20kHz, <0.07% THD, all channels driven, 125 watts x 2 in stereo), in addition to premium audio D/A converters and 32-bit DSP post-processing for unmatched fidelity. It is compatible with all popular surround sound formats, and incorporates proprietary Logic 7 technology.
The receiver provides extensive connectivity, features and installation flexibility, including assignable wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs, an amplifier trigger jack, multiroom/multisource audio/video operation with independent, simultaneous operation of two program sources and A-BUS Ready connectivity with two output jacks, a remote control with EzSet automatic speaker-level calibration and two-line LCD display, and a separate Zone II remote.
The Harman Kardon AVR 7300 is currently available at a suggested retail price of $2,399.
AB 1 In-Wall Amplified Module: Ultracompact for Custom-Installation Convenience
The Harman Kardon AB 1 amplified in-wall module is a highly compact, in-wall-mountable stereo amplifier module for A-BUS applications that is designed for easy installation in multiroom audio systems. Featuring a built-in stereo amplifier to power a pair of speakers without the need for additional equipment or power connection, the AB 1 connects to any A-BUS Ready Harman Kardon A/V receiver, such as the AVR 7300, AVR 635, AVR 435, DPR 2005, DPR 1005, or other A-BUS Ready component via a single Cat. 5 cable. The AB 1 fits into a standard electrical J-Box or plaster ring, and accepts a Decora cover plate to match other in-wall devices.
In addition, the AB 1 includes an integrated IR sensor that relays commands from Harman Kardon Zone II remotes to the connected receiver or component via its A-BUS connection, without the need for additional devices or wires.
The Harman Kardon AB 1 in-wall amplified module is currently available at a suggested retail price of $149.
ABH 4 A-BUS Multiroom Hub: Multizone Audio Made Simple
At CES 2005, Harman Kardon will broaden its product line into a new category with the introduction of its ABH 4 A-BUS Multiroom Hub, the first A-BUS distribution product offered by the company. The ABH 4 expands the capability of an A-BUS Ready Harman Kardon receiver to four remote locations, or more when additional ABH 4 units are used. It distributes stereo audio, power and control signals from the receiver to Harman Kardon AB 1 amplified in-wall modules located in remote zones throughout the home.
The ABH 4 uses a standard Cat. 5 cable to connect to a receiver’s rear panel, and to feed the AB 1 modules, which are wall-mounted and located in remote zones. It offers an easy-to-install, cost-effective means of extending the A-BUS multiroom functionality of Harman Kardon A-BUS Ready receivers, which include the AVR 7300, AVR 635, AVR 435, DPR 2005 and DPR 1005, as well as compatible past Harman Kardon receiver models.
The ABH 4’s A-BUS outputs are fully buffered to provide superior sound quality even when using extremely long cable runs. If required, multiple ABH 4s can be cascaded for multiroom systems with more than four locations. In addition, the ABH 4 features stereo audio inputs, enabling any receiver with RCA-jack line-level multiroom audio outputs to interface with the ABH 4 and deliver audio to AB 1 amplified in-wall modules.
The Harman Kardon ABH 4 includes four IR emitter outputs, enabling IR control of connected source components in remote locations, as well as an IR receiver input. Measuring approximately 7-1/2″ long by 3-1/2″ wide by 1-1/4″ deep, the compact ABH 4 features mounting brackets with keyhole slots to facilitate easy in-wall installation, and includes a dedicated power supply.
The ABH 4 operates in conjunction with the Harman Kardon AB 1 amplified in-wall module. The AB 1 features a built-in stereo amplifier to drive a pair of speakers without the need for additional equipment or power connection, and includes a volume control and a built-in IR sensor that is used with a Harman Kardon receiver’s Zone II remote to control the receiver as well as other compatible source components.
The Harman Kardon ABH 4 A-BUS Multiroom Hub will be available in the first quarter of 2005 at a suggested retail price to be announced.
CP Series System Solutions: Seamless Operation, Advanced Features and Unified Design
Harman Kardon is now shipping its CP 35, CP 25 and CP 15 System Solutions — the company’s first complete home theater packages. Based around the AVR 335, AVR 235 and AVR 135 audio/video receivers, the CP 35, CP 25 and CP 15 make it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy favorite movies and music with exceptional sound and picture quality.
Each System Solution includes a receiver, DVD player, multichannel loudspeaker system and RCP 2 unified system remote; the RCP 2 operates the receiver and DVD player, as well as having the capability to be programmed to operate other devices such as video displays or set-top boxes.
The systems include all necessary cables and satellite wall-mount brackets. All are easy to set up, and combine seamless operation with advanced features and a distinctively elegant design.
CP Series System Solutions include the following:
CP 35 7.1-channel system:
AVR 335 audio/video receiver with EzSet+, DVD 31 progressive-scan DVD audio/video player, HKTS 14 home cinema speaker system and two HKS 4 satellites, RCP 2 remote control
CP 25 7.1-channel system:
AVR 235 audio/video receiver, DVD 22 progressive-scan DVD player, HKTS 7 home cinema speaker system and two HKS 3 satellites, RCP 2 remote control with EzSet
CP 15 6.1-channel system:
AVR 135 audio/video receiver, DVD 22 and HKTS 8 home cinema speaker system, RCP 2 remote control with EzSet
As noted, the AVR Series AVR 335, AVR 235 and AVR 135 receivers included in the new System Solutions packages offer best-in-class technologies and features such as EzSet+ functionality (AVR 335), wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video switching, digital input polling, a versatile Quadruple-Crossover or Triple-Crossover Bass-Management System, compatibility with popular 7.1-, 6.1- and 5.1-channel surround sound formats, and many additional advanced performance and convenience functions. All include high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth multichannel amplifier sections, premium 24-bit/192kHz D/A converters and powerful DSP processors to convey movie soundtracks and high-resolution music formats with thrilling dynamic impact and realism. Each receiver provides front-panel audio/video inputs, CEA-standard color-coded connectors and speaker terminals, and extensive control and connection options for easy setup and flexible operation.
In addition, the RCP 2 remote included with all CP systems incorporates Harman Kardon’s EzSet automatic speaker-level calibration feature, which operates in conjunction with the AVR 235 and AVR 135 receivers to automatically balance speaker-channel levels, while the AVR 335 in the CP 35 system has automated EzSet+ capability.
The DVD 31 progressive-scan DVD audio/video and DVD 22 progressive-scan DVD video players included with Harman Kardon’s System Solutions incorporate the company’s most-advanced digital video and audio technologies to deliver unsurpassed performance and versatility, including innovative pixel-by-pixel video processing, which provides remarkably realistic image quality. The pixel-by-pixel reconstruction is accomplished by an integrated digital signal processor that provides vastly superior picture quality compared to line-by-line progressive-scan methods, yielding smoother, more realistic images with superlative detail and contrast.
The DVD 31 and DVD 22 offer unique capabilities for enjoying movies, music and images. Along with spectacular DVD playback, including both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW discs, both players accommodate Windows Media Audio (WMA), CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 discs and JPEG file discs. Easy disc access is provided from Harman Kardon’s exclusive navigational interface. In addition, the DVD 31 provides multichannel DVD-Audio playback, enabling audiophiles and discriminating music lovers to enjoy a spectacular listening experience. Their ultraslim design enables them to be placed virtually anywhere, including on thin-glass equipment shelves, or when space is limited.
The Harman Kardon DVD 31 DVD audio/video player and DVD 22 DVD video player are also available separately at suggested retail prices of $349 and $299, respectively.
The loudspeaker packages included with the CP 35, CP 25 and CP 15 include attractive, gracefully contoured satellite speakers and a center channel speaker, plus a stylish, vertically oriented powered subwoofer. All incorporate premium-quality drivers and components for clear, detailed and expansive sound quality, and include wire-managing wall-mount brackets for the satellites, and removable shelf stands.
System Solutions components and loudspeakers are striking in appearance and complement every living space; they blend unobtrusively into installations where a large-screen video display is the primary focus of the home entertainment system. The receivers and DVD players match each other perfectly with a sleek, distinctively elegant black-and-silver industrial design, and the loudspeakers are finished in silver with light-silver-gray metal-mesh grilles.
The Harman Kardon CP 35, CP 25 and CP 15 System Solutions are available at suggested retail prices of $1,899, $1,399 and $1,199, respectively.
HKTS 8 Home Cinema Speaker System: Expansive, Dynamic Multichannel Sound
Harman Kardon’s HKTS 8 Home Cinema Speaker System is a complete 6.1-channel home theater speaker solution that combines a refined, elegant appearance with outstanding performance and value, and versatile installation options.
The HKTS 8 includes five two-way, magnetically shielded satellite speakers, and a two-way shielded center channel speaker, plus a subwoofer. All are matched for a seamless sonic blend and styled to complement today’s flat-screen video displays and contemporary TV sets. The HKTS 8 also includes wall-mounting brackets for the satellite speakers, and all necessary speaker cables. The optional HTFS 2 stands feature a curved, slim-profile design that mates perfectly with the satellite speakers.
Although compact in design, the Harman Kardon HKTS 8 delivers clear, powerful multichannel sound. The system’s satellites employ a high-output, premium-quality 3-inch woofer and 1/2-inch-dome tweeter, operating in conjunction with an elliptical waveguide that is specially shaped for controlled directivity and accurate dispersion over a wider listening area. The center channel speaker features dual 3-inch woofers and a 3/4-inch-dome tweeter for articulate reproduction of dialogue, music and effects, and is precisely voice-matched with the satellites to create an expansive 6.1-channel surround sound listening environment.
The subwoofer features a 100-watt built-in amplifier, and a 10-inch woofer for exceptional low-frequency articulation and resolution. A full complement of controls, inputs and outputs are available to provide optimum sound quality in any system and room.
The system offers a host of installation options that facilitates its use in a broad range of home entertainment systems. The satellites can be wall-mounted or placed on or near a TV or on a shelf; they can also be used with optional matching floor stands. The center channel speaker is designed for easy placement on top of a TV, positioning it for optimum sound coverage.
The HKTS 8 is visually as well as sonically appealing, with an understated yet distinctive appearance. The gracefully contoured satellites and center channel and stylish, vertically oriented subwoofer are finished in stunning metallic silver with silver-gray metal grilles to perfectly match Harman Kardon’s receivers and audio/video components.
The Harman Kardon HKTS 8 Home Cinema Speaker System is currently available at a suggested retail price of $449.
DPR 2005 and DPR 1005: The State of the Art in Digital Path Receiver Design
Harman Kardon’s 7.1-channel DPR 2005 and DPR 1005 digital path receivers take Harman Kardon’s groundbreaking digital path receiver platform to new levels of performance and functionality. The sleek, distinctively styled DPR 2005 and DPR 1005 utilize a fully digital signal path from input to output, and incorporate powerful digital amplifier sections, along with advanced features and technologies.
Both models offer an outstanding combination of superb sound, ease of use and operational flexibility, and their striking appearance makes them ideal for design-conscious consumers who want to integrate a true high-performance audio/video receiver into a stylish and elegant home entertainment system. Their compact size provides an additional advantage, enabling them to be used in locations where traditional audio/video receivers could not be accommodated.
The DPR 2005 and DPR 1005 incorporate redesigned digital-amplifier sections to deliver high-power output with superior low-impedance drive capability. The DPR 2005 provides 7 x 120 watts power output (into 8 ohms, 20Hz — 20kHz, <0.15% THD, all channels driven), while the DPR 1005 delivers 7 x 70 watts (into 8 ohms, 20Hz — 20kHz, <0.15% THD, all channels driven).
In both the DPR 2005 and DPR 1005, the digital signal from sources such a DVD player, cable box, HDTV set-top box, satellite receiver or CD player is routed directly to the receiver’s DSP section and then to the digital-amplifier section, while remaining completely in the digital domain from input to the final amplifier output stage. This topology maintains maximum digital signal purity by eliminating multiple stages of A/D and D/A conversion, and the resulting distortion and noise that can occur in conventional amplifier designs.
In addition to their advanced-technology engineering, the DPR 2005 and DPR 1005 share most of the same industry-leading control capabilities, connectivity and features as Harman Kardon’s AVR Series receivers, including the Quadruple-Crossover Bass-Management System, bi-directional RS-232 connectivity, which also enables firmware and software upgradeability, and many additional enhancements, including A-BUS connectivity, and a full suite of multisource/zone options. Both receivers are compatible with all popular surround sound formats, and feature assignable wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs to facilitate their use in the most-sophisticated home entertainment systems and custom installations.
The Harman Kardon DPR 2005 digital path receiver is currently available at a suggested retail price of $1,799, and the Harman Kardon DPR 1005 digital path receiver is currently available at a suggested retail price of $1,499.
HK 3480, HK 3380 Stereo Receivers: Ideal for Music and Home Entertainment
Consumer demand for stereo receivers remains strong, both for primary- and secondary-location listening, and Harman Kardon is meeting that demand with its HK 3480 and HK 3380, high-fidelity receivers that offer superlative sound quality along with control flexibility, including video switching, and Harman Kardon’s distinctive audio/video component design. The HK 3480 and HK 3380 deliver true audiophile-quality sonic performance, incorporating Harman Kardon’s renowned high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth-amplifier stages, with generous power outputs of 2 x 120 watts (into 8 ohms, 20Hz — 20kHz, <0.07% THD) and 2 x 80 watts (into 8 ohms, 20Hz — 20kHz, <0.07% THD), respectively. The HK 3480 and HK 3380 include a host of performance and convenience features, such as a subwoofer output and remote-controlled speaker
A/B switching, and provide numerous inputs and outputs to accommodate a variety of program sources, including turntables.
The Harman Kardon HK 3480 and HK 3380 stereo receivers have suggested retail prices of $449 and $349, respectively, and are currently available.
The Harman Consumer Systems Group (HCSG) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity loudspeakers, 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, Audioaccess and Lexicon.
HCSG is a division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. 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.”
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For additional information, contact:
Frank Doris
FM Group Public Relations
631-612-2400
frank.doris@fm-group.net
Harman Kardon and Logic 7 are registered trademarks, and EzSet/EQ, EzSet+ and EzSet (patent no. 5,386,478) are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
*Trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Windows Media is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
DCDi by Faroudja is a registered trademark of Genesis Microchip Inc.
A-BUS and A-BUS Ready are registered trademarks of LeisureTech Electronics Pty Ltd. Australia.
Decora is a registered trademark of Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
