September 4, 2008 — For Immediate Release
WOODBURY, NY — At CEDIA Expo 2008, JBL, Inc., today announced the introduction of its JBL On Air WEM-1 Wireless Expansion Module, an innovative home entertainment solution that adds wireless capability to any loudspeaker.
The WEM-1 eliminates the need to run speaker wires across a room or through walls, floors or ceilings. It includes a transmitter unit that connects to an audio source, a receiver/amplifier module that connects to a pair of speakers, a remote control and accessories.
The JBL WEM-1 enables a consumer to add surround speakers to a home theater system without running speaker wires from the audio/video receiver to the speakers. It can connect to a laptop or desktop computer to easily distribute a listener’s music library to anywhere in the home. The WEM-1 is also ideal for use with an iPod or other portable music player, or in many other applications where high-quality sound is desired but installing speaker wires is impractical.
The WEM-1 utilizes the 2.4GHz frequency range and four selectable channels to ensure interference-free transmission, and has an operating range of up to 70 feet. The WEM-1’s compact transmitter unit connects to an audio source via its RCA audio jacks, and includes a 3.5mm mini-jack adapter for connection to the audio output of a computer or portable audio device. The transmitter also features speaker-level inputs for connection to an A/V or stereo receiver’s speaker outputs.
In addition to its speaker terminals, the receiver/amplifier module has a subwoofer output that enables connected speakers to be used as part of a 2.1-channel satellite/subwoofer audio system. The module includes a built-in high-performance 50-watt-per-channel amplifier to deliver clear, full-range sound even in larger rooms. The receiver/amplifier module offers five equalization curves that are tailored for use with selected JBL loudspeakers, including the JBL Control NOW speaker and other models; it also provides an unequalized bypass setting.
In addition, the receiver/amplifier module features a local input, allowing the user to directly connect a portable device, gaming system or other audio source to it. Using the remote control, the WEM-1 can switch between main and local audio sources. For example, a user may choose between listening to music from an A/V receiver in the main home theater room or listening to a portable music player connected to the receiver/amplifier module at the remote location.
Adding to its installation versatility, the WEM-1 is supplied with wall-mount brackets for the transmitter unit and the receiver/amplifier module, and a stand for mounting the receiver/amplifier module in a vertical position.
The JBL On Air WEM-1 Wireless Expansion Module will be available in September 2008 at a suggested retail price of $359.
About JBL, Inc.
JBL is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG, Audioaccess, Becker, BSS, Crown, dbx, DigiTech, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Revel, QNX, Soundcraft and Studer. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”
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JBL, AKG, Audioaccess, Becker, BSS, Crown, dbx, DigiTech, Harman Kardon, Infinity, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Revel, QNX, Soundcraft and Studer are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. JBL Control NOW is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
© 2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
