MARLBORO, NJ — Nov. 18, 2005 — KEF, the world-renowned audio entertainment speaker designer & manufacturer, was recognized by CEA for its CiFDT Motorized Rear/Dipole Surround Loudspeaker. CEA named the product an honoree in the CES Innovations 2006 Design and Engineering Showcase at the 2006 International CES Press Preview, held in New York City. The product was chosen from the entrants in the Audio Components category as one of this year’s most outstanding new speakers for its unique motorized movement and ability to fully surround home theater audiences with lifelike sound effects. The in-wall speaker’s flat-panel high-frequency driver automatically extends outward upon system start-up to evenly deliver surround effects throughout the entire room. The CiFDT will be exhibited during the International CES in Las Vegas, NV from January 5 — 8, 2006 at Innovations Plus at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.
“The CiFDT offers benefits that no other in-wall surround speaker does, and so we are very proud that it was singled out as a CES Innovations Honoree,” said Len Safhay, director of communications & administration at KEF America. “In order to heighten the sensation of being fully immersed by sound effects, we utilized our flat-panel driver on a motorized mount, which extends the speaker out from the wall when the home theater system starts up. By combining the advantages of a flat panel di-pole with the unobtrusiveness of flush mount installation, we created a speaker that brings a new level of performance to the in-wall category. The product adds a completely new dimension to custom home theaters and we’re thrilled to have CEA acknowledge our work.”
The Ci FDT represents KEF’s success in advancing the application of surround sound, combining true audiophile precision with the aesthetic versatility of an in-wall speaker. The CiFDT’s high-frequency driver uses KEF’s proprietary, flat-panel array, which produces clear and full sound with a design that’s slim enough to maintain full mobility between active and inactive positions. When the system is turned on, the high-frequency driver automatically moves to stand perpendicular to the wall. Its natural-dipole design further broadens the sound dispersion achieved by this position, filling the entire room with lifelike surround effects, including seats outside of the typical “sweet spot.”
Balancing the high-frequency driver’s performance is a 5″ bass/midrange cone that brings warmth and richness to the entire ambient soundfield. When the system is turned off, the flat-panel driver automatically returns to its flush-to-the-wall position.
As part of KEF’s acclaimed Custom Installation series, the CiFDT is built for seamless integration and adds significantly to an installer’s array of audio/video solutions. In addition to its flush-to-wall mounting, the speaker’s neutral-colored bezel and grille can be painted to perfectly match its surroundings. The speaker has also undergone rigorous testing to ensure reliable performance with the high-end sources, components, and systems used by custom installers.
The CiFDT is currently available at an MSRP of $499.99 each.
About KEF Audio
KEF was founded in 1961 by an electrical engineer named Raymond Cooke in a Nissen Hut on the premises of a metal working operation called Kent Engineering & Foundry (hence KEF), on the banks of the River Medway, near Maidstone in Kent. From the beginning KEF was destined to become a company with a flair for uniqueness and innovation in engineering, design and materials. The four cornerstones of KEF’s success over 45 years are Quality, Honesty, Dedication and Innovation.
The company is professional from top to bottom. Still occupying the same river-bank site in Kent, the company services export markets throughout the world, manufacturing high performance speakers for home cinema, hi-fi and custom installation applications. KEF firmly and passionately remains true to its proprietary, proven technologies such as Uni-Q and ACE. It is these characteristics, traditions and above all sound quality that have ensured that KEF’s reputation for audio excellence is among the finest in the world.
About KEF America, Inc.
KEF America is the wholly owned subsidiary of KEF Audio, an award winning British manufacturer of quality, audiophile-standard speakers and home theater systems. Headquartered in Marlboro, New Jersey, KEF America has built the KEF brand by offering loyal North American audiophiles a stream of innovative speakers and components unmatched in the industry. Many KEF products have won awards from both sides of the Atlantic, as KEF is a brand name long associated with quality and technical innovation.
For additional information about KEF America and its award-winning products, please visit www.kefamerica.com.
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