Itasca, IL, March 29, 2006 — Marantz America, a world leader in advanced home entertainment solutions, today announced it has begun shipping a major innovation in “virtually wireless” multi-zone audio distribution, “DAvED” (Digital Audio via Electrical Distribution). DAvED (pronounced “David”) is an easy-to-use multi-room audio distribution system comprised of the Marantz ZR6001SP system, which includes the ZR6001 Audio/Video receiver, and the ZC4001 Client. When combined, these two high-performance components make it easier than ever for consumers to set up a multiple room digital audio distribution system in their home — by actually running all their favorite music to any room in the house via the existing AC power lines in their home.
How DAvED Works…True “Plug and Play” Audio Networking
Designed for easy and quick consumer set-up, Marantz’ new DAvED technology is an ingenious method of bi-directional signal communication by using AC power lines as a transmission channel, superimposing high frequency signals over the AC power line. Multi-room communication between audio components equipped with DAvED circuitry begins the moment they are plugged into any electrical outlet, offering simple plug-and-play audio networking. Marantz’ new ZR6001 receiver and the ZC4001 Client have been specially designed for transmitting audio streaming data, providing real-time streaming of full CD-quality (44.1kHz/16-bit) audio. Because the system works via existing AC power lines, there is no possibility of interference from other wireless systems such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or even a microwave oven.
Noted Kevin Zarow, Vice President, Marketing and Product Development, Marantz America, Inc: “Multi-room home entertainment networking is one of the hottest trends in consumer electronics today, and more and more people are looking for affordable and simple ways to expand their home entertainment experience. The Marantz DAvED system makes it easy and more affordable for virtually any do-it-yourselfer to add multi-room capabilities to their home music system.”
ZR6001: Breakthrough In Multi-Zone Audio Transmission
The Marantz ZR6001 is a high-performance home theater receiver that features 7 channels of discrete amplification, HD component video switching, component or S-video upconversion, 32-bit DSP processing and 192kHz/24-bit digital/audio converters for all channels. It delivers 90 watts of pure power into each of its seven main channels. In addition, Marantz’ new DAvED technology means owners of the ZR6001 can not only use their receiver as the centerpiece of their main home entertainment system, but they can also enjoy virtually wireless audio transmission to any room in the house by just plugging it into any wall socket and having the audio signals transmitted directly to one or more ZC4001 Clients.
ZC4001 Controller: An Easy, Portable Solution for Wireless Audio Distribution
The compact Marantz ZC4001 Client is designed as an all-in-one solution for enjoying streamed CD-quality audio in any room in the home. The stylishly designed component, featuring a light silver cosmetic with elegant brown trim, has everything needed for great room filling sound, including two high-performance loudspeakers and a built-in amplifier. In addition, the unit’s remote control provides bi-directional communication, allowing users to control tuners, CD players and other components connected to the main ZR6001 system. Because it is lightweight and portable, users can simply move it from room to room and enjoy audio transmission from theZR6001 receiver, which may be located in any room in the house. Users may connect up to six ZC4001 clients to the ZR6001 receiver for whole-house music streaming, if desired.
The Marantz ZR6001SP system, including both the ZR6001 receiver and ZC4001 Client are currently available at a total suggested retail price of $1,299.99. Additional ZC4001 units are available at a suggested retail price of $329.99 each.
About Marantz
Marantz America is committed to upholding the tradition of technological superiority initiated by founder Saul Marantz. In keeping with this emphasis on quality, Marantz audio and video components are carried only by the nation’s premier independent audio/video specialty retailers. Additional information is available at www.marantz.com. Marantz America is a wholly owned subsidiary of D&M Holdings Inc.
About D&M Holdings Inc.
D&M Holdings Inc. (TSE II: 6735) is based in Tokyo and owns the Denon, Marantz, McIntosh
Laboratory, Boston Acoustics, Snell Acoustics, D&M Professional, ReplayTV and Escient
brands. Denon, Marantz, McIntosh and D&M Professional are global industry leaders in the
specialist home theater, audio/video consumer electronics or professional audio markets, with a
strong and long-standing heritage of manufacturing and marketing high-performance audio and
video components. Boston Acoustics, with its signature The Boston Sound, is a leader in
premium loudspeakers for home and audio markets. Snell is a super premium speaker brand.
The ReplayTV and Escient brands represent award-winning technologies in digital home
entertainment. Additional information is available at www.dm-holdings.com.
DISCLAIMER
Statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact include forward looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of the company. We wish to caution you that such statements are just predictions and that actual events or results may differ materially. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties surrounding competitive and industry conditions, market acceptance for the company’s products, risks of litigation, technological changes, developing industry standards and other factors related to the company’s businesses. The actions referred to in this press release are not an admission or acknowledgement of any claim or allegation. The Company reserves all of its rights.
