News

4/9/2003

Polk Audio and NetStreams Cooperate to Market Ultra-Performance Distributed Audio

Today loudspeaker manufacturer Polk Audio announced a mutual marketing effort with NetStreams, makers of the DigiLinX(tm) IP networked audio system. The companies see their products as being complementary, thus opening up opportunities to jointly promote their respective products.

Both companies' products are aimed at improving the audio experience for consumers. DigiLinX(tm) provides uncompressed, full-bandwidth networked audio distribution for higher audio fidelity than that offered by other whole-house audio distribution systems. Polk Audio is a leader in high performance loudspeaker systems, including the newly announce LCi Series of audiophile-grade performance in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeakers and Performance Enclosures.

"We love the DigiLinX(tm) system and see it as a significant step forward in distributed audio performance and consumer convenience" said Polk Product Line Manager Al Baron. "The added ultra-performance of our LCi Series speakers would be wasted connected to limited bandwidth distributed audio systems. Conversely, the fidelity benefits of NetStreams' products cannot be appreciated when connected to mediocre performing in wall speakers."

Specific actions the two companies will take include the demonstration of each other's products at CEDIA and other trade and consumer shows, mutual web links, the bundling (by AVAD distributors) of Polk speakers with NetStreams' SpeakerLinX(tm) IP-based digital amplifiers, as well as future product design collaboration.

DigiLinX, scheduled for release in late 2003, is comprised of IP-based audio products networked to distribute audio and control signals over an Ethernet or wireless network, using TCP/IP. Using internationally accepted standard protocols allows easy and instant interface with a wide variety of systems and products, and control via any web browser equipped device (in addition to the provided keypads). Examples of interfaces that NetStreams believes will become popular with its customers are PDAs, web tablets, and PCs as well as existing non-web based control systems already on the market.

Polk Audio's four LCi Series model feature technologies such as advanced ring radiator tweeters and Aerated Polypropylene cones. These are the same technologies used in Polk's critically acclaimed LSi Series loudspeakers to deliver the performance of stand-alone models. The rectangular models feature Polk's patented Power Port technology and available Performance Enclosures for consistent, high performance bass response.

www.polkaudio.com
www.netstreams.com