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Matrix Audio Designs' New Series Receives 2005 International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Honoree Award (8/12/2004)

New Series Lineup Represents the Next Step in Quality for Multi-Zone Audio Distribution

Matrix Audio Designs, manufacturer of high-fidelity audio distribution systems, is proud to announce that its newest line of multi-source, multi-room controllers, the Series 4, Series 6, and Series 8, were jointly named 2005 International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award Honorees. The new flagship Series represents a groundbreaking pinnacle for Matrix Audio, leveraging the modular design existent in the Classic MRC-8e Series to deliver a reliable, powerful and easy to use multi-room audio solution with enhanced control options, features and greater upgradeability for more demanding applications.

"It's a tremendous honor to be recognized by such a distinguished panel," said Dan Saso, president of Matrix Audio Designs. "Our design focus of simplicity and reliability in engineering the new Series 4, Series 6, and Series 8 has really paid off. By incorporating the modular concepts of the Classic MRC-8e Series as well as our proprietary Speaker Wire Technology (SWT), we created an audio distribution system that provides users extraordinary sound quality and intuitive control, and yet is easy to install and maintain in a new or retrofit application."

With the Series 4, Series 6, and Series 8, Matrix Audio Design's engineers sought to provide audio system designers with a versatile solution for meeting the performance demands of homeowners within challenging installation environments. Each controller manages distribution of 4, 6, or 8 sources, with distribution starting at 2 zones and expanding up to 64 zones. Using Matrix Audio's renowned amplification modules and proprietary Speaker Wire Technology (SWT), these powerful units ensure clear and dynamic sound and precise control using only four-conductor speaker wire. With the Series 4 supporting 20 watts per channel and the Series 6 and Series 8 supporting 40 watts, users enjoy improved sonic quality, stability, and reliability. The wiring platform also offers the best retrofit solution available, since the volume controls from preexisting systems can be replaced by Matrix Audio keypads, enabling control over all source functions.

Series KP-4, KP-6, and KP-8 Keypads were developed to simplify control through increased button functionality that allows users to access more source features. Now, each source button not only activates a zone but can select favorite radio stations, discs, and tracks. Its dedicated volume buttons also control treble, bass, and balance to tailor sound in each zone. Each Series Keypad provides a 5-way navigation control in one tactile button so that each transport function is the same whether it's CD, DVD, Satellite, Tuner, or another device. An optional numeric keypad provides all direct access features including zone grouping, setting source favorites, setting alarm clock functions, and more. All keypads are available in white, black, brown, ivory, and almond.

The Series 4, Series 6, and Series 8 Controllers' flexibility gives installers freedom to customize a Matrix Audio System to fit a variety of installation specifications. Each Series unit can control virtually any audio source available today, and the entire system is designed to easily expand into new rooms and zones, and to integrate with cutting-edge control and automation systems. Expansion Controllers (S-4XC, S-6XC or S-8XC) are configurable in two zone increments up to 64 zones and offer plug-and-play simplicity for applications requiring more than eight audio zones. Programming has been made easier than ever. An IR learning window is hidden beneath a removable front panel logo badge and system programming instructions are displayed on the on-board LCD. A rear RS-232 interface allows for easy control via home automation systems. All controllers are macro capable and have upgradeable flash memory.

Innovations 2005 is the Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) prestigious competition, which honors product excellence in Design and Engineering. A panel of 30 prominent industry experts judged the entries in the Innovations 2005 Design & Engineering Awards Program. For the tenth year, the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) endorsed and acted as advisors to the Design & Engineering Showcase. Product evaluations are based on weighted criteria: value to user, aesthetics, and contributions to the quality of life as well as the product's innovative qualities. Honorees were first announced at the New York International CES Press Preview on November 10th. The selected group of companies will have their winning products displayed in the Innovations Plus area in CES Central Plaza at the International Consumer Electronics Show. The show is scheduled for January 6-9, 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

www.matrixaudiodesigns.com