News

Universal Electronics and Monster to Bring Superior Home Control to High End Consumer Retail (3/5/2006)

UEI Teams Up With Leader in Premium Audio/Visual Products and Accessories to Develop Z-Wave-enabled Wireless Lighting and A/V Control

Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ:UEIC) today announced that it has entered into a formal development relationship with Monster Cable to provide an advanced home control solution to be sold under the Monster label.

Monster is the world's leading manufacturer of high performance cables that connect audio/video components for home, car, professional use, computers and computer games as well as a complete line of AC power products. One of the world's best known and recognized consumer brands in home entertainment, Monster is looking to UEI to design a solution to help expand the company's IlluminEssence(TM) wireless lighting products.

Powered by UEI's superior connectivity software as well as Monster ControlNet(TM) using the Z-Wave wireless home control protocol, Monster's new IlluminEssence Lightning and A/V Remote Controller 200 will be designed to operate and setup Monster's full line of IlluminEssence lighting and appliance control products as well as the latest home entertainment devices. Monster is looking to UEI to integrate Z-wave based lighting control as well as home theater device control into a single solution that could be offered at an affordable cost to a wide range of average consumers. The result will be an easy-to-use 7-device universal remote control that leverages UEI's unparalleled infrared (IR) code database for broad device compatibility and patented macro innovation for one-touch Activities-based control. With Z-Wave technology included, the new controller will also seamlessly work with Monster's Illuminescence(TM) in-wall and plug in lighting stations.

To be offered at an attractive retail price of $99.95 MSRP, the IlluminEssence Lightning and A/V Remote Controller 200 will be available in August 2006 through major electronics retailers. Monster will offer this new solution as a stand-alone product or bundled with its lighting modules.

"Monster is one of the most respected names in premium A/V and home entertainment," says Paul Arling, chairman and chief executive officer for UEI. "We are very excited to develop a superior control solution with the Monster name attached."

"UEI technology is second to none when it comes to innovation, reliability, and quality in wireless control," said Noel Lee, The Head Monster. "We put our trust in UEI due to the company's superior custom solutions and commitment to quality, knowing that our customers can expect the same level of excellence and value as any Monster branded product."

www.uei.com