News

Harman Kardon Introduces Digital Media Centers, Advanced Technology AV Receivers, and Integrated Home Theater Systems (6/10/2006)

CEDIA US Expo 2006

At CEDIA Expo 2006, Harman Kardon is introducing a wide variety of home entertainment components and systems that incorporate the industry's most innovative features and technologies, and that set new standards in performance, functionality and ease of use in custom installations, home entertainment systems and multiroom applications.

The company is expanding into an entirely new category with the introduction of its DMC 1000 and DMC 250 digital media centers, highly versatile audio/video source components that offer unique media storage, recording and playback capabilities.

Harman Kardon is also debuting its AVR 345, AVR 245 and AVR 145 audio/video receivers, all of which have been significantly upgraded from previous models, and its HS 500 and HS 300 integrated home theater systems, which combine striking design with exceptional audio and video performance, and include High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI(tm)) connectivity.

Rounding out Harman Kardon's product introductions are its ABH 4000 four-zone/eight-room A-BUS(r) expansion hub and AB 2 multisource amplified in-wall module with onboard controls for multiroom applications; its CP 50, CP 45 and CP 40 system solutions complete home theater packages; three stylish, compact home theater loudspeaker systems; and its DVD 37 progressive-scan DVD-Audio/Video player.

DMC 1000 and DMC 250: Digital Media Centers With Advanced Home Entertainment Capabilities

Harman Kardon's DMC 1000 is the company's first hard drive-based media server, and provides a host of advanced capabilities including playback of up to four audio streams, independently and simultaneously. The DMC 250 is the first DVD player that also stores content to media cards or USB storage devices, and plays back audio and video files from them. Both models feature an all-new, striking industrial design with sleek, ultramodern styling, and a transparent base that imparts a unique "floating" appearance.

The DMC 1000 can store more than 20,000 songs, complete with full track-identification information and album cover art (where available), and can play back audio and still-image files from a variety of media cards and USB storage devices. Music and images stored on the DMC 1000's hard drive can also be copied to a media card or USB storage device. The DMC 1000, unlike other media servers, is also designed to be used as a fullfeatured DVD/CD player. It includes a fully enabled HDMI 1.1 output with upscaling to 720p, and offers extensive multizone functionality including iPod(r)* multizone music and video/still-image playback and remotezone control when a compatible iPod is connected to it via Harman Kardon's Bridge** iPod docking station.

The Harman Kardon DMC 250 is a highly flexible source component that includes a progressive-scan DVD player, and can store audio files to media cards and USB storage devices, and play back audio and video files from them. The DMC 250's intuitive on-screen interface offers ready access to its numerous performance and convenience features, and makes it easy to transfer favorite music from the home to a car, portable audio player or cell phone.

The Harman Kardon DMC 1000 and DMC 250 digital media centers will be available in November 2006 at suggested retail prices of $2,999 and $399, respectively.

AVR 45 Series Receivers: Setting New Standards in Performance and Flexibility

Harman Kardon's 7.1-channel AVR 345 and AVR 245 and 5.1-channel AVR 145 receivers offer an expanded complement of leading-edge technologies, features and connectivity options from previous models. The AVR 345 incorporates DCDi(r) (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing) by Faroudja video processing and scaling up to 720p, and the AVR 345 and AVR 245 include HDMI switching, XM(r) Satellite Radio capability*** (where available) and extensive multiroom audio versatility (the AVR 345 incorporates the A-BUS/READY(r) system for easy multizone connectivity).

All three receivers offer The Bridge-ready iPod compatibility and a host of "best in class" features such as exclusive ExSet/EQ, ExSet+ and ExSet, and automatic system setup and calibration; A/V Sync Delay for precise synchronization of audio and video signals in any home theater system; high-current, ultrawide bandwidth amplifier sections for superlative sound; and many additional refinements.

Pricing and availability of the Harman Kardon AVR 345, AVR 245 and AVR 145 audio/video receivers are as follows: AVR 345, $999, late fall 2006; AVR 245, $649, October 2006; AVR 145, $549, September 2006.

HS 500 and HS 300: Stylish, Easy-to-Use Integrated Home Theater Systems

The HS 500 and HS 300 integrated home theater systems are ideal for style-conscious consumers seeking a compact, high-performance all-in-one system that integrates seamlessly into the home. Totally distinctive in appearance with a stunning, minimalist design, both include an ultraslim 5.1-channel receiver/DVD-Audio/Video player, a multichannel loudspeaker package and a system remote control.

Both models offer unmatched ease of use and exceptional audio and video performance, with HDMI connectivity and built-in video processing to 1080i for extraordinary picture quality. The HS 500 and HS 300 can play back a wide variety of disc types and formats, and feature two USB ports that enable connection to a USB device for playback of music, movie and image files. Their 5.1-channel speaker systems deliver clear, powerful multichannel sound.

The Harman Kardon HS 500 integrated home theater system will be available in December 2006 at a suggested retail price of $1,199. The HS 300 will be available in October 2006 at $999 suggested retail.

ABH 4000 and AB 2: Providing Expanded A-BUS Multiroom Functionality

Harman Kardon is broadening its lineup of A-BUS/READY multiroom audio solutions with its ABH 4000 four-zone/eight-room A-BUS expansion hub and AB 2 multisource amplified in-wall module with onboard controls. Using Cat. 5 cable, the ABH 4000 distributes stereo audio, power and control signals from up to four audio source components to up to four zones and eight remote room locations. The AB 2 in-wall A-BUS keypad controller operates in conjunction with the ABH 4000 to provide source selection and control functions, and features a built-in stereo amplifier to power a pair of speakers in the remote zone.

The ABH 4000 provides a cost-effective means of creating a multizone audio system that may be implemented using just source components, an ABH 4000 and AB 2 modules and loudspeakers located in the remote zones. The ABH 4000 can also add A-BUS multizone capability to any audio/video or stereo receiver via its loop-through audio connections, or expand the A-BUS capabilities of Harman Kardon's A-BUS/READY multiroom receivers. Multiple ABH 4000s can be linked together for larger multizone systems.

The Harman Kardon ABH 4000 four-zone/eight-room A-BUS expansion hub and AB 2 multisource amplified in-wall module will be available in November 2006 at suggested retail prices of $599 and $249, respectively.

DVD 37: Exceptional Picture and Sound Quality

The DVD 37 DVD-Audio/Video player incorporates leading-edge video and audio technologies to deliver superlative picture and sound quality. It features an HDMI digital video output, pixel-by-pixel processing and motion-adaptive pixel-based deinterlacing to provide realistic images with exceptional detail and color accuracy. The DVD 37 is designed to deliver unsurpassed sound as well, with comprehensive audio control and bass management. Ultraslim and elegant in design, the DVD 37 offers compatibility with a wide variety of disc formats, and incorporates a wealth of performance and convenience features.

The Harman Kardon DVD 37 will be available in late September 2006 at a suggested retail price of $349.

HKTS Home Cinema Loudspeaker Systems: Expansive Sound, Refined Styling

Harman Kardon's 5.1-channel HKTS 21 home cinema speaker system combines an all-new, distinctively elegant design with exceptional performance and installation flexibility. In addition, Harman Kardon is introducing its HKTS 18 and HKTS 15 systems, two 5.1-channel packages that feature upgraded styling and offer outstanding sound quality and value. All the systems include four wall-mountable satellite speakers with swivel wall-mount brackets, a center channel speaker and a subwoofer. The systems employ premium-quality woofers and dome tweeters to deliver expansive multichannel sound, and their unique appearance, with subtly contoured enclosures and metal-mesh grilles, integrates beautifully into any décor.

The HKTS 21 home cinema speaker system will be available in winter 2006 at a suggested retail price TBA. The HKTS 18 and HKTS 15 will be available in October 2006 at SRP of $649 and $449, respectively.

CP Series System Solutions: Seamless Operation, Advanced Features and Unified Design

Harman Kardon's CP 50, CP 45 and CP 40 System Solutions are complete home theater packages based around the company's new 7.1-channel AVR 345 and AVR 245 and 5.1-channel AVR 144 audio/video receivers. Combining seamless operation with advanced features and an elegant, unified design, the CP 50, CP 45 and CP 40 all include a receiver, DVD player, 5.1-channel loudspeaker system and universal remote control.

The CP 50 features an AVR 345 7.1-channel receiver, DVD 37 DVD-Audio/Video player and HKTS 18 home theater speaker package. The CP 45 includes an AVR 245 7.1-channel receiver, DVD 37 and HKTS 15 speaker system, and the CP 40 features a 5.1-channel AVR 144 receiver, DVD 27 DVD-Video player and HKTS 15 speaker package. In addition, a pair of Harman Kardon's HKS 9 and HKS 6 satellite speakers can be added to the CP 50 and CP 45, respectively, to create a 7.1-channel home theater system.

The CP 50, CP 45 and CP 40 provide superlative audio and video performance, offer automated system setup and calibration, and are ideal for use in HDTV-based home entertainment systems. The remote controls included with the systems operate the receivers and DVD players, and have the capability of being programmed to operate other devices such as TVs, video displays or set-top boxes. The components and loudspeakers match each other perfectly, and their elegant styling complements any décor.

The Harman Kardon CP 50 System Solutions complete home theater package will be available in January 2007, and the CP 45 and CP 40 will be available in fall 2006. Suggested retail prices are as follows: CP 50, $1,999; CP 45, $1,499; CP 40, $1,199. The HKS 9 and HKS 6 satellite speakers will be available in October 2006 at suggested retail prices of, respectively, $149 per pair and $119 per pair.

*Compatible with all iPod models equipped with a docking connector (iPod not included).
**The Bridge is compatible with the Harman Kardon DMC 1000, and 45 Series and 40 Series receivers (AVR 145, AVR 245, AVR 345, AVR 445, AVR 645, AVR 745, AVR 140, AVR 240 and AVR 340). Not compatible with earlier Harman Kardon products, or with other brands of audio/video equipment.
***Optional XM antenna module and subscription to XM service required. Hardware and service sold separately. XM service is not available in Alaska or Hawaii.

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