30 March 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
— Versatile, Scalable Advanced-Technology Whole-House Audio/Video System to Begin Shipping in Spring 2006 —
WOODBURY, NY — At Electronic House Expo 2006 (EHX), Audioaccess, a division of JBL that provides advanced whole-house audio/video solutions, will be exhibiting its groundbreaking W.H.E.N. (Whole-House Entertainment Network) system in active demonstrations at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, in Booth Demo Alley 202B (March 30 — April 1). W.H.E.N. is the company’s first integrated home theater and multiroom audio/video system designed exclusively for custom residential installation.
The Audioaccess W.H.E.N. will be employed in a 7.1-channel custom-installation home theater setting that will showcase its exceptional home entertainment capabilities, and will also be connected to multiple zones to demonstrate its advanced multiroom functionality. The system will be used with JBL Studio L Series loudspeakers, which incorporate design innovations and technologies directly derived from JBL’s professional recording studio monitors to deliver superlative sound quality.
Chris Robinson, Audioaccess director of sales and marketing, pointed out: “With the rapidly growing demand for whole-house audio/video systems in both new construction and home remodeling projects, the time has never been better for Audioaccess to begin shipping its first all-in-one multiroom home entertainment solution. The W.H.E.N. system incorporates the most-advanced digital audio and video signal management technologies to deliver exceptional sound and picture quality throughout even the most complex multiroom installations. Although the system is extremely versatile in its capabilities, it offers total ease of operation.”
W.H.E.N.: Designed for Ultimate Performance and Multiroom Flexibility
The expandable, modular W.H.E.N. system components include the W.H.E.N. AVR21EN Audio/Video Receiver/System Controller, the AVH21 Audio Video Hub with WPS21 Power Supply Hub, the KP21 Amplified Display Keypad, a compact Door Keypad/Camera Module, and seven available in-wall and in-ceiling speaker models.
The W.H.E.N. system offers three operating modes: Entertainment, Security and Paging. In Entertainment mode, it distributes audio and video from home theater and stereo audio components to the main home entertainment room and to remote locations. In Security mode, the system routes signals from video cameras stationed throughout the home to connected video-display devices, and audio from the connected KP21 keypads’ built-in microphones. Paging mode enables the W.H.E.N. system to function as a sophisticated multiroom paging system, with two-way audio communication between all zones.
W.H.E.N. AVH21EN Audio/Video Hub: Advanced Signal-Distribution Capabilities
The AVR21EN is the first audio/video component to integrate a high-performance 7.1-channel A/V receiver with a multiroom system controller in a single chassis. It offers high-end audio and video performance, in addition to sophisticated source-control functions not provided by any other component of its type. This onboard source-control functionality eliminates the need for IR routers, splitters and power supplies to control program sources in the main room.
Once installed, the AVR21EN provides all IR system control, and its integrated architecture simplifies source-component programming and hardware installation. The IR and 12-volt trigger-output capability of the receiver can even control lighting systems and devices such as drop-down projection screens. IR codes are easily implemented using the AVR21EN’s on-screen programming system and its built-in IR-code library — without the need to connect a PC. In addition to a common IR output, the AVR21EN features discrete IR-output control to each IR-connected device — a major advantage over other systems that only have a common IR output because it allows for individual control over each connected device.
The AVR21EN offers a wide range of features and connectivity options, making it the heart of an advanced integrated home theater and whole-house control system. The system controls outboard A/V sources via dedicated IR outputs, a digital-signal transfer bus that distributes audio and control signals, and three RS-232 ports that enable two-way control of specific high-capacity DVD/CD changers.
The AVR21EN provides an extensive complement of advanced home entertainment features, including five wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs, an HDMI-compatible digital-video output, seven source trigger inputs and IR outputs, and two built-in FM/AM tuners. The AVR21EN also incorporates internal Flash memory to accommodate software and firmware upgrades. It can be used in either a fully integrated whole-house system or as a stand-alone audio/video receiver.
The AVR21EN includes a built-in Auto EQ function, which automatically measures the frequency-response peaks and dips inherent in every listening room, and applies a compensating full-range equalization curve for all the loudspeakers in the system to achieve exceptional in-room frequency response accuracy. In addition, the Auto EQ feature automatically balances speaker-channel levels, determines if the loudspeakers are connected properly, and sets loudspeaker delay times.
The AVR21EN connects to an outboard W.H.E.N. AVH21 Audio Video Hub via a single Cat. 5 cable. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies, the AVH21 distributes video using coaxial cable, and distributes audio and control signals to remote locations via Cat. 5 cable. It can accommodate up to seven audio and six video remote locations, and has video-routing capability for up to six video entertainment sources and seven video security cameras. The AVH21 also has two door-latching trigger outputs that may be used to open and close electronic door locks.
Additional AVH21 hubs and power supplies can be added to expand whole-house signal distribution for up to 20 rooms, facilitating comprehensive multizone installations.
KP21 Amplified Display Keypad: Total Whole-House System Control
The Multiroom Hub links to W.H.E.N. KP21 Amplified Display Keypads located in remote zones. Three operating modes are offered: Entertainment, Audio/Video Security and Paging. The KP21 features a large LCD, and offers a host of control functions for up to six audio/video sources connected to the AVR21EN, two built-in AM/FM tuners and a local-zone source. The keypad features a 50-watt-per-channel digital stereo amplifier to power a pair of speakers, and includes a local source input and preamp outputs for use with a subwoofer or external amplifier. The keypad also has an IR sensor, enabling control from a handheld remote, and a built-in microphone, which enables the keypad to function as part of a whole-house paging system. W.H.E.N. system components also include a compact door keypad/camera module, which can be used as part of a video security system.
W.H.E.N. Loudspeakers: Combining Exceptional Sound Quality and Installation Flexibility
The loudspeakers used in the W.H.E.N. system are derived from JBL’s high-performance, industry-standard HTi Series. Available in-wall and in-ceiling models include the following:
• AAS6 (1-inch tweeter, 6-1/2-inch woofer)
• AAS6C (1-inch tweeter, 6-1/2-inch woofer, round)
• AAS6CS (dual 3/4-inch tweeters, 6-1/2-inch woofer, stereo audio capability, round)
• AAS8 (1-inch tweeter, 8-inch woofer)
• AAS55 (1-inch tweeter, dual 5-inch woofers, horizontal/vertical in-wall mounting)
• AAS88 (in-wall subwoofer with dual 8-inch woofers; optional, external 2 x 120-watt amplifier with exclusive Room Mode Correction equalizer is available)
All these speakers combine the convenience of in-wall and in-ceiling mounting with audiophile-quality sonic performance, and employ a host of advanced technologies, including pure-titanium tweeters for exceptional clarity and high-frequency response; they operate in conjunction with high-output, polymer-coated aluminum woofers and premium crossover components to deliver superb resolution and extended frequency response with low distortion.
The W.H.E.N. in-wall and in-ceiling loudspeakers are designed for ready, unobtrusive installation in both new-construction homes and existing rooms. All except the AAS88 feature integrated dog-ear brackets for retrofit installations where existing speakers are being replaced, and all except the AAS88 are available with optional snap-together rough-in frames to facilitate preconstruction installation. All models are available in a bright-white finish with matching grilles to complement the white paint and trim used in many homes (the AAS88 features a white removable grille), and all can be painted to blend with any room and decor.
In addition, the AAS36AW wall-mountable, weather-resistant loudspeaker is available. The AAS36AW (1-inch tweeter, 4-inch midrange driver, 6-inch woofer) is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and its compact design, slim profile and capability of being mounted horizontally or vertically enable it to be placed almost anywhere, making it ideal for use in a wide variety of applications.
The Audioaccess W.H.E.N. system is highly scalable for use in both small or large residences. Suggested retail pricing ranges from approximately $3,000 for a base home theater and two remote audio zones system to more than $20,000 for a large-scale system comprising a main home theater and 20 remote room locations. The W.H.E.N. system will begin shipping in spring 2006.
JBL Studio L Series Loudspeakers: Studio-Quality Sound In the Home
The JBL Studio L Series home theater and stereo loudspeakers that will be used in the Electronic House Expo 2006 W.H.E.N. home theater demonstration incorporate a host of design innovations and technologies directly derived from the company’s professional recording studio monitors to achieve exceptional sonic accuracy and musical realism.
The Studio L Series includes two wall-mount/bookshelf monitors (models L810 and L820); a compact bookshelf loudspeaker (model L830); two floorstanding towers (models L880 and L890); two dedicated center channel loudspeakers (models LC1 and the wall-mountable LC2); and a 12-inch, 600-watt powered subwoofer (model L8400P). Suggested retail prices for the Studio L Series range from $650 to $1,598 per pair.
A key JBL innovation that is incorporated into every Studio L Series loudspeaker (except the L8400P subwoofer) is a newly developed ultrahigh-frequency horn transducer that provides extended frequency response to 40kHz. The UHF transducer is complemented by a pure-titanium-dome tweeter housed within an exclusive Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal (EOS) waveguide, both configured in a “room friendly” design that delivers sound that’s closer to the actual sound heard in a concert hall, and re-creates the acoustic environment captured on an original recording.
Studio L Series woofers and midrange drivers incorporate refinements such as JBL’s PolyPlas polymer-coated cellulose-fiber cones, which provide smooth frequency response with faster transients, and allow for higher playback levels without distortion. JBL Studio L Series loudspeakers also feature additional enhancements such as cabinets that are constructed to minimize the possibility of sonic coloration from internal resonances, and JBL’s Straight-Line Signal Path (SSP) crossover network, which ensures maximum sonic purity.
JBL Studio L Series models offer wall-, stand- and floor-mounting installation options to accommodate any home theater or music system. They feature a distinctively contemporary design, and are available in a cherry, beech or black-ash finish, making it easy to complement any decor.
The Harman Consumer Group (HCG) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity loudspeakers, audio and video components, and multimedia systems for use in homes and automobiles, and with computers. The group’s brands include JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Revel, Audioaccess and Lexicon.
HCG is a division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Harman International (www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. The company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HAR.”
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For additional information, contact:
Frank Doris
FM Group Public Relations
631-385-1304 ext. 402
frank.doris@fm-group.net
Audioaccess, JBL and Harman International are registered trademarks, and W.H.E.N., Studio Series, Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal, PolyPlas, Straight-Line Signal Path, HTi Series and Room Mode Correction are trademarks, of
Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
