8 January 2007
WOODBURY, NY — At CES 2007, Harman Kardon is introducing a wide variety of home entertainment components and complete systems that deliver exceptional performance and versatility, in addition to unmatched ease of use and elegant design.
The company is premiering its AVR 347, AVR 247, AVR 147 and AVR 146 audio/video receivers, all of which offer significantly upgraded features and technologies, and HDMI connectivity. Harman Kardon is also introducing its DVD 48 universal DVD player with DCDi (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing) by Faroudja upscaling to 1080p, and its DVD 38 DVD-Audio/Video player.
Also making their debut are the CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 System Solutions complete home theater packages, which combine seamless, integrated operation with advanced features and superlative picture and sound quality.
Following is an overview of the Harman Kardon audio/video products and systems that are being introduced in the Harman Kardon suite in the North Tower of the Las Vegas Hilton, January 8 — 11, 2007.
New AVR Series Receivers: Best-in-Class Performance and Flexibility
Harman Kardon’s 7.1-channel AVR 347 and AVR 247, and 5.1-channel AVR 147 and AVR 146 audio/video receivers offer an expanded complement of advanced features, including HDMI connectivity, and are capable of passing high-definition video signals up to 1080p via their HDMI or component video outputs. In addition, the AVR 347 and AVR 247 incorporate DCDi by Faroudja processing and scaling to 720p, and provide audio processing and signal-repeater functionality via their HDMI outputs. All models (except the AVR 146) include proprietary automatic room equalization and system calibration to achieve unsurpassed sonic accuracy, and feature XM Satellite Radio capability* (where available).
Each receiver includes an iPod interface that enables enhanced iPod audio and video playback and remote-control capabilities when a compatible iPod** is connected to the receiver using Harman Kardon’s *** iPod docking station. All offer a host of versatile features including A/V Sync Delay for exact synchronization of audio and video signals in any home theater system, exclusive Logic 7 surround-enhancement technologies and high-current, ultrawide-bandwidth amplifier sections for extraordinary sound quality, and many additional refinements. The AVR 347 and AVR 247 also provide multiroom audio capabilities, and the AVR 347 incorporates the A-BUS/READY system for easy multizone connectivity.
Suggested retail pricing of the Harman Kardon AVR 347, AVR 247, AVR 147 and AVR 146 audio/video receivers is as follows: AVR 347, $999; AVR 247, $549; AVR 147, $449; AVR 146, $349. All the receivers will be available in April 2007.
DVD 48 and DVD 38: Superlative Picture and Sound Quality
At CES 2007, Harman Kardon is introducing its DVD 48 universal DVD player, a high-performance source component that incorporates built-in DCDi by Faroudja processing and scaling to 1080p, and multichannel DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD (SACD) playback, for exceptional picture and sound quality. The DVD 38 DVD-Audio/Video player with built-in 1080i upscaling is also making its debut at CES.
Both models include HDMI outputs and feature pixel-by-pixel processing, motion-adaptive pixel-based deinterlacing and premium digital-video D/A converters to deliver sharp, detailed and realistic image quality. The DVD 48 and DVD 38 provide unsurpassed sound quality as well, with comprehensive audio control and bass management. Slim and elegant in design, both players are compatible with a wide variety of disc formats, and offer a wealth of performance and convenience features.
The Harman Kardon DVD 48 universal DVD player and DVD 38 DVD Audio/Video player will be available in March 2007 at suggested retail prices of $399 and $349, respectively.
CP Series System Solutions: Seamless Operation, Enhanced Features and Unified Design
Harman Kardon’s CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 System Solutions are complete home theater packages based around the company’s new 7.1-channel AVR 347 and AVR 247, and 5.1-channel AVR 146 audio/video receivers. Combining upgraded features with ease of operation and Harman Kardon’s distinctively elegant black-and-silver styling, the CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 all include a receiver, DVD player, 5.1-channel loudspeaker system and universal remote control.
The CP 65 includes an AVR 347 receiver, DVD 48 universal DVD player and Harman Kardon’s HKTS 18 home theater speaker package. The CP 60 features an AVR 247 receiver, DVD 38 DVD-Audio/Video player and an HKTS 15 speaker system, and the CP 55 includes an AVR 146 receiver, DVD 38 DVD player and an HKTS 15 speaker package. In addition, a pair of optional HKS 9 and HKS 6 satellite speakers can be added to the CP 65 and CP 60, respectively, to create a 7.1-channel home theater system.
The audio/video components in the CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 systems all work seamlessly with each other and deliver exceptional audio and video performance. All include HDMI connectivity and wide-bandwidth component video switching, making them ideal for use in HDTV-based home entertainment systems. The loudspeaker packages include satellite and center channel speakers that are wall-mountable for maximum installation flexibility (optional floor stands for the satellites are also available). The remote controls included with the systems operate the receivers and DVD players, and are capable of being programmed to operate other devices such as TVs, video displays or set-top boxes.
The Harman Kardon CP 65, CP 60 and CP 55 System Solutions will be available in April 2007. Suggested retail prices are as follows: CP 65, $1,899; CP 60, $1,399; CP 55, $1,199. The optional HKS 9 and HKS 6 satellite speakers are available at suggested retail prices of, respectively, $149 per pair and $119 per pair.
In addition to the products making their debut, following is an overview of selected components from Harman Kardon’s 2007 lineup that the company is showcasing at CES.
HS 500 and HS 300: Stylish, Easy-to-Use 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 fits easily into the home. Both the HS 500, winner of an Innovations 2007 Design and Engineering award, and the HS 300 feature a unique and stunning minimalist design. Both include an ultraslim 5.1-channel receiver/DVD-Audio/Video player, a multichannel speaker package and a system remote control that incorporates extensive video control capabilities such as picture-in-picture and aspect-ratio adjustment.
Both models offer unmatched ease of use and outstanding audio and video performance, with HDMI connectivity and built-in video processing to 1080i for exceptional picture quality. The HS 500 and HS 300 can play back a wide variety of disc types and formats, and both 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 spring 2007 at a suggested retail price of $1,199. The HS 300 will be available in spring 2007 at $999 suggested retail.
ABH 4000 and AB 2: Providing Expanded A-BUS Multiroom Functionality
Harman Kardon’s lineup of A-BUS/READY multiroom audio solutions includes its recently introduced ABH 4000 four-zone/eight-room A-BUS expansion hub and AB 2 multisource amplified in-wall module. 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 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 located in the remote zones. The ABH 4000 can also add A-BUS multizone capability to any receiver via its loop-through audio connections, or expand the A-BUS capabilities of Harman Kardon’s A-BUS/READY multiroom receivers. Multiple ABH 4000’s 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 March 2007 at suggested retail prices of $599 and $249, respectively.
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
Harman Kardon and Logic 7 are registered trademarks, and and are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC.
DCDi by Faroudja is a registered trademark of Genesis Microchip Inc.
XM is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio.
iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
A-BUS and A-BUS/READY are registered trademarks of LeisureTech Electronics Pty Ltd. Australia.
SACD is a trademark of Sony Electronics Inc.
*Optional XM antenna, module and subscription to XM service required. Hardware and service sold separately. XM service not available in Alaska and Hawaii.
**Compatible with all iPod models equipped with a docking connector (iPod not included).
***The Bridge is compatible with the Harman Kardon 47 Series, 46 Series, 45 Series and 40 Series receivers. Not compatible with earlier Harman Kardon products, or with other brands of audio/video equipment.
