Archives for January 2003

Delphi Will Demonstrate High-Tech Car Entertainment Options at CES

January 7, 2003 by kevin Leave a Comment

Delphi Corp. will demonstrate cutting-edge mobile car sound entertainment technology in several showcase vehicles at the 2003 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The demos include Delphi’s Premium Audio System with DVD-Audio (DVD-A) playback; and a rear-seat entertainment system with DVD video and XM Satellite Radio.

Delphi is one of the first companies to demonstrate the high-quality digital audio of an internal DVD-A playback system for the vehicle. The Delphi DVD-Audio system was developed specifically for the automotive environment. It enhances the standard 44.1 KHz, two-channel mode CD format to a 96 KHz, six-channel mode.

The high-resolution reproduction of DVD-Audio provides greater sound field control, and enhanced musical or sound clarity.

The system also includes a 14-channel amplifier and a powerful subwoofer with rich, extended bandwidth.

“DVD-A is the future of audio reproduction,” says Dr. Robert Schumacher, business line executive for Delphi Delco Electronics Systems wireless products. “Delphi understands consumer expectations from the most casual listener to the most sophisticated audiophile. With our DVD-A designed for the vehicle, and its realistic sound reproduction, we are able to help satisfy the expectations of all types of listeners.”

According to Dr. Schumacher, DVD-A is expected to revolutionize album recording with the capability to include several versions of an album on the disc. Optional versions may include a super high-end surround sound version as well as video clips.

In another demonstration vehicle, Delphi is showing how integration can bring more choice to car occupants. Delphi’s rear-seat entertainment system with DVD-video playback integrated into the radio unit, and a low profile, factory-installed seven-inch display in the vehicle’s headliner, means space-saving styling, simpler production and cost savings. This vehicle also includes an XM satellite radio with the receiver integrated into the radio unit, eliminating the need for a separate receiver box.

The Delphi Fuba Reception Systems and TV tuner on this vehicle bring access to television programming, too. The reception system provides the on-screen menu driven by the TV tuner and a vehicle-specific independent audio and video diversity antenna system. Using up to four separate antennas, the multi-antenna diversity system evaluates and selects the strongest TV transmission signal to help provide and maintain the highest quality reception possible in a moving vehicle. The signal is directed to the remote TV tuner that works with the rear-seat display system.

With all these entertainment options in one vehicle, rear-seat passengers can use wireless headphones and a remote control to enjoy a DVD movie or TV programming while other occupants can experience XM’s 101 channels of satellite radio programming.

Filed Under: Car

OAC Group Acquires Atlantic Technology

January 6, 2003 by kevin Leave a Comment

Peter Tribeman, the president of Atlantic Technology International, one of the nation’s most respected manufacturers of home loudspeaker systems, announced the company’s acquisition here today by The OAC Group, a strategic management and consulting firm headed by Oscar A. Ciornei, principal and founder. Atlantic Technology is located in Norwood, MA, and the OAC Group is based in Portsmouth, NH.

“This acquisition presents an incredible opportunity for the expansion of Atlantic Technology into new technologies and product categories,” said Mr. Tribeman. “The OAC team and Atlantic Technology staff will combine forces to accelerate this process, and our loyal dealers will soon have access to resources that are sure to expand their business.”

Since its founding in 1989, Atlantic Technology has been organized as a closely held corporation, with Avi Shapira as Chairman, and Mr. Tribeman as President. Under the new organization, Mr. Ciornei will assume the position of CEO and Mr. Tribeman will become Chairman of the Board.

“Atlantic Technology is a company I have admired for many years,” said Mr. Ciornei. “It has a pristine reputation for quality and superb engineering, but most of all for the high value of its products. Peter Tribeman and his group have done an exceptional job at bringing the brand and its technology to the market. The OAC Group’s intention is to diversify this great name and capitalize on the ‘Technology’ name by introducing products in the audio/video connectivity category. The OAC staff, along with our consultants, is eager to integrate our ideas with Atlantic Technology’s talented team.”

From the start, Atlantic Technology has been one of the most highly regarded companies in the home theater industry. Specializing in complete high performance multi-channel speaker systems and home theater electronics components, all Atlantic Technology speaker systems are designed and engineered as integrated multichannel ensembles, and hand assembled at the company’s Norwood, MA facility. These systems are tailored and tuned to provide a seamless and startlingly realistic soundstage for multichannel music and home theater.

The OAC Group is a consortium of management and strategy consultants who help companies in the audio/video business to conceive and implement corporate strategy, and provide the key elements needed for their long-term growth. The OAC team of consultants, engineers, marketing professionals, and management advisors, provide services in the areas of product development, marketing, manufacturing, management, and operations, all geared to maximizing their clients’ market share and company value.

The OAC Group is led by Oscar Ciornei, a thirty-year veteran and recognized leader in the consumer electronics industry. He has consulted with dozens of companies and has sat on a number of boards. Ciornei was most recently responsible for building Russound from a fledgling company to one of the industry leaders in the home audio/video connectivity business. “We try to move people to a place where it makes sense to act,” said Ciornei, …Change does not have to be regimented or pedantic… this can only be accomplished through easily understood actions and senior management support.”

Atlantic Technology Web Site

Filed Under: Biz

Accuphase Will Debut Premiere Home Theater Components at CES

January 6, 2003 by kevin Leave a Comment

Since 1952, Accuphase has been designing and manufacturing some of the finest consumer electronics on the planet. Known for its high-end stereo gear, the Japanese audio manufacturer has watched and waited as multichannel and home theater has become an exploding category dominated by mass-market producers.

However, Accuphase engineers and designers have not been wasting time! At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (Jan. 9-14), Accuphase will launch its new VX 700 A/V control center ($19,500 US), alongside the CX-260 preamp ($7,500 US), and the PX-600 6-channel power amp ($10,000 US).

With the new multichannel product line, Accuphase aims to offer the finest home theater combination available to audiophiles.

Each component was designed from the ground up for multi-channel systems with audio and video performance parameters without compromise. Accuphase’s extensive experience in the realm of pure audio is in evidence in all aspects of these outstanding components.

“The amazingly realistic soundstage and dynamic scale that can be created go far beyond the limitations of conventional home theater systems,” according to the company’s PR.

Accuphase Web Site

Axiss Distribution Web Site (U.S. Distributor)

Filed Under: Home Theater

Martinlogan Announces Clarity, an Innovative New Electrostatic Loudspeaker

January 5, 2003 by kevin Leave a Comment

MartinLogan has announced the introduction of the Clarity hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker system. The new speaker model is available this month with a suggested retail price of $2,695 per pair (U.S.).

Clarity incorporates a myriad of design innovations, including a Generation 2 stat panel, MicroPerf™ stator, a high-resolution aluminum woofer and a NAC™ (natural ambience compensation) driver.

In addition, the Clarity integrates MartinLogan’s first low-voltage DC power supply. With a footprint of less than one square foot and a selection of home-friendly cabinet finishes Clarity fills a critical marketplace niche.

MartinLogan ESL (“the world’s most accurate transducer”) has advanced to a new level in the new model. The Clarity’s Generation 2 stat panel featuring ClearSpar™ and MicroPerf™ stator technology provides astounding output and detail from MartinLogan’s smallest full-range ESL transducer.

ClearSpar™ technology enhances Clarity’s transparent look and increases both efficiency and dynamics. The new MicroPerf design reduces the size of individual holes in the stator, allowing more openings compared to a traditional MartinLogan ESL transducer, maximizing efficiency of the Clarity’s small ESL transducer.

NAC (natural ambience compensation) maximizes off-axis high-frequency dispersion, assuring listeners of a perfect performance no matter where they’re seated or standing. A true audiophile solution, the NAC is parallel to the signal path and features an on/off switch to adjust for listener preference.

The discretely sized Clarity features a state-of-the-art aluminum woofer and bass reflex design that delivers an extended frequency response and accurate low-end capable of sustained low frequencies.

Designed with the upscale family home theater buyer in mind, the Clarity fulfills extensive space and style considerations. To enhance visual integration with any home environment, the Clarity’s sculptural, modern curvilinear design is available in three standard palettes (natural cherry, dark mahogany and black). The Clarity will surpass all preconceptions of loudspeakers, sonically and aesthetically, at this price point.

“I challenged MartinLogan’s world-class design and engineering team to build a high-performance entry-level electrostatic loudspeaker that is sonically and aesthetically superior and more versatile than anything on the market. In addition, I challenged them to design a loudspeaker that will fit into anyone’s home-not just the audiophile’s dedicated listening room. The Clarity exceeds all expectations,” said Gayle Sanders, MartinLogan president and founder.

MartinLogan’s breakthrough hybrid speaker engineering maintains controlled dispersion and outstanding dynamic range while minimizing room interaction. The Clarity expands its high frequency response and flawless precision with advanced crossover topology and audiophile grade components. To eliminate the need for a traditional IEC power cord and broaden ease of installation, especially for custom installers, the Clarity features a low-voltage DC power supply.

The Clarity leverages all of MartinLogan’s engineering, design and manufacturing prowess-delivering staggering value in this compact CLS hybrid. Available with cherry and black wood veneer options, the Clarity is supplied with MartinLogan’s proprietary ETC™ spikes for maximum bass performance and toolless binding posts for effortless cable attachment and management.

Key Features and Benefits

Generation 2 MicroPerf Stat Panel: efficient output from clarity’s small stat panel.
NAC (Natural Ambience Compensation): extends accurate sound to off-axis listeners
Low Voltage Power Supply: broadens ease of installation
Bass Reflex Aluminum Woofer: delivers an extended, accurate low-end
Cabinet Finish Options: cabinets available in three standard palettes.

Specifications

Frequency response: 46-22,000 Hz, +/- 3 dB
Dispersion: Horizontal 30 degrees, Vertical 26″ (66cm) line source with a NAC™ enhanced sound field
Sensitivity: 89 dB/2.83 volts/meter
Impedance: 6 ohms, 1.1 ohms @ 20kHz
Crossover Frequency: 450 Hz
Components: Custom-wound audio transformer, air core coils
NAC driver: 1″ (2.5cm) soft dome
Woofer type: 8″ (20.3cm) high excursion, high rigidity aluminum cone with extended throw drive assembly, non-resonance asymmetrical chamber format; bass reflex
Power Handling: 200 watts/channel
Weight: 31 lbs. each (14.1 kg)
Size: 10.2″ W × 12.25″ D × 53″ H (25.9cm W × 31.1cm D × 134.6 cm H)

MartinLogan Web Site

Barix Introduces Ethernet Network MP3 Player to U.S. Through Grid Connect

January 5, 2003 by kevin Leave a Comment

Swiss networked-audio specialist manufacturer Barix has announced U.S. availability of Exstreamer, an Ethernet network MP3 player that allows users to enjoy MP3 files and digital audio on their home stereo and entertainment systems.

Exstreamer is now available online through Barix’s U.S. Master distributor, Grid Connect, selling for $149 (US). At has been available direct from Barix in Europe for several months.

The Mac- and PC-compatible Exstreamer distributes high-quality audio throughout the home from PCs, the Internet and digital audio servers. The device can be controlled from anywhere on the network using a standard Web browser.

With open, well-documented software interfaces, the device is easily integrated with additional consumer, commercial and professional audio applications.

In February 2003, Barix also will introduce Exstreamer Wireless in the U.S. The $249 (US) device, already shipping in Europe, streams digital audio and MP3 files throughout the home via wireless 802.11B networks.

“The Exstreamer product line is the most cost-effective, user-friendly and innovative way to manage and enjoy digital audio via any home or commercial network,” said Barix founder and CEO, Johannes Rietschel. “This represents the next generation of digital audio products that provide perfect sound and universal connectivity.”

“Exstreamer and Extreamer Wireless provide our partners and customers the solution to the challenge of connecting audio devices affordably and with best quality to common network infrastructure, whether for consumer, professional audio or commerial applications”, Mr. Richtel claims.

“The Exstreamer can be used for home audio applications, enabling you to listen to your favorite songs on your home stereo or even in the bathtub. In commercial, retail and security markets, the Exstreamer can provide music-on-hold, background music, security announcements and also be used in a variety of other networked audio applications “, he adds.

Barix Web Site

Grid Connect Web Site

Filed Under: Pro Audio