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P R E S S R E L E A S E
Acoustic Research Celebrates it's 50th Anniversary with a Brand New Life
Las Vegas, NV - January 9, 2004 -
This year marks the 50th anniversary that the venerable brand, Acoustic
Research (AR), has been bringing high-quality acoustics to the home. 2004 is
significant in that it also marks the first year that AR joins the Audiovox
family of brands. Acoustic Research will be the company's specialist line,
focusing on product quality, exclusive distribution, high tech features and the
brand's dedication to technology. AR products will have limited distribution and
strict MAP pricing policies. The brand will be positioned as a very high-level,
high-end audio-video component and HTIB-based line of products.
To that end, the company's first flat panel plasma TVs will be marketed under
the well-known and respected Acoustic Research brand and will be targeted to
electronic specialty and high-end electronic retail outlets, exclusively. The
three AR models are the AR5000, a 50-inch slim-line plasma TV - MSRP: $7,600.00;
AR4200, a 42-inch slim-line plasma model – MSRP: $4,500.00; and AR3000 a 30-inch
flat panel LCD unit – MSRP: $3,500.00. "We believe that the combination of
outstanding picture quality on these plasma TV's and AR's reputation for
consistently delivering high quality products, will make these units a must
carry in the high-end specialty dealers and a must have for their discriminating
customers," said Patrick Lavelle, President and CEO of Audiovox Electronics
Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Audiovox Corporation.
In the company's more traditional audio line the Acoustic Research Extended
Performance (XP) series launches with six models that feature, super audio
tweeters, Magalloy® drivers and narrow-front baffles, all designed to deliver
superior sound.
Also being introduced is the Acoustic Research VP Series, five models, with a
similar sound and look as the XP Series, but at a very consumer-friendly price.
The new line will consist of a tower speaker, two bookshelf models, a satellite
model and one center speaker. Prices will be in the high $200 to low $300 range.
There will be three subwoofers offered with the XP and VP lines. Each will
feature front-firing passive radiators, down-firing, slot-loaded active woofers
and face-mounted blue LEDs. MSRPs will be from about the mid $200 to high $300
range.
For audiophiles who are as serious about fashion as they are about function,
AR is offering two speaker systems designed for in-ceiling and in-wall
applications. Both have performance-enhancing woofer and tweeter systems and
will fit into virtually any décor without compromising sound quality.
"We are feeling very optimistic about the AR line up," says Lavelle. "The
three systems we are introducing take into account all of the requirements
necessary for a high-quality Home Theater system – and exceeds them. They
provide a home cinema performance without compromise. Each system has been
designed to capture the sonic ‘punch' that are so prevalent in today's
bass-heavy film soundtracks; it gives a whole new meaning to the definition of
Home Theater. "
In the lifestyle category, AR has two indoor/outdoor speakers that take the
best of technology and design and combine them into easy-to-install products for
any home setting. These products are made to perform in any casual environment
and will handle almost any weather scenario with ease.
"As you can see, we are placing an impressive line of Acoustic Research
products into the market where, we feel, they will enjoy the respect this brand
has had for over fifty years. The line will receive the support of Audiovox
sales, marketing and technical service. We believe that dealers will welcome our
programs and will see how Acoustic Research products can increase their sales
and profits and deliver the quality they expect from the brand," Lavelle
concluded.
Audiovox Electronics Corporation (AEC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Audiovox Corporation (Nasdaq:VOXX). AEC is a recognized leader in the marketing
of automotive entertainment, vehicle security and consumer electronics products.
The company is number one in mobile video and places in the top ten of almost
every category that it sells. Among the products marketed by AEC are mobile
video systems, portable DVD players, flat-panel TV's, auto sound systems
including satellite radio, vehicle security, and consumer electronics products
such as extended range two-way radios, multi media products like MP 3 players,
and home and portable stereos. The company markets its products through an
extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, 12-volt
specialists, mass merchandisers and an OE sales group. The company markets
products under the Audiovox, Jensen, Acoustic Research, Advent, Code Alarm and
Prestige brands. For additional information, visit our web site at
www.audiovox.com.
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