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.