SpeakerCraft Delivers Compact Versions Of TIME Loudspeaker

August 13, 2007

SpeakerCraft announces three new models in their series of TIME motorized loudspeakers. Last year's introduction of the Theater in Motion Experience or TIME changed the way people looked at flush-mounted ceiling speakers. Now the speakers could drop out of the ceiling at a precise angle and then rotate to a preset position focusing sound at the listening area. Expanding on this technology, SpeakerCraft has created three smaller models in two different formats. The drivers in all three models are mounted at a fixed 45-degree angle inside of a cylinder that smoothly descends out of the ceiling when the system is activated. During setup the installer manually rotates the cylinder to point the speakers toward the listening area. The speakers return to their flush position when desired. All of this is accomplished through the use of a rugged miniature motor assembly, which is controlled and powered by a CAT-5 cable. The TIME Mini 2 is the smallest of the new offerings with an exterior diameter of 5 ¾-inches with a 2 ½-inch full-range driver. The TIME Mini 5.1 and 5.3 models both have an exterior diameter of 7 ½-inches with 5-inch woofers and dome tweeters. Power and control for the automation function of up to 8 speakers is provided through an integrated control unit. This makes it possible to use the system in a stereo, 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 configurations depending on the application. Speaker deployment is triggered by an audio sensing feature, through a contact closure or through IR remote commands. In order to make the speakers as compact as possible, and thereby less conspicuous when hidden in the ceiling, all of the new models use smaller drivers than the current TIME series and therefore require an integrated subwoofer for full frequency response. The control unit doubles as a dedicated subwoofer amplifier providing 150 watts of power to an 8-inch in-wall subwoofer. The unit has pre-amp level connections for both stereo left and right inputs as well as an LFE input for home theater applications. MSRP: TIME Mini 2 is $315, TIME Mini 5.1 is $465 and TIME Mini 5.3 is $565.

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