Harman Kardon Introduces The First-Ever Solution To Integrate PC-Originated Digital Sound With Home Entertainment Systems

15-Mar-01

At CES 2001, Harman Kardon continues to set the pace in state-of-the-art audio/video components and technologies with the introduction of the first ever Digital Audio Transcoder, the DAL 150 ezLINKô. Developed in conjunction with leading hardware, software, and semiconductor firms, the DAL 150 enables audio and home theatre enthusiasts to connect their PCs (using WindowsÆ 98/ME) to any audio/video receiver with a coaxial digital input and enjoy downloaded or streaming media files with superior fidelity.Tom McLoughlin, Harman Kardon President, pointed out, ""Although the popularity of Internet music is skyrocketing, it is rarely heard at its best because of poor quality sound cards or low-fi multimedia speakers. With the introduction of the DAL 150, music lovers can now connect their computers and their home audio/video systems to enjoy the maximum musical benefits of both.""The Harman Kardon DAL 150 lets users listen to a wide variety of computer digital audio formats through their home entertainment systems. The unit functions as follows:- The DAL 150 connects between a computerís USB port and the coaxial digital input jack of an A/V receiver. - Software drivers route MP3 or Windows MediaÆ digital audio data to the computerís USB port. - The DAL 150 automatically converts MP3, WMA or WAV files to PCM digital audio, which can then be decoded by any A/V receiver or surround processor equipped with an S/PDIF coaxial digital input.An added benefit for consumers who own an A/V receiver with built-in MP3 decoding, such as Harman Kardonís new AVR 8000, AVR 510, AVR 310, AVR 210 and AVR 110 models, is that they can enjoy improved sound quality when playing back MP3 music files. The DAL 150ís processing circuitry up-samples low bit rate MP3 files for high quality decoding and amplification within the receiver.Once connected to a PC, the DAL 150 is automatically recognized as a WindowsÆ Plug-and-Play multimedia device. The DAL 150 enables consumers to use standard computer music/multimedia programs, such as Windows Media Player, to play back favorite music through the high quality DACs and amplifiers in their existing audio components and their home theatre or stereo audio loudspeaker system, for significantly improved audio reproduction that brings new levels of fidelity and sonic accuracy to computer music playback.The DAL 150 is powered by the computerís USB port, and does not require any external power supply. The compact unit is connected through the USB and coaxial digital audio cables supplied with the unit. Should a user require different cable lengths, optional cables may be connected to achieve the desired connection configuration.The DAL 150 EzLink Digital Audio Transcoder will be available in Spring 2001, at a suggested retail price of $119.

For more information about Harman Kardon, visit www.harmankardon.com.

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