Kenwood Partners With OpenGlobeô, Will Equip A/V Products With Technology To Utilize Internet Data And Services

Customers To Use Home A/V Gear To Obtain And Manage Online Disc Data, Artist Info, Cover Art, And More

16-Mar-01

Aiming to enhance the home entertainment experience using Internet-based information services and software, Kenwood USA Corp. announced it has entered into an agreement with OpenGlobeô Inc. under which Kenwood will incorporate OpenGlobe technologies into future Kenwood home audio and video products. OpenGlobe develops and maintains online databases and applications that allow users to download information and graphics pertaining to CDs, DVDs, recording artists, and related entertainment topics. The company also provides applications for managing software libraries, creating playlists and other home entertainment activities.According to a Kenwood official, products incorporating OpenGlobe technology will most likely be marketed under the new Kenwood SovereignÆ line of high-end home theatre products and begin shipping during the second half of 2001.Bob Law, Kenwoodís Vice President of Sales and Marketing said, ""Kenwood needs to stay on the cutting edge, not only in providing customers with superior audio/video components, but also in making available new, Internet-based services that can enhance or improve customer satisfaction. This agreement is an important step in that direction.""Speaking about the partnership, Bernie Sepaniak, President of OpenGlobe commented, ""OpenGlobe is pleased to be associated with one of the marquee audio/video brands in the industry. With Kenwood's ability to seamlessly bring entertainment components together and OpenGlobe's core technologies and services, we are confident that users will fully realize the benefits.""More than just a ""jukebox"" that passively holds CDs, Kenwood components incorporating OpenGlobe technology, will allow consumers to organize, manage and play both packaged and soft media that they own. They can access cover art, title, track, artist and genre information via online databases such as CDDB and DVDB, and have it displayed on a TV or a remote control. Playlists can be created and libraries compiled by making selections from on-screen displays. OpenGlobe technology can also be used in managing audio and video information over a network-based home entertainment system. 

For more information about Kenwood USA Corporation, visit www.kenwoodusa.com. For more information about OpenGlobe, visit www.openglobe.net.

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http://www.kenwoodusa.com
http://www.openglobe.net