PowerTouchô III System Controller Rivals Dedicated Control Systems In Form, Function, And Ease Of Use

Standard With Best Kenwood Sovereignô Receiver, PowerTouch III Has Customizable Touch-Screen Menus, Menu Design Software For Installers

12-Jun-01

Kenwood USA Corporation introduced the PowerTouchô III controller, a handheld LCD touch-panel for dual-zone entertainment systems that rivals dedicated home entertainment control systems for ease of use, programmability, high-tech features, and styling. It is the most advanced controller sold as a standard feature with any digital home theatre receiver, according to the company, which unveiled the PowerTouch III (PT III) with the new Kenwood Sovereignô VR-5900 THXÆ Ultra-certified receiver. The VR-5900 is equipped with the PowerTouch III, and the controller will also be sold separately. Engineered to eliminate problems associated with setting up and operating multi-room home entertainment systems, and to provide a reliable, simple user interface, Kenwood has added customizable menus to PowerTouch IIIís list of specialized features. For the first time, users or custom installers can add, delete, move, resize, title, and edit buttons for on-screen menus directly on the touch panel. In addition, Kenwood is also offering its Kenwood Sovereign authorized dealers WindowsÆ 95- and Windows 98-compatible software to design and store customized menus on a PC, as well as an interface module for downloading customized programming directly into the PowerTouch III. The PowerTouch III can also be used with three other receivers in the new Kenwood Sovereign line - the VR-5700, VR-5090 and VR-5080. As it is a universal, learning controller, it could easily be used in any entertainment system.All commands are accessible as ìbuttonsî on the touch screen menus, and using a finger can activate the touch screen, or the stylus stored under the edge of the controller. Hard key buttons for power and volume are located adjacent to the touch screen. A small joystick, which allows for fast menu navigation and button selection, is conveniently adjacent to the screen - PT IIIís ergonomic design allows someone to easily hold and operate the unit.Using technology developed by Kenwood, PowerTouch III uses a one-way RF and two-way IR communications system to send commands to a Kenwood Sovereign receiver and take in information on system status. The RF system allows products to be in cabinets or in enclosed structures without line-of-sight considerations. The PT III also has IR transmitters to send commands to components operable by IR control, (either Kenwoodís or other companiesí products). In addition to utilizing both RF and IR signals for wireless communications, the PT III can be hardwired - allowing fixed, permanent installation, such as on a wall or table. PowerTouch III will operate LutronÆ lighting, MakitaÆ drapery, and X-10Æ automation devices, allowing the PT III to serve as a true all-in-one home theatre controller.Another unique PowerTouch III benefit is realized when using a Kenwood Sovereign receiver with Kenwoodís new DVD mega-changers. Disc and track names stored in the changer are transmitted via infrared (IR) to the PT III and displayed on its screen, allowing for selection of a disc by name rather than slot number.  Four alkaline ìCî batteries, estimated to last for months with typical use, power the PowerTouch III. When hardwired, the PT III is powered by a low-voltage connection and does not require batteries. Purchased separately, it has a manufacturerís suggested list price of $500.For more information about Kenwood USA Corporation, visit www.kenwoodusa.com.

Read More:
http://www.kenwoodusa.com