Polk Audio Unveils XM Reference Tuner For Premium Audio Systems

31-Aug-04

Polk Audio announced the development of a high performance XM satellite radio component tuner for use with existing premium home audio systems. Named the Polk Audio XM Reference Tuner 12 (XRt12) the product is sized and styled to match standard premium audio components and offers the best audio performance to date from an in-home XM tuner. The XM Reference Tuner 12 will start shipping on or about November 1, 2004 with a MSRP of $329.95. The tuner features audio component size and styling to match standard premium audio components and is loaded with convenience and performance features. A composite (RCA jack) video output permits the tuner to display Channel, Artist, LP/CD Name and Song Title on a TV or video monitor for easy viewing at a distance. Both Optical and Coaxial digital outputs allow the unit to be directly connected to audio components with digital inputs for lossless, pure performance. Stereo analog RCA-type outlets allow the XRt12 tuner to be connected to any stereo receiver or amplifier. A built-in audiophile-grade Burr-Brown Digital to Analog Converter chip ensures that even analog connections will result in superior sound quality. The analog gain stage of the tuner is robust, providing more than enough output to deliver a full volume, low noise signal to any amplifier or receiver. A menu-accessible three-stage volume control allows the user to match the tuner's output to that of other sources in the system to avoid large volume swings when switching from source to source. Command and control functions are handled by large, easy to see and use front panel buttons and a four-line blue LCD display panel. A full-function remote control duplicates the front panel controls plus adds numeric keys for direct channel access. Control features include menu selection, category scan, memory, channel scan, display brightness control, 20 channel presets and more. The rear panel RS-232 connection jack enables the tuner to be integrated into the control functions of whole-house music distribution systems such as Crestron and NetStreams. An XM antenna with 20-foot cable will be included with the tuner and a 50-foot extension cable will be available as an optional accessory. A built-in signal strength meter will aid the user in finding the best possible antenna location in the home. ""We are big fans of XM Radio,î said Polk Audio President Jim Herd. ""The audio quality is excellent and XM's content is outstanding. Furthermore we see a close match between a large cross section of XM subscribers and Polk Audio's customers.î Polk Audio and satellite radio customers share an interest in premium audio component systems and high-quality sound, he said. îIt is a true privilege to associate the XM brand with that of Polk Audio, a company that has distinguished itself in delivering outstanding performance and value to a very loyal customer base,î said Dan Murphy, SVP Retail Marketing and Distribution. ìWeíre very excited to be partnering with Polk to take XMís commercial-free music and premier talk content to the next level for home audio. The discriminating listener will enjoy XM as never before.îMore information about Polk Audio can be found at www.polkaudio.com; for more information about XM, please visit www.xmradio.com.

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