First Multi-Brand IEEE-1394 Home Entertainment System Demonstrated At CES 2000

Digital Harmony Technologies Inc. is demonstrating the first multi-room, multi-brand home entertainment system of more than 18 new IEEE 1394-enabled audio/video devices. Demonstrations of the Digital Harmony Reference System 2000(tm) is being given every hour at Digital Harmony's CES booth, LVCC 2327. The system is the first complete, multi-vendor entertainment system to be awarded the Consumer Electronics Association's Innovations Design and Engineering Award, recognizing Digital Harmony's industry leadership in creating interoperable digital home entertainment systems for consumers.New Digital Harmony-certified IEEE-1394 Audio/Video Devices Showcasing an array of Digital Harmony-certified 1394 audio and video devices from leading consumer electronics manufacturers, the Digital Harmony Reference System 2000ô includes an AV receiver, DVD player, broadband and CATV set-top boxes, powered loudspeakers, legacy (non-1394) adapters, and a 100-disc CD jukebox. Working prototypes will be on display from Boston Acoustics, Denon, Harman/Kardon, Loewe, Madrigal, Meridian, Monster Cable, NEC, Revox, and ConnectTV. Monster Cable, Digital Harmony's first cable licensee, will provide the certified IEEE-1394 cables that connect each audio/video device in the system.Digital Harmony System Supports Legacy (Non-1394) DevicesConcerned consumers need not worry about letting their existing home theatre components become obsolete. Non-1394 devices are easily added to the system via a Digital Harmony-certified legacy adapter device made by Monster Cable's entertainment technology division. Monster's legacy adapters have analog and digital inputs/outputs, as well as IR support for controlling any device. Through these adapters, the Digital Harmony Reference System 2000ô can incorporate any 'off the shelf"" device, such as a MiniDisc recorder, VCR, CATV tuner, multi-disc CD player and others.Simple System ControlA ConnectTV set top box, Apple iMac DVand a stand-alone prototype highlight the various forms of system controllers that are capable of running the Digital Harmony Composerô interface software for simple control of the entire system from any room in the home. The Composer is a multi-platform (Windows and MacOS) remote control application that supports industry-standard 1394-specific control commands, as well as legacy control protocols (e.g. IR, RS-232). The Composer can run on apersonal computer or digital assistant, providing plug-and-enjoy setup and unique management of all audio and video devices in a Digital Harmony system. The Composer user interface can be customized to allow for software/hardware brand and product differentiation.Bridges To Home NetworksBy working closely with its home networking OEM licensees such as Panja, Digital Harmony extends beyond 1394 control, providing bridges to other home networking technologies. The Digital Harmony Reference System 2000 includes a Phast Environment Control bridge device, capable of controlling lighting and drapery control via Panja's proprietary PhastLink control protocol. The bridge device can be controlled from the Composer interface.Integrated Wireless SolutionsAlso debuting in the Digital Harmony Reference System 2000 is a Music Sciences wireless speaker system, the first to use Digital Harmony's WireFreeô digital wireless audio technology. Offering convenience and audiophile sound quality, the Music Sciences speaker system connects to the Reference System through a Digital Harmony interface in the subwoofer, offering an elegant solution to difficult or long-run wiring installations.System Devices Powered By DHIVA AdaptersPowered by Phillips Semiconductor's PDI1394L21, Digital Harmony's Interface for Video and Audio (DHIVA) circuit board is integrated in each of the Digital Harmony-certified device prototypes featured in the Reference System. Digital Harmony DHIVA(tm) boards are capable of up to 63 devices in a multi-brand network. DHIVA is the only complete turnkey 1394-based interface module available to consumer electronics manufacturers wanting to implement exciting new digital features into products today.""Digital Harmony is looking out for the consumer, releasing them from worrying about new digital technologies that obsolete their investment in audio/video devices,"" says Greg Bartlett, President and CEO of Digital Harmony Technologies. ""To manufacturers looking to add the soon-to-be-ubiquitous 1394 interface to their products, we provide an elegant answer to the classic make versus buy decision. With Digital Harmony, our OEM licensees are developing native 1394 products in a matter of months. Digital Harmony Reference System 2000 is sure to wow the masses at CES this year as the first multiple-vendor, interoperable 1394 entertainment network,"" Bartlett continued.About Digital Harmony TechnologiesDigital Harmony powered the world's first multi-vendor IEEE-1394 home entertainment system in early 1999. Based in Seattle, Washington, Digital Harmony Technologies Inc. (www.digitalharmony.com) sells standard hardware/firmware modules for adding high-speed 1394 interfaces to audio/video devices (e.g., DVD players, A/V receivers, televisions, etc.) Digital Harmony Certification Centers(tm) test all devices for compatibility before they are sold at retail; the Digital Harmonylogo-the consumer's seal of approval-indicates that the device will operate harmoniously with others in a home entertainment system. Digital Harmony Technologies' customer list includes Boston Acoustics, Denon, harman/kardon, Meridian Audio, Onkyo, Panja, Peavey Electronics and Connect TV.