Kenwood Introduces Full-Line Of All-Digital Home Theater-In-A-Box Systems

Kenwood, Americaís largest selling brand of pre-packaged home theater systems, has expanded and improved its ""home theater-in-a-box"" line for the year 2000, offering a Dolby Digital surround sound receiver and six loudspeakers in each of its four models, with retail prices starting at $300. The lineís top model, the HTB-503, priced at $500, features a receiver equipped with both Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround sound, and also includes a 100-watt powered subwoofer.""These systems are immensely popular because they provide great value and unparalleled convenience. Now the core of a high performance home entertainment system can be had in a single purchase, and at an astonishingly low price,"" said Joe Richter, Kenwood President. ""When you consider we offer digital receivers at every price, the value of our HTB systems is remarkable.""Kenwood HTB Systems: Value Meets High QualityEach of Kenwoodís home theater-in-a-box systems is packaged with a receiver that has Dolby Digital surround sound, a multi-channel sound system that delivers 6 independent soundtrack channels. The result is a more dynamic, captivating, and realistic surround-sound experience than is possible with conventional Dolby ProLogic. Dolby Digital audio is available on all DVD titles, as well as on many pay-per-view programs on digital satellite. It is also used by the new High-Definition Television (HDTV) format as some HDTV broadcasts are done in Dolby Digital.Heading up Kenwoodís four-system HTB line for 2000 is the HTB-503, which has a receiver with Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround circuitry. DTS is an alternate multichannel surround sound technology that adds a theatre-like experience to movie soundtracks or music listening. DTS is featured on many DVD releases, and is also available on many music-only CD titles.Delivering a superb movie-watching experience are the six speakers that are sold with each system, including:- two main speakers (left and right) placed in front of the viewer to either side of the television or monitor- a center speaker for television and movie dialog that is placed directly in front of the viewer above or below the television or monitor- two surround speakers (left and right) placed to the sides and above the viewer - a subwoofer for low-frequency music and movie effects.The top of the line HTB-503, as well as the HTB-403 and HTB-303 have 8-inch powered subwoofers that provide enhanced bass response for music, as well as movie effects like collisions and explosions. The HTB-503 subwoofer features a 100 watt amplifier, while the HTB-403 and HTB-303 subwoofers have a 50 watt amplifier. The HTB-203ís passive subwoofer is fed by the receiverís left and right channel amplifiers.The HTB-503 and HTB-403 have magnetically-shielded two-way left and right speakers with double woofers, a magnetically-shielded center speaker, and wall-hangable surround speakers. The HTB-303 has 2-way magnetically-shielded left, center and right speakers and wall-hangable surrounds, while the HTB-203 has 5 identical full-range speakers.The HTB-503 has S-video connections, and comes with a universal pre-programmed remote that controls other brands of audio/video source components and TVs as well as Kenwood components. The other systems have full-function 10-key remotes that control Kenwood components.Kenwoodís new line of HTB systems include the following models, listed with availability and price:- HTB-503 (February, $500)- HTB-403 (March, $400)- HTB-303 (April, $350)- HTB-203 (March, $300)About KenwoodFounded in 1961, Kenwood USA Corporation is the largest audio specialty company in the United States. Offering more than 250 home, car, and personal audio products, Kenwood is recognized by consumers and the consumer electronics industry for developing products that provide superior sound quality, reliability and value. Kenwood USA Corporation, based in Long Beach, California, is the largest subsidiary of Kenwood Corporation.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Kenwood USA Corporation, P.O. Box 22745, Long Beach, CA 90801, or by visiting www.kenwoodusa.com.