Press Releases

Polk Audio Introduces First IP Adressable Loudspeaker for NetStreams Digital Audio Distribution System

September 9, 2004 -- Today in booth 745 of CEDIA Expo 2004, loudspeaker manufacturer Polk Audio announced the first IP (Internet Protocol) addressable powered loudspeaker systems for the NetStreams DigiLinX™ digital whole house audio distribution system. The products are flush-mount speakers based on Polk's existing LCi Series in-wall/ceiling models. Digital amplifiers, electronic crossovers, DSP circuitry and TCP/IP control modules are built into the speakers to deliver a wealth of demonstrable convenience and performance benefits.

The speaker's integrated TCP/IP module allows the NetStreams distribution system to "find" the speaker set on the network and deliver uncompressed, full-fidelity digital audio signals from any source on the network. The built-in digital amplifiers and crossovers bi-amplify (or tri-amplify in the case of the three-way LC265i-p) the loudspeakers for more accurate, lower distortion audio performance while integrated Digital Signal Processing (DSP) electronics provide sophisticated sound tailoring to optimize the performance of the speaker for the room and speaker locations.

"We can do things with an amplified speaker that you just can’t do with a passive speaker and external amplifier" said Polk Product Line Manager Al Baron. "With the NetStreams system and our IP addressable speakers you now can have loss-less, noise and distortion-free 96/24 digital audio transmitted anywhere in the house all the way up to the inputs of the individual drivers in the speaker system. The performance will knock you out."

While the Polk LCi-p Series speakers provide the greatest functionality when used within a NetStreams DigiLinX™ system, they can accept inputs from any analog distributed audio system and still deliver a host of performance benefits.

NetStreams' DigiLinX is comprised of IP-based audio products networked to distribute audio and control signals over an Ethernet or wireless network, using TCP/IP. Using internationally accepted standard protocols allows easy and instant interface with a wide variety of systems and products, and control via any web browser equipped device (in addition to keypads). Examples of interfaces that NetStreams believes will become popular with its customers are PDAs, web tablets, and PCs as well as NetSteams' TouchLinX high resolution in-wall touch pad controllers.

Polk Audio's four LCi-p Series model feature technologies such as advanced ring radiator tweeters and Aerated Polypropylene cones. These are the same technologies used in Polk's critically acclaimed LSi Series loudspeakers to deliver the performance of stand-alone models. The rectangular models feature Polk's patented Power Port technology and available Performance Enclosures for consistent, high performance bass response. Polk expects to deliver the LCi-p products in the spring of 2005 at suggested retail prices ranging from $2000 to $3500 per pair.

“Polk’s new IP-based speaker marks an exciting development in our industry. The product sounds fantastic and the easy integration with the NetStreams DigiLinX IP-based home network will provide unprecedented customization by the custom installer,” remarked Herman Cardenas, NetStreams CEO.

Polk Audio will demonstrate the LC265i-p IP Addressable Powered Loudspeaker with the NetStreams DigiLinX™ system in booth #745 of the CEDIA Expo. Polk Audio will conduct Dealer Training on the new IP addressable speakers and whole house network in Ballroom D of the Marriott Hotel on Thursday September 9 at 9:00 AM and Friday September 10 at 10:30 AM.

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Polk Audio is an international manufacturer of home and car loudspeakers, with headquarters in Baltimore Maryland. Polk Audio are The Speaker Specialists®, designers and manufacturers of loudspeakers for home, car and office. Founded by Matthew Polk and George Klopfer in 1972, Polk Audio holds over 45 patents for advances in loudspeaker design and technology. Polk products are distributed the US and Canada and in over 50 countries. Consumers can reach Polk Audio by phone (800) 377-7655, by email polkcs@polkaudio.com and on the web www.polkaudio.com.

NetStreams, Headquartered in Austin, Texas, provides sophisticated networked audio leading the marketplace in technological innovation. NetStreams utilizes advanced digital technologies to ensure superior performance. NetStreams is committed to utilizing state-of-the-art human engineering to create home entertainment products that are truly user-friendly and future-compatible. NetStreams is creating the future of home entertainment – today. www.netstreams.com