SRS Labs' WOW Stereo Enhancement Technology Goes Mobile With New Kenwood Car CD Receivers
Kenwood Markets SRS WOW as Key New Audio Feature in 2003 Line of In-Dash CD Receivers SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 4 -- SRS Labs, Inc. , a leading provider of innovative audio, voice and ASIC technology solutions, today announced that Kenwood has included SRS WOW(TM) as Kenwood's premier audio feature in its new 2003 line of in-dash CD receivers. Kenwood introduced its new 2003 models, including the three that feature SRS WOW, at last month's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. These products mark the first time that WOW audio processing has been incorporated into car audio products on a worldwide basis. WOW provides three primary benefits to mobile audio listeners including 1) it elevates sound vertically, which is useful in vehicles where speakers are often located in kick panels and other low areas, 2) it creates the perception of a three-dimensional sound field, including a pronounced center channel, using conventional two-channel stereo sources, and 3) it uses bass harmonics to create the aural impression of very low frequencies, even from small speakers. Brian Towne, director of product management for Kenwood USA said, "Kenwood car products meet the need of mobile entertainment enthusiasts and it's the inclusion of a superior audio technology, such as SRS WOW, that enables us to continue to make products practical and affordable that offer cutting edge technology. We are pleased to be the first products for the mobile market that include SRS WOW and feel we are in an excellent position to increase our receiver market share for the fourth consecutive year." Kenwood's 2003 line of competition-grade Excelon(TM) mobile CD receivers feature two models equipped with SRS WOW sound enhancement technology, the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X969 and KDC-X869. The company also introduced its 2003 line of Kenwood-branded in-dash CD receivers featuring the KDC-MP922 model, which also includes SRS WOW and is one of four models that play MP3 files using new high-speed file access technology. Thomas C.K. Yuen, chairman and CEO of SRS Labs said, "These new car audio receivers from Kenwood featuring WOW are a prime example of our strategy to expand our relationships with current OEM customers across different product lines. We intend to focus on similar opportunities to expand business with other OEMs using this 'penetrate and expand' business strategy." About Kenwood Founded in 1961, Kenwood USA Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of audio and video products for home, car, and personal use. Offering more than 250 products, Kenwood is one of the three largest selling brands of audio and video entertainment products in the United States and is recognized by consumers and the consumer electronics industry for providing superior quality, reliability and value. Kenwood USA Corporation, based in Long Beach, Calif., is the largest subsidiary of Kenwood Corporation (Japan). Further information can be obtained by contacting Kenwood USA Corporation, P.O. Box 22745, Long Beach, CA 90801, by calling 1-800-Kenwood, or by visiting http://www.kenwoodusa.com . About SRS Labs Inc. SRS Labs, Inc. ( http://www.srslabs.com ) and its subsidiaries provide advanced technology solutions for high volume and/or high growth consumer markets, including home theater, PC/multimedia, automotive, portable audio, and wireless devices. SRS Labs, the parent company, develops the core audio and voice technologies and licenses these patented technologies to over 200 well-known manufacturers and semiconductor companies, including Sony, RCA, Panasonic, Philips, Kenwood, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Microsoft, and Pioneer. ValenceTech, Ltd., ( http://www.valencetech.com ) SRS Labs' Hong Kong-based subsidiary, is a leading designer of custom application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and standard ICs for the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics, game consoles, telecommunications and computer products. Valence has an extensive library of analog, digital and mixed signal macro cells and broad range of intellectual property for ICs. SRS Labs' subsidiary, SRSWOWcast Technologies, ( http://www.srstechnologies.com ) focuses on the Internet and broadcast markets by developing and licensing customized hardware and software products incorporating SRS Labs' patented technologies. The information on the above-referenced websites is not incorporated by reference into this press release. For further information please contact: Investor, Tami Yanito, ext. 3093, tami@srslabs.com , or Media, Jennifer Drescher, ext. 5010, jenniferd@srslabs.com , both of SRS Labs, Inc., +1-949-442-1070.