CES 2009: Audiovox Shows 2 AR-Brand Speakers

By Staff -- TWICE, January 8, 2009

LAS VEGAS — Audiovox will be showing the Acoustic Research 5.1 modular wireless speaker conversion system during International CES, in the Central Hall, booths 10506 and 11006.

This system is the recent winner of the 2009 CEA Innovations Honoree Award. The ARW51's true point-to-multipoint technology takes any 5.1 speaker system and makes it wireless. It allows the user to place each receiver at any location within range, providing great flexibility and eliminating audible noise and distortion, the company said.

Its diversity antennas help overcome problems with multi-path fading (signals bouncing off walls, people, etc). Transmission of six full-bandwidth, 16-bit, CD-quality audio channels eliminates audible noise and distortion, the company said. ARW51 delivers true CD-quality sound while avoiding any potential interference from cordless phones, 802.11 computer networks and microwave ovens, it added.

Tom Malone, president, Audiovox Electronics, said, "The ARW51 was designed to give consumers a 5.1 system with rear channels or subwoofer where needed, without the need to run speaker wire or an audio cable."

The suggested retail is $699.

Acoustic Research is also showing a flat subwoofer (model FPS10) that was developed for people who desire exceptional bass performance in a discrete package that fits under a sofa or behind furniture.

The FPS10 generates maximum bass impact with its extremely high dynamic range of 550 watts under a heavy load. This subwoofer's integrated high-efficiency switching power supply and Class D amplifier has a heatsink-less design to save space and energy without compromising power output.

FPS10 is compact (4.9-inch by 17.5-inch by 23.1-inch) and will be available in early this year for a manufacturer's suggested retail of $499.