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Bang & Olufsen Enters the Automotive Sector Corporate/Events | Just Announced Fri 13 Jan 2006 ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Jan. 12 -- Bang & Olufsen, the global provider of high-end home theaters and custom multi-room music systems, together with Audi, the leading German manufacturer of distinctive, luxury automobiles, is proud to announce the arrival of the Advanced Sound System that is custom-made for the A8 and S8 models in addition to the new Audi Roadjet concept car unveiled this week at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Advanced Sound System will make its debut to the North American public this week and will be available in the summer of 2006. The system sets new standards in automotive audio in the clarity of its sound staging for all passengers, its controlled tonal balance, and its exceptional response to changes in background noise conditions. "Bang & Olufsen is world renowned for our knowledge and expertise in the field of hi-fi and video," stated Bang & Olufsen CEO Torben Ballegaard Sorensen. "Our mission is to produce high quality products with emphasis on design, craftsmanship and innovation. In addition, Audi has established its position in the car industry through innovation and quality. Therefore, both companies were driven by the ambition to give the customer optimal enjoyment and a unique experience, and we are very pleased to collaborate with such a strong brand." Unrivalled Performance The new system has been specially adapted to the conditions inside the car, providing a unique musical experience while driving. This experience is achieved by the use of a powerful digital signal processor, discrete amplification for each loudspeaker and Acoustic Lenses. Acoustic Lens Technology* is licensed exclusively to Bang & Olufsen. It provides a wide horizontal sound dispersion of high frequencies in the car's interior. The Acoustic Lenses automatically rise out of the dashboard when the sound system is engaged, ensuring an extremely detailed acoustic stage from any seat in the car. The Advanced Sound system also employs Bang & Olufsen's patented digital amplifier technology, ICEpower, which supplies the 14 loudspeaker units with an unprecedented 1000 watts of power. The system stands out from others on the market because it was created to solve the problem of uneven spatial characteristics of the sound stage. It can be optimized for up to four passenger settings with its 14channel digital signal sound processor, and each of the 14 loudspeaker units are powered by its own amplifier in a self-contained cabinet, which results in minimal exterior sound leakage outside of the car. In addition, the system continuously compensates for changes in interfering background noises such as those caused by the engine, tires, air conditioning, wind or even changes in pavement or rain conditions. Audi also has great expectations for the cooperation with Bang & Olufsen, as evidenced by the Advanced Sound System's presence in the new Roadjet car concept. "The character of the Audi A8 as the most dynamic saloon car in the luxury segment is molded by trend setting design and technology, and the Bang & Olufsen Sound System specially developed for each car rounds this off," says Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO at Audi. The Advanced Sound System will be offered as an upgrade in the A8/S8 class automobiles. In Germany, it is priced at 6000 Euro and US pricing is yet to be set. Expected arrival date is July 2006. *Acoustic Lens Technology is licensed from Sausalito Audio Works LLC. http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/news/view.php?id=3537&cid=