Harman Kardon Launches Home Theatre Systems

Harman International Industries announced its new Harman Kardon BDS 400, BDS 800, BDS 2 SO and BDS 5 SO home theatre systems.

For more information visit: www.harman.com


Unedited press release follows:

HARMAN Simplifies Home Entertainment Experience with New Harman Kardon® BDS Systems

Powerful integrated receivers function as single system for seamless audio performance

STAMFORD, Conn.–HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), today announced the availability of new Harman Kardon® home theater products that bring cinema quality sound to your home in a sleek, compact, and easy to operate design. The BDS series features two integrated home entertainment systems, the Harman Kardon BDS 400 and Harman Kardon BDS 800.

Boasting rich connectivity options for all your digital devices and supreme cinema sound, these all-in-one home theater audio systems include everything you need for great surround sound from virtually any movie or music source. Both models feature a powerful receiver integrated with a Blu-ray Disc™, DVD and CD player, along with an FM tuner to deliver a seamless home entertainment experience from a single unit, eliminating the need for extra receivers. For added ease of use, the BDS systems also feature foolproof setup with an intuitive on-screen menu system and an easily programmed remote.

“With the ever-changing technology in home entertainment today, devices can be too complicated and cumbersome for homes,” said David Slump, president, HARMAN Consumer Division. “The BDS series simplifies the process. An immersive home theater experience is now possible for rooms of any size by just pressing Play.”

The BDS 400 includes a powerful BDS 2 SO integrated receiver for 2.1 channel sound through two front speakers and a subwoofer. Simpler than many stereo music systems, and vastly more capable, the BDS 400 also features Dolby® Virtual Speaker technology to simulate the surround-sound experience of movies and music with all the clarity and fidelity of the original material from two compact loudspeakers.

The BDS 800 is the most muscular system, delivering a true surround-sound experience with four voice-matched satellites, a center-channel speaker, a subwoofer and the BDS 5 SO integrated receiver. Versatile and easy to use, the compact 5.1 channel system envelopes you in an uncanny 360-degree soundscape with heart-stopping bass for the ultimate movie experience at home.

Availability
The Harman Kardon BDS 400, BDS 800, BDS 2 SO and BDS 5 SO are all available now at http://www.harmankardon.com.

Harman Kardon BDS 400 2.1-channel integrated home entertainment system    Price: $999

* Complete home theater audio system features left- and right-channel speakers, a powerful subwoofer and a BDS 2 SO integrated receiver

* Compact, stylish design

* Dolby Virtual Speaker technology simulating 5.1-channel surround sound

* Compact powered subwoofer extends and enhances bass response

* 2-1/2-way crossover network improves the transition between midrange and high-frequency drivers for more natural sound

Harman Kardon BDS 800 5.1-channel integrated home entertainment system    Price: $1499

* Complete home theater audio system features, four voice-matched satellite and center-channel speakers, a powerful subwoofer and a BDS 5 SO integrated receiver

* Compact, stylish design

* Identical dual-driver satellites boast award-winning, voice-matched speakers

* Dedicated dual-driver center speaker delivers distinct dialogue

* 2-1/2-way crossover network improves transition between midrange and high-frequency drivers for more natural sound

BDS 2 SO Integrated Receiver (Can be purchased separately)    Price: $699

* Powerful receiver is integrated with a versatile Blu-ray Disc/DVD/CD player and FM tuner

* Reads most digital music and photo file formats

* Front-panel USB port easily connects portable players and flash drives

* iPod/iPhone compatibility via Harman Kardon The Bridge IIIP dock (not included)

* Upgradeable firmware – easily install any firmware upgrades that become available via the on-screen display

BDS 5 SO Integrated Receiver (Can be purchased separately)    Price: $799

* Powerful receiver is integrated with a versatile Blu-ray Disc/DVD/CD player and FM tuner

* Reads most digital music and photo file formats

* Front-panel USB port easily connects portable players and flash drives

* iPod/iPhone compatibility via Harman Kardon The Bridge IIIP dock (not included)

* Upgradeable firmware – easily install any firmware upgrades that become available via the on-screen display

* Designed to support 5.1-channel surround-sound systems

About HARMAN
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the 12 months ended December 31, 2010. The company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.