Norway’s Kilden Performing Arts Centre Opens With Extensive HARMAN Audio System

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands – The new Kilden Performing Arts Centre (Konserthuset Kilden) in the Norwegian city of Kristiansand is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated arts venues in Scandinavia. Constructed at a cost of 1.7 billion NOK (US $287.3 million) and covering a gross area of 15,000 square meters, Kilden features an advanced technological infrastructure across four separate halls. To meet the high demands of this prestigious new facility, territorial distributor LydRommet AS provided a massive variety of HARMAN audio components for the sound reinforcement systems in each space, including JBL VERTEC® line array elements, BSS Soundweb London digital networking, Crown CTs Series amplifiers and Soundcraft Vi Series consoles.

Owned by the Kristiansand Local Council and Vest-Agder County Council, who helped fund it, Kilden will be the joint center for Agder Regional Theater, Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra and Opera Sør (the regional opera company). ALA Architects of Finland designed the complex so that all halls can be used simultaneously. The Concert Hall is the largest space with 1,185 seats, while the Theater accommodates 700 seats, and the Multi Hall and Small Auditorium can seat 235 and 150 seats, respectively.

The Concert Hall is equipped with 24 JBL VERTEC VT4887DP-DA powered compact line array elements, a center cluster of two JBL VP7212/64DP-DA and one JBL VP7212/95DP-DA powered loudspeaker, eight JBL VPSB7118DP powered subwoofers, four JBL AC28 compact loudspeakers, 14 JBL AC2212/00 compact loudspeakers, four JBL AC26 ultra-compact loudspeakers, with Crown CTs amplifiers assigned to the non-powered loudspeakers. Processing was carried out in a BSS Soundweb London environment, with front of house mixing via a Soundcraft Vi6.

The Theater features 32 JBL VERTEC VT4886 subcompact line array elements powered by Crown VRack systems, a center cluster of two JBL VP7212/95DP-DA and one JBL VP7212/64DP-DA powered loudspeaker. An additional eight JBL AC26 ultra-compact loudspeakers and 12 JBL 8350 cinema surround loudspeakers round out the system, powered by Crown CTs amplifiers. The same Soundweb components were installed as in the Concert Hall, along with another Soundcraft Vi6.

The Multi Hall is equipped with three JBL VP7212/95DP-DA powered loudspeakers, with two JBL VPSB7118DP powered subwoofers, BSS BLU800 and BLU120 digital signal routers and a Soundcraft Vi4 digital mixing desk.

The Small Auditorium features a pair each of JBL VP7212/95DP-DA powered loudspeakers and VPSB7118DP powered subwoofers, complemented by a BSS BLU800 and BSS BLU 120, and Soundcraft Vi1 (along with Vi6 stage box).

Monitoring resources for all stages consist of 24 JBL VP7212MDP powered stage monitors, 14 JBL VP7210/95DP powered loudspeakers, 10 JBL AC15 ultra-compact loudspeakers, a Crown CTs 8200 amplifier and a Soundcraft Vi6 desk.

In addition to these, LydRommet has also equipped a 5.1 recording studio and control room with five JBL LSR6328P studio monitors and an LSR6312SP studio monitor subwoofer. The room also features a Soundcraft Vi4 desk and BSS BLU100 processing.The control room can pick up the MADI from the mixers in each of the four halls to record the performances. Patching can be either manual, or via an RME MADI bridge if also routed to either of the two OB vehicles outside, for which provision has been made in LydRommet’s clever cabling architecture.

The central sound distribution consists of a BSS BLU800 and BSS BLU120, with four BSS BLU16, and 50 JBL Control 25AV surface-mount loudspeakers. Kilden also features 30 channels of AKG DMS 700 wireless microphone systems.

For the official inauguration of Kilden on January 6, national broadcaster NRK brought its HD2 large TV bus and TR23 Soundbus, using its own Studer Vista 9 and Vista 8 mixing consoles respectively, in conjunction with the installed Soundcraft Vi6 and Vi4 (and three Soundcraft Si Compact boards).

The main music mix was carried out on the Vista 8 while a temporary control room was set up inside the building, where the 32-channel, 24-channel and 16-channel Soundcraft Si Compacts produced sub mixes for the TR23 OB—sending groups of strings from the symphony orchestra as well as groups from the 100-piece choir.

LydRommet had originally been invited to tender for the contract five years ago in a bid involving five companies. They successfully responded to a specification produced by Ivar Thommasen at Brekke & Strand Akustikk AS for a contract that included a video and digital signage section, a paging/show monitoring system and a stage management system in addition to the core speech and music reinforcement systems and complete cable infrastructure.

“The client asked for half-year adjustments to make the solution work in the best way defined for the job,” explained LydRommet project manager Alf Christian Hvidsteen. “This allowed us to optimize the system and make full use of the integrated solutions that HARMAN can provide.”

Working directly for the Kilden Project Group and alongside main contractor, AF Gruppen, LydRommet’s own in-house product specialists, Espen Andersen and Pål Solli, designed the sound reinforcement and distribution systems with the aid of AutoCAD, HARMAN HiQnet Performance Manager™, System Architect™, London Architect™ and JBL’s Line Array Calculator. The result was a show relay system incorporating 200 speaker stations—fed and controlled by IP over Ethernet.

“The results, to put it mildly, were stunning,” Hvidsteen said. “The preview concerts as well as the opening ceremony were a very good test of both the acoustics and our loudspeaker choices. All systems worked very well and the customer and audience were very pleased with the results.”

High-resolution photos of the Kilden Performing Arts Centre are available at http://www.definitionbam.com/downloads/2012/Kilden_pictures.zip

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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HARMAN’s BSS Audio Brings AVB to Soundweb™ London With Introduction of BLU-805 and BLU-325 Processors

ANAHEIM, California – HARMAN’s BSS Audio today introduced AVB (IEEE Audio Video Bridging) functionality to its acclaimed Soundweb London family of digital signal processors with the addition of two Soundweb London devices. The new Soundweb London BLU-805 and BLU-325 devices are AVB versions of the BLU-800 and BLU-320 CobraNet™ siblings from which they are derived.

The BLU-805 offers the same configurable signal processing capability as the existing BLU-800 device. Both new devices offer configurable inputs and outputs, compatibility with all Soundweb London input and output card options, logic processing capability, the 256-channel Soundweb London digital audio bus and GPIO.

Each device offers up to 16 inputs and outputs, configurable in banks of four. Card options include analog mic/line inputs with Phantom Power, analog outputs, digital inputs (AES/EBU and S/PDIF), digital outputs, the Soundweb London AEC Input Card and the Soundweb London Telephone Hybrid Card.

The BLU-805 and BLU-325 devices allow 64 incoming AVB channels and 64 outgoing AVB channels at 48kHz, or 32 incoming AVB channels and 32 outgoing AVB channels at 96kHz. Configuration, control and monitoring is provided by HiQnet™ London Architect.

Iain Gregory, Marketing Lead for Installed Sound at Harman Signal Processing stated, "Combining the proven and respected Soundweb London platform with the industry-supported AVB transport is a very natural evolutionary step for Soundweb London. It gives access to the incredible flexibility of Soundweb London and contemporary transport technology, all in a familiar environment.”

The BLU-805 and BLU-325 along with the other members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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Mahajak Equips New Zhulian Auditorium With HARMAN Audio Components

NONTABURI, Thailand – Consumer goods giant Zhulian (Thailand) Ltd. has developed a 2-storey mega-auditorium building on its premises in Nontaburi Province, adjacent to the regional office building. Center Stage Company, a subsidiary of Mahajak Development Co., the Bangkok-based HARMAN Professional distributor, provided audio system design, consultancy, equipment supply and installation services, centered on an integrated HARMAN audio solution.

With a capacity of 7,000 people, the technical infrastructure of the Royal Grand Ballroom, as it is known, needed to deliver high-quality music and speech reinforcement in a number of applications; these range from sales representative meetings, product presentations and themed entertainment.

Center Stage Company’s provided a JBL VERTEC® line array system, powered by Crown amplifiers, under the system management of BSS Audio and dbx digital signal processing. However, the integrators had to face a number of challenges along the way, due to the unusual dimensions of the room and difficulty of line array fixing points, the restricted control room size and necessity to add acoustic conditioning to the building. By working closely with the client, these issues were systematically resolved.

“We made every effort to set out our requirements and the client agreed to acoustically treat the building,” confirmed the system design engineering team of Nungrutai Sangsawang and Jirayu Nunium, for product information support from Mahajak Development. “As a result we have been able to provide a top-quality sound system with even dispersion to every seat in the house.”

The main auditorium PA rig features left and right hangs of 12 VERTEC VT4888 midsize line array elements per side, with eight JBL ASB6128 subwoofers, recessed and arrayed under the stage. To carry the sound down the auditorium, Center Stage Company installed a further four JBL AC28/95 compact 2-way speakers under the balcony.

Back onstage, the performers can use up to six SRX712M floor monitors, while out in the foyer a pair of JBL VRX932LA Constant Curvature loudspeakers have been deployed.

The entire system is powered by Crown amplification. While 24 MA5000i modules drive the main system and four MA12000i the subs, XTi 1000’s power other elements of the auditorium sound (including floor monitors) and CDi 4000 and CDi 1000 are assigned to other peripherals, including the Entrance Hall speakers.

Sound management has been placed in a BSS Audio Soundweb London environment, with a BLU-160 configured 8-in/8-out. The system is optimized via a pair of BSS Audio FDS-366T OMNIDRIVE COMPACT Plus loudspeaker management processors, with zone processing under the command of a dbx ZonePRO 640 Digital Zone Processor.

Keeping faith with other brands in the HARMAN portfolio, Center Stage Company installed a 32-channel compact Soundcraft Si1 console for main FOH auditorium mixing and EFX12 as a sub mixer support, for presenters bringing their own source players.

The full scope of the contract included providing AV integration and interior LED not only for the auditorium, but also the other peripheral areas.

From an audio perspective, the installers’ solution was to specify JBL Control 24’s in the Executive Area, Shop and Corridor, Control 26’s in the Diamond Club, Control 28’s in the Foyer, Control CRV‘s in the Canteen and CBT 70J’s in the Main Entrance.

Summing up, Ms Nungrutai said, “The client is very satisfied with our system design and quality of sound equipment, as well as our recommended improvements to the acoustics.”

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 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 12,500 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.0 billion for twelve months ending September 30, 2011.

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Staten Island’s ZTwo Restaurant Uses HARMAN’s JBL Loudspeakers for Dining, Dancing, DJs and More

NORTHRIDGE, California – ZTwo, one of Staten Island’s newest restaurants, offers its patrons a wide selection of food, drinks and activities—everything from providing a relaxing coffee shop atmosphere in the morning to showing sporting events on 22 big-screen monitors and a 96-inch video wall to pumping up the volume for late-night DJ partying.

To accommodate this social and sonic variety, ZTwo installed a sound system with more than 13 zones, featuring HARMAN’s JBL AE and Control® Contractor Series loudspeakers, powered by Crown amplifiers and tied together by a BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-100 signal processor/digital audio bus.

Commercial and residential systems integrator JD Systems of Staten Island designed and installed the audio system. “We had to make sure that the audio would accommodate a number of different areas equally well including the bar/lounge area, restaurant, lobby, VIP area and bakery,” noted Jonathan Joyce, one of the principals of JD Systems. “We wanted to deliver fidelity and enough headroom for DJs to come in and not blow things up. We like to design systems with some extra horsepower in case DJs want to push the system.”

“The bar and lounge area—where more SPL is needed—is on one side of the main floor, so we placed five JBL AM7215 loudspeakers there, along with one ASB7118 single-18 and two ASB7128 dual-18-inch subwoofers. The area isn’t a dedicated dance floor per se, but that’s where people dance at night and we have the subs positioned toward the DJ area.” The AM7215’s are bi-amped with Crown CTs Series CTs600 amps running the horns and CTs1200s for the woofers, and the subs are powered by a Crown MacroTech MA-9000i amp.

Eight JBL Control 47C/T speakers are installed in the restaurant area’s ceiling. The Control 47C/T speakers are designed to deliver extended bass with a wide 120-degree coverage area, enabling fewer speakers to handle a larger space. “We went with Control 24C/T in-ceiling speakers in a 70-volt distributed audio system for all the areas that needed background audio, including the bakery, lobby, VIP section and bathrooms, as well as for the bar/dance area when the main system is not on,” continued Joyce. “I didn’t want to have to have the whole amp rack running all the time; that system is only used for DJs, and the Control 47C/T and 24C/T in-ceilings do a great job handling the sound for all of ZTwo’s other audio needs.” All of the JBL Control speakers are powered by Crown CTs8200 and CTs4200 amplifiers.

The speakers and amplifiers are linked via a BSS BLU-100 signal processor and digital audio bus. “The BLU-100 is the brains of it all,” noted Joyce. “For the functionality it provides, the rack space you save is amazing. We also expect to expand into a rooftop bar in the future, and the BLU-100 enabled us to add a BSS break-out box to accommodate the addition of more zones.”

Joyce noted that although the ZTwo system has 4,000 watts of amplification for the subwoofers alone, it’s not going to disturb the restaurant’s diners. “We’ve set the subs to ramp up from 8 PM to full power at 11 PM, so no matter how hard the DJ plays at 9 pm, it won’t rattle the silverware. We can also turn off the subwoofers completely for a quiet event or private party.”

“When we chose the equipment for ZTwo, we were given creative license and a reasonable budget. We wanted good fidelity and high-quality, reliable products that would integrate well. That’s why we used Harman brands, along with the fact that I can call someone at Harman and they can recommend products across lines – JBL, Crown and BSS in this case – that work well together.”

For more information about JD Systems, please contact www.jdsystems.tv.

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 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011.

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HARMAN Audio System Highlights New PGE Arena Gdańsk For Upcoming UEFA Euro 2012 Championship

NORTHRIDGE, California — Polish audio integrator ESS Audio recently completed a major HARMAN installation at the new 44,000-seat PGE Arena in Gdánsk, Poland as the country prepares to co-host the UEFA Euro 2012 Championship. Replacing the previous Baltic Arena in the northern city, the PGE Arena Gdańsk takes its name from the Polish Energy Group.

The stadium’s exterior is designed to resemble amber, which has long been extracted on the Baltic coast. ESS Audio provided the main public address system for the main bowl and stands as well as 40 VIP lounges, conference rooms and the stadium’s official pub.

The main system features 75 JBL PD5212-64 WRX weather-resistant loudspeakers (to handle the extreme weather coming off the Baltic Sea), set in 24 clusters of three for the stand coverage, while the remaining three single speakers broadcast onto the field.

The PA is powered by a total of 34 Crown CTs 3000 amplifiers equipped with PIP-USP3/CN cards to provide full network control. Signal processing is provided by a BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-80 device, located in the audio control room and four BLU-32 devices set in each of the four amp rack positions. The design includes built-in redundancy, with a Crown CTs 3000 in each amp rack designated for emergency use (providing automatic changeover in the unlikely event of an amplifier failure). Each rack also includes a BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-32 device.

In the Skybox, the main control room houses a routing device for a Soundcraft GB 2/16 console and sends signals from four AKG 4500 channels of wireless microphones and three wired AKG microphones (a D5 and two C 535 EB II). Two JBL LSR2325P studio monitors provide near-field monitoring, along with AKG K 171 headphones. The processor rack also contains a BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-80 device and two dbx AFS 224 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processors.

The conference rooms feature JBL Control Series 29AV and Control 24CT loudspeakers, powered by Crown CDi series amps with processing handled by a dbx SC 32 Digital Matrix Processor and ZonePro 1260m Digital Zone Processors, along with eight channels of AKG 4500 wireless microphones.

“Despite a limited budget, the sound is excellent because of the HARMAN equipment, and the results of independent measurements showed excellent speech intelligibility and SPL,” stated director of ESS Audio, Witold Karalow.

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 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011.

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HARMAN’s BSS Audio® GS724T Ethernet AVB Switch Now Shipping

LONDON, United Kingdom – HARMAN BSS Audio today announced that the GS724T 24-Port Ethernet AVB Switch is now shipping. The BSS Audio GS724T is co-branded with NETGEAR®, Inc. a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions and represents the world’s first AVB (IEEE Audio Video Bridge) switch for networking multichannel audio and video over standardized Ethernet.

Standardized multichannel audio and video over Ethernet, enabled by AVB, provides AV professionals and their customers with considerable cost-per-node savings in deploying complex AV systems, while advancing integration, ease of use and system functionality and control.

HiQnet™ System Architect™ 3.0, includes the ability to add representations of the BSS Audio GS724T to the system design and add them to equipment racks if required. By specifying IP addresses for the GS724T devices represented within System Architect, designers are able to double-click on a GS724T and launch its web-management interface in the computer’s default web browser.

The IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging Task Group is an IEEE initiative comprising engineers from a host of technology leaders in the semiconductor, enterprise computing, automotive, professional AV, consumer electronics and networking solutions markets. The group has developed protocols to allow vendors to build a standards-based network with the appropriate quality of service for high-quality audio performance and production.

The IEEE 802.1 Audio Video Bridging standards provide three major enhancements for 802-based networks:
• Precise timing to support low-jitter media clocks and accurate synchronization of multiple streams
• A simple reservation protocol that allows an endpoint device to notify the various network elements in a path so that they can reserve the resources necessary to support a particular stream
• Queuing and forwarding rules that ensure that such a stream will pass through the network within the delay specified by the reservation

The enhancements enabled by IEEE 802.1 standards require no changes to the Ethernet lower layers and are compatible with all the other functions of a standard Ethernet switch (a device that follows the IEEE 802.1Q bridge specification).

The BSS Audio GS724T Ethernet AVB Switch completes the signal chain between forthcoming HARMAN Professional AVB-enabled products, such as the Ethernet AVB High Speed Option Card for the dbx® Professional Products SC Digital Matrix Processors.

HARMAN HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. HARMAN HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across HARMAN’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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HARMAN’s BSS Audio® Introduces Soundweb™ London BLU-8v2 Wall Controller At PLASA 2011

LONDON, United Kingdom – HARMAN BSS Audio, today introduced the Soundweb™ London BLU-8v2 Wall Controller as an updated replacement for the original BLU-8 Wall Controller at PLASA 2011.

The Soundweb London BLU-8v2 Wall Controller is available in white or black and offers Ethernet connectivity, direct or PoE powering, multiple modes of operation, simple control and visual feedback, a sleep feature and a lockout feature.

The BLU-8v2 Wall Controller shares the same feature set and appearance as the original BLU-8 Wall Controller but benefits from a significant hardware upgrade. Under the surface, the BLU-8v2 has much in common with the rack-mount Soundweb London devices and this revised hardware design offers significant enhancement to networking functionality.

The BLU-8v2 features two rotary encoders, one 9-segment meter and five push-buttons. The device can be configured to work in one of three modes of operation.

RGB LEDs on the BLU-8v2 allow unique colors to be assigned to differed zones, giving visual feedback and a high level of user confidence in adjustments made to remote zones. The BLU-8v2 and the other members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

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 12,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.8 billion for the twelve months ending June 30, 2011. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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Advanced Communication Equipment Renovates Audio System At Shanghai Culture Square With Complete HARMAN Solution

SHANGHAI, China – Completing the effort to update the Shanghai Culture Square, while keeping the structural and visual integrity of the 60-year-old theatre and adding the largest underground theatre in China, the Shanghai government contracted Advanced Communication Equipment Co. Ltd. to redesign the sound system. Building on its history of highly prestigious theatre renovations, including the China National Grand Theatre, Shanghai Grand Theatre and Shanghai Oriental Art Centre, ACE installed a complete HARMAN sound reinforcement system for this nationally recognized site.

Built more than a half century ago, The Shanghai Culture Square acts as a main venue for festivals, shows and other cultural activities in Shanghai. Due to its structural and technical limitations over the past few decades, it was imperative that the venue was reconstructed to allow for the ultimate in high-tech entertainment.

The sound system layout in the main theater, which hosts 2,000 guests on three levels has a left, center, right loudspeaker hang, fixed in the center, with adjustable clusters on the right and left. The center cluster boasts four JBL AM6200 loudspeakers, two AM4200 loudspeakers and three AL6115 loudspeakers to reduce cluster size and avoid disruption of the audience sightline from the balcony. The left and right hangs both contain 12 JBL VERTEC VT4888DP midsize powered line array elements and four VT4882 arrayable subwoofers.

The three clusters, combined with four additional ASB6128 subwoofers, provide the ultimate sound quality that easily adapts to multiple genres of performance.

The special sound effects speaker system, which was indispensable with the modernization of the theatre performances, was designed with 11.1 channels and comprised of 20 JBL Control 29AV monitors, 19 Control 300 series speakers and 10 SRX700 speakers. Forty-four Crown XTi series amplifiers powered the system, while five BSS Soundweb London BLU800 units processed the audio.

Ensuring any sound engineer could quickly manage the system, HARMAN’s Studer Vista 8 digital console was installed as the main console, while a Soundcraft MH3 analog console is used as a backup system, which can also work independently of the Vista 8. An additional Soundcraft Vi4 digital console serves as a portable FOH and monitoring console.

With a large quantity of equipment distributed through the technical, amplifier and master control rooms, the theatre utilizes HARMAN’s HiQnet System ArchitectTM for real-time monitor and control functionality.

ACE also provided an optical signal network system to serve the master control room, stage technical room, FOH, monitor console and OB van junction box to share signals. With this, all performance groups can utilize their own equipment and link into the house system through the already established network.

For more information on the Advanced Communication Equipment, please visit http://www.acehk.com.

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 twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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HARMAN’s BSS Audio® Soundweb™ London Provides Conferencing Solution for Corporate Auditorium

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — One of the world’s major producers and marketers of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services, recently completed a large auditorium for its Minnetonka, Minnesota corporate offices that includes a sophisticated audio/video system based around HARMAN’s BSS Audio Soundweb London networked signal processors. The system was installed by AVI Sytems of Eden Prairie, MN, a systems integrator that specializes in professional A/V installations for business, commercial, educational and government clients.

The auditorium’s BSS Audio equipment includes two Soundweb London BLU-160 signal processors with digital audio bus and two BLU-120 I/O expanders with digital audio bus. One BLU-160 is configured with four analog input cards, and the other BLU-160 is configured with a telephone hybrid card, AEC input card and two analog input cards. The two BLU-120 devices are configured with four AEC input cards and four analog output cards, respectively.

“Because we were outfitting a large auditorium, the A/V system needed to accommodate and route a large number of audio and video sources,” noted AVI design engineer, Joshua Peterson. “The audio system needed to have a full palette of processing tools available, and more importantly, have the processing power to seamlessly and noiselessly bring all program audio into the room through a high-fidelity, full-range speaker system. In addition, the system needed to manage multiple wireless and wired presenter microphones in the auditorium, with reinforced audio going through a distributed audio custom speaker system.”

“Additionally, telephone conferencing and video conferencing needed to be an integral part of the system, for meetings with large numbers of people both on- and off-site,” continued Peterson. “A streaming audio/video connection was also needed between the auditorium and the company’s existing office center several miles away. All of these conferencing options had to be available and have the ability to interact with each other – which the BSS Audio hardware made possible.”

Peterson pointed out some unique challenges when designing the installation: “The BSS Audio components needed to interface with the control system for volume and routing, as well as for multiple preset recalls. In addition, the system needed to operate in both automatic mixer mode as well as a full-manual control system.

“We were able to achieve this by creating presets for automatic and manual mixing, essentially enabling the BSS Audio components to serve a two-fold purpose. First, the system serves as an automatic mixer for all local and far-end audio. Secondly, the system functions as a speaker management and output management processor to handle either automatic (all internal to BSS Audio) mode or manual mixing mode.”

“I chose the Soundweb London BLU-160 and BLU-120 for their flexibility, robust processing capabilities and excellent signal quality throughput,” commented Peterson. “This project also gave me the opportunity to try out the new BSS Audio Acoustic Echo Cancellation algorithm, which worked extremely well.”

“I had been very pleased with the results we achieved with BSS Audio components in the past, and wanted a strong DSP-based solution for this auditorium/conference room. From a technical standpoint, the project was a huge success,” concluded Peterson. “The Acoustic Echo Cancellation has proven to be ready for our clients, and the system has plenty of ‘breathing room’ in terms of processing power. The type of processing and logic objects the BSS Audio hardware provides, and the total configurability of the Soundweb London platform, gave us the ability to overcome any of the challenges that were presented to us in setting up this installation.”

For more information about AVI Systems, please visit www.avisystems.com.

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 twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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HARMAN’s BSS Audio® Introduces Soundweb™ London BLU-8v2 Wall Controller At InfoComm 2011

ORLANDO, Florida – HARMAN BSS Audio, today introduced the Soundweb™ London BLU-8v2 Wall Controller as an updated replacement for the original BLU-8 Wall Controller at InfoComm 2011.

The Soundweb London BLU-8v2 Wall Controller is available in white or black and offers Ethernet connectivity, direct or PoE powering, multiple modes of operation, simple control and visual feedback, a sleep feature and a lockout feature.

The BLU-8v2 Wall Controller shares the same feature set and appearance as the original BLU-8 Wall Controller but benefits from a significant hardware upgrade. Under the surface, the BLU-8v2 has much in common with the rack-mount Soundweb London devices and this revised hardware design offers significant enhancement to networking functionality.

The BLU-8v2 features two rotary encoders, one 9-segment meter and five push-buttons. The device can be configured to work in one of three modes of operation.

RGB LEDs on the BLU-8v2 allow unique colors to be assigned to differed zones, giving visual feedback and a high level of user confidence in adjustments made to remote zones. The BLU-8v2 and the other members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

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 twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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HARMAN’s Professional Audio Solutions Deployed For Presidential Speech During Tsinghua University’s Centennial Celebration

BEIJING, China – Regularly ranked as one of the top universities in China and around the world, Tsinghua University, also known as Qinghua, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Held at 24th Night, an arena capable of accommodating 11,000 spectators and 2,000 performers, the celebration was addressed by Chinese President Hu Jintao through a complete HARMAN Professional sound reinforcement system deployed on a temporary stage outside the venue.

The University relied on two HARMAN Soundcraft Vi6 digital consoles for mixing, 48 JBL VERTEC® VT4889 line fullsize array elements and 24 VT4880A arrayable subwoofers for main sound reinforcement, 16 VT4887 compact line array elements for near-field compensating speakers and 16 PRX512M monitors. Ninety Crown IT9000 amplifiers powered the system, processed through four BSS BLU-80 devices.

The event was divided into four chapters, each symbolizing the University. “Water,” symbolizing a the historical origin of Tsinghua; “Wood,” ten trees, symbolizing one hundred years of personnel training; “Clear,” for the spirit of the University; and “China,” as in all sides of the country celebrating as one.

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 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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Swiss Federal Office For Sport Auditorium Receives Complete HARMAN Upgrade

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Swiss Federal Office for Sport has recently undergone a major renovation including a complete HARMAN professional audio solution featuring components from BSS Audio, Crown and JBL. The office is a center of excellence for all sport-related issues, situated as one of four such sites across Switzerland.

All audio equipment used in the installation was supplied by HARMAN Professional distributor, Dr.W.A.Günther Audio Systems AG and the installation was handled by system integrator Kilchenmann AG.

In the main hall speech intelligibility was a major priority. Two JBL AM5212/95 series loudspeakers, finished in white, are being used as front speakers, with six JBL AC16 compact speakers as delays in the 335 sq. metre hall.

Signal processing is handled by two BSS Audio Soundweb London BLU-100 devices and a BLU-BOB2 break-out box / output expander with three Crown CDi amplifiers powering the system.

Ensuring compliance with Swiss regulations for noise emissions, the system was subject to thorough technical and qualitative inspection at the first measurement stage. Lars Scheidegger, from Kilchenmann AG, who was responsible for project management stated, “The system not only complies with all regulatory requirements, but satisfies the requirement with its clear sound quality and extraordinary intelligibility at any point in the room.”

Smaller rooms found off the main hall each are equipped with a pair of JBL Control 25 loudspeakers and Crown XLS 202 power amplifier.

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 twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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HARMAN’s BSS Audio® Provides Soundweb™ London Level 1 Training at InfoComm 2011

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — At InfoComm 2011, HARMAN BSS Audio is providing its Soundweb London Level 1 Training. The syllabus includes overviews of the Soundweb London hardware and software, along with a comprehensive look at how to program and deploy Soundweb London systems. Conferencing is also covered in the training, including why Acoustic Echo Cancellation is needed and the benefits of Soundweb London conferencing solutions.

BSS Audio Soundweb London is an Ethernet-based networked system of digital audio signal processors, distribution components, programmable controllers and related devices. Soundweb London components are configured using HARMAN HiQnet™ London Architect™, a drag-and-drop programming interface that is intuitive to use, yet provides extensive system configuration options.

The Soundweb London Level 1 Training will be given on June 13 and June 14 at The Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. This 2-day course gives an introduction to Soundweb London and is intended for new users. Chris Chandler, BSS Audio Vertical Market Manager, and Kevin Brown, Product Specialist, will conduct the training. Attendees must bring a Windows-based laptop with HiQnet London Architect v3.06 installed (available for download at www.bssaudio.com/software.php). It is also recommended that attendees go through the 23 self-paced training modules at www.soundwebtraining.com prior to attending the training.

After completing the course at The Rosen Centre, attendees will have the opportunity to take the Level 1 Certification Exam online during their own time. Those who pass will receive their official BSS Audio Soundweb London Level 1 Certificate and eight InfoComm CTS RU (Certified Technology Specialist-Renewal Unit) credits.

Individuals who have taken a Soundweb London training course in the past may also be eligible to take the Level 1 Certification Exam. Please visit www.bssaudio.com/training.php for more information about eligibility requirements.

To register for the Soundweb London Level 1 Training at InfoComm 2011, please contact Staci Bash at 801-568-7555 or staci.bash@harman.com.

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 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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HARMAN’S BSS Audio® Releases HiQnet London Architect™ Version 3.06

HARMAN’S BSS Audio today introduced control and monitoring for additional Crown amplifiers with the release of HiQnet London Architect™ v3.06.  This latest release of the popular configuration, control and monitoring software for the Soundweb™ London family of networked signal processors now provides control and monitoring for select parameters of the Crown CTs 4200/8200, Macro-Tech i,and CTs amplifiers with USP4-CN PIP Module.

HARMAN HiQnet™, the connectivity and control protocol, has long facilitated tight integration between BSS Audio and Crown networked system components. The latest additions within HiQnet London Architect v3.06 complement existing support of the Crown PIP modules and complete support for control and monitoring of the CTs family of amplifiers.

Iain Gregory, Market Manager for Installed Sound at HARMAN Signal Processing stated, “The inclusion of the Crown PIP modules within HiQnet London Architect was originally a demonstration of the simple and straightforward integration of HARMAN networked system components, facilitated through the use of a common connectivity and control protocol, HARMAN HiQnet.”

In fact, the time- and cost-saving benefits realized through this demonstration of integration within larger Soundweb London installations were so significant that contractors and system integrators have frequently asked BSS Audio if similar support could be provided for newer system components from the Crown amplifier family.

Marc Kellom, Marketing Director for Crown stated “HARMAN has deployed more networked audio nodes than anyone in the business, and integrating additional Crown networked amplifiers into the London Architect software platform makes perfect sense – it gives our customers even more flexibility in how they approach audio system designs.”

The Soundweb London family of signal processors and Crown amplifiers provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

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BSS® Audio’s Soundweb™ London Networked Digital Signal Processors Provide the Backbone for Audio at the Computer History Museum

In January 2011, the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California completed a 2-year, $19 million renovation that included a total upgrade of its audio system. System designer Bowen Technovation turned to BSS Audio Soundweb London signal processors and networking products to serve as the backbone of the Museum’s large-scale audio system.

The Computer History Museum is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, an appropriate location for a facility dedicated to the preservation and celebration of computing history. The Museum is home to one of the largest international collections of computing artifacts in the world, including hardware, photographs, documents, software, movies and more.

“We chose BSS Audio because we needed a system that could accommodate the signal distribution, processing and control needs of a large, complex networked audio installation,” noted Bowen Technovation President, Jeff Bowen, whose company specializes in audio/video, lighting, control and production solutions for museums, planetariums, science centers and other facilities. The Museum’s BSS Audio equipment includes the BLU-160 signal processor, BLU-120 I/O expander and BLU-BOB2 (Break-Out Box) output expander. Each of these components feature the Soundweb London digital audio bus, which can carry up to 256 channels of digital audio over standard Cat5e cable. The entire audio system is networked using Harman’s HiQnet® protocol.

“The exhibit space has close to 100 video displays with sound, as well as four theaters,” noted Bowen. “Because of the long distances involved, extra care needed to be taken in the system design to ensure that signals from the control rooms reached their intended devices without loss of quality or dependability,” continued Bowen. “In addition, the exhibit space has an open design and achieving a good audio balance was a small challenge.”

Bowen may be understating that a bit. “Tuning each of the 100-plus audio systems took two days. The exhibits are very ‘live’ acoustically and with so many audio systems in operation at the same time, I had to be creative in differentiating the different sonic spaces with the use of frequency filtering and volume level adjustments. For example, in the seven-screen Exit Theater the room had a peak around 100 to 200Hz that was bleeding into the adjacent exhibits. By using the BLU-160 to notch very specific frequencies out of the system we greatly reduced the resonant bleed. The Soundweb London software and its straightforward user interface greatly facilitated the process – especially considering we used extensive processing on every audio channel in the place.”

“We created customized control pages for the routing and management of all of the more than 100 audio channels,” noted Bowen. “The ease of using the HiQnet London Architect configuration pages and their drag-and-drop functionality allowed us to provide this heavily customized system. In particular, the stereo processing objects made my work in tuning the system much easier than if we had used certain other audio processors.”

“We even tied the BSS Audio network in with customized motion sensors that allow the volume in the exhibits to automatically reduce in level when no visitors are present, and ramp up the volume when someone walks into the exhibit.”

“I believe the Computer History Museum is one of our best projects,” concluded Bowen. “The owner is very pleased with the results.”

For more information about Bowen Technovation, please visit http://www.bowentechnovation.com.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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 twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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Equestrian School in Austria Hits Target with BSS® Audio Soundweb™ London Installation

In a unique and challenging audio project, BSS Audio was chosen for sound processing at the new Glock Horse Performance Center in the Austrian town of Treffen bei Villach, in Carinthia. The school, named after its sponsor, Austrian firearms manufacturing Gaston Glock, needed the capability to provide consistent audio coverage across the facility’s four riding halls. The installation was performed by Musik-Aktiv with the assistance of Harman Professional distributor Kain Audio.

The facility deploys four Soundweb London BLU-160 devices and four BLU-BOB 8-channel output expanders, placed on the Soundweb London fault-tolerant digital audio bus. The two mobile racks are configured identically and the digital audio bus audio channels can be connected at four different points. Feeding the BLU-BOB devices, source inputs include four wireless commentator microphones (with pre-programmed ducking function), and a small external Soundcraft® mixer.

“The requirement was for a new system that would provide even coverage at sufficient volume, with excellent speech intelligibility,” said Kain’s IT and Applications Engineer, Iuliu Varga.

One rack is assigned to the first two riding halls and the second to the other two halls, with expandability provided for future outdoor coverage requirements. Since they are identical, the two racks also serve as redundant units.

“The digital audio bus channels don’t need any Ethernet switches — only patch panels. We only use Gigabit Ethernet switches in the two mobile racks to connect the BLU-160, touch-computer and wireless access point,” added Varga.

Sound reinforcement is provided by JBL® CBT 70J/70E and CBT 100 asymmetrical vertical columns, which send highly concentrated sound toward the back of the venue, while down-filling a broader, less concentrated sound to the front of the venue, thereby maintaining constant pattern control. Additionally, 58 JBL Control 29AV loudspeakers, 10 JBL Control 28 loudspeakers andlo 18 JBL Control 25 loudspeakers were deployed in various other areas, all powered by Crown® XTi series amplifiers.

“Gaston Glock is a purely quality-driven manager and he wanted the best. The operators are able to use the intuitive custom control panels, created within HiQnet London Architect, and are delighted with the result,” stated Christian Kain, president, Kain Audio.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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BSS Audio® BLU-100 Provides Upgraded Signal Processing To Soundweb™ London Series

BSS Audio®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), today added a cost-effective signal processor to its acclaimed Soundweb™ London family of digital signal processors. The new Soundweb London BLU-100 represents a premium, open-architecture solution in the form of a highly flexible, cost-effective and scalable package.

The BLU-100 offers a fixed configuration of 12 inputs and eight outputs, configurable signal processing, logic processing and a fault tolerant digital audio bus. The configurable signal processing capability offered by the BLU-100 is roughly twice that of the Soundweb London BLU-80 and BLU-16 devices.

The analog inputs of the BLU-100 provide software configurable gain in 6dB steps up to +48dB per channel and software selectable Phantom Power per channel. Phantom Power, Signal Present and Clip information per channel is easily accessible, without the requirement for a PC, from clear front panel LED indication.

The BLU-100 features a low latency, fault tolerant digital audio bus of 48 channels which uses standard Category 5e cabling giving a distance of 100m between compatible devices. Fiber media converters can be used to increase the distance between devices to over 10km (6.2 miles) using single mode fiber.

The BLU-100 is configured, controlled and monitored from HiQnet™ London Architect and is compatible with other members of the Soundweb London family. Its 48 channel digital audio bus represents channels 1-48 of the larger 256 channel digital audio bus when integrated with the BLU-800, BLU-320, BLU-160, BLU-120 and BLU-BOB devices. Up to 60 digital audio bus compatible devices can share channels on a single bus.

As with other Soundweb London devices, 12 Control Inputs and six Logic Outputs allow the BLU-100 to be integrated with GPIO compatible devices.

Iain Gregory, market manager for installed sound at Harman Music Group stated, “The BLU-100 is an example of where user feedback, combined with the leveraging of Soundweb London’s technology, functionality and flexibility has resulted in the development of a truly game-changing product. The BLU-100 broadens the reach of Soundweb London and makes a solution strongly associated with high-profile projects available to many more applications.”

The BLU-100 and the other members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

BSS Audio is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com).
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 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010.  The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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BSS Audio® Introduces Full-Bandwidth Acoustic Echo Cancellation Algorithm for Soundweb London Conferencing Processors

BSS Audio®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), today introduced a new full-bandwidth Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) algorithm for its Soundweb™ London conferencing processors. The new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm is released with HiQnet London Architect v3.04 and can be used with existing Soundweb London AEC Input Cards and the recently-introduced Soundweb London BLU-101 and BLU-102 devices.

The existing 8kHz-bandwidth AEC algorithm is optimized for POTS, VoIP phone system and digital phone system applications. The new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm facilitates enhanced fidelity for specific applications, while also offering a reduced processing latency. A property within HiQnet London Architect v3.04 allows users to switch between the new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm and the existing 8kHz-bandwidth algorithm. Dedicated full-bandwidth ‘dry’ signals for local sound reinforcement or recording are offered for both AEC algorithms.

Existing installations can be upgraded to accommodate full-bandwidth content, without the requirement for additional hardware. However, when upgrading systems to HiQnet London Architect v3.04, they will continue to use the 8kHz-bandwidth AEC algorithm unless manually switched to use the new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm. Therefore, changes will not be forced upon existing systems.

New Soundweb London designs will default to using the new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm, which also gives excellent performance with POTS and VoIP systems, in addition to the accommodation of full-bandwidth content.

Iain Gregory, market manager for installed sound at Harman Signal Processing stated, "BSS Audio is new to the conferencing market but our products and algorithms have already won favor with many experienced consultants and system integrators as a direct result of live demonstrations. The addition of a full-bandwidth AEC algorithm as a software upgrade for the AEC Input Cards and the BLU-101 and BLU-102 devices brings another important conferencing tool to applications large and small.”

The BLU-101 and BLU-102 along with the other members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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BSS Audio® Introduces Full-Bandwidth Acoustic Echo Cancellation Algorithm for Soundweb London Conferencing Processors

BSS Audio®, a Harman International Company (NYSE-HAR), today introduced a new full-bandwidth Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) algorithm for its Soundweb™ London conferencing processors. The new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm is released with HiQnet London Architect v3.04 and can be used with existing Soundweb London AEC Input Cards and the recently-introduced Soundweb London BLU-101 and BLU-102 devices.

The existing 8kHz-bandwidth AEC algorithm is optimized for POTS, VoIP phone system and digital phone system applications. The new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm facilitates enhanced fidelity for specific applications, while also offering a reduced processing latency. A property within HiQnet London Architect v3.04 allows users to switch between the new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm and the existing 8kHz-bandwidth algorithm. Dedicated full-bandwidth ‘dry’ signals for local sound reinforcement or recording are offered for both AEC algorithms.
Existing installations can be upgraded to accommodate full-bandwidth content, without the requirement for additional hardware. However, when upgrading systems to HiQnet London Architect v3.04, they will continue to use the 8kHz-bandwidth AEC algorithm unless manually switched to use the new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm. Therefore, changes will not be forced upon existing systems.

New Soundweb London designs will default to using the new full-bandwidth AEC algorithm, which also gives excellent performance with POTS and VoIP systems, in addition to the accommodation of full-bandwidth content.


Iain Gregory, market manager for installed sound at Harman Signal Processing stated, "BSS Audio is new to the conferencing market but our products and algorithms have already won favor with many experienced consultants and system integrators as a direct result of live demonstrations. The addition of a full-bandwidth AEC algorithm as a software upgrade for the AEC Input Cards and the BLU-101 and BLU-102 devices brings another important conferencing tool to applications large and small.”

The BLU-101 and BLU-102 along with the other members of the Soundweb London family provide the building blocks of the perfectly tailored system solution.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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Red Bull’s® Flugtag Flies High With AVB + Harman HiQnet System Architect™

Human-powered flight has been a dream sought after for centuries and accomplished only very recently. Red Bull® gave contestants a crack at this rarely achieved fantasy during its summer-long Flugtag competition, held nationwide. In Long Beach, California, 105,000 spectators watched teams push whimsical contraptions from a pier, and the event sounded as good as it looked, thanks to the open-sourced approach to the next generation of digital audio networking, IEEE 802.1 AVB Bridging protocol, enabled by AVB-compliant technology from Harman Professional. The signal control chain consisted of four dbx SC 32 Digital Matrix Processors and 24 AVB-capable Crown CTs 3000power amplifiers, as well a half-dozen network bridge switches from BSS Audio/NETGEAR® configured and controlled using Harman HiQnet System Architect™. On Stage Audio (OSA), led by vice president Jim Risgin, deployed the AVB system.

The crowd at the Long Beach edition of the Red Bull Flugtag was so enormous that the exit ramp off I-710 had to be closed, with all parking garages at full capacity and traffic gridlocked throughout the downtown area. The hundreds of thousands that secured a spot were rewarded with the spectacle of human flight as 34 teams launched their crafts off a 30-foot flight deck in an attempt to defy gravity (the international Flugtag flight distance record now stands at 207 feet and was set in Minneapolis/St. Paul on July 24, 2010). The sound system used for the event was less whimsical than the aircraft but surprisingly just about as simple.  Using the HiQnet System Architect’s virtual software environment, Red Bull ran audio and control data signals to three distant points, from the console to two parts of the pier 4,500 feet away. The efficiency of this transport protocol enabled them to know the precise amount of equipment needed to handle a project of any size, with far less technology than ever before.

“The systems at Long Beach would have cost 10 times as much last year, in terms of hardware rentals and purchases,” said Risgin. “AVB is the ultimate convergence of AV and IT, so we’re able to use the much-less-expensive IT types of components, like terminations and the BSS Audio/NETGEAR switches we used here, rather than the more costly equipment made specifically for pro audio applications.  We’re leveraging the economies of scale of the IT industry.”

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 11,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.2 billion for the last twelve months ended March 31, 2010. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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For additional information, contact:

Daniel O’Connell
Definition Branding & Marketing
Daniel.oconnell@definitionbam.com
(212) 660 2555-Ext. 12

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