Flat Panel Mania, Everything MP3 and Simple Surround Sound to Drive Consumer Electronics Holiday Sales

Flat Panel Mania, Everything MP3 and Simple Surround Sound to Drive Consumer Electronics Holiday Sales

Cambridge SoundWorks' A/V Experts Highlight Hottest Holiday Picks

ANDOVER, Mass., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Easy-to-install surround sound systems, flat panel TVs, compact audio systems and MP3 players will likely be in great demand this holiday season, according to the Audio/Video experts at Cambridge SoundWorks. Consumer electronics that the entire family can enjoy will be the primary influence for holiday shopping purchases.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050711/NEM024 )

Cambridge SoundWorks highlights what they expect to be some of the most popular products this season. For additional advice on audio/video products, consumers can visit Cambridge SoundWorks' retail locations in New England or the San Francisco Bay area, or go to http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/ or call (800)-FOR-HIFI to speak with an A/V expert.

Surround sound without the hassle.

For folks who want surround sound, but don't want to deal with the hassle, not to mention space requirements, of installing a multi-speaker system, a huge breakthrough in home theater technology has arrived -- virtual surround sound. SurroundWorks 200 ($999.99) uses a single, multi-channel center speaker placed on or mounted above the TV. This one speaker emulates the surround effect of five or more individual speakers -- no need for wiring and finding space for separate ones here. SurroundWorks' speaker is paired with a powerful subwoofer and stylish DVD/AM/FM control center, and the entire system is wired using just two foolproof connecting cables.

Audio systems for MP3 users.

MP3 players are cranking out room filling sound thanks to audio systems like PlayDock MP3 ($199.99). PlayDock MP3 fits most popular MP3 players, including Creative's Zen and Zen Micro, Apple's iPod and iPod mini, as well as Dell's DJ and Pocket DJ. So everyone in the family, regardless of which player they use, can share their music. Since PlayDock MP3 runs on an extended-life rechargeable battery, it can be used cord-free for up to 10 hours of continuous playtime, inside or outside the home. But the best thing about PlayDock MP3 is its great sound. Packed inside its sturdy enclosure are 3 speakers, including a powerful subwoofer that crank out crisp, full-bodied tunes.

MP3 players to suit every style.

Players like the Creative Zen MicroPhoto 8GB ($249.99) let users take their music and photos with them wherever they go. Winner of a Best of CES 2005 award, Zen MicroPhoto features a vivid color display, letting users view photos or browse through music playlists from wildly colorful menus. With a huge 8GB capacity, users can store up to 4,000 songs for music on the go, or keep thousands of photos with them. Zen MicroPhoto comes in 10 dramatic colors, has a removable, rechargeable Li-ion battery that offers up to 15 hours of continuous playtime, FM radio and recorder, and a voice recorder.

All in one stereo systems.

For rooms like the kitchen, den or spare bedroom, where adding music would make a great addition but space is limited, high-end table radios like the SoundWorks Radio CD 740 ($349.99) are excellent solutions. The SoundWorks Radio CD has three speakers, including a powered subwoofer, offering rich, natural, room-filling sound normally associated with larger audio systems. Its front loading CD plays standard CDs as well as MP3 files on CD-ROM. Radio Data Service (RDS) lets users view station information, and a great FM/AM tuner completes this feature-packed system. Front and rear auxiliary inputs for additional CD or MP3 players, dual alarms, and an ultra-compact remote control are also included.

It's all about flat panel.

For those looking at the big picture, it's a great time to buy a flat panel TV -- they're coming down in price and are loaded with extras. Sharp's LC-32D6U AQUOS LCD HDTV has everything needed for HDTV viewing, including a built-in HD tuner. The LC-32D6U is digital cable ready with full CableCARD "Plug and Play" capability. It also has a detachable bottom speaker and its included table stand can easily be removed for wall mounting. And, the LC- 32DU6U's elegant style will add a nice touch to any room.

About Cambridge SoundWorks

In addition to manufacturing over 70 different models of home theater and multimedia loudspeakers, high performance radios and assorted audio products, Cambridge SoundWorks focuses its retail operations on home theater solutions, custom installation and is a leader in offering personal digital entertainment products including the widest array of MP3 players. The company sells its award-winning line through its retail stores, online at http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/ and catalog operation at 1-800-FOR-HIFI. Cambridge SoundWorks has partnerships with some of the country's leading consumer electronics retailers, including Fry's Electronics, J&R Music and Computer World and Amazon.com. Cambridge SoundWorks products are also sold globally via parent company, Creative Technology Ltd. -- the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for PC users.

This announcement relates to products launched in the United States of America. The product names, contents, prices and availability are subject to change and may differ elsewhere in the world according to local factors and requirements. PlayDock and SurroundWorks are trademarks of Cambridge SoundWorks, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050711/NEM024
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Cambridge SoundWorks

CONTACT: Maria Cataldo of Cambridge SoundWorks, +1-978-623-4472,
mcataldo@cambridgesoundworks.com

Web site: http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/

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