New Harman Kardon® Audio/Video Receivers Accomplish Flawless Versatility and Performance

STAMFORD, Conn., May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, introduces three new audio/video receivers that seamlessly mesh versatility, quality and efficiency to create a peerless multimedia experience. The Harman Kardon^® AVR 1510, AVR 1610 and AVR 1710 feature the brand's iconic styling and unmatched sound reproduction in addition to enhanced support for streaming and external devices. Harman Kardon launched the world's first audio receiver in 1953 and the first stereo receiver in 1958.

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The three new AVRs deliver a powerful audio experience as well as an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly design. The Harman Kardon AVR 1x10 Series utilizes new HARMAN GreenEdge^™ technology, which provides dramatic energy savings without compromising premium performance using digital power supply to improve efficiency without compromising on Harman Kardon legendary sound performance. A smaller, lightweight design also results in a lower carbon footprint.

"More and more audio and video content comes from multiple digital-based sources, such as a 'smart' TV, smartphone or tablet, playback convenience become the driving force in entertainment while sound quality has been overlooked," said Sachin Lawande, executive vice president of HARMAN and co-president of HARMAN Lifestyle and Infotainment. "The new Harman Kardon AVRs bring beautiful sound back to the home entertainment experience. A movie might look good on an HDTV, but if the quality of the sound doesn't match that of the picture, the experience is not satisfying. These Harman Kardon AVRs deliver a superior experience with more connectivity."

The new AVR Series offers more ways to connect with support for compatible Apple devices including the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Functionality extends to up to six HDMI devices, all 4K pass through, 3D-ready to accommodate Blu-ray players, videogame consoles, computers, Apple TV, HDTV cable boxes and more. MHL input also allows high-definition content to play from a camera, phone or tablet directly to the big screen. In addition, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, vTuner^™ Internet radio and DLNA 1.5 introduce multiple streaming options for optimal functionality and accessibility. The new Harman Kardon AVR 1610 will be the lower price point, high-features AVR with Bluetooth on board on the market.

The Harman Kardon AVR 1610 and AVR 1710 are the first AVRs on the market to feature Roku Ready MHL support. By simply connecting a Roku Streaming Stick™ via the MHL port on the back of the AVR, consumers can instantly access the Roku® experience -- featuring more than 750 entertainment channels -- directly from the AVR remote control.

The AVR 1610 and AVR 1710 will also celebrate the introduction of the new HARMAN NSP Natural Sound Processing. Natural sound reproduction aims at recreating an acoustic event in its wholeness. That not only includes traditional fidelity features such as low distortion and realistic loudness, but also the correct localization of individual sources and orchestras, their sizes, shapes and distances, and in particular a sensation of the performance space where the original recorded event took place, or a plausible artificial space created by the content producer.

The Harman Kardon AVR 1510, AVR 1610 and AVR 1710 are powered by a new switch mode digitally based power supply provides uninterrupted power to the acclaimed Harman Kardon high-current, ultra wide bandwidth amplifier design for top sonic performance with a sleek, modern design. Dolby^® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio^™ decoding create an immersive audio/video experience to enjoy any media.

All three systems are controlled by the free, downloadable Harman Kardon remote app for iOS^® and Android^™ smartphones and tablets. Completing the package, the new Harman Kardon AVRs feature an updated, streamlined design that is environmentally friendly and complements today's thin, flat-panel televisions.

Highlights

The Harman Kardon AVR 1510 is a networked AVR providing 5.1-channel surround and 75 watts per channel for exceptional sound. Along with four HDMI inputs with 3D, Deep Color, 4K pass-through and legacy audio/video inputs, the AVR 1510 also has a front-panel USB port supporting Apple products and USB sticks. The AVR handles high-resolution Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding formats to ensure the best sound from music sources, video game systems or 3D and high-definition movies. The network connectivity allows the AVR 1510 to be controlled via app for Apple and Android phones and tablets. The device also features DLNA 1.5 compliance and vTuner^™ Internet radio to play audio from thousands of global radio stations as well as HARMAN GreenEdge certification for a smaller carbon footprint. Suggested retail price: $299

The Harman Kardon AVR 1610 is a networked AVR providing 5.1-channel surround sound with 85 watts per channel. A range of step-up features includes built-in Bluetooth capability with HARMAN TrueStream technology, MHL connectivity with Roku Ready certification, HARMAN NSP sound processing and EzSet/EQ III auto-calibration. The network connectivity also allows the AVR 1610 to be controlled via app for Apple and Android phones and tablets. Five HDMI inputs – including 3D, deep color, 4K pass through and one HDMi output with audio return channel – permit connected devices to benefit from the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio^™. The AVR 1610 keeps with HARMAN GreenEdge certification, and features the sleek and modern environmentally friendly design. Suggested retail price: $399

The Harman Kardon AVR 1710 is a networked AVR providing 7.2-channel surround sound with 100 watts per channel. Luxury features include Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth with Harman TrueStream technology and DLNA 1.5 compliance, dual subwoofer outlets, a multiroom system with an assignable amplifier, Harman NSP sound processing and EzSet/EQ III auto-calibration. Six HDMI inputs – including one with MHL and Roku Ready, HARMAN NSP sound processing and two HDMI outputs with audio return channel – allow for seamless 3D, deep color, 4 K pass-through. The AVR 1710 provides the ultimate multimedia audio/video experience, and features HARMAN GreenEdge certification and design. Suggested retail price: $549

Availability
For additional information or to purchase the Harman Kardon AVR 1510, AVR 1610 and AVR 1710, visit harmankardon.com

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 13,400 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $4.4 billion for the 12 months ended June 30, 2012. The company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbolNYSE: HAR.

© 2013 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson are trademarks of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. AKG is a trademark of AKG Acoustics GmbH, registered in the United States and/or other countries. AirPlay and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. DLNA is a registered trademark of Digital Living Network Alliance. Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc. HDMI is a registered trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. DTS-HD Master Audio is a trademark of DTS, Inc. vTuner is a trademark of Nothing Else Matters Software, Ltd., Inc. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

For additional information, contact:
Christopher M. Dragon
HARMAN International                                                   
Phone: 203-328-4203
Email: [email protected]

Derrick Stembridge
levin|bridge
Phone: 919.457.6134
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated