Orlando, FL, March 6, 2007—Russound, the #1 brand in multiroom audio, will display a prototype of its upcoming Smart Media Console this week at the EHX Expo in Orlando, FL.

Russound’s Smart Media Console is based on Intel® Viiv™ technology and the Windows Vista™ operating system. Unlike most media center products, which are designed by PC manufacturers with an "information technology" approach, Russound's new Smart Media

Console is designed from the ground up as a digital home theater system, perfect for today's custom installers. The result is a product built with proven technology elements such as the Intel Core™ 2 Duo processor and other robust components, and specifically designed to serve as a source component in a professionally installed home media and residential control system.

"Most PCs running media center applications are essentially retrofitted work tools," says Jeff Kussard, Russound's Vice President of Strategic Development.  "The Russound Smart Media Console is expressly designed as a Russound product. We have added the features that the industry has come to identify with Russound, reliable components that are easily incorporated with multiroom systems and home automation equipment.  Russound takes the power of media center applications and makes home entertainment simple and enjoyable for both the user and integrator." 

The Russound Smart Media Console will offer distinctions over other media center products that will make a huge impact in the entertainment experience. The Smart Media Console will feature a custom desktop or rack-mountable chassis, standard and high definition tuners, and audio with certified Dolby® Digital EX and DTS® Digital surround sound. The Smart Media Console will also support home automation and systems integration with the inclusion of Life|ware™ software by Exceptional Innovation (EI).

High-level partners like EI, and technologies from such powerhouses as Intel and Microsoft®, are making it possible for Russound to bring its industry-leading multiroom experience to the media center space. 

“We recognize Russound as one of the leaders of the distributed audio marketplace and working with them to help bring Life|ware Ready solutions to that market is very exciting,” said Steve Cashman Exceptional Innovation’s Vice President of Sales. “Russound is a premier brand with a great reputation; they see how dealers can benefit when homeowners demand cutting edge technology.  Together with Russound we can deliver Life|ware Ready products to a major market segment that will greatly influence what new home buyers are getting in their home.”

“Online entertainment, and enjoying programming on the PC and TV in the comfort of our homes continues to become more and more popular,” said Gerald Holzhammer,  Intel’s Vice President, Digital Home Group and General Manager, Consumer PC Platform Group.  “Russound has designed an innovative and intelligent system that takes advantage of Intel Viiv technology featuring the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and offers consumers an easy way to enjoy Internet-delivered movies, TV programming, music and more.”

Smart Media Console
Russound’s Smart Media Console will be a classic Russound product—reliable, installer-friendly and profitable. The Smart Media Console is expected to be available Q3 2007.

About Russound
Since 1967, innovation, quality and reliability have been the pillars of the Russound product tradition. Located in Newmarket, N.H., Russound, the #1 brand in multiroom audio*, offers the products and expertise customers need to enjoy multiroom audio and video systems in the home. As the company celebrates its 40th anniversary, Russound continues to cater to installation professionals and their customers by pairing powerful systems using the latest technologies with intuitive controls to give customers high-performance, easy-to-use solutions. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.russound.com.

*According to June 2005 and June 2006 studies by EH Research.

About Exceptional Innovation
Based in the Westerville suburb of Columbus, Ohio, Exceptional Innovation produces Life|ware™ home control software and hardware for digital living. Life|ware creates a lifestyle experience that allows consumers to enjoy their digital entertainment, wherever and whenever they want, as well as manage their lighting, multi-room audio, HVAC, security, appliances and other subsystems, through a single interface by integrating the digital entertainment functionality of Media Center with whole-house automation and control. Led by software industry professionals with extensive experience with distributed computing based on open standards and open architecture, Exceptional Innovation combines Microsoft development expertise with years of home control experience to deliver simple, seamless, life-enhancing solutions for the digital home. For more information visit www.exceptionalinnovation.com.