Polk Joins Forces with Microsoft As Premium Audio Solutions Partner for Xbox 360

BALTIMORE, Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Polk Audio®, the Speaker Specialists®, and Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business jointly announce a new collaboration that will position Polk as a strategic premium audio solution partner for Xbox 360. Nearly 70 million consoles have been sold worldwide, and a recent Strategy Analytics study shows that 65 percent of US-based Xbox users under the age of 25 rely on it as their go-to device for online TV show and movie streaming. ("Multiscreen Connected TV: Assessing Device Usage and Ownership," November 2011) The Xbox 360 isn't merely the best-selling video game console of 2011; it's also one of the most popular digital media hubs on the market.

"The Xbox 360 offers an immersive experience with a host of streaming services like Netflix, HBO GO, and MLB.TV, and unparalleled interactive features like voice control and cross-platform search, so in looking for a Premium Audio Solutions partner, we wanted a company with an equally innovative approach to sound," said Branden Powell, Director of Strategic Alliances for Xbox Accessories Team.  "We chose Polk not only for that, but also for their leadership position in the speaker market, as well as their superior engineering capabilities."

The first product from Polk to be licensed for Xbox 360 will be the new SurroundBar 5000 Instant Home Theater, a compact, easy-to-setup, easy-to-operate sound bar. Measuring just 31 inches wide and 2¼ inches deep, with a 6½ inch wireless subwoofer, the SurroundBar 5000 is the perfect match for the Xbox 360 and a mid-sized flat panel display. With over fifty times the power of most built-in TV speakers, the SurroundBar 5000 IHT is perfect for delivering Xbox 360 owners with a superior and immersive audio experience, whether gaming, watching movies, or listening to music, all without the need for surround speakers or additional amplification. In addition, the SurroundBar 5000 is the first Polk Audio SurroundBar to include Bluetooth for easy streaming of digital audio content from any smartphone or tablet. 

"We believe Xbox 360 offers the most versatile home entertainment experience for every member of the family," said Kevin Duffy, President of Polk parent company DEI Holdings, Inc. "Whether you use it primarily for streaming, gaming, or watching DVD's with the kids, Xbox 360 together with Polk's superior sound will provide a feast for the eyes and ears. And this is just the start; we're working together with the Xbox Third Party Accessories Team to develop new, groundbreaking gaming and streaming sound solutions for 2013 and beyond."

About Polk Audio
Polk Audio (www.polkaudio.com) is an award-winning designer and manufacturer of high performance audio products and the largest audio brand of DEI Holdings, Inc. Founded in 1972, Polk is the market share leader in premium Home Theater speakers and sound bars in North America, and is a leading manufacturer of headphones, mobile and marine speakers and amplifiers, and other high performance audio products.

For more information, high-resolution images, executive interviews, and the location of a Polk distributor in your area, contact Adam Sohmer; Sohmer Associates, LLC (PR representative for Polk Audio); 347-497-4965; [email protected]. For more information on DEI Holdings, visit www.deiholdings.com.

This product is manufactured under license from Microsoft Corporation.  Microsoft, Kinect, Xbox, Xbox LIVE, Xbox 360, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. 

SOURCE Polk Audio