Russound's Collage Powerline System is Now Shipping, Heralding New Era in Multiroom Entertainment

NEWMARKET, N.H., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Russound, the #1 brand in multiroom audio, today announced the inaugural shipment of its new Collage Powerline Media and Intercom System, fulfilling its commitment to employ Powerline Carrier (PLC) technology in a system that establishes what the company maintains is the "ultimate standard" in PLC-based multiroom systems.

"On behalf of the entire company, I am thrilled to announce that the first Collage shipment is out the door and in dealers' hands," says Charlie Porritt, Russound's CEO. "As of today, the custom installation market has a powerful new tool for building business through retrofit installations. It's an important step forward for anybody who makes their living in this business."

Collage is designed to fully maximize the IP backbone created by the system, giving the user access to all of the digital music stored on their home computer network as well as online music services such as Rhapsody®. As it is a modular system, systems can be installed with as few as one or two zones, or as many as 10. Color LCD screens on Collage keypads present system and source information as well as other graphics with striking clarity.

Collage features a fresh, intuitive interface that is maximized for all the features that the system offers, and engineered to deliver upcoming features as well. System updates are sent via the Internet and uploaded through the home's AC wiring for maximum convenience and efficiency.

Unlike other PLC systems that require a hub, with Collage there is no central controller, making its installation and expansion easy, and allowing zones and sources to be placed anywhere in the home. This decentralized design allows Collage to be both retrofit friendly and a low-cost investment for consumers who want to begin with two or three zones before expanding to additional areas at a later date.

Advanced Training for an Advanced System

In order to ensure that its distributors, dealers and installers are fully versed in new sales opportunities provided by the Collage system, Russound developed an advanced training and information program that allows its customers to learn about the system.

In 2009 alone, Russound conducted Collage training sessions in 50 cities, in addition to an extensive online program as well. More than 1,200 professionals received Collage training over the course of the year, with a more aggressive schedule being planned for 2010.

A dedicated web site - http://www.russound.com/collage/ -- provides customers with a wide array of support materials, access to archived training programs, and updates from Russound product and training specialists via an interactive blog.

"We listened to our customers when designing the Collage website. From installation tips to news about ongoing upgrades and introductions, the site is engineered to provide a wealth of information that our customers can access 24/7," commented Porritt. "Far from being a simple promotional tool, the Collage site is a soup-to-nuts resource that provides a direct, truly interactive link with the talent behind the system."

Russound's Collage Powerline Media and Intercom system is currently comprised of the Collage Keypad and Media Manager, which are priced at $849 and $549 MAP, respectively.

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. With more than 40 years experience, 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 company¹s Web site at www.russound.com.

*#1 Brand in Multiroom Audio according to EH Research for Brand Awareness from 2005 to 2008.

    Contact:
    Adam Sohmer
    PH: 347-497-4965
    Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Russound