Harman Kardon releases a new HD audio multi-room speaker line with outdoor functionality

Today at CES 2016 Harman Kardon has announced a new batch of “True HD Audio” multi-room speakers. The OMNI+ line-up is Wi-Fi-enabled with access to a wide variety of audio sources. Additionally, HK touts the ability to playback true lossless definition audio and a mix of indoor and outdoor speakers for a versatile setup. Head below for more information on Harman’s latest release.

Harman Kardon’s inclusion of a splashproof speaker is a notable move by the popular audio manufacturer. While SONOS remains king of the multi-room category, its speakers have been somewhat limited in terms of use in outdoor spaces. Although the PLAY:1 is humidity resistant, I wouldn’t recommend it in an unprotected outdoor location. The largest speaker from Harman – the OMNI 50+ – features IPX5 certification. This provides decent protection from water, making it a viable option for someone in need of a multi-room system with outdoor capabilities.

Much like SONOS’ offerings, Harman has four different sized speakers (10+, 20+, 30+ and 50+), as well as a soundbar and the Adapt+ that brings multi-room functionality to older wireless speakers. Users can pair any of the speakers with the OMNI Bar+ to create a 3.1 or 5.1 surround sound system. The soundbar features optical and HDMI inputs while the rest of the line-up has AUX in addition to 802.11ac wireless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avKvNws0yUQ

There is a free iOS and Android app that accompanies the system and provides access to Google Cast, Spotify Connect and other services like Deezer or Tidal. Locally stored content is also accessible via the Control App. There is no mention of AirPlay in the press release. Harman has instead opted to lean on Google Cast for streaming other sources including Pandora and TuneIn Radio, amongst others. This system offers lossless playback up to 24-bit/192KHz, which Harman claims will bring a “listening experience that delivers more clarity and the detailed nuances of a performance.”

The OMNI 10+ starts at $199 with prices going up to $999 for the OMNIBar+. The Adapt accessory, which adds functionality to older speakers, clocks in at $199. This is a particularly nice value in comparison to the SONOS CONNECT that retails for $349. Harman Kardon’s OMNI+ line of speakers are set to be released this summer.

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Harman Kardon OMNI+ Brings Wireless, Multi-Room True HD Audio to the Home

Next Generation of Wi-Fi HD Home Audio System Combines Exceptional Sound with Advanced Streaming Capabilities for a Complete Home Solution

CES 2016, LAS VEGAS – Today, HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today unveiled Harman Kardon Omni+. This Wi-Fi enabled HD home audio system is elegantly designed from the inside out and delivers the most vibrant Hi-Definition sound.

“The Harman Kardon Omni+ line is unique in its true HD sound quality, versatility and functionality,” said Michael Mauser, president of Lifestyle Division at HARMAN. “Customers want to stream from many different sources, control their speakers from their phone or tablet and have one system to meet all of their needs. Whether they want one speaker or five, this Harman Kardon home audio system provides the best in wireless HD sound quality and access to all the content they care about.”

Access All Your Music

The Harman Kardon Omni+ lineup boasts a wealth of streaming services including Google Cast for Audio, Spotify Connect, as well as other key services like Mix Radio, Deezer, Qobuz and Tidal in addition to stored local content on any device accessible via the Harman Kardon Controller App. With Google Cast for Audio, hundreds of streaming services can be accessed, including Google Play Music, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, Rhapsody, and many more, allowing customers to listen to what they want, how they want, all in HD sound.

True HD Sound

The Harman Kardon Omni+ offers true lossless high-definition music streaming (24-bit/192KHz) for a superior audio experience at higher resolution than a CD, allowing for a listening experience that delivers more clarity and the detailed nuances of a performance.

Complete Home Solution with Multichannel Surround Sound Capabilities

The product line includes the Omni 10+, Omni 20+, Omni Bar+, Adapt+, and the Omni 50+, which offers IPX5 splashproof and outdoor capabilities. Music lovers can start with one OMNI+ system, add more, and stream the same music everywhere or different music in different rooms. The OMNI+ system also allows listeners to create complete multi-channel surround sound systems (2.1or 5.1) with no extra equipment, producing full-theater surround sound for a rich HD experience.

Highest Level of Stability and Performance

With support for 802.11ac 2.4GHz and 5GHz high speed networks, the Omni+ provides consumers a faster, higher quality connection with more stability and less chance of interference.

Easy to Setup, Easy to Use

The Omni+ line supports quick setup, including Apple WAC, so consumers can spend less time configuring their system and more time enjoying amazing Harman Kardon sound. Each product also supports Bluetooth and auxiliary audio inputs that can be restreamed to any Omni speaker in the home. And with the Link button, music follows consumers from room to room at the touch of a button.

In addition, the new, redesigned Harman Kardon Controller app for iOS / Android smartphones and tablets provides a significantly optimized interface that makes setting up the system and streaming music easier than ever. With this app, speakers can be controlled separately or rooms can be grouped together to play the same or different music at one time. Party Mode lets homeowners play the same music throughout their connected home.

The Harman Kardon Omni+ System Features:

Availability

All harman/kardon Omni+ speakers will be available this summer, 2016, atwww.harmankardon.com.

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