iMuse Debuts New Media Server Series at CEDIA

September 8, 2005—iMuse Electronics, Inc. will debut its next generation series of media server products at the annual convention of Custom Electronics Dealers and Installers (CEDIA) on September 8 in Indianapolis.

Bill Duncan, iMuse CEO, said the introduction of three true media servers will once and for all end the debate as to what sets the standard for a full-featured device. Entering the marketplace this fall is the entry-level iMuse SIERRA, the multi-zone capable iMuse SUMMIT, and the mass storage behemoth iMuse AVALANCHE capable of holding up to 1,750 full-quality, full-length DVDs.

Redefining the Media Server Category
"The term 'media server' has become so confused that if you do an Internet search you'll come up with over 64 million hits," said Duncan. "The fact is, there are less than a half-dozen fully capable audio/video products out there that are designed for home network integration."

Duncan's Colorado Springs, CO based company has been working on developing the iMuse media server series for the past two years. In 2004, the company showed a first generation audio server at CEDIA and the Consumer Electronics Show.

"The feedback we received at the two expos in 2004 gave us a mandate to come up with a server that was a completely converged digital content manager capable of delivering simultaneous audio and video feeds throughout a network," said Duncan.

The result was going back to the drawing board to once and for all define the state-of-the-art in media server devices designed expressly for sale and installation by custom reseller-installers in the U.S.

Key Features Define the Difference
According to iMuse Product Manager, R.Scott Fuhrman, there are several product and service differentiators that the iMuse media servers will offer over competitive products. Not the least is price, with the entry-level iMuse SIERRA expected to retail for just under $2,900.

"The iMuse media server series right from the start offers capabilities that none of the competing products are currently providing," assures Fuhrman. "Just to be credible in the category, each device must give maximum connectivity for audio, video and networking, and some of the competitors that show up along side the iMuse line just don't meet our standards."

A Hardware and Software Powerhouse is Standard
The Entry-Level iMuse SIERRA
Fuhrman points out that even the entry-level iMuse SIERRA is a complete multi-media device. "Every iMuse unit comes with a DVD drive, standard," notes Fuhrman, "only the more expensive competitive units offer that capability."

The DVD feature enables the simultaneous uploading of the owner's DVD collection at the server and playback of separate DVDs at the set-top client (iMuse SIERRA).

Product Capabilities:
The iMuse SIERRA can store up to 40 DVDs, countless audio CDs, and thousands of MP3, WMA, ACC, OGG, WAV, and FLAC digital files.

Fully integrated wireless LAN connectivity

Every iMuse unit offers industry-leading connectivity. Each device in the series includes a Digital Video Interface (DVI) connection for the best quality picture possible, as well as digital coaxial and optical audio outputs for superior sound. Composite S-Video and RCA audio outputs ensure connectivity with analog devices.

1080p HD resolution support

Nightly live update capabilities

8-in-1 media card drive for transferring files between cameras, digital players, and PDAs

The iMuse SUMMIT: The backbone of a powerful system
The iMuse SUMMIT is the backbone of the iMuse infrastructure, The product directs the flow of streaming digital content throughout th network. It has all of the capabilities of the iMuse SIERRA, plus support for independent multi-zone audio allowing for up to 16 simultaneous audio feeds.

The iMuse AVALANCHE: Mass Media Storage
As its names implies, the iMuse AVALANCHE provides mass storage for the iMuse media server series, capable of storing 192 full-quality DVDs per unit with a maximum capacity currently at 14 terabytes, it is possible to easily store up to 1,750 full-length DVDs. This is a key benefit for custom resellers who want to sell upgrade capacity.

iMuse Service Commitment Will Match Its Formidable Capabilities
iMuse will launch its new media server series with a strong service commitment. iMuse warrants all of its products to be free from defects for 3 years. Additionally, the company said it will support the product with free updates for the life of the product.

Another key feature that will delight custom resellers and installers is the abilty for each iMuse device to be diagnosed remotely via its LAN connection.

iMuse Expects to Deliver for the Holidays
According to iMuse CEO Bill Duncan, the first iMuse media servers are already in production and the company expects to have an in-stock inventory of between 50 and 100 units for immediate shipment in the United States.

"When the marketplace becomes aware of the advantages of our products over the competition in terms of price-to-value ratio, we believe we will need all of the units we can physically produce," Duncan predicted.

iMuse Electronics can be reached by calling (800) 709-5459, or visit the web site at www.imuse.us.

SOURCE iMuse Electronics