Audio Video News

Indy Audio Labs, parent company of the high-performance audio brands, Aragon and Acurus, plans to launch a line of Web-enabled preamps and home theater processors later this year. Positioned as “the first separate preamps and pre-pros designed to meet the needs and expectations of today’s mobile generation," the line is based on Indy’s Enhanced Ethernet Control (E²C), which enables the components to talk to other devices on a home network.

The Acurus ACT-4 7.1-channel home theater pre-amp/processor is expected to be the first product in the new line, which will be unveiled at the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo in late September. Retail price has been set at $3,999.

“People today are accustomed to rich UI experiences on their smartphones, tablets, and in their vehicles," said Ted Moore, the company’s chief technology officer. “Even special-purpose devices like thermostats and refrigerators have attractive, intuitive, Web-based interfaces. While many competitors in home A/V still rely on antiquated two-line character displays, today’s customers expect much more, especially from a piece of high-end gear. We’ve integrated a front-panel touch screen that more closely resembles a mobile phone with full-color graphics and simple-to-comprehend icons.”

Indy Audio Labs acquired the Aragon and Acurus audio brands in 2009.