Alpine, Audiovox, Blackmore, Directed Electronics, Harman, Kenwood, Mitek, Pioneer, Rockford, Scosche and Sony Among First Manufacturers to Participate in Logo and Certification Program --
Arlington, Va., December 19, 2003 - The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced today that several of its members, including Alpine, Audiovox, Blackmore, Directed Electronics, Harman, Kenwood, Mitek, Pioneer, Rockford, Scosche and Sony, are participating in its Mobile Audio Amplifier power rating and logo program. This initiative, which will be launched at the 2004 International CES, January 7-11, 2004 in Las Vegas, features products that comply with the CEA-2006 standard and carry the corresponding logo.
CEA-2006, titled Testing and Measurement Methods for Mobile Audio Amplifiers, provides a standard rating system for measuring the performance of mobile audio amplifiers. The logo and certification program are designed to make it easier for consumers to compare technical characteristics that determine the quality of mobile audio amplifiers. Manufacturers of headunits, separate amplifiers and subwoofer amplifiers are invited to participate in the logo program.
"Consumers will be well served by having a clear and consistent rating method to rely on," said Patrick M. Lavelle, president and CEO, Audiovox Electronics Corp. and chairman of CEA's Mobile Electronics division. "This certification program and corresponding logo will allow consumers to make well informed decisions."
"This initiative not only addresses the market need for an industry developed standard, it also is part of the CEA's Mobile Division's commitment to help grow the mobile electronics business," said Stephen Witt, vice president, Alpine Electronics of America Inc. "Swift adoption of the standard by both manufacturers and retailers will strengthen the value proposition of separate amplifiers because the consumer will better understand the real value of adding more power to their systems."
The primary measurement criteria outlined in CEA-2006 are power output, the signal-to-noise ratio and total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N). When shopping for mobile audio amplifier related products, consumers should look for two primary ratings - an amplifier's primary power output in watts RMS and the signal-to-noise ratio in dBA. The primary power output in watts is measured at a level with less than one percent THD+N to indicate how much continuous power the amplifier delivers at that low distortion level. The signal-to-noise ratio is measured at a reference level of one watt. A larger signal-to-noise ratio number indicates more desirable audio and less noise in an amplifier's output.
CEA 2006 is available from Global Engineering Documents at http://global.ihs.com. Additional information about CEA's Technology and Standards department can be found at www.ce.org/standards. Details about the 2004 International CES can be found online at www.cesweb.org.
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 1,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $85 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Tomorrow's Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.
