Because it's never too early to get a start on Christmas 2012, ZVOX has announced the release of three new Z-Base models, the most affordable members of that soundbar line, all designed to live beneath flat screen TVs. The low-end Z-Base 220 packs three full-range speakers, a subwoofer and a 35-watt amplifier in a DVD player-sized footprint for $200. The 320 measures 24 inches and will run you an extra $50. At the high-end is the Z-Base 420, a 28-incher with five speakers, a 5.25-inch subwoofer and a 45-watt amplifier. That one'll cost you $300. All three soundbars also feature the company's proprietary PhaseCue II virtual surround sound system. More info after the break.
High performance surround sound systems are placed under TV set -- no external speakers or subwoofer required SWAMPSCOTT, Mass., Dec. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ZVOX, the company that pioneered the concept of single-cabinet home theater systems, has expanded their lineup of Z-Base sound bars -- which are designed to be placed under a flat-panel TV set. Three new models, priced at $199.99, $249.99 and $299.99, are the most affordable Z-Base systems ever offered. But ZVOX standards for sound quality -- which have earned them numerous Editors Choice Awards -- have not been compromised. Each system uses high quality speakers and amplifiers, wood (MDF) cabinets and ZVOX's proprietary PhaseCue II virtual surround sound system. "As one reviewer noted, our Z-Base concept is nearly the perfect home theater design," says ZVOX president and founder Tom Hannaher. "Under the TV is the right place for a surround sound system. With one connecting wire and a one-page owner's manual -- and no external speakers or wires -- these are the simplest home theater systems ever invented." Z-Base 220. About the size of a DVD player, the Z-Base 220 can fill a room with 3D sound -- including excellent bass -- with no external speakers, subwoofers or speaker wires. Use it on a shelf below the TV, or under most TVs from 22" to 32" in size. Three full-range speakers, 5.25" powered subwoofer, 35-watt amplifier and PhaseCue II virtual surround sound -- all in a single cabinet. 17" x 14.5" x 3.4". $199.99 Z-Base 320. Only 24" wide and 11.5" deep, the Z-Base 320 fits just about anywhere -- even a bookshelf. But it's big and strong enough to support most TVs from 27" to 46" in size. Three full-range speakers, 5.25" powered subwoofer, 40-watt amplifier and PhaseCue II virtual surround sound -- all in one cabinet. $249.99 Z-Base 420. Big enough to support TVs up to 55" in size, the Z-Base 420 is the perfect home theater system for many applications and room sizes. It produces high performance 3D sound from five full range speakers, a 45-watt amplifier and a 5.25" powered subwoofer using PhaseCue II virtual surround sound. 28" x 14.5" x 3.4" $299.99 Features of ZVOX's New Z-Base Systems Dialog Emphasis - Incredibly Clear Voices. ZVOX's exclusive Dialog Emphasis feature uses hearing aid technology to make voices unbelievably clear. It's amazing. Voices seem to just "jump into your head." Output Leveling - Tame Loud Commercials. Tired of commercials that blast you out of your chair? The ZVOX Output Leveling feature reacts instantly and turns down loud commercials...and also boosts quiet dialog. PhaseCue II - The new systems use ZVOX's proprietary PhaseCue II virtual surround processing to provide rich three-dimensional sound with movies or music -- without external speakers and speaker wires. Controlled Remotes - Uses Your Remote Control. The Z-Base systems can be programmed to respond to most remote controls, so a TV remote...or cable box remote...or satellite receiver remote...can control volume, mute, power and input functions. Multiple Inputs - multiple inputs...including front-panel connection for iPod® and other portable devices. The new Z-Base sound bars offer two analog audio inputs, one optical (toslink) digital input, one coaxial digital input - plus a front panel 3.5mm analog stereo input for convenient connection of an iPod or other portable audio device. Just plug in your iPod and the system automatically switches to iPod sound. Unplug it and the Z-Base automatically switches back to TV sound. Any input can be selected using either the remote control or the controls below the speaker grille. Great Sound - The most important feature for any home theater system is high quality sound. The new Z-Base systems use premium quality speakers and amplifiers and were designed by the ZVOX team of speaker designers. Their sound quality is comparable to surround sound systems that are much larger, more complicated and more expensive. ZVOX's commitment to quality sound at affordable prices has resulted in Editors' Choice Awards from Sound & Vision, About.com., CNET, Home Theater, E-Gear, PCWorld, Consumers' Digest and Maximum PC.
Source: Engadget