Acoustic Research Announces Xsight Advanced Remote Controls Featuring Simple Out-of-Box Setup and Web-Based Personalization

Two Models Use an Intuitive Menu System and Vibrant Color Display to Consolidate Home Theater Control in One Easy-to-Use Handset

LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2009, International CES, Booth 11006-10506 - Acoustic Research's new Xsight line of advanced remote controls is aimed at the millions of people who are tired of messing with a pile of remotes and want a quick, easy and personalized way to operate their home theater systems.

Marketed by Audiovox Accessories Corporation, the unit-sales leader in remote controls, the Xsight line launches this Spring with two models: Xsight Touch (ARRX18G), which features a color LCD touch screen with slider bar, RF capability and controls up to 18 devices, and Xsight Color (ARRX15G), which has a color LCD screen and controls up to 15 devices. With both models, device programming can be done directly on the handset in a matter of minutes, and a simple online application is available for users who want to personalize the remote and expand its functionality.

The new remotes are being demonstrated at the 2009 International CES at Audiovox Booth in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

"Unlike other advanced remote controls, the Acoustic Research Xsight Touch and Xsight Color offer the best of both worlds: simple on-remote setup plus online customization for those who want it," said David Geise, president of Audiovox Accessories Corporation. The company markets remote controls under the RCA and Acoustic Research brands and is the exclusive distributor of Universal Electronics Inc.'s One-For-All^® brand remote controls in North America.  

"Both Xsight models are comfortable to hold and intuitively designed, allowing everyone in the family to enjoy today's sophisticated home theater systems without getting bogged down in figuring out which remote to use and which buttons to push," Geise noted. "At the same time, these new remotes provide access to a wealth of advanced features for those who want to personalize the remote and take control to the next level."

How Xsight Works

Control codes for the most popular brands of TVs and A/V gear are stored in the Xsight remote, allowing setup to be done quickly and efficiently, without having to wade through an instruction manual. A series of colorful and intuitive menus appear on the remote's LCD screen and guide you through the programming routine, which includes choosing a language and selecting the type and brand of device(s) you want the remote to control (model number is optional).

Moving beyond basic system control and unlocking the full potential of Xsight is a simple matter of using the supplied USB cable to connect the remote to any Windows XP or Vista PC, popping in the CD-ROM to install a driver and visiting http://www.ez-rc.com/. Once you set up a personal account, you can do a number of things, including:

• Take a tour in the Setup Wizard for an overview of options.
• Upload and edit settings for devices already programmed in the remote.
• Add additional devices (brand- and model-number specific).
• Create one-touch Activities such as "Watch TV" or "Listen to Music" (an activity key can be programmed to execute a series of commands-like turning on a DVD player, A/V receiver, and TV, for example).
• Create favorite-channel lists with logos.
• Create up to six Profiles that provide immediate access to your favorite channels; profiles can be defined by person ("Mom," "Dad," "Kids," etc.) or genre ("Movie," "Sports," "News," etc.).
• Set up advanced features such as Volume Lock, which specifies which device will control system volume, and Key Edit for assigning functions to hard and soft keys.
• Update the remote's onboard code library; Audiovox partner Universal Electronics Inc. maintains an online database, which is updated regularly and covers 12 basic product categories and more than 50 subcategories.

Key Features

Features common to the Xsight Touch and Xsight Color remotes, include:

• Blue backlighting
• Ergonomic handset with common keys centrally located for easy thumb control
• Intuitive button groupings, including dedicated keys for DVR/satellite/cable box control
• Quick navigation keys (Favorites, Activities and Device)
• Built-in learning function for most buttons
• Customizable soft (onscreen) keys via web application

Defining features of the Xsight Touch (ARRX18G) include:

• 2.2-inch color touch screen with slider control
• IR (infrared) and RF (433 MHz radio frequency) operation, the latter for controlling DIRECTV boxes and components hidden in a cabinet or out of the remote's line of sight (requires $99.99 ARRE433B RF Extender Kit)
• Controls up to 18 devices
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charging cradle/stand
• $249.99 suggested retail price

Key features of the Xsight Color (ARRX15G) include:

• 2.2-inch color LCD screen
• IR operation
• Controls up to 15 devices
• Runs on three AA batteries
• $179.99 suggested retail price

The Xsight Touch and Xsight Color remote controls will be available at national and regional retailers in the Spring.

For more information on the Xsight remote controls, visit http://www.araccessories.com/.

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Audiovox (NASDAQ:VOXX) is a recognized leader in the marketing of automotive entertainment, vehicle security and remote start systems, consumer electronics products and consumer electronics accessories. The company is number one in mobile video and places in the top ten of almost every category that it sells.  Among the lines marketed by Audiovox are its mobile electronics products including mobile video systems, auto sound systems including satellite radio, vehicle security and remote start systems; consumer electronics products such as MP3 players, digital camcorders, DVRs, clock radios, portable DVD players, portable GPS, flat-panel TVs, extended range two-way radios, multimedia products like digital picture frames and home and portable stereos; consumer electronics accessories such as indoor/outdoor antennas, connectivity products, headphones, speakers, wireless solutions, remote controls, power & surge protectors and media cleaning & storage devices; Energizer-branded products for rechargeable batteries and battery packs for camcorders, cordless phones, digital cameras and DVD players, as well as for power supply systems, automatic voltage regulators and surge protectors. The company markets its products through an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, 12-volt specialists, mass merchandisers and an OE sales group. The company markets products under the Audiovox, RCA, Jensen, Acoustic Research, Energizer, Advent, Code Alarm, TERK, Prestige and SURFACE brands. For additional information, visit our Web site at http://www.audiovox.com/.

Except for historical information contained herein, statements made in this release that would constitute forward-looking statements may involve certain risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements made in this release are based on currently available information and the Company assumes no responsibility to update any such forward-looking statement. The following factors, among others, may cause actual results to differ materially from the results suggested in the forward-looking statements. The factors include, but are not limited to, risks that may result from changes in the Company's business operations; our ability to keep pace with technological advances; significant competition in the mobile and consumer electronics businesses as well as the wireless business; our relationships with key suppliers and customers; quality and consumer acceptance of newly introduced products; market volatility; non-availability of product; excess inventory; price and product competition; new product introductions; the possibility that the review of our prior filings by the SEC may result in changes to our financial statements; and the possibility that stockholders or regulatory authorities may initiate proceedings against Audiovox and/or our officers and directors as a result of any restatements. Risk factors associated with our business, including some of the facts set forth herein, are detailed in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2008 and Form 10-Q for the fiscal second quarter ended August 31, 2008.

One For All® and Xsight^TM are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Universal Electronics Inc.

DIRECTV^® is a registered trademark of DIRECTV, Inc.

Press Contact:

GLA Communications

Bob Ankosko

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908-510-7784 cell (at CES)

bob@glapr.com