THIEL adds HDMI and wireless to its zoet multiroom audio system

The press release doesn't get too specific about details, but THIEL is already lining up upgrades to its IP-based, multiroom zoet audio system. Sometime in 2009 after the April launch of the zoet db1 system, expect to see HDMI (8 inputs, 2 outputs) and wireless connectivity making way onto the options sheet. Don't let these future upgrades keep you from picking up the first version, though, as they will be retrofittable to early adopters (for a fee, of course). Unfortunately, we can only guess what the upgrade pricing might be. This system is based around powered versions of THIEL's SCS4 (the SCS4D), so we'll make two guesses -- it will sound good, but it won't be cheap. Full press release after the break.

Jan. 7th, 2009 (Lexington, KY) - US loudspeaker company THIEL Audio (www.thielaudio.com) has announced that the HDMI™ compatible version of their zöet system, the first truly plug and play, multi-room, premium quality distributed audio and home theater system, will be on active display at CES 2009. The HDMI™ version of zöet is equipped with eight HDMI™ inputs and two HDMI™ outputs.

The April 1st, 2009 initial launch version of the zöet dB1 will be the audio-only Ethernet system. The HDMI™ version and zöet's amazing wireless technology will become available later in 2009. All initial launch audio-only systems will be factory upgradeable to HDMI™ (for a fee), enabling zöet customers to grow their system as needed.

zöet is ultra simple to set up and operate-anyone can have the system up and running in under an hour. Rather than making technology intimidating, THIEL has harnessed thirty-plus years of experience combined with powerful innovations in order to make zöet wonderfully easy to enjoy throughout the home. A dream come true for the non-technical but discerning consumer, zöet self-powered IP-addressable speakers can be located throughout the home and connected to the zöet dB1 distribution processor using existing in-home Ethernet, its own lossless proprietary wireless network, or both. "zöet is so smart, absolutely no specialized knowledge is required to set it up perfectly in under an hour," explained THIEL president Kathy Gornik. "zöet will work with any music or movie player you already own, making it an ideal product for anyone who desires the simplest path to true high fidelity throughout their home," continued Gornik.

Let zöet synchronize your home network

Using Ethernet or proprietary wireless connectivity, zöet requires no messy drilling to accommodate miles of speaker wire. The entire system can be operated from a surprisingly simple and intuitive remote control, eliminating the need for a trained specialist to get the system up and running. zöet lets you make changes and upgrades yourself via an intuitive web interface and automatic firmware updates, making further visits by experts entirely unnecessary.

A big problem in other networked and wireless audio systems is that sound between speakers is never properly "synchronized." zöet incorporates BICOM's patent pending proprietary algorithm that preserves signal synchronization, avoiding sonic pitfalls such as an unnatural "echo effect" and poor imaging common to other network-based systems. This technology enables zöet's performance to equal that of traditional high-end audio systems.

Automated bass integration and channel steering

zöet also automates the subwoofer integration process. Even experts have a very hard time perfectly blending subwoofers with speakers. Poor quality bass integration means muddy, detached bass that sounds unnatural. THIEL's SmartSub® technology seamlessly mates zöet subwoofers with companion zöet speaker systems resulting in unparalleled depth, precision, and bass impact that is not at all dependent on the user's ability to configure it correctly.

Channel steering and mixdowns are automated now, too. For example, whenever you're playing a 5.1 soundtrack on only 3 speakers (due to placement restrictions or personal preference), zöet knows, and automatically remixes these channels for optimal reproduction.

Ultimate Performance, Convenience, and Control

zöet can be easily controlled from any room simply by pointing the remote control directly at any zöet speaker (using the optional IR accessory), even if it is located at the opposite end of the home from the main processor. No need to have stacks of equipment in each room interfering with useful space and décor. All of this is possible thanks to zöet's intelligent use of 2-way communication between the speaker and processor. zöet uses technology to simplify setup and operation while also improving performance. Anyone can use zöet, and zöet's high-power and ultra high fidelity mean that the best performance is now possible without all of the intimidation and hassle normally associated with typical home theater and multi-zone technology.

All zöet pricing TBA