Nakamichi Speakers Update

Immersion Technologies Intl PLC 19 November 2007 Press Release 19 November 2007 Immersion Technologies International plc ('Immersion' or 'ITI') Trading Update: Nakamichi Speakers - Significant upgrade to specification of speakers - Speakers to be launched as Nakamichi 'Dragon(R) ESL' - Stringent sound quality and performance tests passed - Commencement of discussions regarding new product lines Immersion Technologies International plc, which specialises in product development, design and manufacture of High Definition-Acoustic ('HD-A(R)') technology, is pleased to confirm that: (a) Immersion's customer, Nakamichi Corporation Ltd ('Nakamichi') altered the original specifications of the HD-A(R) speaker from a mainstream product to its flagship product. This resulted in significant changes to the electronic design and aesthetic finish of the product. Due to the upgrade, additional lengthy and stringent testing programmes were conducted. Volume production of the new HD-A(R) speaker is proceeding at the Company's manufacturing facility in Nanjing, China, and the speakers will be available for shipping in early December 2007. (b) As a result, Nakamichi are re-marketing HD-A(R) speakers as the ' Dragon(R) ESL'. The Dragon(R) trade mark is generally recognised by the audio industry as the most prestigious of Nakamichi's products. Nakamichi's decision to name the speakers in this way is a mark of the high esteem in which they hold their overall quality and appeal. The Dragon(R) ESL is a Hybrid speaker that uses the award winning HD-A(R) technologies. (c) A series of listening tests, known in the industry as 'Golden Ear' tests, were also personally conducted at Immersion's manufacturing facility in China by senior executives and audio engineers from Nakamichi. These listening tests involved playing a broad range of music and other sounds and analyzing in minute detail the quality and performance of the sound waves. (d) In addition, qualitative and quantitative analysis of speaker performance, transportation and storage at a range of temperatures, atmospheric pressure and humidity were independently conducted. Immersion's speakers were also subjected to tests of durability and functionality under a range of conditions such as vibration, stress, shock and electrical power surge. (e) The speakers passed all of these tests. The speakers were also compared against several other leading brands and, in the opinion of Nakamichi's expert sound engineers, the speakers are superior. (f) Immersion and Nakamichi have also commenced discussions regarding additional product lines. (g) To date, Immersion has received US$167,000 from Nakamichi, being 50% of the first order. As set out in the original contract with Nakamichi, invoicing for the product will take place on a monthly basis where 50% is received on order and 50% is received on delivery. Craig Evans, Chief Executive of Immersion, said: 'It has taken longer than we expected to get to this stage, but the reasons are very positive. When Nakamichi recognised the potential of our technology to produce such high sound quality, they decided to change the specification of the product and elevate it in their overall programme. This required significant collaboration, modification and stringent testing. 'The fact that Nakamichi have conducted such demanding tests in person shows how seriously they take this product. We are naturally delighted to have passed the tests, completed a project of this complexity and produce a product of this calibre. 'The status which these speakers have now attained will also be of enormous value to Immersion when marketing to other corporations, as well as raising awareness of the HD-A(R) Technology amongst audio experts and other consumers.' Enquiries: Immersion Technologies International plc Craig Evans / Blair Snowball +44 (0)20 7016 5107 Pelham Public Relations Archie Berens +44 (0)20 7743 6679 St. Helens Capital - Nominated Broker Sebastian Wykeham +44 (0)20 7628 5582 Nabarro Wells - Nominated Adviser Hugh Oram / Anthony Rowland +44 (0)20 7710 7400 NOTES FOR EDITORS Background Information on Immersion Immersion is an audio technology company with patented and patent pending technologies relating to both its high performance electrostatic loudspeakers (''ESL'') and award-winning conventional cone loudspeakers (''CCL''). The Immersion Technology has been researched and developed for over 10 years and has been designed with the intention to provide the highest possible audio reproduction characteristics and set a new standard to benchmark these characteristics. Immersion has achieved what the Immersion Directors consider to be a new level of high definition acoustics and has made an application to register the trade mark High Definition - Acoustics HD-A(R) , to reflect this standard internationally. The Immersion Technology reduces audio distortion to extremely low levels thus enhancing clarity without compromising volume in both ESL and CCL loudspeakers. Immersion has the ability to manufacture ESL devices in thin, small aesthetically pleasing designs. In addition, the technology is proven to be scalable and can be incorporated into speakers of almost any size or shape. The Immersion Directors believe that these factors will provide a significant marketing advantage in the competitive market for audio reproduction devices. Background on Nakamichi Corporation Nakamichi Corporation is one of the world's premier manufacturers of high quality, high performance audio/video and multimedia equipment. Long renowned for the sophistication of its home audio and mobile sound systems, Nakamichi continues to introduce leading edge products that are widely available throughout the world. The Nakamichi name represents a long, proud tradition of quality and innovation in acoustics and electronics. Today's Nakamichi had its origin in the founding of a small research institute in 1948. Nakamichi Research, as it was then called, got its start in basic research and development in electromagnetism, magnetic recording, acoustics and communications. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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