Two ELAN Products are Finalists for National Awards

Reprinted from an Elan Home Systems press release:

Two ELAN Home Systems products — the VIA!dj Digital Music Server and the VSE Electronic Volume Control — are 2003 finalists for Mark of Excellence Awards from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

The awards recognize the best in home automation products, services and installations. Winners will officially be announced at an awards banquet Friday, Feb. 28, at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

The VIA!dj is a digital music server with a 160-gigabyte hard drive that enables homeowners to view and play their CD and mp3 collection from any VIA! Touch Panel or TV in the house. Its four discrete audio outputs allow independent listening in multiple rooms. The VIA!dj’s on-board modem automatically retrieves CD data and cover art from the Internet. It retails for $3,600.

The VSE eliminates traditional, unsightly knobs with large, user-friendly buttons for Volume Up/Down and Mute functions. A built-in infrared receiver and remote (included) allows homeowners to control everything from the comfort of their couch. The VSE also incorporates ELAN’s patented Page and Doorbell Override feature and comes in a variety of colors. It retails for $190.

“To be nominated at this level by the leading industry organization is an honor,” said Bob Farinelli, ELAN’s president and chief technical officer. “It’s rewarding to know the industry values our efforts in creating user-friendly, graphically appealing home automation equipment that keeps pace with consumer needs.”

The CEA represents more than 1,000 corporate members who account for more than $80 billion in annual sales. Members are 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 products that are sold through consumer channels.