Onkyo Selects Universal Electronics Inc. to Provide Universal Remote Control Devices for A/V and Home Theater Products; Universal Electronics to Design and Produce Customized Universal Remotes for Onkyo
Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ:UEIC) today announced a supply relationship with Onkyo Corporation to provide universal remote control units to the global leader in high-quality home audio/video (A/V) products. The total market for audio and A/V receivers is expected to experience significant growth from 12 million units in 2007 to 25 million in 2012 according to ABI Research.
The UEI-developed universal remotes have shipped with several new Onkyo models and are slated to ship with additional models scheduled to be released later this year. The models cover a range of Onkyo’s product lineup, including its entry level and custom installation home theater systems and audio receivers.
“The continued strong growth of the home theater market necessitates that we cater to the needs of each particular segment,” says Nobuaki Okuda, executive officer, division of business development for Onkyo. “UEI is the partner with the broadest portfolio of control technology and the deepest experience in building around the customer experience. Their remote control units are the perfect complement to our entire lineup of A/V products.”
UEI worked closely with Onkyo to create a new physical design that reflects the sound ergonomics and fluid design of Onkyo products, incorporating a full range of powerful features including UEI’s industry-leading universal infrared code library of over 350,000 functions for the broadest device compatibility. The new Onkyo remotes have the ability to operate Onkyo home theater products as well as TV, cable/satellite, DVD, PVR/DVR, VCR and other entertainment system components. In addition, the advanced universal remotes will include features such as learning and macros.
“Onkyo is known for having an unsurpassed love of sound and for being perfectionists in the pursuit of providing the best components possible,” says Paul Arling, chairman and CEO for UEI. “We approached this relationship as one that warranted time and effort in the design of completely new remote devices that seamlessly blended with their attractive existing products. Our new partnership will further extend UEI’s reach into the mainstream, high-end and custom installation market all at once.”
About Universal Electronics Inc.
Founded in 1986, Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) is the global leader in wireless control technology for the connected home. UEI designs, develops, and delivers innovative solutions that enable consumers to control entertainment devices, digital media, and home systems. The company’s broad portfolio of patented technologies and database of infrared control software have been adopted by many Fortune 500 companies in the consumer electronics, subscription broadcast, and computing industries. UEI sells and licenses wireless control products through distributors and retailers under the One For All brand name. UEI also delivers complete home control solutions in the professional custom installation market under the brand name Nevo, as well as software solutions for digital media control and enjoyment in the consumer and OEM markets under the brand SimpleCenter™. For additional information, visit our web site at: http://www.uei.com
