Press Releases

Listen Up! Logitech debuts new Z-Series Speakers

Z-560 Receives Lucasfilm's THX® Multimedia Product Certification

March 12, 2002 - Logitech today announced that it will launch its new Z-Series line of premium PC speakers in Europe. This speaker family, which features the Z-560, Z-540 and Z-340, combines spectacular performance with patented Logitech technology, to offer an attractive line of high-end audio products. The speakers present tremendous power and clarity for PC gaming, watching DVDs and listening to CD and MP3 files. The Z-series speakers feature a new design, which brings the feel and performance of home cinema to the desktop.

The flagship product of the series is the THX® certified Z-560. This is a 5-piece surround sound speaker system that offers 400 watts of clear surround power. The four revolutionary satellite drivers feature a polished aluminum phase plug design for supreme tone quality. This is a feature typically found on high quality home hi-fi systems, but rarely used on PC audio speakers. The satellite speakers have home stereo style connectors which use standard speaker wire, so that users can easily adjust the cable length to place the speakers anywhere they choose.

The satellite units include unique stands that rotate for either desk or wall mounting. All units include removable grill covers that can be detached to display the more aggressive, "audio-tech" look of the aluminum phase plug.

The Z-560 also has a brute force subwoofer for room-thumping bass and dynamic bass equalization that enables undistorted bass response regardless of the volume. It comes equipped with M3D Matrix technology, so listeners experience extremely realistic surround sound from 2-channel stereo sound sources.

The product includes a SoundTouch™ Control Center that lets users fine tune the listening environment with separate controls for M3D, volume, fader and bass.

With the Z-560's THX certification, Logitech is assuring customers that they are receiving unsurpassed clarity and power for a PC home theater system. The THX process tests sound performance, user interface and construction.

"We are extremely pleased with Logitech's Z-560 speaker system," said Mark Paddack, Director of Licensing, THX Consumer Division.. "All speakers that receive THX certification must meet stringent performance parameters, including: bandwidth, frequency balance, minimum peak sound pressure levels and the ability to play up to their rated output level. The Z-560 surpassed all requirements, and has received the THX seal of approval."

"The Z-560 speakers set a new level of performance for a PC speaker, while maintaining a conservative price point," said Steve Daverio, Vice President Sales and marketing Europe. "These products produce better bass response due to superior dynamic bass equalization, and have a flatter response curve, which makes sound quality phenomenal. We believe these speakers will quickly become a favorite of PC audiophiles."

The new Z-series range includes two other models. The Z-540 is a 5-piece speaker system with 40 watts of power. It has Logitech's proprietary subwoofer with pressure driver, which enables lower and louder sound than conventional subwoofers by providing superior low frequency response, rich deep bass and greater tonal purity. The Z-540 also offers M3D™ Matrix surround sound so users can experience realistic surround sound from their music DVDs, or PC games, even without a surround sound card.

The Z-340 is a 3-piece system with 32 watts of total power. The Z-340 also uses the Logitech subwoofer with pressure driver, giving listeners the best audio experience possible through their PC. Plus, one of the satellite units provides a headphone jack, which enables convenient private listening. The Z-340 offers superior features with top quality design.

About Logitech
Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal interface products that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. The Company's product family includes Internet video cameras, mice and trackballs, keyboards, headsets and speakers, interactive gaming devices and 3D controllers. With operational headquarters through its U.S. subsidiary in Fremont, California, and regional headquarters through local subsidiaries in Switzerland, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded in Switzerland on the Swiss Stock Exchange under the symbols LOGN and LOGZ, and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and may be registered. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company's website at www.logitech.com.