For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Ethridge
Dobbin/Bolgla Associates
(212)-388-1400
E-mail: sarah_ethridge@dba-pr.com

-- Award-Winning Remote Features Touch-Screen Control Panel, Rechargeable Battery Power and Advanced Functionality --

ROSELLE, IL, May 12, 1999 – They said it couldn’t be done. The rave-reviewed Marantz RC 2000 Mark II has earned accolades the world over for its ability to easily control every component in a home entertainment system. It seemed impossible to improve upon…until now.

Presenting the Marantz RC-5000 Programmable Universal Remote Control—the next evolution of Marantz remote control technology. Winner of an Innovations ’99 Design and Engineering Award, the sleek, compact RC-5000 features a radical new LCD touch-screen panel display with "virtual" buttons that re-configure and re-name themselves according to the audio or video component selected. In addition, the RC-5000 includes a number of enhancements, including a more legible display and increased memory capacity, that make it the most advanced hand-held remote control ever created, with functionality exceeding far more expensive dedicated custom installation control systems.

Though it has just seven buttons plus its LCD panel, the Marantz RC-5000 offers total control of every component in a home entertainment system—from video components including TVs, VCRs, A/V receivers, DVD players, cable TV boxes and DSS systems to audio components such as CD players and changers, cassette decks and AM/FM tuners. If desired, the RC-5000 can even be configured to control multiple components from a single touch-screen. Its simple set up can be easily personalized right out of the box, or via its PC interface and downloadable Marantz RC-5000 Setup software (available at www.marantzamerica.com). The control codes from virtually every brand of IR remote control can be transferred to the RC-5000, and the RC-5000 also comes pre-programmed to operate a wide variety of Marantz audio and video components, as well as some popular brands of DSS equipment and components that use Philips RC-5 remote control codes.

The RC-5000 is a triumph of ergonomic design, with contours that fit comfortably into the hand. Most important, the large touch-screen LCD panel is self-illuminating, enabling easy operation even in totally darkened rooms. In addition to the touch-screen panel, the RC-5000 includes seven back-lit buttons that provide instant access to most-used functions such as volume adjust and power on-off.

The Marantz RC-5000 even eliminates the need for battery replacement. In addition to operating on AA batteries, the RC-5000 contains a rechargeable battery and fits into a docking station/recharging unit. Just store the RC-5000 in the docking station when not in use to keep it fully operational at all times.

The RC-5000 contains an extensive complement of additional advanced features, including macro keys that can be programmed to transmit a series of commands at a single touch. An entire home theater system can be turned on and a movie started with less effort than it takes to make a phone call! The RC-5000 is truly the ultimate remote control for the home theater enthusiast.

The Marantz RC-5000 carries a suggested retail price of $499. The RC2000 Mark II will also remain in the Marantz line at a suggested retail price of $250.

MARANTZ America is committed to upholding the tradition of sonic excellence and technological superiority initiated by founder Saul Marantz over forty-five years ago. In keeping with this emphasis on quality, Marantz audio and video components are carried only by the nation’s premier independent audio/video specialty retailers.

Visit Marantz on the World Wide Web at www.marantzamerica.com