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Kenwood introduces an "entertainment hub" complete with MP3 support, a burner, and much, much more.
http://formen.ign.com/news/35536.html

June 6, 2001 [Press Release]
Kenwood USA Corporation recently became the first major consumer electronics manufacturer to introduce an entertainment hub, a single component that stores and streams compressed and uncompressed music files, internet radio, and serves as a main controller for other Kenwood Sovereign components in a home entertainment system. Jointly developed with OpenGlobe, Inc. the new Kenwood Sovereign Entré allows users to create play lists via on-screen menus, connect and control other Kenwood Sovereign components, and store and play MP3 or WMA music files on its 20-gigabyte hard disk drive. A built-in CD recorder allows creation of compressed and uncompressed audio CDs for use in the car or with a portable player. Entré, which streams multiple audio programs simultaneously to different rooms in a house, will reach stores this summer.


“Entré complements Kenwood Sovereign systems by providing access to new media such as compressed MP3 music files and Internet radio,” said Bob Law, Kenwood vice president of sales and marketing. “This component gives independent specialty retailers the opportunity to increase sales because of the added value and functionality it brings to other Kenwood Sovereign components.”

Part of the new Kenwood Sovereign line of premium audio/video components, Entré makes it easy to access both internal and external audio, and to control other Kenwood Sovereign components. The unit’s RS-232 ports allow Entré to connect to other Kenwood Sovereign components, including four new A/V receivers and two new 400 disc DVD mega changers. It neatly integrates all the component’s functions with an easy to use on-screen menu displayed on the video monitor. For example, DVDs and CDs stored in a compatible Kenwood Sovereign changer can be accessed with cover art, title, track, artist and genre information via online databases such as CDDB Music Recognition Service and OpenGlobe MovieDB, and may be displayed on a television monitor. Connect Entré to a Kenwood Sovereign A/V receiver and it seamlessly integrates listening of standard AM/FM radio with Internet radio. Select receiver functions can be controlled with on on-screen video menus.

Although Entré supports playback of both MP3 and WMA music files, it will only store compressed audio files in the MP3 format. Play lists of all stored MP3 music files can be created, and music libraries compiled by making selections from on-screen menus.

Entré allows consumers to take music anywhere. It incorporates a built-in CD recorder and users will be able to burn both standard, uncompressed CD audio tracks as well as compressed MP3 files onto CD-R and CD-RW discs. Uncompressed CD-R and CD-RW discs will play on virtually every 2001 Kenwood in-dash car audio CD player, while any MP3-encoded CD-Rs or CD-RWs will play on the new Kenwood Excelon Z828 and Kenwood KDC-MP8017 in-dash car audio CD/MP3 players.

Consumers can also use Kenwood’s new DPC-MP922 handheld MP3/WMA/CD player. The DPC-MP922 plays standard CD as well as CD-R and CD-RWs encoded with MP3 or WMA files.

In addition, Entré provides a USB connection on the front panel, enabling easy connection and download of compressed audio to MP3 players with a USB port (however, music can not be uploaded to Entré through this port).

Entré is capable of storing hundreds of hours of compressed music on its internal hard disk, and simultaneously streaming different audio programs (such as MP3 files and Internet radio) to different rooms using the Home PNA 2.0 protocol. Home PNA 2.0 uses a home's existing phone wiring to create a network for streaming audio at 10Mbps without laying new wires. Kenwood’s Axcess, a remote portal available later this year, will make it possible to play streaming audio in any room with a phone jack. Entré can stream multiple audio files through four Axcess portals at once and not interfere with standard phone, fax or DSL modem services. Additionally, later this year Kenwood will be introducing an application that will allow transfer of both MP3 and WMA files from a computer desktop to the Entré as well as setup of the Entré’s meta-data Home PNA.

Kenwood has worked with OpenGlobe to develop a user interface that’s simple to use, yet allows complete management of the Entré’s functions and delivery of the full benefits of the following services:


Access to Internet radio stations
Access to Internet databases such as CDDB Music Recognition Service and OpenGlobe’s MovieDB
Downloading graphics and related content pertaining to CDs, DVDs and artists
Additional functions provided by OpenGlobe include ongoing CE-Commerce services that enable consumers to purchase items such as DVDs or CDs online, surf the net, and send and receive email. The Internet connection also allows Kenwood and OpenGlobe to automatically upgrade the Entertainment Hub software so that the user always has the latest version.

Entré will be available in September from authorized Kenwood Sovereign dealers for an MSRP of $1,800.

-- IGN Staff