join the mailing list! add | remove

Thursday January 8th, 2004

Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox makes a splash at Consumer Electronics Show

Henry Juszkiewicz, Gibson Chairman and CEO

Gibson Audio, the new consumer electronics division of Gibson Guitar, debuted the new Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox at a press event today (January 8) at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The jukebox is designed for home use and features a sleek, contemporary design and cutting edge functionality, yet it is very simple to operate.

"You could give this to your grandmother, and she would be able to get into it and run it within a minute," explained Henry Juszkiewicz, Gibson Chairman and CEO.

There are three models of the jukebox, with the flagship model being a floorstanding, all-in-one design that evokes the historical Wurlitzer look, but with a modern flair. A component version, the Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox "CP," is functionally identical to the floorstanding device, but without speakers and in a "stereo rack" form factor designed to fit comfortably in existing home entertainment systems. For locations such as bedrooms or kitchens, there is a small tabletop version.

"Unlike jukeboxes of the past, this is really a hi-fidelity system," said Kris Carter, President of Gibson Audio. "It's a great way to immerse yourself in music."

Kris Carter, President of Gibson Audio

Kris Carter, Loudeye President & CEO Jeff Cavins,
Henry Juszkiewicz and Klipsch Audio Technologies President T. Paul Jacobs

The Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox allows the user to store a huge CD collection in digital format (up to 1000 CDs), then control that music collection from a wireless touch-screen remote that features a remarkably elegant and simple user interface. It also provides direct access to the Wurlitzer Music Service, a digital music service that offers 100 channels of digital radio plus a full download store where the user can purchase and download hundreds of thousands of major label songs directly to the jukebox. The user can take any of this music and build personalized playlists, create "mix" CDs, export songs to a portable MP3 player, or distribute music wirelessly throughout the home to other Wurlitzer receivers. The system provides top quality audio with a custom-designed speaker and amplifier system from Klipsch Audio Technologies.

The Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox line has already received several honors, including "Best of Audio" in the 2004 CES Innovations Design & Engineering Awards. Additionally, the tabletop version has been selected as one of two top audio products in the Consumer Electronics Association's "Technology is a Girl's Best Friend" Showcase, a showcase that features products designed with the female consumer in mind.

Henry Juszkiewicz and Kris Carter show off the desktop model.

For more information about the Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox, go here, call 1-800 4GIBSON anytime or send us an email.