Harman Kardon 2009 Annual Report Download - page 23

electronic devices. Our branded audio products for multimedia applications are primarily designed to enhance
sound for Apple’s iPods and iPhones, and other MP3 players. We provide transducers and built-in speakers for
leading notebook computers, such as Toshiba. Additionally, we provide an extensive line of audio systems for
personal computers that are recognized for their award winning design and high fidelity. Aftermarket mobile
products include speakers that deliver high-quality in-car audio. Our Consumer products are sold in specialty
audio stores, mass-market retail stores such as the Apple stores, Best Buy, Target, Media Markt and Fnac, and
through online retailers, such as Amazon.com.
Professional
Our Professional segment designs, manufactures and markets an extensive range of loudspeakers, power
amplifiers, digital signal processors, microphones, headphones and mixing consoles used by audio professionals
in concert halls, stadiums, airports, houses of worship and other public spaces. For example, our Professional
products can be found in prestigious venues and at important events such as the Kennedy Center, the Vienna
State Opera House, the O2 World Arena in Berlin, Yankee Stadium, the 51st Grammy Awards, the 2008 Beijing
Olympics and the U.S. 2009 Presidential Inauguration. We design products for recording, broadcast, cinema and
music reproduction applications. We also provide high-quality products to the sound reinforcement, music
instrument support and broadcast and recording segments of the professional audio market. Our Professional
products are marketed globally under brand names including JBL Professional, AKG, Crown, Soundcraft,
Lexicon, DigiTech, dbx, BSS and Studer.
We also offer complete systems solutions for professional installations and users around the world. Our
products can be linked by our HiQnet network protocol providing a central digital network for audio
professionals to control different aspects of a complex system. We believe that we are well equipped to provide
turnkey systems solutions for professional audio applications that offer the customer improved performance,
reliability, ease of installation and reduced cost. Our Professional system products are marketed globally under a
number of brand names, including JBL, AKG, Crown, Soundcraft, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Revel, DigiTech,
dbx and Studer.
Other (QNX)
Our Other segment includes the operations of our QNX business, which offers real-time operating system
software, middleware, development tools and consulting services. The markets served by our QNX business
include automotive, industrial control and automation, energy, medical, networking and telecommunications, and
security and defense. Leading technology companies have embraced QNX solutions in such products as the Intel
Atom processor, Adobe Flash and Apple’s iPod. QNX products include the QNX Neutrino RTOS operating
system and the award-winning QNX Aviage suite of middleware. Additionally, our QNX technologies can be
found in a wide spectrum of products in which reliability is paramount, such as medical devices, the NASA
Space Arm, optical telecommunications networks and in a number of defense applications, including control,
sensor and communications systems.
Results of Operations
Our results of operations depend on our sales of audio products and electronic systems in the automotive,
consumer and professional markets. Our products are sold worldwide, with the largest markets being the United
States and Germany. Significant portions of our net sales are denominated in Euros.
Our Strengths
World-class brand portfolio
We believe that our brands and the innovative technologies they represent—many of which Harman
pioneered—have helped establish our Company as a leader in the primary markets we serve. Our brand portfolio
includes such renowned names as AKG, Becker, Crown, Harman/Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark
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