TOKYO(May2,2002)--Nissho Iwai Machinery System Corporation, a wholly owned Nissho Iwai subsidiary, will start handling the "Attachable Speaker", a next-generation audio device that utilizes an attached "object (vibration transmission plate)" which serves as the speaker, and from April will promote domestic and international sales as the exclusive distributor.

Conventional speakers (dynamic speakers) convert sound signals into magnetic forces, and generate air vibrations (sound) through a piston action that uses repulsion between a magnet coil and a permanent magnet. Owing to the nature of this method, it is difficult for sound signal transmission to approach zero-time lag, resulting in actual sound latency. Moreover, as the entire vibrating plate (the diaphragm - generally made of paper) moves back and forth, the intensity of vibration weakens depending on air resistance, the magnetic forces inside the box, and the sound quality of the vibrating parts.

On the other hand, the "Attachable Speakers, which directly energize a ceramic vibration source to make sound, convert sound signals directly to vibration (sound). This enables the speakers to respond naturally to sound signals that fluctuate intricately at high speed, and to bodily sense high-quality sound. Also, vibration occurs naturally from the attached vibration transmission plate, resulting in the production of an open sound, that is, natural and clear sound. As the vibration transmission plate, to which vibration is transmitted, compresses air extensively and strongly and forms compression waves that are then emitted, the sound can be heard clearly and distinctly over greater distances than with conventional speakers.

Nissho Iwai Machinery System Corporation will conduct sales through two channels; "product (finished goods)" and "electronic parts for industry". Sales of "product" will be expanded via musical instrument stores and household appliance stores, and that of "electronic parts for industry" via the automobile, cellular phone and construction industries and electric appliance manufacturers. This will allow users to enjoy sound from "objects" and "places" that transcend traditional boundaries. The company aims at sales of approximately 300 million yen in the first year, and approximately 1,500 million yen in 3 year's time.

The "Attachable Speaker" enables reproduction of signals of 30 KHz or higher, with fluctuations so fast that they are beyond human hearing. It even reproduces the harmonic overtones (sound which humans cannot normally hear) produced by stringed and wind instruments, which have been difficult to reproduce until now. This results in further improved expression of sound, and enables users to feel the profile and sensuality of the sound. As the "Attachable Speaker" does not use magnets, and is power-saving, it can be said that this device has little electromagnetic wave effect on its surroundings.