Panamax Expands PRO Series With New MAX® 5410 A/V Component

PETALUMA, CA - January 22, 2004 - Panamax, the leading manufacturer of power protection and conditioning products, introduces the newest addition to its custom installation-centered PRO Series . The Panamax MAX® 5410 Pro (model #M5410) features an RS-232 interface for home automation system compatibility, as well as a line-up of new application-driven features that put the component in its own class. Part of Panamax's "Signature Series," the MAX 5410 was designed in part by Michael Candea of Audio Advisors, a Palm Beach, Florida custom installation firm. Candea contributes over two decades experience to the MAX 5410's design, which is tailored specifically for electronic systems installers who need a power conditioner to complement today's advanced automation networks.

"With more homeowners outfitting their homes with programmable, automated electronic systems, we set out to give the system installers a component that notably strengthens their design," said Bob Smith, vice president of new business development at Panamax. "We started with the proven performance of our existing component conditioners, and with Michael Candea's input, added new features aimed squarely at benefiting installers. Plus, we enhanced a variety of our mainstay functions to specialize the MAX 5410 as a comprehensive solution to the challenges in installing increasingly popular automation systems."

The MAX 5410 is designed to distribute clean power to systems in an automated home. Its RS-232 interface controls the power state of connected equipment, and allows for programming power cycles on components like satellite receivers, which may lock up after downloading software updates. A 12-volt-in trigger, combined with time-delay AC outlet capability, controls start-up and shut-down of amplifiers, and avoids damage to partner components like speakers. A 12-Volt-out trigger, generated by the M5410, enables combined automation functions and facilitates one-button system operation by initiating appliances like automated screens, lifts, and draperies. In addition, the MAX 5410 features isolation between outlet banks and noise filtration both at input and bi-directionally between interconnected components. The 5410's premium grade receptacles ensure maximum current draw and proper grounding, as well as heavy 12-gauge internal wiring for minimized resistance to current flow.

With a suggested retail price of $749, and its combination of installer benefits, Panamax's industry-leading surge protection, and component-specific power conditioning, the MAX 5410 is the newest, most effective tool for handling power filtration issues, and increasing the functional value of interconnected components in the most sensitive and demanding home automation environments.

The MAX 5410 is scheduled to ship late January 2004.

Comprehensive Features for Easy Integration into Home Automation & Theater Systems:

Balanced Double L Filtration Circuitry
These circuits are designed to eliminate the AC contamination that is most detrimental to the performance of analog or video components like stereo receivers, VCRs or televisions. The filters are carefully engineered to provide power filtration and inter-component "noise isolation" for both "common mode" (line/neutral-to-ground) and "normal mode" (line-to-neutral) EMI/RFI. This means that EMI/RFI noise will be drastically reduced not only from the incoming power but also from equipment plugged into the other outlet banks, regardless of what "mode" it occurs in. Even equipment with ungrounded, 2-blade plugs, receives clean power!

High Current Circuitry
The high-current outlets allow amplifiers and powered subwoofers to work to their full potential. When the movie thunders with a terrific explosion or when the music reaches a climatic crescendo, an amplifier has to rapidly draw large amounts of current to replenish its capacitors. Traditional line conditioners impede this current draw, in effect, starving an amplifier and resulting in a flat, dead sound. The High-Current Outlets provide clean, filtered power to amplifiers but have no current limiting components to impede performance.

SurgeGate Plus Circuitry
Constantly monitors the AC line voltage for unsafe conditions such as prolonged overvoltages and undervoltages (brownouts). If it senses an unsafe condition, it will automatically disconnect the equipment from the power to protect it from damage. Once the voltage returns to a safe level, the power to the equipment will automatically be reconnected. This smart power protection technology sets Panamax surge protection apart, acting as a gate to prevent unsafe voltages from damaging sensitive electronic equipment.

SignalPerfect Technology
Used to protect 4 coaxial (2 satellite TV & 2 off-air/cable TV) lines and 1 pay-per-view telephone line. Provides optimized, application specific protection against signal line surges.

Protect or Disconnect Circuitry
Safeguards equipment from all surges. In the event of a catastrophic surge, such as lightning, it completely disconnects AC power to the connected equipment.

Convenience Features:
Six LED diagnostic lights indicating power status and special feature activation
Backlit, analog Voltmeter with dimmer control on front panel
Front panel outlet for temporary connection of equipment like game consoles
Rear panel USB-style light port for component & connection visibility

Warranties
$5,000,000 Connected Equipment Protection Policy - Panamax will protect the equipment or repair or replace it up to $5,000,000!

3 Year Product Warranty - The surge protector shall be free of any defects in design, materials, or workmanship, and Panamax will repair or replace any defective product up to three years from the purchase date.

Panamax - The Industry's Leader in Innovation and Technology
Panamax has been the premier surge protection/line conditioning manufacturer in the consumer electronics industry for over 25 years. Panamax has a staff of 5 full-time research & development specialists, and has introduced many technological innovations to the surge protection/line conditioning product arena. Dr. Richard L. Cohen, Vice President for New Technology, participates in the UL advisory group that sets standards for surge protectors, and is leading an IEEE surge protection working group to write a guide for lightning protection for residential electronics. Partly because of these relationships, Panamax products already meet new UL surge protector requirements that will go into effect in November 2003. Panamax also has a high-power test laboratory that is certified by CSA to perform agency testing, and has drawn on an unparalleled understanding of surge protection to create the finest power and signal-line protection products available in the market today.

About Panamax
For over 25 years, Panamax has specialized in producing the most innovative surge suppression products available to protect home and small business electronics equipment from damage caused by power surges and lightning. The company's extensive line of award-winning surge protectors is designed to safeguard a wide array of electrical equipment including computers, telephone systems, copiers, domestic appliances, home theater and direct broadcast satellite systems. Panamax is ISO 9001 certified and markets its line of surge protectors throughout the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Pacific Rim. The company has earned numerous industry awards, and is backed by outstanding customer service and the best warranties the industry has to offer.

For additional information on Panamax and its products, please contact (800) 472-5555 or visit www.panamax.com