NXT Plc, the provider of innovative sound solutions, known for its flat-panel loudspeaker technology, has signed an agreement with Shinhint Acoustic Link Holdings Limited, one of the leaders in manufacturing services providers of electro-acoustic peripherals for consumer electronics segment, regarding a long term strategic partnership based on the manufacture of NXT's balanced radiator technology, first announced in November 2005, informs Electronics Weekly.


"Shinhint's track record as a high-quality builder of loudspeaker drive units and finished products makes it an ideal choice as strategic partner for NXT's balanced-radiator technologies. The obvious synergies between the two companies - technical and commercial - are the foundation of this partnership, and we look forward to realising the technology's potential together," said Graham Ryan, NXT's Chief Commercial Officer.

The agreement is said, according to both companies' representatives, to involve financial investment and technical development on both sides. Moreover, the core of the partnership will consist in mixing NXT's acoustic design technologies with Shinhint's manufacturing capabilities. The balanced-radiator drive units, for example, previously designed according to the agreement, will be available for numerous applications.

On the other hand, NXT's balanced radiator technology is said to offer an enhanced range of advantages to both the end user and loudspeaker designers. Applications of the technology include circular or "high-aspect ratio" drive units, which can be manufactured in a similar approach to the conventional loudspeakers. The main benefits are improved sound quality, enhanced freedom of design and, potentially, lower cost.

"The partnership with NXT represents a critical step in our strategic roadmap to strengthen our capabilities in leading-edge drive unit technologies. We are fully committed to exploiting the commercial value of this technology, and have already allocated significant resources to an aggressive go-to-market plan," commented Ernest Ip, Shinhint's Chief Operating Officer.