Special Ceiling Panel Speakers Called Sound Panels Look Like
Ordinary Ceiling Panels, Thereby Improving Aesthetics of the Space

LANCASTER, PA, February 1, 2001 - Armstrong World Industries, the world's largest manufacturer of acoustical ceilings, has introduced i-ceilings Sound Systems, a comprehensive new sound systems that integrates with acoustical ceilings to deliver a unique combination of sound masking, music and paging through a common set of speakers that look like ordinary ceiling panels.

The complete system includes special ceiling panel speakers called Sound Panels, pre-packaged electronics units (including both processors and amplifiers) to drive the sound, and custom design and tuning for the space.

The new Sound Panels are compatible with all standard commercial sound systems and deliver balanced acoustical solutions that enhance speech privacy, comfort, and workplace effectiveness.

Sound Panels are Installed Directly into the Ceiling Plane

In most applications today, paging and music speakers are typically cut into and placed in the ceiling, while sound masking speakers are hung in the plenum above the ceiling, bouncing the electronic masking sound back down through the ceiling plane.

The new Armstrong Sound Panels work differently.  They are flat by design, and lay right into the ceiling plane, radiating sound downward in an omni-directional pattern.

Because of their patent-pending design, the Armstrong Sound Panels provide wider sound dispersion and more uniform coverage than conventional cone speakers.  This also provides a more effective and efficient sound masking system because the masking sound does not have to be designed around obstructions in the plenum, or the loss of masking sound as it penetrates the ceiling.

The new i-ceilings Sound Systems eliminate the need for multiple systems for sound masking, paging and music.  They also reduce plenum conflicts and eliminate the need for return air attenuators in sound masking applications.

Sound Panels Coordinate with Other Armstrong Ceilings

From an aesthetic point of view, i-ceilings Sound Panels look like other ceiling panels and coordinate with Armstrong's most popular ceiling patterns, including Ultima, Optima®, Fine Fissured, and Cortega.  As a result, the Sound Panels blend in with the overall ceiling, making the interior space much more visually pleasing than one with visible speakers.

New i-ceilings Sound Panels are also quick, easy and less expensive to install and/or relocate.  They simply lay into the grid like standard 2' x 2' ceiling panels.  The combination of faster installation, fewer speakers and integration of multiple systems results in a total installed cost equal to or lower than comparable conventional systems.

Nextel Installing 300 Sound Panels in Texas Call Center

One of the first applications of Armstrong's new i-ceiling Sound Systems is in Temple, Texas, where Nextel is installing nearly 300 Sound Panels in its new call center.  The Sound Panels will be used to provide sound masking in the 108,000 square foot facility, most of which is open plan.

Looking back on the decision to use the panels, Albert P. Shotwell, Nextel's Vice President for Real Estate and Facilities, states, "Armstrong has brought sound masking to a new level and proved that a quality masking system integrated with the right ceiling is a smart investment in Nextel's call center...and our employees.  That's why we are looking to implement i-ceilings Sound Systems with Ultima ceilings as a total solution across our portfolio, wherever appropriate."

Armstrong will sell its new i-ceilings Sound Systems through a limited network of audio/visual integrators who have design/build capabilities and sales, engineering, installation and service expertise.

The company's normal channel of ceiling distributors and contractors will still be involved in most of the projects involving i-ceilings Sound Systems because they will be responsible for the remainder of the ceiling that integrates with the Sound Panels.

To obtain additional information on Armstrong i-ceilings Sound Systems, call
1-877-ARMSTRONG (1-877-276-7876) or visit www.armstrong.com on the Internet.

Armstrong World Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of interior finishes, most notably ceilings and floors.  Its commercial products include acoustical ceilings and ceiling suspension systems as well as linoleum, wood and vinyl floor coverings.  Through its Architectural Specialties Group, Armstrong also provides custom ceiling capabilities, including wood ceilings, metal ceilings and fully integrated ceiling solutions for areas such as corridors and ceiling perimeters.  In 1999, company sales were approximately $3.4 billion.  The company has a workforce of 19,000 employees worldwide.