Responder LE Systems From Directed Electronics are now Shipping to Viper, Python & Clifford Retailers Worldwide

VISTA, Calif. (Map) - VISTA, Calif., March 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Directed Electronics (Nasdaq: DEIX) is pleased to announce the availability of Responder LE 2-Way Vehicle Security & Remote Start systems, which were recognized with a prestigious Best of Innovations Award at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), one of Directed's eight Innovations Awards. The award reflects the company's #1 market share position in aftermarket Vehicle Security & Remote Start, and its leadership in the emerging field of digital OEM Integration.

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The design and form factor of Directed's elegant new Responder LE remotes mark an evolutionary milestone for the familiar keychain transmitter. These are Directed's thinnest and most advanced 2-Way remote controls ever, with an ergonomic industrial design, made to fit the user's hand comfortably, enabling effortless and intuitive single-handed operation.

Another key aspect of the remote are the GhostLights(TM) that enable 2-Way operation of the transceiver, confirming that commands sent to the vehicle have been received and acted upon. These GhostLights are LED indicators concealed in the bezel which can only be seen when illuminated.

All these design qualities -- ergonomic, tactile and aesthetic -- work together to make Responder LE the most advanced and user-friendly vehicle security and remote start system in Directed's history. The user is able to start the vehicle's engine with the push of a button from up to 2,000 feet away and receive GhostLight confirmation that the vehicle has started and is either warming up (in the winter) or cooling down (in the summer.)

Responder LE has incorporated many product innovations which make it uniquely deserving of the 2008 CES Best of Innovations Award. Directed has made a significant R&D investment in this product including a substantially thinner profile for the remote, enhanced battery life, and extended range. Responder LE is "Powered by XPRESSKIT," and data-enabled via direct D2D connection between Responder LE, the XPRESSKIT interface (sold separately) and the vehicle databus.

D2D cables are shipping now, and the Innovations Award-winning XPRESSKIT XK400N will become available this summer. The XK400N (sold separately) snaps into the built-in XpressPort(TM) on the Responder LE CPU, creating a direct connection to the vehicle databus for the highest attainable levels of digital integration, reliability and programmability.

Responder LE is now shipping to Viper, Python and Clifford retailers worldwide, each branded configuration with its own unique remote. Suggested retail price is $479. More information is available at http://www.directed.com

About Directed Electronics

Headquartered in Southern California, Directed Electronics is the largest designer and marketer in North America of premium home theater loudspeakers sold under the Polk Audio(R) and Definitive Technology(R) brand names, and consumer-branded vehicle security and remote start systems sold under the Viper(R), Clifford(R), Python(R) and Autostart(R) brand names. Directed is also the largest aftermarket supplier of SIRIUS satellite radios and accessories, and a major supplier of mobile audio and video. Directed markets its broad portfolio of products through many channels including leading national retailers and specialty chains throughout North America, and around the world. Founded in 1982, the company has more than 500 employees and operations in California, Maryland, Canada, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit http://www.directed.com.