Hailed as the most innovative invention in ceiling systems, AMF Ceilings has designed a radically new, hi-tech loudspeaker panel, which functions as a sound source for speech and music.

A product of research, investment and state-of-the-art technology, the AMF Audio System is considered the ultimate aesthetic and technical solution that provides seamless integration into ceilings.

'An essential architectural design component, it offers specifiers a new function for the ceiling, exciting design possibilities and high audio quality,' says a spokesman for the Germany-based company.

For a sound specialist the objective is to produce a perfect acoustic environment. Ordinary loudspeakers do not always offer this and are rather unsightly, visible as they are from the suspended ceiling, he says. AMF's new Audio System provides the ideal solution. With this completely new sound system, music and speech can be transmitted from an invisible speaker in the ceiling, he says.

The AMF Audio System is seamlessly integrated, without changing the appearance of the room, as it is identical to a normal ceiling tile. Within this system, the ceiling functions as a sound source, with the complete ceiling panel transmitting sound waves from the energy created by electromagnetic oscillating coils and the tiles act as loudspeakers. Panel types can be selected according to acoustical requirements with every panel boasting a high acoustic power and hi-fi quality.

Says the spokesman: 'The AMF Audio System is perfect for buildings that require excellent acoustics such as: public buildings, transport terminals, conference rooms, exhibition centres, lecture theatres and auditoria, hotels, cinemas, department stores, leisure centres and restaurants. It is available in the majority of AMF face patterns including: Fine Stratos, Fine Stratos micro-performance, Mercure and Star.