SAN CLEMENTE, CA. (iPort) - iPort , maker of the first In-Wall music system for iPod, introduces five new free standing (FS) iPort music systems that let iPod owners stream audio and photos to their home entertainment system and sync with iTunes, switching between the functions at the touch of a button. Systems start at $150. iPort step up models offer expanded benefits including the ability to control volume directly from the iPort itself, as well as the ability to view the iPod's song, album, artist and playlist information on high-end touch-screen control systems. All FS systems are scheduled for release in the 4th quarter.
"The elegant design of the free standing iPort, combined with the line's focus on user convenience, makes it the perfect choice for sharing music and photos with friends and family," said Peter Brown, iPort Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "By connecting the iPod to their existing entertainment system, users get a much better experience than from self contained docking systems with built in speakers."
All iPort FS models charge the iPod when it's docked. Users drop their iPod into the iPort, enjoy music or photos, and always have their iPod ready to hit the road. And all iPort models have push button selectable syncing. There is no need to pick up your iPod once you drop it into the dock. Users switch between streaming and syncing with the touch of a button making it faster and easier to share content.
Step up models provide all the features desired for high performance whole home systems. Integrated IR remote capability lets users sit back and control their iPod from across the room. iPort will offer a remote control, yet all iPod or programmable remote controls can also operate the iPort. Variable audio output allows the iPod to connect directly to an amplifier or powered speakers, with volume controlled from the iPort itself.
Further upgrades make it easy to integrate the iPort into more sophisticated multi-room audio systems. These include: Balanced audio, which allows the iPort to be located as far as 500 feet away from the main stereo system; balanced video, which allows streaming of iPod photos to TVs or monitors up to 250 feet away; and two-way RS-232 communication, which allows users to see the iPod metadata (song title, album, artist, playlist, etc.) on touchscreen control panels that may be located in other rooms in the house.
Five free standing models to meet everyone's needs
All five FS music systems include a multi-function two-part mated cable for USB, audio, video, control and power. The multi-function cable reduces clutter and simplifies connection. One side of the cable splits off for connection to the computer providing the means to sync the iPod to the iTunes library. The other side of the cable connects to a "breakout box" that provides outputs for audio and video along with inputs for power and control.
The basic systems, FS-1 ($150) and FS-2 ($200), come packed with a simple mini-breakout box that provides audio outputs for standard RCA cable connection to a stereo and video outputs for both composite video and S-Video cables for connection to any TV. An included power supply connects through the mini-breakout box and charges the iPod when docked.
With the FS-1, the iPod is controlled manually through the iPod click wheel. The FS-2 adds integrated IR remote capability and variable audio output. The variable audio output is controlled from volume up/down buttons built into the iPort face, or remotely from an optional iPort remote control or from a host of third party iPod and universal audio/video remote controls.
The iPort remote control, REM-1 ($50) will control all in-wall and free standing iPort music systems equipped with an IR sensor and is due to ship at the same time as the FS music systems.
The step up systems, FS-3, FS-4 and FS-5, include all the features of the FS-2, plus they are packed with an advanced breakout box designed for integrating the iPort into whole home distributed audio and video systems.
The FS-3 ($600) features a balanced audio path that supports wiring runs up to 500 feet, as well as IR pass-through capability for operation from IR based control systems. Included with the FS-3 are the advanced breakout box and audio sender and receiver wall plates.
The FS-4 ($800) is enabled for two-way communication. Users with RS-232 control systems can operate the iPod from any room or even outside and see the track, playlist, album and artist information just as if the iPod were right in front of them. Two-way control is as easy to use as the iPod itself. Completing the line is the FS-5 ($1,100), which builds on the FS-4 adding balanced video sender and receiver wall plates, allowing users to send images on their iPod photo devices up to 250 feet for viewing on any TV or video device. Said Brown, "The iPort in-wall systems with two-way communication capabilities set a standard for iPod integration. With our free standing systems ability to stream and sync, and switch between them at the touch of a button, we've pushed the convenience envelope even further."
Company Information
iPort, maker of the first in-wall music system for iPod, provides freedom from the constraints of headphones. iPort makes it possible to easily share music and photos through any home stereo or entertainment system. Using innovative technology and unique design iPort is committed to producing products that are stylish, inventive, and as simple to use as the iPod.
iPort is the innovation of Scott Struthers, co-founder of Sonance, developer of the first high fidelity in-wall speaker, and a founding member of CEDIA.
For more information, contact iPort at 212 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente, CA 92672, call 949-492-7777, or go to https://www.iportmusic.com.
