Sony's ALTUS Audio Line To Make Music In Best Buy
As if Sony's week couldn't get any better, the company responsible for
issuing a new, slimmer PlayStation 3 is also announcing a new audio
product line that'll soon be gracing the shelves of Best Buy locations.
The ALTUS range will initially consist of just a handful of kits, all
of which are tied to the company's S-AIR wireless protocol in some form
or another.
Up first is the ALT-SA31iR multi-room iPod package, which features three separate components: a docking station for iPod/iPhone and two high-output wireless speakers. This multi-room package also features an AM/FM tuner and S-AIR remote commander with an LCD display, on which users can see metadata (title, artist, track name, etc.). The system can be used to transmit audio without wires to all other S-AIR compatible receivers should you own one, and if you pick this up, it's certainly incentive to outfit the rest of your home with S-AIR-friendly wares.
The AIR-SW10Ti docking system for iPod consists of a compact docking station with two built-in speakers and a wireless subwoofer that can be easily concealed. The rig packs 60 watts of RMS power and includes an IR remote and FM tuner. The AIR-SW10Ti system can also be used to transmit wireless audio to compatible ALTUS and S-AIR products. The ALT-SA31iR system will retail for approximately $700 and the AIR-SA10Ti model will retail for about $400, and both are available for pre-order today through SonyStyle.com if you can't wait for them to show up in Best Buy next month.
Moving right along, there's the ALT-SA32PC multi-room audio package, which is also a three-piece set featuring an -AIR transmitter that connects to your PC (via USB input) and two high-output wireless speakers. The USB transmitter streams audio wirelessly from the connected PC to the two included speakers for a simple multi-room solution. The ALT-A33PC package has an identical USB S-AIR transmitter, but includes a universal receiver that can connect to a variety of audio products with its analog audio inputs. This enables users to stream music wirelessly from their computer to most existing music systems. Both of these bundles ship with music management software that has the ability to tap into existing playlists on your computer in programs like iTunes and Windows Media Player, with the former selling for $500 and the latter for around $200.
Bringing up the rear, there's the ALT-SA34R Socket Speaker Package. This ALTUS product is compatible with all S-AIR enabled transmitters and features two small, unobtrusive S-AIR wireless speakers that plug directly into any power outlet in the home. The speaker system also includes an S-AIR remote commander highlighted by an LCD display for viewing music metadata. Sadly, such a nice concept won't be cheap, with the MSRP expected to hover around $350 when it ships in September. Finally, the BDV-E500W 5.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System is available to new home theater junkies looking for a simple, all in one setup to bring BD functionality and surround sound into their home. The BD-Live capable system can be found now for around $800, which includes five surround speakers and a dedicated subwoofer.
Up first is the ALT-SA31iR multi-room iPod package, which features three separate components: a docking station for iPod/iPhone and two high-output wireless speakers. This multi-room package also features an AM/FM tuner and S-AIR remote commander with an LCD display, on which users can see metadata (title, artist, track name, etc.). The system can be used to transmit audio without wires to all other S-AIR compatible receivers should you own one, and if you pick this up, it's certainly incentive to outfit the rest of your home with S-AIR-friendly wares.
The AIR-SW10Ti docking system for iPod consists of a compact docking station with two built-in speakers and a wireless subwoofer that can be easily concealed. The rig packs 60 watts of RMS power and includes an IR remote and FM tuner. The AIR-SW10Ti system can also be used to transmit wireless audio to compatible ALTUS and S-AIR products. The ALT-SA31iR system will retail for approximately $700 and the AIR-SA10Ti model will retail for about $400, and both are available for pre-order today through SonyStyle.com if you can't wait for them to show up in Best Buy next month.
Moving right along, there's the ALT-SA32PC multi-room audio package, which is also a three-piece set featuring an -AIR transmitter that connects to your PC (via USB input) and two high-output wireless speakers. The USB transmitter streams audio wirelessly from the connected PC to the two included speakers for a simple multi-room solution. The ALT-A33PC package has an identical USB S-AIR transmitter, but includes a universal receiver that can connect to a variety of audio products with its analog audio inputs. This enables users to stream music wirelessly from their computer to most existing music systems. Both of these bundles ship with music management software that has the ability to tap into existing playlists on your computer in programs like iTunes and Windows Media Player, with the former selling for $500 and the latter for around $200.
Bringing up the rear, there's the ALT-SA34R Socket Speaker Package. This ALTUS product is compatible with all S-AIR enabled transmitters and features two small, unobtrusive S-AIR wireless speakers that plug directly into any power outlet in the home. The speaker system also includes an S-AIR remote commander highlighted by an LCD display for viewing music metadata. Sadly, such a nice concept won't be cheap, with the MSRP expected to hover around $350 when it ships in September. Finally, the BDV-E500W 5.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System is available to new home theater junkies looking for a simple, all in one setup to bring BD functionality and surround sound into their home. The BD-Live capable system can be found now for around $800, which includes five surround speakers and a dedicated subwoofer.
