Sony Unveils Wireless Multi-Room Audio System for iPod Players

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 22 /TMRZoo.com/ — Sony today took the wraps off its new wireless, multi-room audio system for listening to iPod(R) players.

The new S-AIRPLAY(TM) system features Sony’s S-Air(TM) technology, which provides a practical, wireless multi-room solution without complicated setup requirements. Wireless audio can be transmitted from the system’s main docking station in one room to various rooms throughout the home — up to nearly 164 feet — simply by plugging a separate S-Air wireless speaker into a power outlet.

“This technology makes it easy to listen to music from a compatible iPod without carrying it from room to room,” said Andrew Sivori, director of marketing in the personal audio group at Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging and Audio Division. “It’s an easy, inexpensive way to get multi-room audio without professional installation.”

S-Air technology delivers audio wirelessly to the included speakers without interfering with other household devices. The system comes with one docking station and two S-Air wireless speakers, but it can transmit to up to 10 speakers simultaneously (additional speakers sold separately).

Equipped with an AM/FM tuner, the S-AIRPLAY system’s dual source feature lets users listen to music from the iPod player or from a radio station. Listeners in one room can hear their favorite radio station, while listeners in another room can enjoy music from the iPod at the same time.

The S-Air wireless speakers include remote control capability for the iPod player’s music tracks so you can advance or go back to previously played songs. The speakers also incorporate sleep timers and an alarm clock function, making them perfect for bedside placement.

To connect to an existing home theater system or television set, the docking station includes composite A/V outputs. It also charges the iPod while it is docked.

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders for the S-AIRPLAY audio system are now being accepted online at http://www.sonystyle.com/. The system (model AIR-SA20PK) will be available in September for about $400 at Sony Style(R) retail stores and select retailers nationwide. Additional S-Air wireless speakers will also be available next month for about $130 direct from Sony.

Source: Sony Electronics Inc.

Product Specifications

Amplifier

  • Convenience

    • Timer : Sleep, Play
  • Power

    • Output Power : 8W (RMS)
  • General

    • Display : LCD (1Line/8 Digits) in White
  • Inputs and Outputs

    • Headphone Input(s) : 3.5mm

Transmitter

  • General

    • Capability : Tuner, iPod (sold separately)

    • Mode(s) : Party, Multi-source

    • Display : Display (1Line/8 Digits) in White
  • Inputs and Outputs

    • Audio Line OUT : x1 (L/R) Analog

    • Video OUT : x1 Composite

Tuner

  • Audio

    • Station Preset(s) : 10 (AM); 20 (FM)

    • Tuner Frequency Range : 87.5 – 108.0 MHz (FM); 530 – 1710KHz/10KHz (AM)

    • Tuner Type : AM, FM

Weights and Measurements

  • Dimensions (Approx.) : Dock: 11.6 x 1.7 x 4.3 inches (295 x 43 x 110mm) ; Satellite: 11.8 x 5.3 x 4.5 inches (300 x 135 x 115mm)
  • Weight (Approx.) : 1.5kg (included out trans)

Speaker

  • Speaker System : 8W (4W x 2) RMS

Hardware

  • Display : LCD (1Line/8 Digits) in White
  • Remote Control : Wireless Remote

Power

  • Power Consumption : 15W (Reciever); Below 1W (Receiver)
  • Power Consumption (in Standby) : Below 0.5W (Transmitter)
  • Power Requirements : 120V AC, 60Hz

Capability

  • MP3 Player : Made for iPod1
  • Radio : AM/FM

Inputs and Outputs

  • Analog Audio Input(s) (Total) : 1
  • Composite Video Output(s) : 1

Audio

  • Tuning : AM, FM (need antenna)

Front Speaker

  • Speaker

    • Speaker Type : Full Range 6.5cm x2
  • Audio

    • Impedance : 3 ohms

    • Sensitivity : 83 dB/w/m

Accessories Supplied

  • Includes S-AIR iPod dock and two S-AIR Remote Speaker Clients (AIR-SA15R)
  • 1 Remote Commander (Transmitter)
  • 2 Remote Commander (Receiver)
  • 6 AAA Batteries (Manganese)
  • AM Roop Antenna
  • FM Lead Antenna (Transmitter)
  • FM Lead Antenna (Receiver)
  • User Manual (Transmitter)
  • User Manual (Receiver)
  • 5 iPod Dock Adapter
  • 3 S-AIR adapter (EZW-RT10