Onkyo has just released the DS-A5 docking station, which is compatible with the current iPad, iPhone and most iPods. But better yet, it's compatible with virtually any receiver currently on the market and provides integrated remote control capabilities with Onkyo receivers up to 12 years old. The new dock also offers AirPlay for wired or wireless streaming of iTunes from your portable device, PC or Mac directly through your receiver. AirPlay first became available from Apple in 2010 and was quickly embraced by many other audio/video providers in the industry.
The DS-A5 supports a hard-wired connection, with full charging capabilities, to current Apple devices that use the 30-pin port. If you have your eye on the iPhone 5 or newest iPod touch with their new 9-pin Lightning connector, you'll need an adapter or can opt for the AirPlay wireless option.
With the DS-A5 docking station, users can stream music to just about any Onkyo A/V receiver, including older models that pre-date USB ports and Ethernet connections. The unit provides analog and digital audio connectivity options, as well as remote integration so you can navigate through your songs and playlists using your existing Onkyo remote control. Onkyo designed the DS-A5 docking station as a secure digital-to-digital docking and charging connection for all portable iOS devices (except the iPod Shuffle, which uses a different connector), up to and including the iPhone 4S, 4th generation iPod touch and current 3rd generation iPad.
While the DS-A5 arrives concurrently with the launch of the iPhone 5, early adopters of the new handset may be slightly disappointed to find out that the Onkyo unit only offers docking via the standard Apple 30-pin adaptor. This port effectively became a "legacy" connector with the release of the iPhone 5 today with its new 9-pin Lightning connector. That new connector will also be included on the upcoming 5th generation iPod touch and other Apple products going forward. An adapter or cable will provide a quick fix, allowing users with new 9-pin connector devices to plug into 30-pin ports and accessories. These are currently available from Apple for $29 for the adapter or $39 for the cable. Expect third party manufacturers to offer similar adapters and cables soon at significantly lower prices.
The Onkyo DS-A5 supports AirPlay, and is Wi-Fi certified for wireless connection to your network. If you prefer a hard-wired connection, the dock also includes an Ethernet port.The unit allows for direct streaming from a portable device via the dock or via AirPlay, and streaming via a networked computer running iTunes via AirPlay.
While users will like the wireless connectivity the DS-A5 provides, the docking station offers additional functionality including the ability to charge the device while it's in the cradle. When docked, the digital audio output can be used to send signals directly to a receiver's DAC for a richer sound. Users can also use analog stereo outputs for compatibility with any component with analog stereo inputs. Additional outputs include composite video, which makes it possible to stream photos or video to to a TV connected to the receiver.
One of the differentiating factors of the Onkyo DS-A5, over a standard Apple AirPlay unit, is that the docking station links to an Onkyo A/V or stereo receiver via a supplied RI (Remote Interactive) cable. This means your connected device will charge while connected and you can access your music library right from the receiver's remote control.
Don't have an Onkyo A/V or stereo receiver? No problem. The DS-A5 can be used to add AirPlay capabilities to non-Onkyo Hi-Fi and A/V systems, standalone DACs or powered speakers, just without the remote control integration.
Expect to find the Onkyo DS-A5 docking station for the iPad, iPhone and iPod in October for $199.
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