Sony & Best Buy Join Forces for ALTUS
By Rachel Cericola
Sony and
Best Buy have formed their own supergroup and named it
ALTUS. Sure, it's a groovier name than the Sammy Hagar-helmed Chickenfoot, but can they crank as loud?
That's to be determined. However, the newly formed joint force will be providing plenty of audio options for those interested parties. The new line will include wireless music systems, speakers, and other home theater products.
The
ALT-SA31iR is described as the group's "premium" multiroom iPod solution. That package includes a docking station for the iPod/iPhone, two wireless speakers and an AM/FM tuner. The system will also come with Sony's own S-AIR remote commander, which features an LCD display. Add a couple of S-AIR compatible receivers into the mix, and you can share that wealth of streaming audio even further.
Sony's ALT-SA31iR is a "premium" multiroom iPod solution, with two wireless speakers.
Another docking product, the
AIR-SW10Ti, features a compact docking station with two built-in speakers and a wireless subwoofer. Promising a maximum output of 60 watts RMS, the unit includes the IR remote commander and FM tuner features. Again, it works with both compatible S-AIR and ALTUS products.
The ALT-SA31iR will sell for $700, with the AIR-SA10Ti coming in at $400.
In case you want to go straight to the digital source for your music, ALTUS includes two PC audio multiroom packages. The
ALT-SA32PC ($500) will have an S-AIR transmitter that connects to your PC and two wireless speakers. Easy-peasy. The
ALT-A33PC ($200) adds a universal receiver into the mix, so you can add other audio products via analog inputs. Both packages include support for iTunes and Windows Media Player, as well as its own program, which allows listeneres to create new music "channels."
Those looking to expand any ALTUS setup can easily add the
ALT-SA34R Socket Speaker Package ($350). Compatible with S-AIR transmitters, this package includes an S-AIR remote commander and two small S-AIR wireless speakers that can plug into any existing outlet.
Sony's BDV-E500W includes 5.1 sound, a Blu-ray player, wireless speakers and wireless multiroom audio features.
For all of you Blu-ray lovers out there, ALTUS will also have its own
BDV-E500W 5.1 Channel Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System. It's got the BD-Live capable player, an iPod dock, and plenty of audio support. However, there's also wireless speakers and wireless multiroom audio features, which offers owners a lot of flexibility. If you're getting greedy, you can add compatible ALTUS or S-AIR devices (sold separately) for audio in up to 10 additional rooms. Other features include Precision Cinema Upscaling technology and Sony's Xross Media Bar (XMB). This is the only product available now, for about $800.
Sony is currently taking orders for the rest, with all of the products expected to hit Best Buy shelves next month.
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