Sony unveils Made for iPod shelf systems, car stereos, HD Radio with iTunes Tagging
Tuesday, January 08, 2008 - 11:57 PM EDT
Sony has introduced its first Made for iPod line of shelf systems with a wide range of connectivity options, powerful sound and eye-catching designs.
The new systems also integrate Bluetooth technology and even digitize old media into MP3 files without the need for a PC.
"We are continuing to evolve our shelf system offerings to reflect consumer listening habits," said Andrew Sivori, director of personal audio marketing in the Digital Audio and Imaging Division at Sony Electronics, in the press release. "With the addition of iPod docks to most models... there’s a Sony shelf system for just about everyone."
'Marking a first for Sony, the company unveiled two micro shelf systems made for iPod, the CMT-BX20i and CMT-BX50BTi models. These new music systems offer a sleek, simple design with a glossy black finish and vivid florescent display. The iPod menu and system features can be accessed with the remote control, while the system charges the device.
The CMT-BX20i system has a front-loading single disc CD player and supports CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 Playback, along with an audio-in jack to connect your digital music player or PC. This new system also reads ID3 tags, displaying the artist and album information. The bass reflex speaker system is powered by 50 watts (RMS) of total system output for full and vibrant sound.
The Dynamic Sound Generator X-tra (DSGX) selectively improves the bass and treble segments of the music to produce a natural sound effect without distortion. An AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and remote control add convenience to complete the package. The CMT-BX20i micro shelf system will be available in February for about US$130.
The line’s most feature-rich system, the CMT-BX50BTi unit has all the functions of the CMT-BX20i system, plus Bluetooth Stereo (A2DP) technology so you can wirelessly stream CD-quality music to other Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) devices, such as Bluetooth stereo-enabled headphones, PCs, digital music players and cell phones. This means that you can move from the car to the home or office, and your Bluetooth-enabled devices can sync up while your music never skips a beat.
The CMT-BX50BTi system plays both CDs and digital music from wired or wireless compatible devices. Information like the album title, artist name and track number appear on the florescent display through the wireless connection. This model will be available in February for about US$180.
Sony also unveiled its latest HD Radio product, the XDR-S10HDiP HD Radio model with Apple iPod compatibility.
There are now more than 1,500 HD Radio stations nationwide. The technology enables FM stations to offer additional channels and improved sound quality. With HD Radio, FM stations sound like digital CDs and AM stations sound like FM.
Combining high fidelity HD Radio technology and an iPod docking station, Sony’s XDR-S10HDiP HD Radio with iPod compatibility is the first tabletop radio of its kind from Sony. Perhaps the most exciting feature is its iTunes Tagging capability, enabling the user to save song information with the touch of a button while listening to an HD Radio station. The iPod can later be hooked up to the user’s computer where the information will be downloaded, and purchase choices can then be made using iTunes.
Designed to work with most Apple iPod models, the unit’s design includes a wireless remote with full access to the iPod player menu, as well as to radio tuning and volume functions. The unit also charges the iPod while it is docked and provides clock radio functionality. The XDR-S10HDiP model will be available this summer for about US$180.
Sony also debuted their new CDX-GT820IP (US$230) receiver, the most advanced model of the GT series, is for iPod player enthusiasts who want all the options in a powerful, in-car listening environment. This head unit includes a resident 30-pin connector with a 4.9-foot cable. With Sony’s Quick BrowZer technology, consumers can enjoy a fast and easy interface with their iPod unit’s playlist. The experience allows consumers seamless integration through a unique head unit user interface. The multi-line fluorescent display allows for full and intuitive control of the device’s functionality. When put on “jump mode,” the receiver can skip through songs or artists quickly for easy music selection.
This high-quality receiver has front panel aux-in, and 4-volt front, rear and sub preamp outputs. The flip-down detachable faceplate also includes switchable blue, green and red key illumination. Bundled with a wireless card remote, the CDX-GT820IP receiver is satellite- and HD Radio-ready.
Sony's new CDX-GT620IP (US$160) receiver is another option for drivers who own iPod devices. With its built-in 30-pin connector attached to a 1.5-meter cable (4.9-foot), drivers can simply plug their iPod device directly into the head unit and control their library from the flip-down detachable faceplate or included wireless card remote. The receiver supports Quick BrowZer functionality. It also charges the device and comes with front aux-in and two preouts, as well as black LED display and switchable blue and red key illumination.
For drivers who carry their music libraries on Bluetooth-enabled digital music players, the MEX-BT2600 (US$170) head unit can be used with the Bluetooth-enabled adapter made for iPod (model TMR-BT8iP) and works with an iPod player to play music back wirelessly. Using Bluetooth technology, it is easy to play, pause, skip, fast-forward or back-up songs directly from the receiver. Album, artist and track information appears on the display through the wireless connection.
Source: Sony USA
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