Audio Video News

Everyone wants a piece of Apple's pie - or at least a piece of the iPod. With over ten million units sold (and more to come), the little digital music wonder is a clear favorite among music lovers. Manufacturers other than Apple have taken note of the iPod's popularity and are stumbling over each other in a rush to score big on the iPod craze by bringing out some sharp iPod accessories.

An accessory, however, isn't always something as small or as simple as carrying case to protect your iPod from damage or an FM transmitter that makes it easier connecting an iPod to your car stereo. Some manufacturers are thinking larger than that.

Does this mean it's a "keypod"?

SpeakerCraft, a California-based company specializing in custom installation products and speakers, recently announced that the MZC Series of multi-zone controllers can now utilize embedded iPod control codes. SpeakerCraft's MCZ-66 is a six-zone, six-source audio/video switcher with built-in amplification and simple, software-based programming. The MZC system uses a keypad located in each of up to six zones that allows a listener in that zone to select and control one out of a maximum of six audio/video source components.

When used with an MZC/iPod Interface kit, the homeowner's iPod becomes one of the six sources available for distribution throughout the home. The kit includes a naviPod for receiving infrared commands for the MZC, an infrared emitter, a miniplug-to-RCA cable, a hand-held remote control, and four iPod buttons to place on the system's keypads. The actual software commands to control the iPod are available for downloading at no charge from the SpeakerCraft website. The commands can then be incorporated into the MZC-66 using SpeakerCraft's EZ Tools programming software.

The suggested retail price of the MZC/iPod Interface kit is $75.

Is 2.1 better than twice as good?

Speaker manufacturer Klipsch is also getting in tune with the iPod (and iPod Mini) by introducing a compact, high-performance speaker system designed "exclusively for iPod fans". The new Klipsch iFi system includes a pair of Klipsch Reference Series RSX-3 satellites, a dedicated subwoofer, a docking station, and an RF remote control.

Unlike a typical infrared remote control, the new system's RF remote can send signals through walls and floors. Up to six RF remotes can be used with one iFi system.

The RSX-3 satellite speakers utilize a two-way, magnetically shielded design with a 3.5-inch aluminum woofer and a 0.75-inch titanium dome compression driver coupled to Klipsch's round MicroTractrix Horn. The system's subwoofer includes a slot port, a line-level input, and special tuning said to achieve "a sound character typically found in much larger subwoofers". The 2.1 system is powered by a built-in Class D amplifier located in the subwoofer that distributes a combined total of 200 watts (peak power) to the satellites and subwoofer.

Klipsch expects the iFi system to be available in March 2005 with an MSRP of $399. It will be available nationwide at Apple Stores, A/V specialty stores, and other retail outlets.