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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
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Logitech Announces Two New iPod Speakers: AudioStation & AudioStation Express
Not being an "iPod guy" I have little experience with iPod speakers, but they're definitely handy - my father has an iPod Nano, and on a recent family weekend getaway I spent some time at a condo that had a Bose iPod speaker dock. It was definitely slick to be able to connect the Nano to the dock and use the remote to control playback. These Logitech speakers look like good offerings, especially the AudioStation, which features a digital AM/FM tuner, a 3D stereo sound mode, and a video output jack (type not specified, likely a composite jack). The full press release is below.
FREMONT, Calif. — August 17, 2006 — Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI), an award-winning manufacturer of premium multimedia speakers, today unveiled its best-sounding, most powerful and most complete speaker system for the iPod®: the Logitech® AudioStation™ high-performance stereo system for iPod. This premium stereo system transforms any room in the home into a digital-music concert hall – delivering a full range of incredibly smooth, balanced audio, from floor-thumping bass to the precision high frequencies that bring music to life. Its relatively compact design (16-inches long, 4 1/4-inches deep, 7 1/4-inches tall) allows the AudioStation speaker system to sit elegantly atop an end table, book shelf or even a nightstand. And with the digital AM/FM tuner, the speakers can be a replacement for a traditional living-room stereo system as well as a perfect solution for an office or bedroom.
The Logitech AudioStation speaker system features matching satellites with two drivers each that together offer a wide dynamic range of clear, powerful audio. The 1-inch, high-definition, soft-dome tweeters produce high frequencies with remarkable detail and clarity, and the 4-inch, high-power, long-throw woofers offer deep, powerful bass. Its bi-amplified acoustic design delivers unprecedented performance from a surprisingly svelte system.
While its audio performance is impressive, the AudioStation system’s design is equally notable. The elegant one-piece system has a black finish and removable cloth grille covers, accommodating any room’s decor. There are no buttons or knobs on the system – the controls on the front panel are all touch sensitive – giving the speakers a seamless, smooth appearance. When powered on, small LEDs illuminate the touch-sensitive controls with a soft white glow. The buttons are used with the soft touch of a finger to turn the power on and off, adjust the volume up and down, select radio stations, and switch the input from the iPod to other audio sources.
“With the AudioStation, we are redefining the premium iPod speaker category,” said Jef Holove, vice president of product marketing for Logitech’s audio business. “Nothing else delivers this level of full, balanced acoustic performance, the cutting-edge design, and the unanticipated extras – like digital AM/FM radio and touch-sensitive controls. It's a sophisticated and complete stereo system for any room in the house.”
Above the control panel, the Logitech AudioStation speaker system has a large LCD that can show information such as radio station channels, the time, or an audio spectrum analyzer. The LCD also can display track information using Radio Data System (RDS) for FM stations that support RDS.
For complete control, the AudioStation speakers system comes with an advanced remote that includes the same controls as those on the control panel, as well as a menu button, a sleep timer, and a switch to turn the system’s 3D stereo mode on or off – which widens the stereo sound stage, making the speakers sound farther apart than they actually are. Using the menu button, people can adjust bass and treble levels independently, change the display brightness, and choose whether or not the iPod backlight stays on while plugged into the AudioStation system.
When the iPod is connected using the Universal Dock connector, the AudioStation speaker system can simultaneously play music from the iPod and recharge its batteries. The AudioStation also features a 3.5 mm input that connects to other MP3 players and other audio devices.
Logitech’s award-winning family of speakers for iPod and MP3 players also includes the mid-range Logitech® AudioStation Express™ portable speakers, also announced today; the award-winning Logitech® mm50 portable speakers for iPod; the stylish Logitech® mm32 portable speakers; and the ultra-compact Logitech® mm28 portable speakers.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech AudioStation high-performance stereo system for iPod will be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in October. It will be available for a suggested retail price of $299.99 in the U.S.
Logitech AudioStation Express Portable Speakers for iPod Deliver Durable Design, Flexible Power Options Speakers Extend Logitech’s Award-Winning Digital Music Product Line
FREMONT, Calif. — August 17, 2006 — Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI), a leading manufacturer of products that enhance the digital music experience, today extended its award-winning line of speakers for the iPod® by introducing the mid-range Logitech® AudioStation Express™ portable speakers. In addition to its great sound quality, Logitech’s newest speakers offer a durable design, a choice of power options, a protective case, and a wireless remote – making it the perfect solution in the home or outdoors.
In a recent Logitech study, consumers said that a rugged, durable design and the option of using either AC power or batteries are two of the most important features for portable iPod speakers. A complement to the minimalist styling of the iPod, the Logitech AudioStation Express speakers are extremely durable: Metal grilles protect the audio drivers, and the convenient case protects the speakers on the go. The case can also be left on the speakers while playing music to prevent scratches. To give people power options, Logitech designed the speakers to run on AC power, for use at home, or AA batteries, ideal for use outdoors. When powered by the included AC adaptor, the speakers also recharge the iPod battery.
“Our research has shown us unambiguously what people value in portable iPod speakers: durability and flexibility.” said Jef Holove, vice president of product marketing for Logitech’s audio business. “The AudioStation Express delivers directly on consumer desires, enabling people to play and share their music, around the home on AC power or outside on batteries, with a design that’s durable enough to withstand a variety of environments.”
Despite its compact size, the speaker system delivers dynamic, full-range sound quality with two 2.5-inch Max-X™ high-excursion drivers and a bass port. And, because the speakers support the Universal Dock Adaptor specification from Apple, current and future iPods with a dock connector on the base will be compatible to play music with the AudioStation Express.
Using the system’s video output jack, located on the back of the speakers, people can watch their iPod photos and movies on their television. The speaker system also features an auxiliary (3.5 mm) input that allows people to use the speaker system with early iPod models as well as with other audio devices, including CD, MP3 and portable DVD players.
Part of Apple’s “Made for iPod” program, the AudioStation Express system is glossy white on all sides with black grilles and ports – a perfect match for the iPod itself. Using the included wireless remote control, people can adjust the volume, track forward, track back, play and pause the music while sitting on the couch or at the dining-room table. When not in use, the remote can slide into the integrated storage slot on the back of the speaker system.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech AudioStation Express speakers will be available in the U.S.
and Europe beginning in October. The speakers will have a suggested retail price in the U.S. of $129.99.
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