Five models make it easy to share music and videos throughout the house
San Clemente, CA–January 5, 2006–iPort, the innovator that brought us the first in-wall solution for integrating Apple Computer’s hugely popular iPod personal music player into home audio systems, has introduced five new stand-alone models at the 2006 Macworld Expo. The new Free-Standing (FS) Series is compatible with all iPods with a dock connector, including the iPod nano and iPod with video models, and connects easily to any home entertainment system, whether it’s an all in one or a multi-component system. Now consumers can share music, videos and photos from their iPods to any room of the home.
The FS Series is comprised of five models offering a variety of options depending on the configuration of the home entertainment system. The entry-level model relies on direct control of the iPod, with viewing of song, album, artist, and playlist information on the iPod itself. Other FS Series models add integrated pushbutton volume control, an infrared remote-control receiver, audio and video outputs optimized for long cable runs, and integration of control functions with popular touchscreen controllers.
All FS Series models offer the convenience of drop-in charging of the iPod, along with one-touch syncing with iTunes for Mac or Windows. Available in white or black finish, the simple and elegant iPort FS’ will integrate easily with any decor.
“With the growing popularity of the iPod family, it’s no wonder that our original iPort in-wall music system has been a phenomenal success among design-conscious consumers,” says Steve Crawford, iPort’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The iPort FS Series takes the iPod experience to a new level for consumers who value smooth and elegant iPod integration into their home entertainment systems.” (Over)
FS Series Models for any system configuration
The iPort FS-1 accepts any iPod model with a dock connector. Once in place, the iPod automatically begins charging from a dedicated power supply, and is immediately available for playback via the connected home system, which can be anything from a simple boombox to an elaborate whole-house media setup; control is via the iPod’s click wheel. Audio and video connections are made at a small “breakout” connection box that can be tucked away to keep wiring concealed; a slim, two-connector umbilical mates the iPort FS-1 to the Basic Connection Box, and to the Mac or PC via USB.
The iPort FS-2 adds integrated IR remote control, as well as convenient pushbuttons for next/previous track selection or volume control from the iPort itself. The FS-3 replaces the Basic Connection Box with the Advanced Connection Box, and adds balanced audio with two included wallplates for runs up to 500 ft. To all of the above the FS-4 adds an RS-232 interface, enabling integration with a vast array of media-system controllers, including the touchscreens popular among high-end custom installers. Such a setup yields full touchscreen control of the iPod, as well as display of metadata information such as song title, track, artist, and more. The iPort FS-5 completes the range by adding balanced video for clean, artifact-free images over runs of up to 250 feet (compatible wallplates are included).
The new FS Series can be used with any programmable universal remote to command an iPort setup. iPort also offers flexible upgrading, allowing owners of FS-2/3/4 iPorts to upgrade to FS-3/4/5 functions easily and economically.
Availability: February 2006 in white or black finish.
Suggested Retail Prices:
iPort FS-1 $ 150 iPort FS-4 $ 700
iPort FS-2 $ 200 iPort FS-5 $1000
iPort FS-3 $ 500
For more information, please visit www.iportmusic.com.
