Sony And Best Buy Launch ALTUS, A New Home Audio Product Line

Sony and Best Buy have announced the new “ALTUS” audio product line, featuring wireless music systems, speakers, and home theater products set for release in September. The goal is to provide easy, yet effective solutions for enjoying premium home audio. Heading up the ALTUS product lineup are two iPod docking systems designed to enhance and expand your home listening experience.

The premium ALT-SA31iR multi-room iPod package ($700) features three separate components: an iPod/iPhone docking station and two high-output wireless speakers. This multi-room package also features an AM/FM tuner and S-AIR remote control with an LCD display. On the display, users are able to see all metadata of the streaming audio, including album, artist, and track information. Those of you with other S-AIR compatible receivers will be pleased to know that the ALT-SA31iR can co-exist gracefully.

Sony’s AIR-SW10Ti iPod dock ($400) consists of a compact docking station with two built-in speakers and a wireless subwoofer that can be easily concealed. This powerful new model has a maximum output of 60 watts RMS and includes both an infrared remote control and FM tuner capabilities. The AIR-SW10Ti system can also be used to transmit wireless audio to compatible ALTUS and S-AIR products.

Sony is also introducing two PC audio multi-room packages as part of the ALTUS brand.

The new ALT-SA32PC multi-room audio package ($500) features three components: an S-AIR transmitter that connects to your PC (via USB input) and two high-output wireless speakers. The USB transmitter streams audio wirelessly from the connected PC to the two included speakers for a simple multi-room solution.

The ALT-A33PC package ($200) has an identical USB S-AIR transmitter, but includes a universal receiver that can connect to a variety of audio products with its RCA outputs. This enables users to stream music wirelessly from their computer to most existing music systems.

Both packages include unique music management software that has the ability to tap into existing playlists on your computer in programs like iTunes and Windows Media Player. Additionally, this software facilitates the creation of new music “channels” using the digital music library of a connected PC. Each of these two PC systems is compatible with the entire ALTUS family of products as well as all of Sony’s S-AIR accessories.

For those looking to expand their ALTUS audio system with small, compact and stylish speakers, Sony is introducing the sleek ALT-SA34R Socket Speaker Package ($350). This ALTUS product is compatible with all S-AIR enabled transmitters and features two small, unobtrusive S-AIR wireless speakers that plug directly into any power outlet in the home. The speaker system also includes an S-AIR remote control highlighted by an LCD display for viewing music metadata.