Smart Home Lifestyle
June 17, 2006
Boom boxes make a comeback in new high-tech world
of music
In the 80’s, the test of a good boombox was how comfortably
it fit on your shoulder. Today, it’s how comfortably it
fits with your iPod. Think boomboxes are as antiquated as the
VCR and the tape deck? Think again. Boomboxes are back- even the heavy
hitters like Apple, XM and Sirius Radio are paddling hard to ride this “integration
wave.”
It’s heavy, man
Apple’s new hi-fidelity speaker system makes even the outdated
boombox look stylish. Apple blends great sound at home or on the
go, thanks to the added mobility feature. And best of all,
the Hi-Fi works seamlessly with your iPod.
“Apple is reinventing the home stereo with the new iPod Hi-Fi,
the first iPod accessory that adds true high-fidelity sound quality
to the iPod,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPod
Hi-Fi’s unrivaled acoustic performance and stunning design is
at home in any room of the house.”
The iPod Hi-Fi’s all-in-one design offers two custom designed
wide-range speakers and a tuned, ported bass system that minimizes vibration
for enhanced sound clarity and rich, deep base. The Hi-Fi features
handles for transporting, plus a touch-sensitive volume control that
puts you in control from anywhere in the room.
The Hi-Fi is reasonably priced at $349. Just remember, although
Hi-Fi measures in at a mere 17” long by just under 7” deep,
it weighs a hefty 14.5 pounds- not including the 6 D-cell batteries. Also,
make sure you’ve got some space above the Hi-Fi, since your iPod
sits upright in the docking station on top of the unit.
Un-wired for sound
And speaking of iPods, what do you do when you want to listen to your
MP3 player without those pesky earpods? Check out JVC’s
new Kaboom boombox- the perfect pool party partner.
The JVC RV-NB10 Kaboom includes a wireless FM Transmitter for MP3
playback, which means no tangled wires, and the ultimate in portability. The
Kaboom retains its signature cylindrical shape while offering 52 watts
of total power. Plus, the dual subwoofer design and JVC’s
Super Woofer Bass Sound System gives the Kaboom unparalleled bass performance
for great sound on the go.
Want to name that tune? Kaboom displays your MP3’s track
title on a two-line LCD screen. Want to play that tune? Kaboom’s
quarter-inch input let’s you hook up a guitar for your own personal
jam session. It even has a built-in guitar amp. And for
those whose instrument is their voice- get your microphone out for the
coolest in karaoke.
Kaboom also offers standard boombox features like CD, tuner and cassette
plus a remote control and clock/timer with sleep and wakeup alarms. Kaboom
costs $299.
Heavenly tunes
Satellite radio is all the buzz
these days, thanks to expanded
programming and new DVR-like receivers that allow your favorite songs
to be searched for, paused, rewound and even recorded. JVC also offers a Sirius satellite radio compatible
boombox, which is similar in concept to Apple’s iPod Hi-Fi system. Simply
plug in your Sirius KT-SR2000
tuner into the boom box for satellite radio programming just about
anywhere.
The KS-SB200 boom box features a pair of five-inch, two-way coaxial
speakers, headphone jack, front auxiliary input and base enhancement. It
comes with an AC adapter and satellite antenna, but has the option of
using 8 D-Cell batteries for portability.
The JVC boom box costs just under $130 and the compatible Sirius receiver
runs just under $100. Just remember you’ll need a membership
with Sirius to enjoy programming.
And finally, for those do-it-yourselfers, it’s possible to enjoy
Sirius satellite music on any old boom box. Since most Sirius
receivers offer wireless transmitters, programming can be picked up
on a boom box’s radio station- similar to how they work with your
car’s radio. All you’ll need is a power source for
your Sirius receiver and a working boom box set to an appropriate radio
station. Then, place your Sirius antennae in a wide-open area,
and you’ve got tunes- to go.
Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec
