Rock-Ola updates jukeboxes, adds hard drives and iPod support

If there's anything that improves just about any party, it's a jukebox. We're not talking about those wannabe media players that call themselves jukeboxes -- we're talking the bona fide curvaceous red-blooded American ones. Well, grab your quarters, because Rock-Ola -- one of the classic makers of such fine hardware -- has now brought its esteemed design into the modern age, calling it the "Nostalgic Music Center." The NMC is decked out with a 160GB hard drive for storing MP3s, a 15-inch screen, 360 watts of juice, a USB port, and will even cross-fade your tunes over its five speakers to get the party started. What about if you've already have a mess of tunes on your iPod, and you don't want to transfer 'em all? No problem: Rock-Ola's got you covered there too with its "iPod Series Jukebox," an update to the popular Bubbler model that comes with an iPod dock right next to the screen. We're not sure how much you'll have to pay for such heavy hardware, but they'll be on display at CES 2007 -- we hope to suss out the details then (and maybe rock out for a few minutes as well).

[吳憶妏 @ May 1st 2008 4:45PM]

請問一下現在這台要多少錢?
哪裡可以買ㄉ到?

[Mike @ Dec 18th 2006 9:24PM]

Wannabe media players? What about the Creative Jukebox? The first REAL MP3 player to reach 20 and 40 gigs?

Seriously how much is apple paying you people?

[Mike @ Dec 18th 2006 9:32PM]

Funny seeing this here.. Apparently my cell phone is an old or mis-published number for Rockola. I've been getting calls for them ever since I got this number over 4 years ago.

"Hello? Is this Rockola?"
No its not! Leave me alone!

[Bill @ Dec 18th 2006 9:45PM]

Figure it will cost somewhere around $7000 based on other Rock Ola jukeboxes. See
http://www.pinballsales.org/asp/prodtype.asp?prodtype=77

Bill

[Brendan @ Dec 19th 2006 8:06AM]

How is Engadget failing to mention a Creative product an automatic back-pat for Apple? It's sad how many bitter people hang around here lately, and makes me wonder how the writers feel like continuing.


Anyhow, these are pretty cool, the only problem is that the price'll be too high for my blood.

[Rock Ola Rocks! @ Mar 4th 2007 12:21AM]

I love Rock-Ola. Back during WWII they used to make M1 Carbine .30cal rifles for the US Military. Rock Ola Stoped their manufacture of Juke Boxes just to help the nation defend it's self. I love companies like them!

[Trygve @ Dec 19th 2006 8:16AM]

Mike: The Creative is 'just another' .MP3 player for HOME use.
This is 'Industrial strength' music playback.
They are built to fill large rooms with music, withstand a barrom brawl, and last 'forever'.
They are also so easy to use that ANYONE, even the most hardcore Headbanger can understand it.
(If they can't use it, they won't pay, right?)

Proper stereo?
This isn't meant to be used in your living-room, where a 'normal stereo' would go.
This goes in the funky clubs where us Geeks are normally not allowed in.

As for Rock-Ola changing their production to carbines.
Just about every shop with the capability of making weapons-parts did so. Some, not only because of patriotic duty, but also because their normal markets took a nosedive, or they wanted to get protection as an 'important military supplier', and not risk their staff being conscripted.
(not saying that Rock-ola did it for that reason. but some did)


That said, I would REALLY want one of those Jukeboxes.
(I already have the iPod. :-)