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DLO posts

Philips underwhelms with lackluster iPod / iPhone accessory line

by Darren Murph posted Dec 14th 2008 at 8:49AM

Is it any wonder Philips is opting out of making a stop at CES this year? If it showed up with this line, it'd literally be laughed right out of Vegas. The outfit's dedicated "showing" in San Francisco this past week consisted of two Streamium Network Music Players (NP2500 and NP2900) that we were already well aware of, a refreshed DLO iBoom JukeBox ($200) that now plays nice with iPhones and two other mildly interesting pieces. First up is the January-bound DC350 Docking Entertainment System ($150), which bills itself as an iPhone / iPod dock "with hands-free conference call functions and the ability to sync with business calendars on your PC." Finally, we've got the 2.1 SPA5300 sound system (pictured), which has evidently been introduced in less traveled corners of the world but is just now making itself visible in the US. On second thought, maybe "underwhelming" is being too generous.

[Via iPodNN]

DLO introduces HomeDock HD Pro: its latest upscaling iPod dock

by Darren Murph posted Aug 27th 2008 at 7:20AM

One thing's for sure: DLO's pretty attached to its HomeDock brand, and evidently it could care less about just how confusing these naming schemes are to customers. Let's clear some cobwebs real quick -- this isn't the HomeDock Pro, nor is it the HomeDock HD. Rather, it's the HomeDock HD Pro, a glorious combination of the two (or something). Aimed at home theater enthusiasts and home installers alike, this upscaling iPod dock takes stored content to 720p or 1080i over HDMI, and you'll also find an HDMI extension socket, optical digital audio port, RS-232 control connector and IR output for supporting universal remotes. Expect this one to set you back $399 when it arrives this fall. Full release after the jump.

Gallery: DLO introduces HomeDock HD Pro: its latest upscaling iPod dock

Continue reading DLO introduces HomeDock HD Pro: its latest upscaling iPod dock

Hands-on with the new Philips and DLO gear

by Paul Miller posted Jun 17th 2008 at 6:45PM

We got a look at one of those new Philips Eco LCDs today, along with some other miscellaneous gadgetry from Philips and its DLO subsidiary. Of note was the DLO HomeDock HD, which will be released in August for $250, and has a bit of an updated look from when we saw it last -- and some pretty snazzy menus for its type of product. That DLO iBoom JukeBox is also getting an August release for $200, along with the Rhapsody-friendly Streamium NP1100, a Network Music Player that'll be out in July for $150. We didn't get a chance to listen in to the Eco's "invisible" speakers, but the principle is simple enough: there are two speakers mounted on the back of the TV that bounce sound off the wall. That sound is then dispersed by the curved acrylic frame around the edge of the device. Our advice? Buy some real speakers.

Gallery: Hands-on with the new Philips and DLO gear

DLO's iPhone-shielded Portable Speakers

by Paul Miller posted Feb 9th 2008 at 7:55AM

Recognize this sound? "Blip da da blip da da blip da da blip da da bliiiiiiiip." If you answered yes to any of the preceding questions, you may own an iPhone. The little bugger wreaks havoc on your average unsuspecting, unshielded desktop speaker -- and most iPod docks, as it turns out -- emitting audible blasts of interference from up to three or four feet away. Luckily, the DLO Portable Speakers for iPhone don't have that problem, since they're shielded from TDMA interference. You can power 'em off of AAA batteries or an AC adapter, and since they plug into the iPhone's headphone jack, you can use plenty of other audio sources. The speakers detach from the rotating base, and you can even use the setup as a speakerphone if you'd like. They're out now for $50.

[Via iLounge]

DLO's iBoom JukeBox mildly resembles an igloo

by Darren Murph posted Jan 19th 2008 at 3:37PM

Yeah, the whole igloo comparison loses some steam once you peek this thing from the side, but when glancing it head-on, we can't help but be overcome with imagery of our childhood days spent in the plains of Greenland. Unfortunately, this thing's ability to conjure up said memories is probably its standout feature -- well, aside from the RF remote that enables users to browse iPod content right on its screen (shown after the break). Outside of that, you'll find a totally average speaker setup consisting of twin one-inch tweeters and three-inch woofers along with a set of touch-sensitive controls atop the device itself. Reportedly, the iBoom JukeBox is slated to further saturate the iPod speaker system market this Spring for $199.99.

[Via MacMinute]

Continue reading DLO's iBoom JukeBox mildly resembles an igloo

DLO introduces HomeDock HD: yet another upscaling iPod dock

by Darren Murph posted Jan 17th 2008 at 5:03PM

Just in case the HomeDock hasn't been revamped and slightly renamed enough already, DLO is busting out yet another in the line and throwing the all-too-trendy "HD" moniker in there for good measure. As with most every other alternative already on the market, the HomeDock HD offers up 720p / 1080i upscaling and gives your iPod an easy way to output content via HDMI. You'll also find an optical digital audio output, a USB port, an auxiliary input and S-Video / composite outputs. DLO claims that the enhanced on-TV interface will just melt your heart (more or less, anyway), and the bundled remote will keep you firmly planted on the sofa when flipping through clips. Mum's the word on pricing at the moment, but feel free to take a second and check out this thing's backside after the break.

[Via CNET]

Continue reading DLO introduces HomeDock HD: yet another upscaling iPod dock

Microsoft talks third-party Zune accessories

by Nilay Patel posted Oct 30th 2007 at 5:44PM

You can't run around launching fancy new music players these days without a secondary offensive of cases and car chargers following close behind, and Microsoft's new Zunes have a veritable cavalry behind them. In addition to the official accessories we've already heard about from J Allard and crew, the company's lined up a number of third-party manufacturers to crank out 60 different Zune-friendly products, including Polk, Belkin, DLO, Monster, Altec Lansing, Targus, iHome, Memorex and Griffin. Microsoft's new pals will be releasing everything from speaker docks to RCA cables, so it looks like you'll be able to build a happy little home for that new Zune of yours when it launches next month.

DLO's TransDock Deluxe FM transmitter: now with RF remote

by Darren Murph posted May 28th 2007 at 5:04AM

At this year's CES, DLO gave its TransDock device a much-needed refresh, and now that the year's nearly halfway over, it's getting yet another makeover. The TransDock Deluxe maintains the same (admittedly poor) FM transmission, AV output from your iPod to your vehicle's in-car displays, and built-in USB outlet for peripheral charging that we've seen in prior iterations, but the Deluxe setup adds an RF steering wheel remote (detailed after the jump) to handle the tunes without removing your hand. The remote purportedly "controls all TransDock functions such as changing your pre-set frequencies," the the unit itself provides a "choice of three LCD colors," comes with a six-foot AV cable, and sports the obligatory auxiliary input for times when your Pod isn't riding shotgun. Of course, for $129.99, we'd have to look into some other way besides finicky FM to get your iPod jams into your car stereo.

Continue reading DLO's TransDock Deluxe FM transmitter: now with RF remote

DLO's HomeDock Music Remote mimics your iPod screen

by Darren Murph posted May 16th 2007 at 10:09PM

Gone are the days where you sat impatiently in another room flipping through endless tracks just waiting to hear the lead-in from Forever Young, as even DLO is joining the LCD-equipped remote game with the HomeDock Music Remote. Similar to the KeySpan, EWOO, and Popalive iterations, this RF remote dons a sleek OLED display (shown after the jump) that mimics the menus and text on your iPod's screen so that you can flip through playlists, scroll through albums, and see what's currently playing all without having your eyes glued to your Apple. The device also comes with a docking stand that can connect to your home stereo or TV, and doubles as a charging station when plugged into an AC outlet. Still, you'd have to be mighty lazy or incredibly burdened with disposable income to make this one worth it, as DLO's charging a stiff $129.99 for the kit.

Continue reading DLO's HomeDock Music Remote mimics your iPod screen

Philips to acquire DLO, expand peripheral offerings

by Darren Murph posted Apr 13th 2007 at 9:57PM

Continuing the hot streak of industry madness going down on this eventful Friday the 13th is Philips, as it has announced plans to acquire Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) in an attempt to compliment the firm's headphone / DAP offerings with a smorgasbord of other peripherals and accessories for mobile devices. Essentially, Philips is hoping that the deal will allow it to "become a leading player in peripherals and accessories market for the mobility domain," and considering the vast amount of DAP / PMP toting individuals out there eying such niceties as the HomeDock, iBoom Travel, and the obligatory colored carrying case, it's probably not a bad move. Interestingly, Philips is actually taking over a firm who pumps out products for two competing music players, but a spokesperson for the company played the rivalry down by suggesting that DLO's products were "designed for all of the players on the market." Although pricing details weren't readily available, Philips is planning to complete the acquisition by Q2's end, and hopes to make DLO more predominant "outside of the US while broadening its product portfolio."

[Via Reuters]

Focal / DLO offer up PowerBug AC-to-USB power adapter

by Darren Murph posted Feb 5th 2007 at 8:17AM

Okay, so Focal's latest charging gizmo comes bundled with a cable that plays nice with your shiny (and colorful) new vivid Shuffle (or your "old" silver edition), but realistically, the PowerBug isn't much more than a snazzy AC-to-USB power adapter. Weighing in at around 40 grams, this device reportedly handles 100 to 240-volt plugs and works well with worldwide adapter prongs, and essentially turns any AC outlet you may run across into a charging station for anything that utilizes USB to suck down power. Namely, just about every iPod that relies on your trusty USB port for energy can befriend this here gadget, along with NAV systems and USB battery chargers. The plug itself sports a green LED that gives you an indication of how the whole charging process is going, and while Focal doesn't seem to give mention to a little company dubbed DLO, the blatant branding leads us to believe that it'll be sold under that accessory maker's product line. Nevertheless, if you're finding yourself closer to power outlets than electrified USB connectors during your travels, you can pick up your own PowerBug now for $22.99.

[Via NewLaunches]

DLO unveils iBoom Travel, updates TransDock and HomeDock Deluxe

by Darren Murph posted Jan 8th 2007 at 11:15AM

It seems that iHome, Altec Lansing, and Acoustic Research aren't the only folks busting out new iPod accessories, as DLO is strutting its stuff too with a new iBoom Travel as well as revamped versions of the TransDock and HomeDock Deluxe. The miniaturized version of the iBoom ($89.99) combines a clock radio with a portable, AA / AC-powered boombox, which comes in white or graphite colors, boasts the usual sleep / alarm functions, and sports an iPod cradle and LCD screen to boot. The TransDock features an "enhanced mounting arm," video-out for use with in-car displays, top and side mounted antennas, and removable faceplates as well. Additionally, you can connect other DAPs via the aux in jack, and the USB pass-through allows other random USB gadgetry to be charged while it's in use. Lastly, the refreshed HomeDock Deluxe ($149.99) didn't change much in the design department, but did add on-screen album art on a dedicated "Now Playing" screen, a dozen new color themes and screen savers, and a feature that enables "on the fly" playlist creation. The iBoom Travel and HomeDock Deluxe are currently for sale directly through DLO, while the updated TransDock is still waiting for its own release date.

DLO kicks out video-playing HomeDock Pro for your iPod

by Darren Murph posted Dec 5th 2006 at 12:05PM

Following the natural progression of DLO docking solutions, the company has now unveiled a HomeDock that pipes video from dock connecting iPods (including the nanos) to your TV screen or monitor. While DLO hasn't skimped on the amount of iPod-compatible goodies it's pumped out, the HomeDock Pro steps it up a notch by allowing you to navigate your music, playlist, and video menus right on your television, and they also include a 18-button remote to keep you seated while scrolling through your shows. Aside from docking / charging your Appleicious PMP, the device also sports "discrete on / off," standby mode, and a diagnostic mode in case things go awry. Unfortunately there's no pricing information to speak of just yet, but this one ought to hit store shelves here before too long.

[Via iLounge]