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Atlantic Technology ships its NetStreams-enabled in-wall speakers
Atlantic Technology may not have hit the initially-promised Q4 2008 launch for its NetStreams-enabled in-wall speakers, but given the housing slump, that's probably just fine. The three new models -- IWTS-4 LCR-IP, IWTS-7 LCR-IP and IWTS-14 LCR-IP are ready to go now, and just as promised, they can switch hit between standard analog hookup and a NetStreams connection that will keep things digital right up to the cones; to take advantage of the 50-Watts of biamplification built into each speaker, though, you'll need to spring for the NetStreams hookup. Yours for $250, $325 or $450 each depending on whether you opt for the IWTS-4, IWTS-7 or IWTS-14; and don't forget to budget about $60 more for the grilles and frames on the two top-end models.
Atlantic Technology hooks up with NetStreams
When it comes to whole-home audio systems, the idea of using IP transmission is attractive -- the cabling and fine-grained control satisfy our inner geek on so many levels. Atlantic Technology is hoping its in-wall speakers will be a natural fit for this market, and has made its IWTS-4, IWTS-7 and IWTS-14 LCR models NetStreams compatible to fill the niche (and the holes in your walls). If you're not quite ready to spring for a full NetStreams system with all of its digital wizardry -- digital EQ and bi-amplification courtesy SpeakerLinX amps -- no worries, these speakers can also be hooked up to an old timey conventional analog audio signal. Expect these to ship in Q4 of this year for a yet-unannounced price.
VUDU / NetStreams link up for whole home video distribution
Back at EHX in Orlando, VUDU's partnership extravaganza announcement was curiously light on details. Now, however, we're beginning to see how VUDU's positioning its movie set-top-box as a mainstay in the connected home. Reportedly, the deal with NetStreams will soon allow VUDU XL (vanilla VUDU left out?) owners to stream video around their domiciles using the VUDU XL as the video server. Reportedly, the box would have to be connected to the DigiLinX IP-Based Distributed Audio, Video and Control system, after which content could be accessed from other rooms. Unfortunately, that's all the details that have surfaced thus far, but we can't help but realize that the VUDU just got a whole lot more attractive for those with deep pockets.
Netstreams announces CinemaLinX IP-based home theater system
Netstreams has announced an IP streaming home theater system called the CinemaLinX, which does exactly as it says on the tin: it streams audio to IP speakers dotted around your house. Demoing the home theater box for the first time at CEDIA, the CinemaLinX accepts Dolby or DTS signals, but not higher quality standards like Dolby TrueHD or DTS MA. The benefit for IP speakers over regular dumb speakers is that it provides more parameters -- just what the audiophile market craves -- like auto calibrated equalizers and far simpler multi-room support: Netstreams's solution has thankfully tackled the usual latency issues with IP speaker setups by building the CinemaLinX with lags of around 1ms. No word on ship dates or prices yet, but we'll let you know as soon as there is.