ShelfSystem
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Sony WHG-SLK1 iPod shelf system surfaces at CES
Sony doesn't seem to have gotten around to an official announcement for this one just yet, but its WHG-SLK1 iPod shelf system was on hand at CES 2010, and the folks at Sony Insider managed to get a quick peek at it. Designed as much for video as for audio, this one packs a fairly large 9-inch screen front and center, and promises a full 100W of power, along with an iPod dock, a built-in DVD player, a USB port, and accommodations for both Memory Sticks and SD cards. You'll also get video in/out ports to connect other devices or connect the system itself to a larger screen, but there's unfortunately no indication of a price or release date.
JVC's NX-TC5 iPod dock with motion activated 4.3-inch LCD plays digital TV, not iPod video
Japan's home to some pretty impressive shelf audio systems given the preponderance of well-mannered neighbors living side-by-side in tiny urban apartments. Today brings another, JVC's latest addition to its NX-TV series, the 15 x 15 watt NX-TC5. Unfortunately, while the unit sports an iPod dock and 4.3-inch LCD, video playback is limited to its integrated 1Seg digital TV tuner or WMV video stored on USB media -- not from Apple's beloved. It does feature a swiveling front-panel for optimal viewing angle and motion-activated display in addition to 512MB of on-board storage for photos, an AM/FM tuner, and CD player with the ability to rip audio to MD or attached USB stick at 4x speeds. The TC5 is expected to hit Japan in late August for ¥62,000 (about $655) or ¥52,000 (about $549) as model NX-TC3 if you've finally kicked the MD habit. Looking pretty in white after the break.[Via Impress]
Sony's newest remote control ships with a Z200iR compact music system (updated)
It's not often that a remote control becomes the centerpiece of a product launch, but man, would you look at that. That's the remote for Sony's NAS-Z200iR, a WiFi-enabled shelf audio system with slot-loading CD and iPod dock. The Z200iR is DLNA-certified so it works with any DLNA device in your home including NAS boxes and of course, your PC or Mac. The re-chargeable remote features a 3.5-inch LCD display that gives you full control over sourced media including Internet radio, integrated AM/FM tuner, or devices connected via the Z200iR's USB or audio-in ports. The sound comes courtesy of a pair of independent, 20-watt speaker enclosures with double neodymium magnets used to drive the bass. A simpler, WiFi-less CMT-Z100iR system will launch first in July with the Z200iR headed to Europe in mid September. Sorry, no prices announced so no joy.Update: Ready for the pricing? The German press release has the Z200iR at €699. That's nearly $1,000 for a compact sound system that sits on a shelf. Way to go Sony, way to go.[Thanks, Daniel O.]
Sony's CMT-BX50i and CMT-BX20i iPod shelf systems complete Sony iPod lineup
It may come as a shock to those of you who haven't been paying attention, but Sony's quietly released quite a few iPod-compatible audio systems in the past few months -- everything from alarm clocks and boomboxes to semi-portable speaker systems to dock adapters for its high-end ES receivers and Bravia TVs. What's been missing is a classic shelf system, but given the proliferation of iPod-compatible gear from Sony, today's introduction of the CMT-BX50i and CMT-BX20i comes as a pleasantly inevitable surprise. The $130 CMT-BX20i can control an iPod via the included remote, with menus and track info appearing on the display, and offers 50 watts of RMS power and a single CD player, while the $180 CMT-BX50i adds in A2DP support for both receiving tunes and transmitting them out to a pair of wireless cans. All in all, not a bad little system -- but you know there's a Walkman division VP who's totally got the sniffles right now.
Adtec reveals TELEHOOK cable management system
We know, there are probably more cable management options out there than anyone cares to tally, but Adtec is hoping to grab the attention of those who admire style and simplicity with its latest alternative. The TELEHOOK Cable Manager and Shelf System consists of a four-foot long aluminum bar that is capable of handling ten or so power / AV cables (detailed after the jump) while also holding a couple of adjustable shelves for components of your choosing. Reportedly, these units can be mounted directly on dry walls, but we wouldn't recommend tossing any extraordinarily hefty receivers (or similar) on this thing without a stud in the background. Nevertheless, Adtec claims these can also be painted to match your interior, cut depending on size requirements and used to hold as many AV devices as you can find room for. Only problem? The $120 price tag affixed to each four-foot channel and the $170 required for a two-pack of shelves.[Via Widescreen Review]
TEAC's CD-X10i makes your CDs and iPods erect
Nothing too special here, just a nice looking piece of kit from Teac. Of course those NXT flat panel speakers aren't exactly ordinary, but they've been around for years now in everything from boom boxes to portables to laptop LCDs, projection screens, and even singing picture frames. The 2.1-channel (5W x 2, 15W sub) CD-X10i plays CDs in that upright, B&O way while packing an iPod dock in tow. Yours in Japan starting July for about ¥30,000 or right around $243. [Via Impress]
Sony's new Muteki line of "party in a box" shelf systems
If you thought the current generation of molded-plastic-gone-wild shelf audio boomboxes was getting out of hand, you might want to avert your eyes from this Muteki extravagance. Sony's targeting Latin culture with these four new stereos, which are designed with banging Quinceaneras and Cinco de Mayo parties mind. The LBT-ZX80D tops it out with 880 watts, a karaoke "game" feature, three DVD player, DivX and MP3 support, TV out and Dolby Digital surround sound. The 720 watt LBT-ZX9 loses the DVD capabilities, and spins five CDs instead, while both systems include DJ-ish features and sound effects. The LBT-ZX6 includes 560 watts and a mic input, along with gaming audio features, while the MHC-LX1000 does 520 watts and three CDs. Those two "stripped down" Muteki units go for $400 each and are available now, while the LBT-ZX9 will go for $600 in March and LBT-ZX80D will follow in May for $700.
