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DockingStation posts

Brando HD Media Player Docking Station does multi-format 1080p

by Paul Miller posted Jul 27th 2009 at 2:56PM


It seems that Brando can't go a month without bringing out yet another slightly-improved domicile for your orphaned SATA HDDs. Following in the footsteps of the very recent Multimedia Dock, the latest unit adds H.264 decoding to the already present DivX, Xvid and MPEG-4, while output graduates to full 1080p. Featuring HDMI and a plethora of supported media formats, the humble docking station has certainly grown up, but is it enough to compete with standalone media players? Input flexibility would suggest so -- the new device accepts 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard drives, alongside USB flash memory, SD, MMC, and MS cards -- but alas, Brando loses the plot at the final hurdle, asking for an astronomical $199. With prettier alternatives available at half the price, this is unlikely to sell like hotcakes, but Brando's breakneck refresh cycle give us the feeling it won't be long before we see that perfect do-it-all dock.

Acoustic Research intros iPod-friendly AR5100 audio docking station

by Darren Murph posted Nov 11th 2008 at 5:00PM


Acoustic Research is on a roll today at CES Unveiled in New York, and if you've somehow managed to avoid the overload of other iPod docking systems up until now, we've got yet another you can have a look at. The AR5100 audio docking system doubles as a tabletop music center or an iPod video source for a display. Of note, AR designed the unit so that it could actually be hung (you know, beneath a flat-panel HDTV), and gussied it up with backlit white graphics, touch-sensitive buttons, horn-loaded tweeters, a ported enclosure, a component-video output and a bundled IR remote. Check it this December for $199.99, and catch the release in its entirety after the break.

Gallery: Acoustic Research intros iPod-friendly AR5100 audio docking station

Continue reading Acoustic Research intros iPod-friendly AR5100 audio docking station

Phiaton brings the visual delight to audio gear

by Darren Murph posted Jan 12th 2008 at 6:20AM


Phiaton -- not to be confused with Volkswagen's futile attempt to break into the luxury sedan market -- is setting out to grab dollars from audio geeks that have a thing for style. The firm is actually part of Cresyn, and is attempting to put its name on the map by introducing four new exotic looking headphones, a pair of oddly-designed earbuds and a vivid music docking station. Regrettably, there are no prices to share on any of the aforementioned gear, but if you've ever secretly craved cans wrapped in faux alligator skin, this company is sure to impress.

[Via CNET]

Bel Canto's Ultra-Dock preys on iPod / iPhone owners

by Darren Murph posted Nov 14th 2007 at 4:41PM

We've no doubts that Bel Canto offers up some mighty fine equipment, but the firm's forthcoming Ultra-Dock just reeks of gimmicky. We're reserving final judgment until we find out a bit more than we know right now, but it seems this iPod / iPhone docking station can pull fidelity out of thin air. Reportedly, the unit utilizes Sonic Focus technology to "to upscale and refine compressed music and soundtracks to 96kHz / 24-bit quality," but we're pretty sure you're going to get out what you put in, generally speaking. Nevertheless, we'll keep you posted on any developments.

Logitech unveils Pure-Fi Elite speaker system for iPod

by Darren Murph posted Sep 12th 2007 at 12:42PM

Hot on the heels of Logitech's Pure-Fi Dream and Anywhere iPod speakers comes the Pure-Fi Elite, a system that reportedly ups the ante by offering up 80-watts of power and looks a hair like the AudioStation of old. Reportedly, the device touts two-way sats, one-inch tweeters, and four-inch woofers to go along with the built-in LCD display, wireless remote, iPod dock, video output, and auxiliary input jack. Details surrounding price and availability don't yet look to be officially available, but word on the street has this sucka landing next month for around $300.

[Via MacNN]




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