Polk Audio I-Sonic Entertainment System
By Ian Bell
April 29, 2005
The I-Sonic Entertainment System from Polk Audio is the first product to combine iBiquity's HD Radio technology with XM satellite radio capability and DVD/CD player.
Today audio manufacturer Polk Audio announced the introduction of their I-Sonic entertainment system, a compact, easy to use stereo, all-digital audio system that includes an AM/FM and digital HD Radio tuner, a DVD/CD player and XM Satellite Radio capability. Exclusive I-Sonic and Power Port technologies produce sound quality so big and lifelike that for many, the I-Sonic is capable of being the primary home entertainment system.
The Polk Audio I-Sonic entertainment system measures only 14.5" x 9.75" x 4.75", making it the perfect system to use on a kitchen countertop, on a nightstand, in a TV stand or on the coffee table in a living room. The I-Sonic can be used in homes, offices and small businesses to deliver rich, room filling 360-degree stereo sound that rivals or betters that of much larger and costlier audio systems. The I-Sonic entertainment system will be available in September 2005 for $599.
HD Radio is digital radio technology that offers static-free, crystal-clear reception with CD-quality sound from FM stations and the richness of FM-analog stereo sound quality from AM stations. HD Radio also allows the ability to multicast program streams over a single FM frequency (e.g. 97.7-1, 97.7-2, etc.) so that broadcasters can offer additional content to serve multiple audiences. A variety of data services that range from text-based information - artist name, weather alerts, school closings, traffic alerts, etc. - can be scrolled across the receiver display. In addition to receiving standard analog AM and FM broadcasts, the Polk Audio I-Sonic entertainment system incorporates all the digital HD Radio features listed above. 2500 AM and FM stations nationwide have begun rolling out digital HD Radio technology.
The I-Sonic entertainment system becomes an XM Satellite Radio receiver with the addition of an XM Connect & Play Antenna (a $49 item) and monthly subscription. XM Satellite Radio is the nation's leading satellite radio provider with well over 3.7 million subscribers and provides listeners with 150 digital channels, including 100% commercial-free music, over 30 channels of news, sports, talk and entertainment, and over 20 dedicated channels of XM Instant Traffic. All XM metadata is displayed on the I-Sonic's front panel display, including full song title and artist name as well as information extras such as stock and sports score tickers.
Two sets of auxiliary inputs allow hook up of any stereo audio device such as an iPod or other portable MP3 player or cassette deck. The I-Sonic entertainment system is also a full function dual-alarm clock radio that can use the radio or DVD/CD player as the alarm. It also features a headphone jack for private listening at any hour, 30 radio presets and a wireless remote control. On-product controls and an on-display menu system allow the unit to be used should the remote be lost or disabled.
Found VIA eCoustics.com