(25 August 2008 3:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Sony in the US has launched its new wireless, multi-room audio system for listening to iPod players.

The new S-Airplay system features Sony’s S-Air technology, which provides a practical, wireless multi-room solution without complicated setup requirements.

Wireless audio can be transmitted from the system’s main docking station in one room to various rooms throughout the home -- up to nearly 164 feet—simply by plugging a separate S-Air wireless speaker into a power outlet.

Sony Electronics’ Digital Imaging and Audio Division director of marketing in the personal audio group Andrew Sivori says, “This technology makes it easy to listen to music from a compatible iPod without carrying it from room to room. It’s an easy, inexpensive way to get multi-room audio without professional installation.”

S-Air technology delivers audio wirelessly to the included speakers without interfering with other household devices. The system comes with one docking station and two S-Air wireless speakers, but it can transmit to up to 10 speakers simultaneously (additional speakers sold separately).

Equipped with an AM/FM tuner, the S-AIRPLAY system’s dual source feature lets users listen to music from the iPod player or from a radio station. Listeners in one room can hear their favorite radio station, while listeners in another room can enjoy music from the iPod at the same time.

To connect to an existing home theater system or television set, the docking station includes composite A/V outputs. It also charges the iPod while it is docked.