DENVER, CO, September 4, 2007 — Russound, the #1 brand in multiroom audio, today announced the iBridge Dock PLC, a revolutionary product that uses PLC (Power Line Carrier) technology, based on the HomePlug standard, to distribute iPod music and data throughout the home using existing residential AC power lines. Available through authorized dealers and distributors, the iBridge Dock PLC integrates an iPod to Russound’s RNET multiroom controller amplifiers without the need for new wiring runs. The iBridge Dock PLC also recharges the iPod, keeping it ready for portable use.
“Consumers love their iPods, and want the same convenient experience in their home as they do when they’re on the go,” says Andy Lewis, Russound Senior Product Manager. “The addition of PLC technology to the iBridge Dock now makes that experience instantly accessible to many thousands of homes, and installers will be delighted by the plug-and-play simplicity of the retrofit.”
The iPod has become a favored media source for consumers, and the combination of the iBridge Dock PLC and Russound’s RNET technologies retains and extends its most wanted features, without having to install new wiring. The iBridge Dock PLC treats the iPod as a fully functional RNET Smart Source, with full control over transport and playlist functions, including on-screen metadata displays that let users conveniently “see” what they’re hearing on Russound touchscreens and keypads.
PLC technology provides two-way communication through common household AC outlets and wiring. Music, metadata and control signals travel over electrical wiring between the iPod and RNET controller amplifiers, simplifying integration into any multiroom system. More than one iBridge Dock PLC can be designated as a multiroom source, and the dock includes five well adapters to fit most iPod models.
Lewis enthused that the iBridge Dock PLC was not only an extension of the Russound product line, but also of the iPod experience and even multiroom entertainment in general. “The beauty of the iBridge Dock PLC is that it makes the multiroom iPod experience so broadly accessible, both for the consumer and for the integrator. Now it’s easy for any household to add the iPod to a multiroom setup, and with no new wires, it’s just as easy for installers.”
About Russound
Since 1967, innovation, quality and reliability have been the pillars of the Russound product tradition. Located in Newmarket, N.H., Russound, the #1 brand in multiroom audio*, offers the products and expertise customers need to enjoy multiroom audio and video systems in the home. As the company celebrates its 40th anniversary, Russound continues to cater to installation professionals and their customers by pairing powerful systems using the latest technologies with intuitive controls to give customers high-performance, easy-to-use solutions. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.russound.com.
*According to June 2005, 2006 and 2007 studies by EH Research
About RNET
Designed from the ground up by Russound Engineers, RNET technology delivers Sound Intelligence to multiroom audio. RNET provides intelligent audio features; metadata delivered to keypads, pre-programmed components and fully tested products. The result is unsurpassed performance, faster installation and exceptional end-user satisfaction. From controllers, keypads and touchscreens to source equipment, RNET offers everything you need.
iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. This product has been designed specifically to work with iPod and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
HomePlug is a registered trademark of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc.
# # #
