News

Soundcast Systems Debuts its Universal AudioCast Transmitter and AmpCast for the Custom Home (26/9/2007)

CEDIA US Expo 2007

At CEDIA EXPO 2007, Soundcast Systems(r), a leading provider of revolutionary wireless audio transmission systems, announced Universal AudioCast Transmitter and AmpCast, two brand-new products aimed at the custom installer. Both products, which can be seen at the Soundcast Systems booth (Exhibit Level Ð Booth #1089) are designed to offer unique solutions for consumers with custom home theater and audio needs.

"Soundcast's products have always been a great solution for the custom installer," said Rusty Bennett, vice president of sales and marketing, Soundcast Systems. "Our two new products Ð AmpCast and Universal AudioCast Transmitter Ð further demonstrate our unique ability to offer products that combine the ease-of-use consumers want and the ability to seamlessly connect audio and home theater components when wires aren't an option."

Universal AudioCast Transmitter (UAT) is a multi-use wireless transmitter utilizing Soundcast's 2.4GHz patented technology, which sends music wirelessly from an audio source to an audio sound system anywhere in the home. Meanwhile, AmpCast is a wireless stereo amplifier/receiver that can be used to drive rear channel speakers for surround sound applications or to power bookshelf speakers in a remote location. Both products will provide uninterrupted wireless audio and are not affected by microwave ovens, cordless phones, 802.11 networks or other devices using the 2.4 GHz band.

About Universal AudioCast Transmitter

UAT allows the custom installer to turn any computer with a music library into a music server without programming or running any wires. The Universal AudioCast Transmitter simply enables the use of the built-in control functions in the computer software from Microsoft. Additionally, UAT can operate off the USB power provided by the USB connection to a computer, making it completely portable for laptop use.

UAT's variable latency allows the use of receivers in the same room for rear channel use, and the variable sensitivity makes this unit compatible with nearly any source, including computers, DVD players, AV receivers and CD changers. When a consumer selects a music library on a computer and connects the UAT, they will have the track/forward, track/back, and pause/play functions for any songs in the selected list when they use any of Soundcast's receivers or wireless speaker systems that have track controls.

Universal AudioCast Transmitter provides a two position latency switch, one line-level L/R RCA input jack set, one line-level mini jack output, an input sensitivity switch, one USB input and an external power supply. The maximum range of UAT is 350 feet with its internal antenna, and it has a USB audio structure to control basic functions of track/forward, track/back, pause/play for commonly used media players through the USB connection to the PC. The unit switches between two inputs automatically, giving USB audio input higher priority.

UAT will support operation with all major media players in a seamless fashion that utilizes no drivers or software. Specific compatible media players include iTunes 4 and higher; Windows Media Player 9 and higher; MusicMatch 9.0 and higher; RealPlayer 10 and higher; and WinAmp 5 and higher.

About AmpCast

AmpCast also utilizes Soundcast's patented 2.4 GHz wireless technology and gives the custom installer a solution to many installation problems caused by situations where running wires is impossible. Beyond providing the ability to wirelessly drive rear channel speakers for surround sound applications, AmpCast can be used as part of a remotely located music system when connected to existing bookshelf speaker systems.

As a wireless stereo amplifier, AmpCast provides a minimum of 30 watts per channel, >0.5% THD, 20Hz Ð 20KHz, and 4 ohms stable. The system utilizes a self contained power supply, and includes a standard AC cord, external on/off switch, auto on circuits, a credit card-sized remote control, and variable soft touch style volume control and balance control. AmpCast also has left and right bare wire speaker attachments in push-clip style or screw-down style, similar to those used in home theater receivers.

Pricing and Availability

These new products are fully compatible with existing Soundcast products, including iCast, AudioCast, SpeakerCast and OutCast. The specifications and features listed above are preliminary, and there may be some variations in the actual production products. Universal AudioCast Transmitter and AmpCast will be released in early 2008. Pricing has not been determined at this time.

www.soundcastsystems.com