Today, the makers of high-fidelity, whole-home architectural audio products and home theater applications announced that they have combined the hottest portable audio product in the world, the Apple iPod, with the Sonance iPort, the first in-wall iPod interface for whole-home audio systems.

The bottom line: iPort turns any room into an iPod concert hall.

Sonance's in-wall plug-and-play installation lets you play your favorite music from anywhere in your home without CDs.

The iPort is an in-wall docking station for the iPod that integrates the player seamlessly into any multi-room audio system as a source component. This new product is compatible with Sonance's full line of IR control systems, amplifiers and accessories.

"The iPod is an icon in the consumer electronics industry today, and the iPort is the first product that integrates it effortlessly into a distributed audio system," said Mitch Witten, Sonance Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

"It's a great solution for existing multi-room systems as well as for new installations. In one room, or in every room in the house, just walk over to the iPort, drop in your iPod and your entire music library is now part of your home audio system," Witten described.

Sonance CRK20 Outdoor Rock Speakers

Their features include:

frequency response 40-20,000 Hz (±3dB)
sensitivity 90 dB
8-ohm impedance
handles up to 150 watts
weather-resistant enclosure

They also make a Planter Speaker Outdoor stereo speaker for about the same price. The features are comparable except for the fact that the planter can handle up to 80 watts vs. the rock's 150 watts.

The iPort, which will begin shipping before the end of the year, will come in two versions: one that can be installed in any wall location and connected locally or to the main audio system, and a rack-mountable version to integrate the iPod within an audio equipment rack.

Additionally, the company has said the iPort will include parts to accommodate all Apple iPod models, as well as connections for power, control and audio output. Pricing for the docking station and accessories are to be announced.

When we get word that it is available, we will create a contextual commerce product link below.

About Sonance

In 1983, Sonance co-founders Geoff Spencer and Scott Struthers had a brainstorm of an idea. They took hi-fidelity box speakers and created a way to conceal them in a wall. This made the speakers less obtrusive and much more aesthetically pleasing, without sacrificing sonic quality....and thus, the in-wall speaker was born. Since that time, Sonance has been on the leading edge of Architectural Audio. From in-wall and in-ceiling home theater systems to whole-house or distributed audio, Sonance is leading the way with new technologies and innovations.

The company offers three brands to serve all segments of the market. Through its Sonance brand, the company designs and custom installs home electronics systems. It also manufactures HomeTech by Sonance and HiFi Works, with both brands being sold through retail channels.

About Apple's iPod

The fourth-generation iPod, Apple's wildly successful digital music player, offers huge capacity, letting you easily slip up to 10,000 (1) songs into your pocket. And enjoy it wherever you go. In the car. On the treadmill. At the office. Around the house. And now connected to your home stereo.

The latest iPod, touted as "the best digital jukebox, with the #1 music download store inside," offers up to 12 hours of battery life. It weighs in at just 5.6 ounces. The 20GB iPod costs $299. A 40GB iPod will run you $399.

As Steve Jobs states in his Web log Just One More Thing, choose from Ferrari Red, UPS Brown, NeXT Black, iPod White. And others. Actually through Apple or Amazon "iPod White" is the only one of these four that are available.

Now that Jobs is "back on the job", perhaps he'll come up with more "branding" colors like: Jet Blue, Armstrong Yellow and Cancer-Free Pink.

Until then, for $49, Color Ware can brand your iPod with one of 24 colors to match your living room walls (Tuscan Terra Cotta - they call "Hybrid"), your car (Sahara Gold - they call "Lightning"), or your old NeXT box (they call "Carbon"). For another $99, they will create your own custom color.

Colorware's "Rugged Elegant" colors include: Dragon, Blush, Hybrid, Lilac, Lightning, Midnight, Blaze, Mystique, Powder, Prowler, Sand, Envy, Steel and Wet.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and colorful, custom surround-sound living!

~ Jennifer King