For the Apple-haters--or merely indifferent--out there, the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch include a feature called AirPlay which seamlessly allows users to push a high-quality audio (and video) signal wirelessly to a supported device, such as the Apple TV. With just a couple of taps on the touch screen, we can call up the controls to select a destination and direct our music thataway, enabling us to break free of the limits of headphones or built-in speakers and enjoy our ___ in a home theater setting.
Third-party gear manufacturers have licensed Apple's AirPlay technology to add this convenience to gear such as audio/video receivers, powered wireless speakers and audio docks, but this feature usually comes at a significant price premium. That's why we're so excited about the Panasonic SC-HC57 Compact Stereo System with AirPlay, part of company's new SC line for 2012.
The SC-HC57 Compact Stereo System features AirPlay music streaming from the above-mentioned portable devices (in addition to Mac and PC), with the benefit of "lossless-quality" transmission. It also provides a multi-room listening function, noise reduction capabilities, smart networking and the ability to play from other sources as well, including compact disc/CD-R/RW and FM radio, despite an exceptionally slim form factor. And SC-HC57 does all this for a suggested retail price of only $199.99, making it the least expensive complete consumer audio AirPlay solution we're aware of.
The complete Panasonic SC-HC series of Compact Stereo Systems will go on sale next month.
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