Klipsch is displaying three new AirPlay speakers at CES called “soundbars”. Basically one long horizontal unit in three different models: The Studio, Forum and Arena.
The Klipsch Gallery AirPlay series is expected to be available sometime in Q2 of this year with prices starting at $399 (Studio), $599 (Forum) and $799 (Arena). Not the cheapest speakers in the market but we look forward to testing them to give you a better idea of the quality and style.
Apple’s AirPlay technology enables home audio products to select and stream protected and unprotected songs via Wi-Fi or Ethernet directly from a PC’s iTunes application. Playback can be controlled remotely from an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad via Wi-Fi. AirPlay-enabled home audio products also stream music directly from iPads, iPods, and iPhones via Wi-Fi.
“These passive and powered app-enabled products are a true manifestation of how audio and video content will be enjoyed in the future,” said Paul Jacobs, Klipsch Group president. He called the products “transformative” and said they represent “not only the blurring of lines between whole-house audio, music, home theater, gaming and computing,” but the series also delivers on the promise of simple plug-and-play technology.
Expected release is summer or fall of 2011.