We now know more about Onkyo's DS-A1 RI (Remote Interactive) Dock. his device is to provide seamless integration of iPod (audio playback, photo) with existing company's home entertainment systems -that numbers in millions!. It also allows for control of such functions with the existing Onkyo remote control.
This device isn't the first to link iPod music to home entertainment receivers, but it adds a new concept, which consists in operating key control functions with Onkyo's remote control. In other words, Apple Computer's iPods become part of the home entertainment system like any home CD player... Onkyo's RI system is a mature and long standing system, thus the DS-A1 is compatible with most of Onkyo's past decade components. The RI system allows for operating an entire system with a single remote control. The DS-A1 dock provides a complete interface between these Onkyo audio/video components and the iPod. When placed in the dock, the Apple iPod becomes a source for audio playback or pictures that have beem stored in the iPod. The iPod controls -play, pause, stop, skip, shuffle, repeat- are operated through the Onkyo remote controlle, and the iPod is recharched through the dock.
At the back of the DS-A1 are stereo analog and S-Video connections that exchange audio/ video signals with the iPod. A 1/8" RI jack carries control signals, while a switch on the bottom sets the choice for Tape/MD/CDR/HDD, which depends on the port in use on the Onkyo device. An AC adapter supplies power to recharge the iPod batteries.
DS-A1 interface also includes startup/shutdown integration, timer/sleep, and alarm on compatible components. When one starts to playback using the iPod through the RI system, the Onkyo input selector adjusts to the iPod. A photo slide show can be reproduced from the iPod on connected display devices.
Compatibility is ensured with 3rd and 4th generation iPods, iPod photos, iPod minis. The family of Onkyo production that includes RI remote controlled is huge and goes backwards in the past 10 years.
The Onkyo DS-A1 Remote Interactive dock for iPod will begin shipping in June in the UK at a suggested retail price of GBP60.
visit www.onkyo.com