Logitech rolls out clever wireless products for the home

"The digital music revolution has given people new flexibility in how they purchase and organize their digital music -- but for most people, that music is held captive on a PC," said a Logitech spokesperson. "With the Wireless Music System for PC, people can enjoy their favorite playlists or Internet radio on their living room entertainment system. The product takes less than five minutes to set up, and it works without any cables or adapters, without a Wi-Fi network, and without any restrictions on file format."

The Logitech Wireless Music System for PC is targeted at the growing number of people who are buying digital music tracks and subscription services through online music stores such as Apple's iTunes or Musicmatch. A recent study by Parks Associates showed that two-thirds of online U.S. households listen to music on a home computer. And whether they use a portable player or not, most people don't have a good way to get their online music from the PC to their entertainment center.

The simplicity of the Logitech Wireless Music System for PC is due to the architecture of the Logitech Music Anywhere wireless technology. The transmitter and receiver are paired at manufacturing, ensuring they will instantly connect when plugged in. The proprietary technology provides crystal-clear digital audio quality and features adaptive frequency hopping, helping the product overcome any potential wireless interference. The USB-based PC music transmitter sends audio streams directly to the music receiver at a range of up to 100 meters (330 feet). The Logitech Wireless Music System for PC also includes software that allows people to easily switch back and forth between listening to music on the PC and wirelessly streaming it to another room.

The system's infrared remote allows people to control their music files from their living room couch, even though the files reside on the PC in another room. About the size of a credit card, the remote features controls such as volume up or down, mute, play, pause, skip forward and back. The remote works with today's most popular media players, including iTunes, Windows Media Player, Musicmatch, WinAmp, and RealPlayer -- there's no need to install a new player.

The Logitech Wireless Music System for PC will be available in stores and online beginning in September in the U.S. and in Europe. Its suggested retail price in the U.S. is US$149.99. Logitech will make additional receivers available for people who want to stream their music to multiple rooms in the house. The additional receivers will be available online at www.logitech.com, for US$79.99.