VIZIO is really stepping up their wireless audio product line. Readers of wirelessaudioblog will note that the VSB210WS a 2.1 soundbar from VIZIO has been on the market for over a year now, offering fairly punchy sound with the convenience of the a wireless subwoofer. The success of this audio solution has spawned a major line extension which appears closer to hitting stores over the next 6 to 10 weeks.
The linked press release (from CES) outlines the new line, which consists of three new soundbar systems:
- The entry level 2.0 (model: VHT200)
- The step-up 2.1 (model: VHT212) system with wireless subwoofer
- The premium, 5.1 (model: VHT512) with wireless subwoofer and wireless satellites
From the press release:
All of the 2.1 and 5.1 home theater sound bars and wireless headphones include support for High Definition Wireless Audio (HDWA) which lets users enjoy their home theater audio from anywhere in the home.
These wireless soundbar systems are compatible with a HDWA-compatible iPod dock that can be placed anywhere around the house, and a set of HDWA-enabled headphones (VHP100) with active noise cancellation.
It all might line sounds a little overwhelming, but once the info goes live on the website I am sure things will make more sense. I got a chance to play with the products last week, and their freaking cool.
Personally, I’m stoked about these because Avnera’s amps and wireless chips are riddled throughout, and good folks have been busting their behinds making them happen.
News and Press – VIZIO Launches New Lineup of High Definition Audio Products | VIZIO.
Num, num, num… SMSC hearts STS (and Kleer)
SMSC builds upon their wireless audio team by acquiring STS. SMSC paid upwards of $25 million for $15 million in 2011 revenues. Add to that what they paid for Kleer earlier this year, about $7.5 million, and you have about a $30 million dollar investment in a wireless audio baseband team, and an impressive client list… Creative, Sony, Samsung, etc… if only a modest revenue pipeline.
I of course can’t argue with SMSC’s interest in the wireless audio category. Just some wild ass guessing on my part, but their DTV/Blu-ray/STB line no doubt has led them in accounts to bump into STS architecturally over the past few years. Kleer’s technology can also yield some nice applications sitting alongside SMSC’s USB offerings that find their way into many a notebook/netbook, I suppose.
An innovative portfolio offering for advanced features will perhaps create a halo effect in the form of design win opportunities for the rest of SMSC’s line throughout the audio category helping them realize the “synergies” of these deals.
SMSC Announces Acquisition of STS – MarketWatch.