The wireless audio market is the next big step for SpeakerCraft-- the company unveils the Synergi Wireless Whole House Music System at CEDIA Expo 2012.

SpeakerCraft describes Synergi as "a no-new-wires retrofit solution" designed to help customers avoid the hassle and expense of hardwired multiroom installations.

The system features a transmitter a receiver, with each transmitter handling up to x8 receivers. The transmitter simultaneously handles inputs from up to x4 sources, with x3 stereo analog line level 3.5 audio inputs and a 4th input switchable between 3.5mm analog and digital optical PCM, allowing users to create a 4-source-by-8-zone multiroom system.

Meanwhile the receiver includes a 35W 2-channel digital amp (with Texas Instruments Equibit technology), Bluetooth support and 3.5mm jack for mono sum input.

The receivers are flexible when it comes to placement, being both shelf- and wall-mountable.

SpeakerCraft will start shipping the Synergi system from Q1 2013 with a package including transmitter, receiver and remote.

Go SpeakerCraft Synergi Music System

Crestron shows off the Sonnex Multi-room Audio System at CEDIA Expo 2012-- now with Apple AirPlay support.

Airplay allows Sonnex users to stream audio from iDevices and Mac PCs to any room without switching audio. "Just hit play and it works," Crestron claims.

The system automatically detects AirPlay signals, and one can program it to switch spontaneously (or take any action the customer wants) without plugging anything in.

The Apple system streams audio, video and photos (with related metadata) between compatible devices, with the AirPort Express unit acting as wifi internet bridge.

The Sonnex 24X8 also uses Crestron's own On-Wire technology, combining HD digital audio processing, full matrix switching and high-powered amplification.

Go Crestron Demonstrates Apple AirPlay functionality with Sonnex at CEDIA Expo

A speaker inspired by "the light, undulating falling of a sheet of paper along a wall"? So Opalum claims of the latest addition to the Flow TV speaker series, the Flow 1010.

The Flow 1010 is a wireless "floating" speaker ideal for use with flat panel TVs. It has a translucent acrylic glass front and is as thick as a standard LED TV, with a minimalist design from Scandinavian designer Eva Hanner.

More interesting is the digital audio technology inside-- "Actisonic," the combination of 10-driver array with advanced inverse fintering algorithms giving the Flow 1010 "control of air movement."

It also carries a pair of Class-D amplifiers-- 20W for high frequencies and 60W for lower frequencies. The speaker's wave shape apparently also firms front sound baffle, minimising vibrations and channeling sound towards the listener.

The speakers connect to the included hub device (via Actiline Digital Link) and controls comes via RF remote.

Go Opalum Flow 1010

Customers lacking the space for a home theatre system but still wish to boost the sound of their HDTVs might like the Bose Solo TV-- a single speaker product ideal for general TV applications.

The unit measures 52.5 x 30.9 x 7cm and sits under flat panel TVs measuring between 81-106cm. Sound comes through Bose digital sound processing and speaker array technology.

It is also very easy to set up, since it only uses one speaker and one cable connection (either optical, coax or analogue).

The package includes a remote control, but the unit should also be compatible with most universal remotes.

Go Bose Solo TV

Autonomic debuts a pair of cloud-based whole home audio distribution systems at CEDIA Expo 2012-- the Mirage M400 and M800.

The Mirage M400 is a 4-zone, 6-source amplifier ideal for either smaller installations or as an add-on amplifier to the 8-zone and 8-source M800. In addition to traditional analog inputs, both products have internal D/A converters with coax digital inputs for all digital sources.

Using Mirage Digital Amplifiers to interface with Mirage Media Servers, the 8-channel M400 and 16-channel M800 make a cloud-based distributed audio or A/V system. Autonomic web, iOS and Android apps automatically recognise the new amps, providing out-of-the-box full control (volume, source selection and independent zone power on/off) for all zones.

Each output is 50W RMS per channel, 8-4 ohm capable. The amps include bass, treble, balance and loudness adjustment for each zone and even have storage for up to 10 seconds of 44.1KHz 16-bit stero for doorbell or paging functions. Control comes through RS232, network or optional MKP-1 in-wall keypad.

In addition Autonomic also debuts two in-wall interface options, including a basic keypad and an iPod touch control mount.

Go Autonomic

Soulmate? No, Solemate, a portable Bluetooth speaker from Jabra with a quirky footwear-inspired design and some fairly decent specs.

The shoe theme extends to a removable rubber "sole" acting as a store for a 3.5mm audio cable and a "heel tab" for carrying purposes. The rubberised casing is shock- and water-resistant, while an included sound bag adds extra protection.

The audio specifications impress-- the front has a duo of acoustic tweeters and a subwoofer with a passive bass radiator on the back, a combination capable of producing up to 120dB of sound.

Connectivity comes through Bluetooth 3.0, as well as 3.5mm audio jack and microUSB.

According to Jabra battery life is around 8-10 hours of continuous play on a single charge.

Go Jabra Solemate