CES 2008: Logitech Shows Off New Audio Gear

Logitech got a jump on the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show Saturday by showing off several news products, including a new network music system, at CES Unveiled Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Logitech’s new Squeezebox Duet network music system features a wireless controller with a color LCD screen and a small receiver that enables users to wirelessly browse, select, and play their digital music on their existing stereo speakers anywhere in the home. The Squeezebox controller has a 2.4" color LCD screen and scroll wheel that sports a look quite similar to an iPod. The controller allows users to access their digital music from their personal collections, Internet radio or other online subscription services.

The Squeezebox Duet Receiver, meanwhile, uses 802.11g wireless technology and is small enough to be conveniently placed in many areas of the home. According to Logitech, multiple receivers can all be controlled by one Squeezebox Duet controller. Customers can also use the SqueezeNetwork, Logitech’s open-source platform. When users put their digital music on the SqueezeNetwork, they can access the music without any interaction with the computer where the music is stored. The Logitech Squeezebox Duet network music system is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe this month for a suggested retail price of $399.99. Additional receivers will be available for $149.99, while a stand-alone controller is listed at $299.99.

Logitech also introduced the Z Cinema Advanced Surround Sound System for the PC, which features SRS TruSurround HD technology to deliver 360-degree surround sound with no rear speakers. The system also has laser-tuned drivers designed to reduce distortion, as well as 1" tweeters, 3" ventilated subwoofers, and an 8" long-throw, bass reflex-enclosed subwoofer.

The Z Cinema’s two speaker-one subwoofer configuration gives the system a three-amplifier design. The system also comes with a Media Center remote, a 24-bit USB Digital Audio cable, and headphone and MP3 player inputs. The Z Cinema is expected to go on sale this month in the U.S. and Europe for a suggested retail price of $299.99.

Along with its new audio gear, Logitech introduced the diNovo Mini, a small palm-sized keyboard deigned for consumers who have connected their televisions with their PCs. The diNovo Mini has a dual purpose ClickPad and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and features a media remote mode and cursor mode for both TV and PC commands. A backlit miniature keyboard allows users to type Web addresses, send instant messages, and set up hot keys. The diNovo Mini is compatible with Windows XP or Vista PCs and also has a USB port and CD-ROM drive. The product is expected to be available in late February at a suggested retail price of $149.99

Lastly, Logitech unveiled its Harmony One universal remote, which is designed to interact with a host of home entertainment products from televisions to digital music players. The Harmony One has a 2.2" full color touch screen, backlit keys, rechargeable batteries, and an online database of more than 225,000 compatible devices from 5,000 different manufacturers. The Harmony One also has a Smart State Technology feature that can track the power state and input settings of the various entertainment systems it controls. The Harmony One is compatible with both Windows XP as well as MacIntosh OS X 10.3 or later and is expected to go on sale in February for a suggested retail price of $249.99.