Sharp intros three iPod docks, 2.1 sound bars
updated 01:30 pm EST, Sat January 10, 2009
Sharp iPod and sound bars
Sharp's CES introductions have continued with a major expansion of its iPod speaker dock line as well as two new 2.1-channel sound bars for home theaters. The DK-AP7N (not yet shown) is a folding yet subwoofer-equipped dock tailored both to listening to iPods and home as well as travel use; battery power lets it play sound for up to five hours before returning to an AC adapter. The stereo has DSP hardware that theoretically improves the quality of compressed audio as well as video out for supporting iPods.
The DK-CL6N and its anti-bacterial, hotel-oriented sibling the DK-CL66N are both full clock radios and put out 4W, two-channel sound with dual alarms that can use the iPod as well as the AM/FM tuner. The two also have video out and are due in May for $100.
Sharp has also rolled out its first sound bars in its home theater range. The HT-SB200 (pictured) and HT-SB300 generate 34W of sound and are designed for very tight home theater environments where true surround isn't an option, including either wall mounts or 32-inch and larger TVs. The SB200 is capped at standard 2.1-channel sound, but the SB300 adds virtual Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS decoding as well as a connector to add a larger dedicated subwoofer. Both have aux-in jacks for portable audio devices. The SB200 appears this month for $250, while the SB300 ships in April for $300.
