View this article at: http://dev.macnn.com/articles/07/01/09/creative.dock.for.ipod
Tuesday, Jan 09, 2007 9:35am

Creative launches Xdock Wir...

Creative has introduced the Xdock Wireless, a device that docks an iPod and plays music at beyond CD quality via X-Fi Wireless Receivers. The Xdock Wireless connects directly to a powered speaker system or home theater to display photos and play video or music in DTS surround-sound. The device is designed to work seamlessly with the iPod, and is certified by Apple under the 'Made for iPod' program. Creative's X-Fi 'Xtreme Fidelity' technology is produced with X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi CMSS-3D technology to play audio at better than CD quality. The X-Fi Crystalizer makes MP3s sound better than CDs by analyzing and identifying which parts of the audio stream have been truncated or damaged during compression, according to Creative. The Xdock Wireless offers a line-out port for connecting to powered speakers, as well as S-video and composite video-out connections. Creative's Xdock -- which works with Apple's video iPod, iPod photo, iPod mini, and iPod nano -- is slated for shipment in the spring for $200. The X-Fi Wireless Receiver will ship for $100, and an Xdock Wireless with an Xi-Fi Wireless REceiver is due to ship for less than $300.

A wireless remote enables users to navigate the iPod menu, adjust volume levls, and activate X-Fi Crystalizer and X-Fi CMSS-3D functionality. The dock charges the iPod while in use and includes a line-in connection for alternative audio devices. The Xdock Wireless plays music up to 100 feet away without requiring a wireless network, according to Creative. Two modes -- broadcast and zone -- allow users complete control over whether music is played through every X-Fi Wireless Receiver or specific X-Fi Wireless Receivers. Broadcast mode ensures multiple X-Fi Wireless Receivers can receive music simultaneously, while zone mode enables users to turn up to four different X-Fi Wireless Receivers on or off independently.