I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 is the first radio that allows listeners to buy songs heard on HD Radio broadcasts using Apple’s iTunes Tagging technology. It measures 14.5″ x 9″ x 4.75″.
The I-Sonic ES2 accepts all iPod models with dock connectors in its top-mounted dock hidden beneath a sliding door. S-Video and composite video outputs allow the user to connect a television or video monitor to the IES2 for viewing video content stored on a video iPod.
The I-Sonic ES2 stores information about the tagged songs to its memory and transfers the tags to an iPod when docked. When the consumer connects the iPod to his/her computer, iTunes automatically presents the songs in a new Tagged play-list for the consumer to preview, buy, and download.
An auxiliary input allows hook up of any stereo audio device such as a portable CD player or cassette deck. The I-Sonic ES2 is also a full function dual-alarm clock that can use the radio or iPod as the alarm. It also features a headphone jack for private listening, 24 radio presets and a wireless remote control. On-product controls allow the unit to operate should the remote be lost or disabled.
The I-Sonic ES2 will be available from select specialty retail stores, Apple stores and direct from PolkAudio.com in October 2007 for $499.
HD Radio is digital radio technology developed by iBiquity Digital that offers static-free, crystal-clear reception with CD-quality sound from FM stations and the richness of FM-analog stereo sound quality from AM stations. HD Radio also allows broadcasters to multicast program streams over a single FM frequency (e.g. 97.7-1, 97.7-2, etc.) to offer additional content to serve multiple audiences. A variety of data services that range from text-based information — artist name, weather alerts, school closings, traffic alerts, etc. — can be scrolled across the receiver display.
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Yea, it is not the big-deal it is made out to be – consumers have shunned table-top HD radio, so why should they spend $500 for a device that still requires AM-loop and externally-mounted FM-dipole antennas to even have a chance to pick up the fragile digital HD signals. This is far from having Apple actually including it as a part of the new iPod. This is all to late for HD Radio.