Belkin TuneStage
It’s funny how just recently all the AirPort remote talk got hyped up again, and lo an behold Belkin hits with a product that effectively accomplishes much the same goal, without ever having to go to iTunes, or getting off the couch for that matter.
The TuneStage allows you to wirelessly connect your Ipod to your stereo system via a Bluetooth adaptor and Belkins Bluetooth to stereo out hub.The range of the device is said to be 33 feet, and runs off the iPods battery.
Uses advanced Bluetooth v1.2 wireless technology
Connects to your home stereo via 3.5mm audio or RCA stereo outputs
Includes 7 ft. Gold Series RCA stereo cable
Requires no batteries; automatically powers on or off with the iPod
Transmitter features low power consumption of less than 40mA
Requires no software installation — offers Plug-and-Play, out-of-the-box convenience
Tré Cool in my book, now this pretty much accomplishes the entire aim of a “AirPort remote” minus the obvious exclusion of net-radio, but still, mucho handy device in my opinion. Apparently the TuneStage was announced in late 2004, but it will begin shipping in July, and lists for $179.99.
B.Greenway
May 24th, 2005 at 10:06 pm
Haven’t checked the manufacturer site yet so don’t know if this is possible or not, but it would be great if you could buy just the reciever and use your laptop, PDA or other bluetooth device to send audio to a stereo (software would be required obviously).
I already have an Airport Express which is far better for me since my iPod is 1st ge).
May 26th, 2005 at 10:08 am
http://griffintechnology.com/ has a similar product coming out “in the second quarter” called BlueTrip and includes optical as well as RCA and headphone out. If the unit looks like the iTrip, I’m sold since I’ve been so pleased with that. Cheaper too.
November 28th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
I wonder if these guys will ever figure out that spending just a little more to make the product sexy or even ergonomically friendly will pay off in spades.
For me, the tunestage just looks stupid attached to the ipod. A docking station or pocket protector setup would have looked so much better. Granted, they would have to have come up with different models to suit the different ipods but it would have elevated a useful product straight to the top of my buy list. As it is, it just looks too out of place and, frankly, too fragile for me to consider purchasing.