Multimedia center from Sony

We’ve become accustomed to more and more manufacturers offering a variety of accessories for the iPod product line, but Sony is always able to show something new.

Named the NAS-Z200iR Wireless Audio System, the product is a mule solution that allows you to easily manage all the multimedia resources in your home. The system consists of a central unit and a remote control equipped with a wide range of knowledge; the latter allows all the main functions of the device to be controlled remotely, thanks to the 3,5-inch display and the logically structured, yet all-parameter menu system. Of particular note is that the charging of the power sources responsible for the power supply of the unit is also solved by means of a docking station, which is also part of the sales package.

We can't complain about other parameters of the device either, as it handles both traditional and rewritable CDs, just as playing the MP3 format is not a problem for it. In addition to the optical disc, audio can also be received via the iPod dock, USB port, and traditional audio input, so you can easily connect to virtually any of your multimedia devices. The only sore point is the lack of Bluetooth, which could have provided significant relief over available wired solutions when communicating with mobile phones. On the other hand, there is no Wi-Fi radio, which allows you to connect the NAS-Z200iR to your local network with a few keystrokes, and then play audio from your computer in addition to Internet radio broadcasts. Integrating the device into an existing network is aided by full support for the DLNA standard.

While the body of knowledge can be described as impressive on paper, it is worth nothing if it is not paired with adequate sound quality: Sony is not expected to be disappointed in this area either, as the 2 × 20 watts of power, special, vibration-free housing and neodymium magnets its application will certainly have a beneficial effect on sound as well.

The NAS-Z200iR Wireless Audio System could hit European store shelves in September at a hitherto unknown purchase price.