AirPlay Compatible Devices
With iOS 4.2, Apple introduces AirPlay, which is a video and audio streaming feature for iOS devices. Here’s our list of Apple AirPlay compatible devices on sale now and expected in the near future.
This article describes the dozen AirPlay compatible devices / speaker systems available for sale right now, under two categories. One is video and audio, the other is audio only AirPlay devices.
Video + Audio, AirPlay Compatible Devices
If you want a video and audio streaming AirPlay compatible device, look no further than the Apple TV: [3rd gen. Apple TV (2012) MD199LL/A]
Second gen Apple TV ($99 MSRP, free shipping).
Apple TV streams iPod and video content from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, or iTunes content be it HD or SD video or your music collection from your Mac. Apple TV also streams YouTube, Netflix (with subscription), Flickr, MobileMe, and iTunes HD Movies / HD TV Shows rentals from the web.
Audio only, AirPlay Compatible Devices
You got a few choices if you want audio only AirPlay compatible devices.
AirPort Express
For those who is not in the market for a new sound system, then the choice is easy. Just get an Apple Airport Express
Apple AirPort Express is a 802.1 a/b/g/n wireless base station, router, and wifi extender with built in audio / music output, and USB port for printer or harddrive sharing. The AirPlay compatible AirPort Express has 3.5-mm audio minijack for analog or optical digital sound. You can also consider the AppleTV (see above) if you got a surround sound system with optical input and don’t need the wifi base station or wireless printing.
AirPlay Compatible Surround Sound Systems & Speakers
If you like a separate sound system, official Apple AirPlay certified devices, including A/V (Audio Video) Receivers are available from Denon, Marantz, B&W (Bowers & Wilkins), JBL, and iHome. Note some devices might need additional adapter. Devices with HDMI or optical input are also compatible with Apple TV.
Denon AirPlay Compatible Devices for Sale
Denon is adding AirPlay music streaming capability with a “feature upgrade” to these devices:
- AVR-4311CI 9.2 Channel Network Multi-Room Home Theater Receiver
($1999) HDMI 1.4a
- AVR-3311CI 7.2 Channel Network Home Theater Receiver
($1199) HDMI 1.4a
- AVR-991 7.2-Channel Networking Multi-Source/Multi-Zone A/V Home Theater Receiver
($999) HDMI 1.4a, 3D support
- AVR-A100 ($2499) company’s new 100th anniversary celebration model
- RCD-N7 Networked CD Receiver
($599) with optional Wireless 2.0 Channel Speaker System
($199). The RCD-N7 Networked CD Receiver with network WiFi features looks similar to the Marantz Melody Media (M-CR603).
The AirPlay feature upgrade from Denon is expected to be available by November 25; users will be able to purchase it from the company’s web site for $49.
Marantz AirPlay Compatible Devices for Sale
Marantz is adding AirPlay music streaming capability with a “feature upgrade” to these devices:
- SR7005 A/V Receiver
($1499.99) HDMI
- AV7005 A/V Pre-Amp
($1499.00) HDMI
- NA7004 Network Audio Player / Internet Radio Tuner
($799.00)
- Melody Media (M-CR603) Networked CD Receiver (£499.95, about $789.00 not available in US?)
SR7005 and AV7005 are available with Marantz’s hilariously named Wizz App [itunes link] for iPhone and iPod touch (also works with iPad in x2 mode).
The AirPlay feature upgrade from Marantz is expected to be available by November 25; users will be able to purchase it from the company’s web site for $49.
B&W (Bowers & Wilkins) AirPlay Devices for Sale
There’s a teaser on Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Loudspeaker + Dock System
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin does have a Apple dock that works with all recent models of iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod mini. it also takes 3.5 mm mini-jack analog / optical digital input, which can be connected from AirPort Exptress for AirPlay.
JBL AirPlay Devices for Sale
Nothing is found on their website about JBL AirPlay compatible speakers at this time. JBL does offer wireless speakers for sale, such as:
- JBL Control 2.4G On Air Wireless Speaker System (Pair)
(on sale $186.95, MSRP $349)
- JBL WEM-1 50-Watt Wireless Amplifier
(on sale $269.98, MSRP $359) Good for setting up surround sound speakers without running wires.
Of course, JBL speakers will work with AirPlay through the Apple Airport Express
iHome AirPlay Devices for Sale
iHome’s iW1 AirPlay wireless speaker system with rechargeable battery is not available for sale yet.
Well, that’s all the AirPlay compatible devices and speakers ObamaPacman.com can find so far. For future updates, bookmark or subscribe now.
