by Anna Filatova
01/08/2001 | 04:25 PM
Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. today became the first manufacturer to introduce a line of all-digital sound systems. Available at retail in spring 2001, the new line incorporates Direct Digital Amplification (DDX) and new micro-driver speaker technology. The amplifier and speakers are unified in elegant, compact enclosures and deliver a high fidelity sound at a fraction of the cost of conventional technology. The compact, all-digital speaker systems are ideal for playing all types of digital audio including CDs, MP3s, DVDs, digital television and streaming audio. Signals remain digital from source to speaker removing the quality losses associated with digital-to-analog conversions that occur in traditional audio systems. The new system eliminates the need for an external amplifier by performing all amplification at the speaker.
Altec Lansing plans to deliver the new speaker systems through both the PC and home theater retail channels. Two system classes are expected to ship in late April; each will offer the option of two, four or five satellites and subwoofer.
The 2.1 and 4.1 channel All-Digital Personal systems (for PCs) will be available at retail for approximately $129 and $199. The 2.1 and 4.1 channel All-Digital Classic systems (for home theaters) will be available for approximately $149 and $399. Pricing for the 5.1 channel system is still pending. Final pricing will be announced in April 2001.