Altec-Lansing intros slim Powered Theater TV speakers

Leaving the safe harbor of its traditional computer speaker business, Altec-Lansing this morning launched its Powered Theater line made just for home theater setups. The two-piece PT8051 and larger, one-piece PT7031 use NXT panel speakers to produce a full-room sound without the cabinet depth needed for conventional audio. The choice is an ideal fit for LCDs and plasmas where space is as much a concern as quality, Altec-Lansing says.

The speakers also use virtual surround to eliminate the clutter that can be a problem for apartments and small living rooms. The PT7031 uses Dolby-derived techniques to replicate a standard 5-channel surround setup; the more advanced PT8051 splits its virtual Dolby and DTS audio work into two, creating front stereo and center channels with one piece and the two rear channels generated from wireless rear unit that eliminates cables.

Altec-Lansing's inaugural home theater gear will reach electronics shops in August and will sell at $600 for the PT7031, with the price rising to $1,000 for the more complex PT8051.