SRS WOW HD Bluetooth dongle for iPod debuts

Hitachi Maxell today introduced an SRS WOW HD-enabled Bluetooth audio transmitter (site not updated) for iPod to enhance sound quality of the portable player's digitally compressed audio and video files. The new Bluetooth-enabled dongle is compatible with all full-size iPods as well as iPod nano and iPod mini, and uses the proprietary Apple DIN connector that attaches directly to the iPod dock. The company offered no shipment details or pricing.

The device's DIN connector allows it to process audio from the iPod with SRS WOW HD audio enhancement before transmitting via Bluetooth to any Bluetooth enabled headset or speaker accessory. The WOW HD process is turned on and off from a small "SRS" branded button on the front of the accessory.

Bluetooth 2.0-enabled stereo headset

Hitachi also unveiled a Bluetooth stereo headset featuring SRS WOW HD for improved audio performance on other portable devices that is compatible with all Bluetooth 2.0-enabled playback devices.

After the two Bluetooth devices recognize each other in a process called 'pairing,' the headset receives the audio via Bluetooth and processes it using SRS WOW HD from compressed as well as non-compressed audio files.

"We wanted to work with SRS Labs because they are an industry leading audio provider with proven high quality sound techniques," said Akio Mishima, manager of Hitachi Maxell's brand business division. "SRS WOW HD audio and bass enhancement incorporated into our new Bluetooth devices provides significant sound improvement for all types of audio content commonly stored on portable media devices."

"We are conscious about our product's energy consumption and were impressed by how much less power this process consumes than previous solutions we have used," Mishima added.

Filed under: iPod, audio, Apple
Other story tags: iPod nano, Bluetooth, Hitachi, HD, portable, Dock, sound, transmitter