Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Orbitsound announces T9 iPhone-friendly soundbar, we go ears on - Engadget

Orbitsound extends range with revolutionary compact T9

Versatile soundbar and mini-speaker in one - fills the room with great sound

London, UK: 00.01AM, GMT, Thursday 14 June 2012: Leading British audio technology company Orbitsound announces the revolutionary new T9. Launching to market in mid-July, the compact T9 is a neat, versatile unit with the capacity to fill a room with Orbitsound's unique spatial sound. A soundbar and mini-speaker dock in one, this ground-breaking system is a first for the market. No other audio manufacturer has developed a compact unit capable of delivering such impressive audio. The T9 significantly enhances TV and home-cinema audio from smaller screen TVs; whilst also producing stereo definition and powerful sound to surpass the quality available from any similarly-sized docks currently on the market.

Available in both black and white, the T9's compact form means it will fit perfectly within any room in the home, particularly those where space is at a premium. Ideally suited for bedrooms, conservatories, kitchens and studies, the T9 will dramatically improve TV audio and it is also a fantastic iPod/iPhone dock and mini-speaker system in its own right. Thanks to Orbitsound's patented spatial sound technology, the size of the soundbar does not compromise on the audio performance, as would inevitably be the case with a soundbar based on traditional stereo technology. And, unlike complex, multi-speaker set ups, such as the 5.1 systems which were so popular for home cinema a few years ago, with the T9 no matter where listeners are positioned in the room they will still enjoy the same incredible audio.

Orbitsound's COO John Cameron comments, "Talking with customers at consumer shows and hearing what they have to say on the shop floor, we realised that a product with a reduced form factor would be well received for smaller rooms within the home. And for those families who have a smaller TV in their living room. Let's face it, the sound from large screen flat panel TVs simply doesn't deliver. Everyone knows this, and unfortunately it is even worse for smaller screen models. And, for obvious reasons, consumers do not want to invest in complex bulky systems for areas where space is at a premium. They also frequently find the soundbars currently available are too big relative to the size of smaller screen TVs. Having heard loud and clear what consumers have to say, we are highly confident that the T9 will really appeal to buyers. Not only does it combine a compact soundbar and iPod/iPhone dock in one, there simply is nothing else of this size and quality on the market. Our spatial stereo technology means that the audio performance is unaffected by the T9's smaller dimensions; users will now have the opportunity to experience a phenomenal sound experience no matter the space they have available. We have already enjoyed great success with our award winning T12 soundbar and Orbitsound is currently the UK's bestselling soundbar brand*; a huge achievement for a British company that launched just over four years ago."

At just 30cm in length the T9 soundbar is similar in size to a centre speaker of a 5.1 system. Designed to sit comfortably in front of smaller TVs or on its own and with 140W RMS of power, the T9 consistently delivers great sound. As a result of Orbitsound's spatial stereo technology, audio is carried without interference throughout the room, creating an infinite sweet spot. And, unlike complex 5.1 systems with numerous speakers and wires, the neat T9 is made up of the unit itself, and a small subwoofer. Orbitsound has redesigned the subwoofer for the T9, to compliment the tonal character and smaller dimensions of the soundbar.

The T9 features an integrated charger so users can power-up their iPhone or iPod whilst watching TV or listening to music. Its remote control gives users access to the full iMenu, as well as controlling the T9's volume, bass and treble settings. Made from lacquered wood, the T9 cabinet is almost completely non-resonant, delivering a pure and clean sound whether running at high or low volume; and free from buzzes, rattles or resonances that would spoil your music or speech audio. The T9 is finished with a magnetically attached damped metal front grill and comes complete with a full set of cables; including optical, AUX, speaker, AUX in and VID out phono cable for the ever popular video out function which allows users to watch video content (eg YouTube or BBC iPlayer) from their iPod or iPhone on their TV screen via the T9.

With its practical nature, the T9 is likely to appeal to a variety of audiences; including those looking to improve their TV audio from smaller screens or TVs in secondary rooms, and also for consumers who want an iPod dock that delivers powerful auditorium quality spatial stereo sound that really fills the room but at a highly competitive price. Gamers will also benefit from the small footprint of the soundbar, perfect for bedroom games consoles and PC set ups. The T9 produces a realistic landscape of sound that is highly dynamic. Multiplayer gamers will feel immersed in the vibrant range, creating convincing atmosphere and audio for any game situation.

* GfK RT UK, Sound bar market, May 2011 to April 2012, Sales Units % www.gfkrt.com/uk

Pricing & Availability
The T9 soundbar will be available from mid-July 2012 from John Lewis and selected independent retailers, priced £199.99.
Specifications
Sound Bar
Dimensions: 300x94x94mm
Speakers: 2x2.5" mid-high drivers, 1x1" tweeter, 2x1" midrange spatial generators
Enclosure: Single enclosed infinite baffle arrangement
Power: 140W RMS. 80W Sub, 35W Main, 25W Spatial Crossover Frequencies: 160Hz/5
Sub woofer
Dimensions: 230x139x344mm
Type: Tuned ported enclosure
Speakers: 1x6.5" long throw subwoofer
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