Acoustic Research has been well known for the AR-3 series of speaker systems, which used the 12-inch (305 mm) acoustic suspension woofer of the AR-1 with newly designed dome mid-range and high-frequency drivers, the first of their kind. AR's line of acoustic suspension speakers were extraordinary for their time, as they were the first loudspeakers with flat response, extended bass, wide dispersion, small size, and reasonable cost. Now, the company is famous for its stylishly designed, high-class audio systems and radios.

The latest items launched by the manufacturer are the ARIR200 and ARIR600i Internet radios, released at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The two models offer built-in wireless connectivity, AM/FM radio, USB and Ethernet connection and 512MB memory for up to ten hours of recording off the Internet, as well as the AM/FM bands.

"With virtually millions of Americans tuning into Internet radio each week, we wanted to cut the PC tether and bring the vast Internet radio station experience into other rooms of the home in a way unmatched by any competitive product," said Tom Malone, president, Audiovox Electronics Corporation. "We added connectivity and customization partners that will bring consumers an enhanced level of enjoyment available exclusively in the AR Infinite Radios,” he added.

 

The Acoustic Research Slacker partnership allows direct connect to Slacker Personal Radio Music Service with millions of tracks, 100 genre stations and more than 10,000 artist stations, all in high quality sound equal to HD and satellite radio.

 

The WeatherBug is very important, especially now that the general climate of the planet has become more unpredictable than ever, as it includes one and three-day forecasts, continuous emergency weather alerts and instant text-to-speech conversion from four synthesized voices.

 

The ARIR200 Infinite Radio is not only a high-performing Internet radio, but also an alarm clock radio with wake-up options ranging from Internet to terrestrial content and includes snooze and sleep options. Moreover, it lets its users listen to and rate songs, by using the Heart, Ban and Tag options. It features an AM/FM tuner with six preset buttons per source. This device will be available in mid-February, retailing for about 130 US dollars.

The ARIR600i Infinite Radio is also a high-performing Internet radio, but more than that, as it doubles as an iPod dock. It includes access to Slacker Personal Radio and a pre-paid WeatherBug service subscription, a -watt subwoofer multi-room sound system for superior audio performance and a remote control. Available in mid-May, this radio will retail for about 200 US dollars.

 

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