There seems to be a pretty strong market for iPod and iPhone docking stations, because, otherwise, I can't really imagine why so many companies are jumping on this particular bandwagon, rolling out various products that, despite having quite a different design, carry out pretty much the same features.

This is also the case with the latest iPhone/iPod/iPod Touch docking solutions from Pioneer, namely the XW-NAS5 and XW-NAS3 models, both of which charge the respective Apple devices while docked, and at the same time are able to play the music stored in their memory. For this reason, both have been equipped with a 2.1-channel full-range speaker system, including a downfiring subwoofer.

One of the few features that actually differentiate these products is the fact that the XW-NAS5 also comes pre-loaded with Pioneer’s proprietary sound enhancement technologies, including Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) to enhance the sound of compressed music files and Auto Level Control (ALC) to monitor the volume level from track to tack. Both of these technologies have been developed specifically to improve the listening experience of portable audio devices in the home.

As far as the connectivity options are concerned, these two devices are fairly similar, since both of them are Bluetooth-ready for wireless control and streaming capabilities of music files from the new iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch 2G and other Bluetooth-enabled models via an optional accessory (BT-100). In addition, the sound systems employ component and composite video output for playback of stored movies, TV shows and other video files from the docked digital device.

Unfortunately, there's no word on just how expensive these docking solutions will ultimately prove to be, but we're likely to find that out later on this year (probably around the Christmas shopping season), when both the XW-NAS5 and XW-NAS3 are slated to arrive in stores.


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