The system is expected in Australia in the last quarter. Set to be sold at under $1,000 the HT-IS100 Bravia Theater Micro System, consists of five "golf-ball-size" speakers and a floorstanding subwoofer/electronics module, which incorporates system controls, subwoofer driver, AM/FM tuner, amplification for all channels, surround processor and connections to A/V sources and an iPod cradle which is bundled with the system.
The subwoofer/electronics module can be tucked out of sight because it can be controlled from a handheld IR remote that sends control signals to an IR repeater embedded in the center-channel speaker.
The new model adds 1080p HDMI 1.3 inputs with HDMI repeater function, whereas its predecessor featured 1080i inputs. The new model also adds S-AIR wireless multisource and two-zone capability, which delivers stereo audio wirelessly to an optional amplified speaker client in another room.
According to TWICE to add the second zone, consumers attach a transmitter/receiver and purchase a one-piece Air Station, a one-chassis amplifier/speaker client. The client selects and controls the main system's AM/FM tuner, docked iPod or other devices connected to the system's digital media port. Such products could include a Sony Net Walkman headphone MP3 player docked in a connected Net Walkman cradle. Another could be an optional DLNA-certified Wi-Fi adapter that stream music and photos from a networked PC.
