AirPlay For All: Onkyo Modernises Legacy Receivers

Onkyo is bringing AirPlay wireless music playback from Apple’s devices to older receivers with their new gadget.

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By docking your iPhone, iPod or iPad into Onkyo’s DS-A5, users can stream photos, music and videos wirelessly to older receivers, even those that don’t have USB or Ethernet ports. Currently the dock is compatible with Apple products built upon the 30-point-pin, but an ordinary Apple adaptor will enable it to work with Apple’s new iPhone 5.

It can connect to home networks by jumping on a WiFi connection or through a direct Ethernet connection. Alternatively, it can be plugged in directly to a receiver’s DAC, connected through analogue stereo and video component connections.

Onkyo deserves credit for releasing a device that equips legacy receivers with current technology, as most companies would rather drive sales through upgrades at the consumer’s expense.

Onkyo’s DS-A5 will be available from retailers in October with a $199 recommended retail price.