Hitachi Jumps into Wireless Speakers Biz

Hitachi America, Ltd. announced on Tuesday that it has entered the wireless speaker business with three self-contained wireless speaker systems using Qualcomm’s AllPlay technology. According to Hitachi, their new hardware/software “smart media” platform makes it simple for consumers to stream any local or cloud-based media from any type of device via Wi-Fi.

Learn more about Hitachi’s new wireless music system…

Hitachi says the brains behind the smarts and convenience of their new system is Qualcomm’s AllPlay technology, which it says is a “complete hardware and software whole home audio platform that offers manufacturers and consumers a unified solution for local media and cloud based Wi-Fi streaming across iOS and Android platforms.” Qualcomm says AllPlay offers Wi-Fi system-on-a-chip technology with flexible I/O architecture and the ability to work with embedded and discrete accessory uses.

Users can easily stream to one or more of Hitachi’s new speakers using a homeowner’s existing Wi-Fi system. The system also accommodates Bluetooth streaming and features up to 192kHz and 24-bit audio resolution for Hi-Fi quality, the company says.

AllPlay features many popular music streaming services such as Spotify, Rhapsody, Napster, TuneIn, and others. Soon, AllPlay will be adding iHeartRadio, Tidal, SoundCloud, and more services.

Hitachi offers an app that allows for simple configuration and operation – and is available for both iOS and Android platforms. The system offers up to 10 zones with flexible grouping and individual volume control for each group.

“The new Hitachi Smart Wi-Fi Speaker line-up captures the company’s commitment to bringing consumers products with truly exceptional sound quality, reliability, and user friendliness in the wireless whole-home audio category,” said Bill Whalen, Director of Product Development, Hitachi America, Ltd., Digital Media Division. “This Hitachi speaker design creates a compelling sound experience, and the easy-to-use app for mobile devices makes it a breeze for consumers to set-up and control a home audio system. The combination of these features and advanced audio processing circuitry define Hitachi as a leader in wireless home audio.”

The company offers three models:

• W200 – 22 watts, class D power – Quad-driver Array with Bass Reflex design – MSRP $199.99
• W100 – 12 watts, class D power – Triple-Driver Array with Bass Reflex design – MSRP $179.99
• W50 – 10 watts, class D power – Dual-Coil with Passive Radiator design – MSRP $149.99

All three models will be available this month.

Visit Hitachi to learn more about these, as well as other Hitachi products at: www.hitachi-america.us.