CES 2008: Philips Releases New Streamium

Philips' Streamium systems can wirelessly transfer music from a PC or Deck in up to five rooms. The technology used is WiFi, one of my latest favorite words. The result is a virtual jukebox, just like the Logitech Squeezebox and others. Thus it seems that wireless streaming is the way to go, though these Streamium products by Philips have not really hit our shores, except in grey shops.

The WACS7500 hub ($999.99) and WAS7500 extenders ($299.99) feature 80GB hard drives, color LCD displays with extra sharpness, and USB ports for connecting a variety of media devices. An optional iPod dock further expands content options. The Streamium hub can then manage up to five independent streams of content at once, sending a different stream to each extender. The color LCD display showcases CD/album art in vibrant full color.

"With the addition of Philips' WACS7500 wireless home music system to Philips' Streamium family, users can now free their music from any device, source or even media, to more easily enjoy their music wirelessly all throughout the home, combining Hi-fi sound quality with state of the art design," said Wiebo Vaartjes, general manager, Audio & Multimedia Applications, Philips Consumer Lifestyle.

Philips' WACS7500 and the WAS7500 will be available in April 2008 at $999.99 and $299.99 respectively.