Arkados Powers Russound's New Networked iPod Bridge

Russound's new iBridge Dock PLC uses Arkados solutions to create whole-house music from an iPod

5 Sep 2007

Denver, CO, September 5, 2007 - Arkados (OTC BB: AKDS), known as “the HomePlug® Applications Company,” announces that the new iBridge Dock PLC from Russound®, their first digitally networked iPod® Bridge, is powered by solutions from Arkados. The iBridge Dock PLC is a revolutionary product that requires no wiring, using HomePlug powerline communications technology to integrate an iPod into Russound's RNET® multiroom controller amplifiers.

Not only does the iBridge Dock PLC recharge the iPod, but the music stored on the iPod can be accessed and played throughout the home since it acts as a fully functional RNET Smart Source.

This announcement is especially timely as several noted analysts have recently commented on the growing market for whole-house music. ABI Research® recently estimated that the networked home audio market will reach $7.2B by 2012, while some estimates put the value of the iPod accessory market in the neighborhood of $1 billion.

“With so many people using their iPod as the source for most of their music collection, this is a way to free themselves from their earbuds, and fill their house with music,” said Oleg Logvinov, president and CEO of Arkados. “Russound has always led the market with innovative high-quality music systems, and they are continuing on that path by introducing products that incorporate the incredible flexibility of HomePlug technology.”

“The iBridge Dock PLC is a great addition to our family of products,” said Michael Stein, Senior Director of Research and Technology at Russound. “It allows both installers and consumers to locate the dock anywhere in the home without running new wires. We expect this to be a very popular product for both new and existing users of RNETsystems.”

The Arkados solution provides the underlying technology for the iBridge Dock PLC, including the HomePlug powerline communications protocol. The technology allows communication both to and from the iPod through the AC electrical lines already installed in the home, and can use multiple iPods as music sources.

Russound's exhibit at this week's CEDIA Expo will feature a demonstration of the prototype.

Filed: Sep 2007, Launches, Press, Co: Arkados, Tech: None