Logitech unveiled a device Tuesday that streams music from a PC to a home stereo or powered-speaker system. Logitech’s Wireless DJ Music System is intended to work with Windows-based machines.
The $249.99 Wireless DJ Music System, which will ship in late September, uses your computer’s own playback software—for example iTunes or MusicMatch—making it compatible with any audio format, including MP3, iTunes AAC, WMA, Internet radio, and podcasts.
Although the Wireless Music System may be able to send audio from a Mac to remote speakers, the included software and long-range Wireless DJ remote control, which features a display and scroll wheel for controlling playback with Windows Media applications, are currently incompatible.
Logitech’s Music Anywhere wireless technology works throughout the home, without requiring an existing wireless network. The transmitter plugs into a USB port on the computer, and the Music Receiver/Dock is connected to a stereo system using standard RCA connectors, or to powered multimedia speakers using a 3.5mm minijack output. The Wireless DJ Music System sends music streams directly to the receiver over a range of up to 150 feet. The multi-room remote automatically connects to the PC and offers the same wireless range.
The remote features a blue-backlit liquid-crystal display and mechanical scroll wheel, as well as an active playlist feature, called the DJ List, which allows people to add songs or albums to the queue without stopping the music. Featuring a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, the remote recharges in the Music Receiver/Dock. Logitech says that the remote offers up to one week of battery life under normal usage.
[ Playlist senior reviews editor Dan Frakes contributed to this report. ]
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 3:30 p.m. PT on August 8 to clarify information about Mac compatibility provided by Logitech.