Escient on Tuesday announced that it’s shipping the FireBall FP-1 Music Manager, which provides the ability to interface the iPod with your home entertainment system, including on-screen menu navigation through your TV. It costs $599.
The FP-1 provides a color on-screen interface, but also provides access to a PC or Mac that’s connected through the FP-1. You can stream Internet radio or connect to Escient’s other FireBall devices as well. The device streams all music stored on the iPod, including DRM-encrypted files downloaded through the iTunes Store. All of the music management is handled through an on-screen interface.
The FireBall FP-1 provides a USB pass-through connector for a Mac or PC, and integrates a dock connector-based charging station as well. It’s compatible with the iPod nano, iPod mini, color display iPods and video iPods.
Other features include two-way RS-232 and Ethernet control, infrared (IR) input, discrete IR remote codes, multiple IR code banks and built-in software for updating over the Internet.
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