AV Peripherals and Systems Guide
Event: Hear The Truth – JBL Launches New Audio Docks, Portable Speakers
Uncompromised Audio Excellence
To make its mark in the growing personal audio market here in the Philippines, JBL launched two new portable speaker systems and two new audio dock at an event held in the Decagon at Silver City, Pasig City. The event was graced by Grace Koh, Sales and Marketing Director of Harman International for the Asia Pacific Consumer business, who came all the way from Singapore to introduce the new JBL products.
She began her presentation with a brief explanation of her company's structure in relation to JBL. Harman International is one of the world's largest manufacturers of audio equipment. They have professional, automotive, and personal product lines, which are divided into different brands, aimed at different market segments. JBL, or James Bullough Lansing, is an American audio company, which has been in the business for over 60 years. It was bought by Harman International in 1969, and serves as one of its main brands for both consumer and professional audio. Other Harman International brands include Harman Kardon and Austrian headphone maker AKG.
While most of JBL's personal audio products were on display throughout the venue, Ms. Koh introduced two speaker systems and two audio docks: the On Tour Micro, Jembe, On Beat Air, and On Beat Xtreme. The new products embody JBL's thrust of making convenient and portable audio systems which don't compromise on sound quality or features and are aesthetically pleasing as well.
On Tour Micro
The On Tour Micro is JBL's answer to the ultra-portable speakers from X-Mini. It fits in the palm of your hand comes with a convenient carrying pouch. Power comes from a rechargable lithium-ion battery that is charged via USB, and lasts up to four hours on a single charge. The On Tour Micro also has daisy-chaining abilities like the X-Mini speakers. Its SRP was announced at PhP 1,995.
Jembe
Named after an African drum, the Jembe is JBL's new compact portable multimedia speaker system. The two-channel system provides surprisingly good sound for the size of each channel, which is about the same as a regular coffee mug. The feature both audio in and out ports,so you can plug in earphones if you wish, or send the audio signal to another device.
On Beat Air
The JBL On Beat Air is one of the company's first speaker docks to feature Apple's AirPlay wireless technology, which allows you to stream music and video from any iOS device or Apple computer to the speaker via Wi-Fi. The dock itself can be rotated for viewing videos in landscape orientation. It comes with an IR remote control that has a range of 30 feet and S-video/composite output so you can watch your videos on a TV or projector.
On Beat Xtreme
On Beat Xtreme
As its name suggests, the On Beat Xtreme is a beefed up version of the On Beat Air. It has the same features such as AirPlay, composite output and an IR remote control, but ups the ante with a microphone for FaceTime support and Bluetooth, for wireless streaming with non-Apple devices. It retails for PhP 18,995. Another version with Android streaming support is expected some time next year.
For more information about the features and specifications of JBL's new products, please visit their official website.
