CES 2012: Wireless speaker module delivers 40 hours of playback

According to the HiWave Technologies, the 13W burst (26W peak) module enables OEMs to more rapidly create speakers that receive streamed audio from home cinema systems, pcs, smartphones and tablets without speaker and power cables. HiWave will demonstrate the module at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2012) from January 10 to 13, Las Vegas., using the Bluetooth standard and a new casing design that it says delivers an enhanced sound with an even wider distribution angle. According to HiWave, the module uses its HIAS2001-QNC-010 amplifier chip which consumes 1/20 the power of other amplifier technologies at typical listening levels (68dBC at 1m). The complete wireless speaker system is designed to draw less than 75mA at typical playback levels and, connected to a single 1.2V rechargeable NiMH AA battery, the speaker delivers 40 hours of playback – the equivalent of 600 songs or 220 albums. From a rechargeable size D battery, more than 145 hours of playback can be achieved. HiWave's ceo, James Lewis, said: "Wireless speakers enable a user to more easily stream music throughout the home and let people position them to achieve either the best sound quality or the best aesthetics. The demand for such technology has increased as we store music on, or stream cloud based music to, pcs and smartphones. And whilst it has been possible to transmit music wirelessly for many years, amplifier chips had been too inefficient to ditch the power cable." HiWave says the amplifier module works with all speaker types and, by also integrating its flat panel BMR speakers, manufacturers can deliver a wide audio frequency range with a greater fidelity and eliminate the need for a separate tweeter. HiWave anticipates consumer hi-fi quality speakers to be in shops for Q2 2012.