Space economy meets functionality

May 28, 2008 15:27 GMT  ·  By
The golf ball-sized satellites of the new Sony home theater systems
4 photos
   The golf ball-sized satellites of the new Sony home theater systems

In case you're the kind of guy who keeps on wondering why companies producing home theater systems rely on the tall towering shapes for the satellite speakers even if on the inside you only find a tiny driver, here's your answer: because the Sony HT-IS100 has just been announced! This nifty home theater system boasts the tiniest satellites you'd ever expect to see in such gear, but as far as the tech specs are concerned it looks like the size is not necessarily a minus.[admark=1]

Shaped in a cubic form, the satellites of Sony HT-IS100 sport the approximate size of a golf ball: yes, we're really talking about small cabinets (if I may call them cabinets) but whose sonic response will deliver true audio bliss (or at least that's what Sony says).

Developed especially for those critical places where space is a premium item, these satellites can actually be installed in any corner of the room, whether you're thinking about shelves or tabletops. As a matter of fact, I guess they'd go even attached to your laptop display...

These 43mm cubes weigh only 70 grams each and are complemented by a no-nonsense subwoofer housing the amplification module as well as three HDMI ports, optical digital audio jacks, coaxial digital audio and composite and stereo outputs for a truly versatile use. And for those who think that 5.1 is too much, a 3.1 array (HT-CT100) will be available, comprising said subwoofer and an L-R-Center combo bar speaker, even easier to install than the full surround model.

There haven't been made public any clear technical specifications, except for the total power ratings: 250W for the 3.1 system and a massive 425W for the 5.1 surround theater. These models will be available starting June 25 in Japan with a 90,000 Yen price for the 5.1, which runs around $885; unfortunately, there is no word on the shipping date for other countries.

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Photo Gallery (4 Images)

The golf ball-sized satellites of the new Sony home theater systems
The Sony HT-IS100's miniature satellitesA full-function remote control for the new Sony home theaters
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