Chestnut Hill To Launch iPod Sound System At Macworld

Chestnut Hill Sound plans to formally launch next week a digital audio system for the iPod that combines a wireless remote and an AM/FM radio and alarm with a music playback system.

Chestnut's new George will be one of many iPod accessories featured at the Macworld Conference in San Francisco. The new product also will be demonstrated the same week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Among the device's unique features is a removable front panel that serves double duty as a remote for the iPod and radio, and alarm clock functions. The remote works between four and six hours without recharging. George includes a built-in universal dock that supports iPod models starting with the 4-Gbyte Nano.

In the second half of the year, Chestnut plans to offer a consumer-installable, no subscription high-definition radio tuner for the audio system. Licensed from iBiquity, the tuner will be the first module available for George.

The audio system is scheduled to go on sale online Jan. 9 on the company's Web site, and in retail stores later in the year. Pricing starts at $549.