'Podimmersion

Whether you realize it or not, we have been thrust into the middle of what has become known as "the iPod generation." In fact, it seems that there are very few words in the English language that don't have "pod" in front of them - - - podcasting, for example.

Well, I've come up with a new one - - - "podimmersion," or the bathing of all of your senses in music or video from Apple's small MP3 player.

The folks at Sonance have developed the iPort ($598), which is an in-wall docking station designed to connect iPods to any home audio system. Although I tested it with a pair of Sonance speakers, the iPort is designed to connect to any system that will accept RCA connectors and standard video cable.

Designed to match the pearl-white music player, the iPort allows you to control your iPod using either a remote control or front-panel operating commands. Plus the iPod will be charging while connected to the system.

Other features include:
• Sonance's RotoLock mounting system.
• It will accept the 20- and 40-gigabyte Click Wheel iPod, the iPod photo, and the iPod mini.
• There are three cradles available, designed to fit whatever iPod model you're using.
• The cradles are designed to snap in and out for easy installation.
• You can run 100 feet of video cable without loss of quality.
• It can be used with optional IR receivers to control all of its standard functions.
• The fixed 200mA audio output can handle balanced systems at up to 500 feet or unbalanced for local source installations.
• A 15-volt regulated DC power supply charges the iPod while it's connected to the wallplate.

Now, if this isn't enough for you, you can also purchase a Navigator K-2 In-Wall keypad ($461), which features a high-resolution LCD display and gives you the ability to control every component of your audio system. The touch-panel screen changes based on the source you select.

More information on the iPort and other Sonance products can be found at www.sonance.com.

Mike Berman can be reached by email at jocgeek@earthlink.net or through his Web site at www.jocgeek.com.