Freestanding Home Entertainment Docking Stations for your iPod

A company called iPort has announced five freestanding iPod docks. You may remember them from the In-Wall docks that they released last year. The new docks feature IR (infrared) control, the ability to synch with your iTunes on a remote PC and bi-directional RS-232 communication (to interact with your house touch panels).

The entry level docking station, the FS-1, will set you back around $150. It will allow you to control your iPod through your click wheel. If you shell out another $50 for the FS-2 you get an IR remote and better audio output options. Each dock includes break-out boxes that provide you with audio and video outputs that connect to your home entertainment system. In addition, when the iPods are in the docks they get automatically recharged.

The higher end units of the five released today will have more home entertainment system expansion capabilities and allow for longer wiring runs throughout your walls.