Audio Briefs

AUSTIN, TEXAS—NetStreams and speaker maker Polk Audio announced a marketing alliance to jointly promote their custom-install products. NetStreams markets the DigiLinX IP-based distributed-audio system that distributes audio and control signals over a wired or wireless Ethernet network. Uncompressed digital audio is sent over the network to local digital amplifier modules connected in turn to in-wall or in-ceiling speakers. The two companies plan to demonstrate each other's products at trade and consumer shows, develop mutual Web links, and through AVAD distributors, bundle Polk custom-install speakers with NetStreams' IP-based digital amplifiers. The two will also collaborate on future product designs.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.— Crutchfield plans to offer a distributed-audio system to do-it-yourselfers through its Web site now that it has entered into a distribution deal with Oxmoor of Birmingham, Ala. Beginning early summer, Crutchfield will sell Oxmoor's ZON whole-house digital audio system, initially through the company's online store because of the installation support that it can provide, said Crutchfield senior VP Dan Hodgson. The retailer currently sells in-wall and in-ceiling speakers through its catalog and Web site. Crutchfield also sells speaker selectors and in-wall volume controls from Niles, the company's Web site shows. Crutchfield has mainly been targeting second-room audio applications, but with the ZON systems' installation simplicity, Crutchfield will more aggressively market two-, three-, and four-room packages, Hodgson said. The packages will include other-brand in-wall and in-ceiling speakers, he said.