Abstract: A system provides limited controller access to a mesh network of media rendering devices in a primary communication network via an access point providing network connectivity to a local area network (LAN). A first media rendering device in communication with the LAN includes a secondary network transceiver providing a secondary network distinct from the LAN. A second media rendering device is in communication with the first media rendering device via the secondary network. A controller is configured to communicate with the first media rendering device via the LAN and/or the secondary network. The first media rendering device is configured to convey a command from the controller to the second media rendering device via the secondary network.

Abstract: A media rendering system includes a media rendering device and a controller device in communication via a network. The controller has a touch screen, presenting a portrait display mode when oriented in a first position, and a landscape display mode when oriented in a second position. The portrait mode displays either a first full screen presenting a first menu, or a second full screen presenting a second menu. The landscape mode displays a landscape full screen with two side-by-side tiles including a first tile presenting the first menu and a second tile presenting the second menu. Landscape mode provides drag-and-drop functionality for menu objects among the first and second, generating configuration commands to the media rendering device.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of media rendering devices in a data network with a controller device in communication with the network is disclosed. A network enabled subwoofer is added to the data network such that the subwoofer is visible on the network to a controller. The controller user interface displays a subwoofer graphical object and a group graphical object representing a group of one or more rendering devices. A user selects the group graphical object via the controller user interface, and the subwoofer is joined with the selected group. An audio channel associated with the group is assigned to the subwoofer. The controller user interface hides the subwoofer graphical object.

Abstract: A sound bar is provided which includes a generally elongate rectangular structure, with one angled output face having a plurality of speakers disposed therein, to thereby provide enhanced audio output. The sound bar is beneficially provided with a single mounting surface configured and arranged such that the sound bar can be mounted on both a table/shelf (horizontal orientation) and a wall (vertical orientation) via the single mounting surface by rotating the sound bar 180°, wherein the audio output in both mounting orientations is a multi-directional 3D audio output that travels to and bounces off both the walls and the ceiling of a room in which the sound bar is located.

Abstract: A system provides limited controller access to a mesh network of media rendering devices in a primary communication network via an access point providing network connectivity to a local area network (LAN). A first media rendering device in communication with the LAN includes a secondary network transceiver providing a secondary network distinct from the LAN. A second media rendering device is in communication with the first media rendering device via the secondary network. A controller is configured to communicate with the first media rendering device via the LAN and/or the secondary network. The first media rendering device is configured to convey a command from the controller to the second media rendering device via the secondary network.

Abstract: A sound bar is provided which includes a generally elongate rectangular structure, with one angled output face having a plurality of speakers disposed therein, to thereby provide enhanced audio output. The sound bar is beneficially provided with a single mounting surface configured and arranged such that the sound bar can be mounted on both a table/shelf (horizontal orientation) and a wall (vertical orientation) via the single mounting surface by rotating the sound bar 180°, wherein the audio output in both mounting orientations is a multi-directional 3D audio output that travels to and bounces off both the walls and the ceiling of a room in which the sound bar is located.

Abstract: A media rendering system includes a controller device and a media rendering device in communication via a communication network. The media rendering device is configured to render a media recording. The controller device includes a sensor configured to detect and receive an audio portion of the rendered media recording. The controller device is configured to identify the rendered media recording, and to determine a location of the controller device within a proximity of the media rendering device.

Abstract: A media rendering system includes a controller device and a media rendering device in communication via a communication network. The media rendering device is configured to render a media recording. The controller device includes a sensor configured to detect and receive an audio portion of the rendered media recording. The controller device is configured to identify the rendered media recording, and to determine a location of the controller device within a proximity of the media rendering device.

Abstract: A media rendering system includes a media rendering device and a controller device in communication via a network. The controller has a touch screen, presenting a portrait display mode when oriented in a first position, and a landscape display mode when oriented in a second position. The portrait mode displays either a first full screen presenting a first menu, or a second full screen presenting a second menu. The landscape mode displays a landscape full screen with two side-by-side tiles including a first tile presenting the first menu and a second tile presenting the second menu. Landscape mode provides drag-and-drop functionality for menu objects among the first and second, generating configuration commands to the media rendering device.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of media rendering devices in a data network with a controller device in communication with the network is disclosed. A network enabled subwoofer is added to the data network such that the subwoofer is visible on the network to a controller. The controller user interface displays a subwoofer graphical object and a group graphical object representing a group of one or more rendering devices. A user selects the group graphical object via the controller user interface, and the subwoofer is joined with the selected group. An audio channel associated with the group is assigned to the subwoofer. The controller user interface hides the subwoofer graphical object.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for managing authorization for rendering of digital media recordings by a networked rendering device are disclosed. The device includes a processor and a memory. The device receives metadata identifying a recording of a specific audio performance, and searches for a source providing the recording. The device obtains a token authorizing the source to deliver the recording to the rendering device. The device provides the token to the source, receives the recording from the source, and renders the recording. An agent may serve as an intermediary between the rendering device and the source.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in a loudspeaker transducer is disclosed. The loudspeaker transducer may include a voice coil, a former, a first magnet assembly having a circular inner magnet, a top plate having a annular outer top plate and a circular inner top plate, a second magnet assembly having an annular outer magnet and a circular inner magnet, an air gap defined by the circular inner magnet of the first magnet assembly, annular outer top plate, circular inner top plate, annular outer magnet and circular inner magnet of the second magnet assembly, and a surround suspension member.

Abstract: A surround suspension system for a low profile loudspeaker transducer having a former, diaphragm, and loudspeaker magnet assembly, wherein the former is connected to a voice coil and a upper end of the former that is opposite the voice coil is shown. The loudspeaker magnet assembly includes an annular outer magnet having a top surface and the surround suspension system may include a surround suspension member. The surround suspension member includes an outer edge that is attached to the top surface of the annular outer magnet, and inner edge that is attached to the upper end of the former.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for managing authorization for rendering of digital media recordings by a networked rendering device are disclosed. The device includes a processor and a memory. The device receives metadata identifying a recording of a specific audio performance, and searches for a source providing the recording. The device obtains a token authorizing the source to deliver the recording to the rendering device. The device provides the token to the source, receives the recording from the source, and renders the recording. An agent may serve as an intermediary between the rendering device and the source.

Abstract: A loudspeaker magnet assembly for a loudspeaker transducer having a voice coil is provided that has a low profile construction. The loudspeaker magnet assembly may include: a first magnet assembly; top plate position below the first magnet assembly; second magnet assembly positioned below the top plate; and bottom plate positioned below the second magnet assembly. The first magnet assembly may include an annular outer magnet and a circular inner magnet. The top plate may include an annular outer top plate and a circular inner top plate and the second magnet assembly may include an annular outer magnet and a circular inner magnet.

Abstract: A transducer magnet for a low profile loudspeaker transducer is provided having a voice coil, surround suspension, diaphragm, and top plate. The transducer magnet may include a first magnet assembly, including an annular outer magnet having an outer perimeter, an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The inner diameter defines a vacant circular center within the annular outer magnet, and the difference in length between the diameter of the circular inner magnet and the inner diameter of annular outer magnet define an annular first magnet assembly air gap. The annular outer magnet includes one or more channels extending inwardly from the outer perimeter of the annular outer magnet to the first magnet assembly air gap, which is configured to receive the voice coil. The channels are configured to pass hookup wires from the voice coil to an external device from the transducer magnet.

Abstract: A loudspeaker magnet assembly for a loudspeaker transducer having a voice coil is provided that has a low profile construction. The loudspeaker magnet assembly may include: a first magnet assembly; top plate position below the first magnet assembly; second magnet assembly positioned below the top plate; and bottom plate positioned below the second magnet assembly. The first magnet assembly may include an annular outer magnet and a circular inner magnet. The top plate may include an annular outer top plate and a circular inner top plate and the second magnet assembly may include an annular outer magnet and a circular inner magnet.

Abstract: A transducer magnet for a low profile loudspeaker transducer is provided having a voice coil, surround suspension, diaphragm, and top plate. The transducer magnet may include a first magnet assembly, including an annular outer magnet having an outer perimeter, an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The inner diameter defines a vacant circular center within the annular outer magnet, and the difference in length between the diameter of the circular inner magnet and the inner diameter of annular outer magnet define an annular first magnet assembly air gap. The annular outer magnet includes one or more channels extending inwardly from the outer perimeter of the annular outer magnet to the first magnet assembly air gap, which is configured to receive the voice coil. The channels are configured to pass hookup wires from the voice coil to an external device from the transducer magnet.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in a loudspeaker transducer is disclosed. The loudspeaker transducer may include a voice coil, a former, a first magnet assembly having a circular inner magnet, a top plate having a annular outer top plate and a circular inner top plate, a second magnet assembly having an annular outer magnet and a circular inner magnet, an air gap defined by the circular inner magnet of the first magnet assembly, annular outer top plate, circular inner top plate, annular outer magnet and circular inner magnet of the second magnet assembly, and a surround suspension member.

Abstract: A surround suspension system for a low profile loudspeaker transducer having a former, diaphragm, and loudspeaker magnet assembly, wherein the former is connected to a voice coil and a upper end of the former that is opposite the voice coil is shown. The loudspeaker magnet assembly includes an annular outer magnet having a top surface and the surround suspension system may include a surround suspension member. The surround suspension member includes an outer edge that is attached to the top surface of the annular outer magnet, and inner edge that is attached to the upper end of the former.