Abstract: A device is provided. The device can be configured to characterize supply drawn from a supply source and calibrate device performance accordingly by operating in one of a plurality of operating modes. The plurality of operating modes can include a conservation mode, a normal mode and an optimum performance mode. The device can include a characterizing part and an adaption part.

Abstract: There is provided a sound reproduction apparatus including a sub-woofer unit and a plurality of wireless speakers. A method of speaker charging and speaker calibration using the sound reproduction apparatus is also provided. The sub-woofer unit may be configured to perform tasks of both charging a power source in each of the plurality of wireless speakers; and calibrating speaker identity for each of the plurality of wireless speakers. It is advantageous that both of the tasks are performed when the plurality of wireless speakers is coupled to the sub-woofer unit. The speaker identity may include, for example, left front, right front, left rear, right rear, and center.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and methods for optimizing playback of media content from a digital handheld device. The apparatus may be functionally connected to the digital handheld device, and for allowing placement of the digital handheld device at a receptor. Correspondingly, the methods for optimizing playback of media content from a digital handheld device preferably entail a usage of the aforementioned apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a method for optimizing reproduction of audio signals from an apparatus for audio reproduction with the apparatus for audio reproduction having a variable number of speakers. The method includes determining performance characteristics of each of the variable number of speakers; comparing performance characteristics of each of the variable number of speakers with each other; and designating a master speaker from the variable number of speakers either with or without manual intervention.

Abstract: There is provided a sound reproduction apparatus including a sub-woofer unit and a plurality of wireless speakers. A method of speaker charging and speaker calibration using the sound reproduction apparatus is also provided. The sub-woofer unit may be configured to perform tasks of both charging a power source in each of the plurality of wireless speakers; and calibrating speaker identity for each of the plurality of wireless speakers. It is advantageous that both of the tasks are performed when the plurality of wireless speakers is coupled to the sub-woofer unit. The speaker identity may include, for example, left front, right front, left rear, right rear, and centre.

Abstract: A portable speaker having at least one driver mounted in a first enclosure and a second enclosure separate from the first enclosure and having pivotally mounted to it the first enclosure. The second enclosure has all electronics, controls and a battery compartment. The first enclosure is moveable relative to the second enclosure between a first configuration and a second configuration, the at least one driver being protected by the second enclosure when the first enclosure is in the first configuration.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and methods for optimizing playback of media content from a digital handheld device. The apparatus may be functionally connected to the digital handheld device, and for allowing placement of the digital handheld device at a receptor. Correspondingly, the methods for optimizing playback of media content from a digital handheld device preferably entail a usage of the aforementioned apparatus.

Abstract: A speaker comprises an enclosure with at least one wall; and an acoustic driver mounted in an interior of the enclosure and being attached to a front wall of the enclosure. An acoustic extension is mounted to the enclosure and is external of the enclosure. The acoustic extension is operatively connected to the interior of the enclosure; and comprises one of: a bass reflex port, a tuned port, a passive radiator, and a concentric loading.

Abstract: A satellite speaker system includes a side firing low mid driver mounted in a sub-enclosure which is vented into a second sub-enclosure through an acoustic resistance vent and to a third sub-enclosure through a variable aperture second vent. The vents further serve as pivots to allow the side-firing speaker to be rotated through a predetermined range, simultaneously varying the aperture of the second vent. The pivots are isolated by o-rings to provide an airtight seal to the sub-enclosures, as well as to provide vibration control. Third, fourth and fifth resistively damped vents allow the first and second sub-enclosure to establish acoustic communication with the environment. The front firing driver/s that reproduces the mid and high frequencies are mounted in a fourth sub-enclosure.

Abstract: A portable speaker assembly having a first driver coupled to a first portion of a telescoping enclosure and a second driver coupled to a second portion of the telescoping enclosure. The telescoping enclosure is movable between a first position and a second position and has an intermediate portion extending outwardly from the first portion and having a telescopically nesting engagement with a second portion. The intermediate portion is able to move telescopically relative to the second portion along a longitudinal axis of the enclosure. The second portion has at least one predetermined void adjacent to the telescopic connection of the intermediate portion with the second portion.

Abstract: A portable speaker system for use with a laptop computer is configured for attachment to a screen of a laptop computer or alternatively for a free standing configuration. The speaker system includes an acoustic chamber for containment of the sound reproducing mechanism, a second chamber, and a damped hinge mechanism for movable connecting the acoustic chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A portable speaker having at least one driver mounted in a first enclosure and a second enclosure separate from the first enclosure and having pivotally mounted to it the first enclosure. The second enclosure has all electronics, controls and a battery compartment. The first enclosure is moveable relative to the second enclosure between a first configuration and a second configuration, the at least one driver being protected by the second enclosure when the first enclosure is in the first configuration.

Abstract: A data storage device with audio capability. The data storage device comprises a non-volatile memory for storage of data and a decoder for decoding audio data stored in the non-volatile memory to enable playback of the audio data. A control connection is for receiving control commands from a separate host device for controlling playback of the audio data by the decoder, an audio output is to provide decoded audio data from the decoder to the separate host device, and a power connection is to receive power from the separate host device.

Abstract: A satellite speaker system includes a side firing low mid driver mounted in a sub-enclosure which is vented into a second sub-enclosure through an acoustic resistance vent and to a third sub-enclosure through a variable aperture second vent. The vents further serve as pivots to allow the side-firing speaker to be rotated through a predetermined range, simultaneously varying the aperture of the second vent. The pivots are isolated by 0-rings to provide an airtight seal to the sub-enclosures, as well as to provide vibration control. Third, fourth and fifth resistively damped vents allow the first and second sub-enclosure to establish acoustic communication with the environment. The front firing driver/s that reproduces the mid and high frequencies are mounted in a fourth sub-enclosure.

Abstract: A portable speaker system for use with a laptop computer is configured for attachment to a screen of a laptop computer or alternatively for a free standing configuration. The speaker system includes an acoustic chamber for containment of the sound reproducing mechanism, a second chamber, and a damped hinge mechanism for movable connecting the acoustic chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A speaker comprises an enclosure with at least one wall; and an acoustic driver mounted in an interior of the enclosure and being attached to a front wall of the enclosure. An acoustic extension is mounted to the enclosure and is external of the enclosure. The acoustic extension is operatively connected to the interior of the enclosure; and comprises one of: a bass reflex port, a tuned port, a passive radiator, and a concentric loading.

Abstract: A portable radio module for use with a plurality of different host apparatus, the radio module including a receiver for receiving a radio signal and able to be controlled by a user interface irrespective of the nature of the host apparatus. Also disclosed is a radio module for use with a plurality of host apparatus, the portable radio module including a receiver for receiving a radio signal able to be controlled by a user interface, and having a non-volatile memory for storage at least one radio station memory preset. The radio station memory preset is entered once only by a user and can be used with the host irrespective of the host.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a loud speaker with a volume control function, the apparatus having a recess for releasably receiving an audio device, a first connector on the apparatus for electrical connection with a second connector of the audio device to enable functional connectivity between the apparatus and the audio device, the apparatus including: (a) a volume control for controlling the volume of the loud speaker, (b) an electrical power connector for supplying electric power to the audio device, and (c) at least one functional connection for functional connection with the audio device for establishing a functional relationship between the first control means and the audio device, the recess being sized and shaped to receive therein the audio device, the recess being of dimensions such that the audio device does not extend beyond edges of the recess when the audio device is functionally engaged in the recess and the first connector and the second connector are engaged.