Klipsch LightSpeaker Gives You Sound and Light

This is something different. Klipsch just announced the new LightSpeaker, a device that combines a wireless speaker with LED lighting.

The LightSpeaker comes with a dimmable LED bulb and full-range speaker, and fits 5- and 6-inch recessed light fixtures with a standard Edison socket. The speaker uses a 20 watt digital amplifier to deliver sound and its 2.5-inch wide dispersion driver uses digital signal processing to optimize high- and low-frequency output.

Music is delivered wirelessly via a standalone transmitter. A music source, such as a laptop, iPod or CD player, connects to the transmitter and it wirelessly sends music to the device. The transmitter runs on 2.4GHz wireless technology and can accommodate up to eight LightSpeakers. Two music sources can be connected to the transmitter, and you can even establish two separate listening zones. The transmitter or remote will control the sources, zones, lighting levels and volume.

On the lighting side, the LED bulb is rated for 40,000 hours of use and can last over 15 years. Klipsch says that it reduces daily lighting expenses by 80 percent, using 10 watts to produce light that's bright enough to replace up to a 65 watt bulb.

"Today's consumers are overloaded with complex technologies, and the LightSpeaker is designed to enrich their lives without complication," said Klipsch president Paul Jacobs. "It offers brilliant light, reduces energy costs and creates a multi-room ambient music system in mere minutes. There's no wiring, no retrofitting and no software to deal with."

A bundled package with two LightSpeakers, a transmitter, radio frequency remote, mini jack to RCA plug cable, lenses and trim, sells for $599. Single LightSpeakers will also be available for $249 each. LightSpeaker will be available on the Klipsch website later this month.