Sony, Best Buy join up to sell wireless audio system

New York City Sony Corp. and Best Buy Co. said they are going to sell a multi-room audio system that they developed together, and the electronics chain will promote it with demonstration displays in most of its stores.

The system announced Tuesday, called Altus, consists of transmitters in the form of two iPod docking stations and a USB dongle that connects to a PC. The transmitters send the audio signal wirelessly to small speakers that plug directly into power outlets, a subwoofer, or a conventional stereo system.

An iPod docking station plus two wireless speakers will cost about $700 when the system goes on sale in September.

The system extends Sony's existing wireless audio line, which has been centered around home-theater systems.