Q: Is there any way to use my iPod^® to listen to music in any room of my house?

A: Yes, you can! There are new control systems now available that take advantage of iPod^® song information using a display panel in any room in your house. These systems can display the actual iPod song information in every room in the house on a high-resolution color display panel, and play selections through your whole home audio system or a strategically installed speaker system.

Easy operation has been one of the greatest advantages of the iPod and a driving force in its success. Access to song information makes navigating totally intuitive, but until now, that meant the necessity of having the iPod in your hand. With a multi-zone control system, your iPod can become one of the many audio sources available throughout your home. Through these systems, you can now access up to six separate iPods. Each can be individually accessed as a separate source from any display panel throughout the house. So, you can be listening to classical music through speakers installed in the kitchen while your teenager is rocking out to the latest hits in his room.

The iPods reside in proprietary docks which can be placed anywhere in the home and connected to the main system. You can place your iPod on a nightstand, on a dedicated charging shelf with cell phones or next to the computer, ready for music downloads. Multiple docks can be connected to the main system so you can access any one from any dock, allowing maximum family flexibility.

Mounted in a wall plate, the display panel features a scroll wheel and push button that will allow users to scroll through iPod music information on the display. Accessing a particular song, album or artist is as simple as scroll and click. Users familiar with iPod navigation will feel right at home with the process.

The system also has a variety of additional control buttons and will control and display information from XM and AM/FM radio tuners as well as controlling all other sources that respond to infra-red commands. Its sleek control surface is elegant and attractive and will integrate easily into any home decor. The system can also access an ancillary hard drive music server that can store as many as 40,000 songs in a single 160 GB black box, which is installed in your basement or utility room.

"Having lived with an iPod since its introduction, I have always been thrilled with the ease of use and complete access to my music" says Jeremy Burkhardt, President of SpeakerCraft, one company that markets these systems. "It has become my music server of choice. I know others feel the same way. This technology allows them to enjoy the same experience throughout their home."

An electronics or home technology company like Fry Tech Solutions can install your iPod home control system, and provide plenty of information on systems and options available to maximize your iPod listening pleasure.