Lenco to Launch Playlink Wireless Multi-Room Audio System

VENLO, THE NETHERLANDS--(Marketwired - Jun 25, 2014) - Lenco, a manufacturer and distributor of audio & video equipment, announces the upcoming launch of PlayLink by Lenco, its high-end range of multi-room audio systems. Through Lenco's collaboration with Qualcomm Connected Experiences, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, the PlayLink range benefits from the features of the Qualcomm® AllPlay™ smart media platform.

Simple setup and use, maximum connectivity and interoperability

Using the AllPlay smart media platform, which offers wireless streaming of local and cloud-based content across brands and both iOS and Android operating systems, the PlayLink range provides consumers with the latest developments in audio technology, unlimited listening experiences and the freedom to enjoy music at home with new levels of choice and control.

The AllPlay smart audio module is integrated within each of the PlayLink products, creating maximum wireless connectivity and removing the need for an additional bridge product to connect to the router. Setup is therefore simpler than ever before, as the AllPlay platform offers high quality audio for everyone, from demanding audiophiles to everyday music fans.

AllPlay is built upon the AllJoyn™ software framework, an open source software and services framework and collaborative open source project of the AllSeen Alliance. AllJoyn enables hardware manufacturers and software developers to create interoperable products that can discover, connect and communicate directly with other AllJoyn-enabled products.

Bluetooth is another fast alternative for connection to mobile devices or other peripherals not equipped for Wi-Fi. The PlayLink range is also compatible with NFC-enabled devices, meaning music can be played instantly from just one touch between the two devices.

High-quality, powerful sound thanks to the trademark Lenco precision

PlayLink by Lenco consists of two portable wireless speakers and the PlayConnect box which transforms existing audio systems from any brand into a wireless music streaming system.

The PlayLink speakers provide a high-quality music experience in any room of the home, or multiple rooms at the same time. PlayLink 4 is the more compact of the two speakers, offering increased portability and potential for outdoor use through a removable battery. The slightly larger PlayLink 6 meanwhile brings maximum power and connectivity for the ultimate audio experience.

True to Lenco's reputation for precision in the Hi-Fi field, the PlayLink range has been designed to create exceptional sound performance from devices which are compact and lightweight. The PlayLink 4 and PlayLink 6 speakers each use three drivers: an extended range woofer for powerful, accurate bass and two high-performance mid/tweeter drivers for mid-range frequencies such as vocals or instruments and crystal clear high frequencies. The mediums are offset at an angle of 6° from the speaker axis, optimising the wide stereo effect, which can also be achieved by pairing two separate speakers in one room. Each speaker features a full digital amplifier with three outputs for high power, excellent accuracy and very low distortion.

Music lovers already equipped with their own Hi-Fi equipment can also enjoy enhanced wireless streaming through the PlayLink range, without replacing their existing system. Through connection to the wireless router, the PlayConnect box enables wireless streaming for the existing system, as well as the possibility to link it to other wireless devices.

Any song in any room...

The PlayLink speakers can be used as a single product in a single room or as a vehicle for whole-home audio with the use of multiple speakers under the Party Mode and Multi-Zones functions. With this wireless expansion, each PlayLink speaker can play the same music simultaneously or different music in different rooms, controlled from the same device.

Cross-brand compatibility under the AllJoyn framework allows PlayLink speakers and smart audio devices from other manufacturers to be linked and controlled simultaneously from the same source. Up to 10 devices, including existing systems through the use of Lenco's PlayConnect, can be linked at any one time, with multiple users able to control these devices simultaneously via AllPlay. 

...from any source at any time

The PlayLink range lets users stream all the music they love, from an almost endless list of sources. In addition to local media sources, such as a smartphone, tablet, PC or network-attached storage (NAS) device, a wide range of cloud-based sources are supported including a multitude of Internet radio stations and online streaming services such as Rhapsody and Napster.

The PlayLink 4 and Playlink 6 speakers have been designed to support high-resolution 'lossless' audio files of up to 24-bit/192kHz, such as WAV, FLAC and ALAC, which replicate as closely as possible the quality of sound produced in the studio by musicians and audio engineers. Sound quality therefore remains at an equally high level whether listening to local media or cloud-based sources.

Luan Vien, Global Marketing Manager, Lenco, said:
"The PlayLink launch marks an important step for Lenco: we have produced a range which boldly stands out from the competition and will be one of the first products of its kind to hit the market. PlayLink by Lenco offers the highest quality audio experience possible and limitless connectivity through Qualcomm AllPlay technology."

"AllPlay brings interoperability to the wireless whole home audio space," said Sy Choudhury, senior director of product management, Qualcomm Connected Experiences. "We are excited to be working with Lenco on their PlayLink range to bring true mobility and connectivity to consumers in their homes and to help build the AllPlay ecosystem."

Main product specifications for PlayLink 4 and PlayLink 6

Audio
Speakers
- 1x extended range boomer in bass reflex system
- 2x high-performance mid-range/tweeters
Amplifier
Class-D digital amplifier (DSP-based) with three outputs (one per speaker drive)
Stereo mode
Pair two PlayLink speakers which will serve as left/right channel respectively
Offset drivers
6° angle shift from speaker axis to improve stereo effect

Music Services
Party Mode
Up to 10 speakers connected simultaneously
Multi-Zones
Create multiple audio zones and control from different mobile devices
Playlists
Manage directly from your mobile device
Internet radio
Tune in allows unlimited access to over 70,000 stations worldwide
Audio files
Support and decoding of the most widely-available audio files (AIFF, WAV, M4A, MP3, FLAC, AAC, ALAC)

Connectivity
Modes of connection
- WiFi to home router gateway (no need for bridge)
- WiFi direct to mobile device
- Bluetooth
- LAN: RJ45 cable input connector (PlayLink 6 only)
- Aux In: 3.5mm stereo analog input
Dual-band
a/b/g/n for a perfect connection in 2.4 GHz and the new 5GHz WiFi band
DLNA
DLNA-compatible for one-to-one streaming (DMR function)
WPS
Press the WPS button on your router for an automatic link with the Lenco speaker WPS buttons

General
Dimensions
PlayLink 4: 210 x 102 x 129 mm
PlayLink 6: 280 x 124 x 172 mm
Control and operation
4 buttons and one LED give access to main speaker functions:
- Stand-by/ON power key and Volume +/- keys
- Mode key (Wifi/BT/AUX)
- Multi-colour LED indicator

Suggested retail price

PlayLink 4: 199 euro
PlayLink 6: 299 euro

About Lenco:
For over sixty years, Lenco has been a synonym for Swiss precision in the field of Hi-Fi and consumer electronics. Lenco produces and distributes a complete range of consumer products, including advanced turntables, a number of Android tablets, a wide range of iPhone and iPad docking systems, micro and mini audio systems, portable DVD players and televisions. All products of this quality brand are characterized by an innovative design, user friendliness and an attractive price-quality ratio. The Lenco Head Office is located in Venlo. In addition, the company also has offices in several countries and continents.

About QualComm AllPlay:
Qualcomm AllPlay is a product of Qualcomm Connected Experiences, Inc. Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. AllPlay is a trademark of Qualcomm Connected Experiences, Inc. AllJoyn is a trademark of Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc., registered in the United States and other countries, used with permission.