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Boston Acoustics reboots itself with colorful new product line

The venerable home audio company gets a makeover, with an updated logo and a new line of speakers that emphasizes personalization and customization.

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Boston Acoustics TVee Model Two
Boston Acoustics TVee Model Two features a wireless subwoofer. Boston Acoustics

Boston Acoustics today launched a new series of home audio products for the fall, along with a new logo and slogan ("Play Smart") designed to reinvigorate the storied brand. The trio of new product announcements are as follows:

TVee Model Two (September 2007, $400): Add Boston to the parade of brands offering a single-speaker audio solution. Instead of a virtual surround solution offered by the likes of more expensive models from Yamaha, Philips, Nirotek, and Polk Audio, the modestly priced TVee (Television Entertainment Enhancement System, pictured above) is more in line with that of earlier Zvox and SoundMatters models: an improved speaker for your TV. The added twist is the included wireless subwoofer that minimizes the cable hookups on the TVee Model Two's main speaker unit to one stereo connector (from the TV) and a power cord.

Horizon Series speakers (September/October 2007, prices and configurations vary): Boston's new Horizon Series feature contoured enclosures and color-coordinated rubber trim. Ten sizes will be available in various configurations, as well as in prepackaged 5.1 bundles coming as early as September: the $500 MCS100 and the $800 MCS130.

Available colors for the Soundware speakers
The Soundware speakers are available in a variety of colors. Boston Acoustics

SoundWare (August, $100): This indoor/outdoor speaker includes an internal mounting bracket that Boston pledges will enable easy placement "virtually anywhere--flush in a corner, flat on a wall, flat on a table or angled up 30 or 45 degrees on a flat surface." The two-way speakers are available in seven colors: black, white, silver, red, bamboo (yellow), natural (tan), and espresso (brown).

In addition to the products themselves, Boston is highlighting its new Personal Options Plan (POP), a customization and personalization plan designed to set the new speakers apart from the black-only color schemes available on many speaker lines. Both the TVee Model Two and Horizon Series speakers will be "POP-enabled," meaning their removable cloth grilles can be replaced with ones (purchased separately) that are available in such colors as glacier, rosebud, caramel, chocolate, and chili pepper. The full range will soon be on display at Boston Acoustics' Web site.