Sonance iPort

The Sonance iPort is a gorgeous in-wall cradle and stereo connector for Apple iPods that costs two or three times what you pay for an iPod in the first place.

The back view of the Sonance wall setup reveals all the pesky wires and electronic components that are hidden in the iPort's installation.

This cradle is more than just a cradle: The iPort incorporates multiple filters to protect against surges, a 15-volt power supply to charge the iPod and power the cradle, audio and video connections, and infrared emitters enabling remote control of the basic functions (Play, Pause, Next, Previous, and Shuffle) from an iPod-specific remote.

Sonance specs allow for up to 500 feet between the iPort and the stereo receiver. Balanced and unbalanced audio line-out connectors for long (Ethernet cable) and short (audio cable) runs, and video out are all connected to the back of the unit.

Audio out ports and infrared emitters (to enable you to control the iPod by remote) are accessible for convenience.

Drop your iPod into the iPort, pick a playlist, hit Play, and music comes out of your speakers.

Sonance is one of the leading makers of in-wall speakers and the myriad wall-recessed volume knobs and control pads that make up whole-house, or distributed, audio.