Bose Lifestyle T20

Bose has introduced its latest home entertainment systems, the 5.1 surround sound Lifestyle V-Class and T-Class. The new systems feature Bose’s Unify intelligent integration system, which simplifies initial setup and the overall entertainment experience.

Bose Lifestyle V25

The Unify integration system uses a combination of hardware and software to improve the entertainment experience. Setup is simplified with an on-screen guide with step-by-step instructions. The Unify system also makes it possible to use just one remote for the entire entertainment system; the V-Class and T-Class systems accommodate up to six HD sources. The Lifestyle remote is claimed to operate almost any entertainment device including Blu-ray players and cable boxes.

Bose Lifestyle V35

The three announced systems include the V35, V25, and the T20. All feature five speakers and a hide-away Acoustimass bass module. Bose ADAPTiQ technology automatically calibrates the sound system depending on the room size.
The T-Class systems feature Virtually Invisible or Direct/Reflecting speaker arrays and a universal remote control; the V-Class ups the ante with Jewel Cube or Direct/Reflecting speaker arrays, a built-in AM/FM tuner, iPod dock, and a more advanced universal remote control. All systems have a central console for connecting sources and automatic video upscaling.

The Lifestyle V35 and V25 are available now from Bose for $3,299 and $2,499, respectively; the T20 is available for $1,999.

Bose Website

Bose 3-2-1 System

Granted, the HD DVD battle was only won in the last year by Blu-ray, so it’s fair to expect some lag between Sony’s platform and integration with Bose’s HTiB systems, but still, Bose is being lapped by almost every other major player in the space.

How can it be that Sony, Samsung, Panasonic, JVC and seemingly every other brand who competes aggressively in the HTiB space can release updated models but Bose can’t, or refuses to. Bose, with their grand mall stores and brand-name premium needs to re-think the strategy and get to work.

Serious audiophiles often scoff at Bose because of their high price and lackluster performance in some areas, but Bose is still a respectable brand and one that has a lot to home theater system buyers. Their equipment looks nice and the speakers perform well. They were one of the first to push simulated surround sound and other now commonplace technologies. It’s time for Bose to get cracking again and bring Blu-ray and other new technology to their systems.