Digital IcebreakerThe new iPod dock from Russound extends digital audio.

HOT BUTTON: Showing customers Russound's new iPod dock can be a great way to get them thinking about digital home options.

Builders are always looking for an icebreaker that will get home buyers interested in technologies such as distributed audio. The new iBridge Dock from Russound may be that starting point.

According to Andy Lewis, Russound's senior product manager, the iBridge Dock connected to one of Russound's two-way audio systems lets homeowners have their iPod music in every room in the house.

“Home buyers can select songs just like they do with their iPods, plus see [data] feedback on their keypads,” says Lewis. “The iPod is how people are listening to their music now—it's a common denominator that gives installers and builders a hot button to get the conversation started.”

The iBridge kit comes with two power supplies, the iBridge Dock adapter, six adapters for six different-size iPods, and a Cat-5 hookup. The kit sells for $599. (www.russound.com)