Screw-in speakers offer light entertainment

AudioBulb Wireless Music System by GiiNii International Corp.
$299.99 at giinii.com

How many audio engineers does it take to screw in a light bulb? None. Anybody can screw in a light bulb. And now it's just as easy to build a home audio network, thanks to an odd but clever new product called the AudioBulb.

It's a bulky lamp that screws into any standard light socket. The AudioBulb uses energy-thrifty LED illuminators that run around its outer edge. In the middle of the device is a high-quality audio speaker, and wireless electronics that use the same frequency range as a cordless telephone.

The AudioBulb kit includes a docking station for Apple Inc. iPhones or iPods, which doubles as an audio control center. Plug in your iPhone, and the AudioBulb controller will transmit the tunes to as many as eight AudioBulbs within a 100-foot radius. The basic kit includes two bulbs; extras cost $99 apiece.

The control center lets you assign each AudioBulb to one of two separate audio zones. You can't play two separate music streams, but you can shut off the speakers in the bedroom while your kids are partying in the basement. You can remotely control the brightness of the lights as well.

Companies like Sonos Inc. have found success with wireless home audio systems that are easy to install. But nothing's easier than screwing in a light bulb.