At IFA2007 Gizmodo got a hands on with JBL’s latest iPod/iPhone accessory the On Stage 3. While it might seem that the dock has been fitted for the iPhone and some minors changes I hope someone remembered that GSM phones and speakers don’t play well sometimes.

What I am referring to is the buzz you construct out in speakers or other devices when a cell phone is near, that is sometimes known as GSM Buzz but other phones (CDMA) can cause that, it’s more prominent with GSM based devices.

What causes the buzzing is the constant on and off switching of the RF transmitter, devices with poor RF shielding will pick up the buzz. It plus happens when a GSM phone hops from tower to tower and when farther away from a tower the buzzing will increase considering the radio needs to operate at a higher level to communicate with that tower.

Back to the speakers, they’ll retail for about $250 dollars (€179.00) and will be available in October. They’ll additionally remember to support the iPod and Nano, the iPhone isn’t the only one in the limelight.

Gizmodo plus has a gallery of the new Dock.

Press release below.

IMPROVING ON PERFECTION: THE JBL ON STAGE™* 3 PORTABLE DOCKING STATION FOR iPOD

Berlin, 30 August 2007. Place your iPod in the JBL On Stage™ 3 portable docking station, sit back, relax and listen – that’s all it takes to enjoy the music you’ve downloaded to your iPod. 

With the JBL On Stage II system, JBL® set the standard for portable iPod docking stations. Now, the company is proud to introduce the JBL On Stage 3 portable. JBL On Stage 3 portable is compatible, using the supplied universal dock adaptors with all iPod models. The JBL On Stage 3 can be hooked up to other devices, such as digital-music and CD players, games consoles, notebooks and desktop PCs via the supplied 3.5mm mini-jack cable. The JBL On Stage 3 can plus be powered by six AA batteries, enabling the compact, lightweight systems to supply crisp, dominant sound wherever you are – at home, in the office or while travelling.

The docking station features four integrated Odyssey® loudspeakers providing 6-watt-per-channel for clear, flawless sound and deep bass. It has a remote control with cutting-edge IR technology for full system control (including iPod menu navigation), from a distance of up to 10 metres. And interchangeable trim rings are available for colour customisation of your JBL On Stage 3 to match your iPod nano.

Shortly after its launch, the first version of JBL On Stage was honoured with one of only five coveted “Best of Show” awards at the Macworld Expo in Boston. The new JBL On Stage 3 docking station seems destined for the same kind of success, by offering superior acoustic performance, battery or mains operation, full navigation remote control and customisation options. The system will be available in black or white; and will be available in October 2007. The recommended retail price is €179,00.

Via: Gizmodo

Original post by Chris