Lowrance has announced the release of the Lowrance SonicHub 2 marine audio server and entertainment system.
SonicHub2 gives users complete control of songs, radio stations as well as video from Lowrance HDS Gen3 multifunction displays and is also the first marine audio system built on the newly implemented NMEA 2000 Audio Entertainment protocol.
A newly released, drop-in replacement for the original SonicHub entertainment system, the enhanced, black-box solution provides independent dual-zone control and features built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, dual stereo AUX-IN connections, integrated support for Pandora internet radio via smartphone or tablet without the need for additional hardware (U.S. only), and compatibility with the WM-3 SiriusXM satellite radio/marine weather module (U.S. only, subscription required).
SonicHub2 is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, comes equipped with a video output for USB video playback, has dual USB ports for connecting/charging multiple devices, and includes a built-in AM/FM antenna.
Navico research and development was instrumental in developing the NMEA 2000 Entertainment protocol for marine accessory manufacturers. The protocol will be used to connect, control and monitor any audio-visual source with any controlling device such as a multifunction display, personal computer, smartphone or tablet. In addition to playing songs, radio stations and video, the protocol allows for standardization of other entertainment functions such as: file status queries, independent sound zone control, system configuration status, pre-defined and user-defined equalizer pre-sets, access to playable files library, USB access and organization, Sirius XM radio sourcing, personal playlist recall and editing, audio-video library search, saving of favorites, and Bluetooth device connection and source status.
The Lowrance SonicHub2 blackbox is priced at $329 USD and includes two Lowrance-branded 200-Watt, two-way, 6.5-inch marine-grade speakers. SonicHub2 is available from authorized distributors throughout the U.S. and Canada.
