Features & Specifications
The SoundCast OutCast speaker system includes two pieces, the OutCast speaker and the iCast transmitter. The iCast transmitter connects to your iPod and sends the music streaming wirelessly to the large outdoor speaker. The speaker is powered by an internal NiMH battery pack and the speaker has an AC port that can recharge the battery and run the speaker at the same time.

The speaker is large and has a downward firing 8-inch woofer and four 3-inch high frequency drivers in an omni-directional array that assures no matter what side of the SoundCast OutCast you are on you get good sound. The speaker is powered by a 100W digital amp and is built out of water resistant plastic. The battery life is good for a claimed 10 hours of playback. The transmitter and speaker communicate on a 2.4GHz frequency band and automatically jumps channels until a clear channel is found.

Setup & Use
Setup of the SoundCast OutCast system is very easy; the only tedious part of the entire process is installing the battery into the speaker. The fit of the battery is very tight making for some fiddling to get it installed. This is appreciated when the bass starts booming and no rattles are produced though.

Controls on top of the SoundCast OutCast only work an iPod and there is not display. You can control the volume of your iPod docked in the iCast dock along with skipping tracks, pause play, power on and off and a button for turning the blue Led lighting on or off.

The speaker is rated to be water resistant, but it does use a ported design meaning the woofer is exposed. The bottom of the unit is protected form lizards, dogs and small children with mesh netting. Still I wouldn't want to leave it out in the rain or let it stay out when the sprinklers are running. However, if a guest spills a drink on it or if you get caught in a sudden thunderstorm the SoundCast OutCast system will survive.

The battery takes a few hours to charge and I found at lower background music volume the claimed ten hours of battery life is very attainable. If you run out of juice you can always plug it in and keep the music going.

The SoundCast OutCast is large and rather ugly. I have seen air purifiers that look better than it does, but it delivers the goods when it comes to sound quality. The large 8-inch sub makes for deep bass that sounds great with minimal distortion. The omni-directional array speakers make for great mid and high sounds at any position around the system. I found that it sounds best when not placed against a wall on one side or in a corner.

If you aren’t a fan of the iPod or a pal wants to listen to their tunes on another MP3 player an auxiliary jack allows direct connection of other PMPs. However, you will have to use the player’s controls for skipping tracks and other functions sine the onboard controls of the SoundCast OutCast only work for iPod’s. Wireless range outdoors is fantastic with the 350 feet promised easy to achieve as is the 150 foot indoor range. I had no issues with interference from cordless phones or any other gear in my home. The single biggest issue with the SoundCast OutCast is the high price tag of $699.