By Terry Currier
The 2004 CES (Consumer Electronic Show) ran January 8-11 in
Las Vegas, Nevada. Did I get to see everything there, no. Even going for three
days, I could not see everything. At least I could not see and get information
on everything. Here are some of the things I found interesting. This is my fifth part of a series. Covered
here are;
Home Theater in a Box - that being DVD or
video players with a set of speakers for a theater effect at home. You will
also find a couple of special units that allow the user to setup a network using
computer, TV, and stereo.
Portable Media Centers
- take your movies with you
Televisons
USB
TV - units that hook up from the computer to record TV
Speakers
To see information about Computers click here for Storage for Digital Cameras for DVDs /Portable players/home use (TV recording)/a few unique recorders for Portable Media/TV/USB TV/Speakers for Video Projectors
Home Theater in a Box
Actiontec www.actiontec.com
What if you could get everything connected, your television,
your stereo, and computer? The Actiontec
Wireless Digital Media Player will do that. The size of a VCR, it lets users
display digital home movies and snapshots directly on their TV, listen to MP3
files and Internet radio on the stereo, or surf the Internet using the TV as
their monitor. Setup by connecting the TV and stereo to the Actiontec player. Remember it is
wireless so it does not have to be directly hooked to the computer. It ships
with a 11 Mbps wireless card for the PC. With the setup users can then show
anything from the computer directly onto the big screen TV, and have sound
coming from their stereo. It supports MP3, AC3, AAC, WAV, WMA, and Ogg Vorbis
audio formats. Image formats supported include; JPEG, GIF, animated GIF, TIF,
BMP, and PNG. Digital audio is 18-bit stereo and S/PDF. Video supports are for
MPEG 1/2/4, DIVX, Xivd, RMP4. Announced during the CES show was an new unit with
a built-in media card reader. Users can insert any CompactFlash Type I or Type
II, IBM Microdrive, MS Pro, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, MultiMedia or Secure
Digital card into the machine, and the contents will play on the designated TV
or stereo.
Apex www.apexdigitalinc.com 
The Apex Digital HT-150 and HT-180 have 5 surround speakers plus a passive
subwoofer, and class T amplifier. Both have 250 Watts total system power, and
play DVD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3. One A/V inputs, Outputs are component,
composite, and S-Video. The HT-180 has extra features such as a Karaoke ability
(Microphones not included), digital synthesized AM/FM tuner, two A/V inputs
outputs include a RCA, optical and coaxial digital.
Mintek www.mintekdigital.com 
The DVA-8700 Mini DVD Home Theater System features a DVD receiver and a speaker
system with five 25-watt satellite speakers and a 75-watt subwoofer. Additional
features include: 5.1 channel output, component video output, S-video output,
optical/coaxial digital output, audio auxiliary input, 20-station AM/FM memory
presets and a multifunction remote control. The SRP is $149. Plays
DVD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/MP3/Picture CD Discs. Video system output to PAL and NTSC.
Norcent www.norcent.net
The Norcent DP 1700 has full
compatible with DVD, CD, CDR, CD-RW, MP3. Comes with built-in Dolby Digital
decoding 5.1 channel output, S-Video/CVBS/YUV,
parental lock-out function, multi-angle play, and AM/FM function. Their AP100
is compatible with Kodak CD Picture, DVD, CD, VCD, SVCD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3
disc. It has five10W speakers and a 30W subwoofer. Built-in DTS dual decoder
with 5.1 Channel audio output. Also Coaxial, Optical output, YUV(Y,Cb,Cr), and RGB
output (SCART output) is optional. PAL/NTSC playback with support for discs
with up to 8 sound tracks and up to 32 subtitles. Parental lock function, and screen
aspect ratio of 4:3 and 16:9. If you have the nerve there are two microphone
jacks for karaoke.
Philips www.philips.com
Equipped with PC-link software, the Streamium MX6000i allows users to stream
movies, pictures and music from the hard disks of networked PCs. It provides
easy access to a consumer’s library of MP3 audio, JPEG images and MPEG video. Consumers
have the choice of connecting the broadband services to either a wireless
network router or a wired Ethernet. Six integrated 75-watt audio amplifiers
drive the stereo speakers, the matching rear speakers, a center speaker and two
subwoofers built into the rear speaker columns. Available in the first quarter
of 2004 and will retail for $799. The MX5600 offers 600W of balanced power and
Twin Sub™ bass pipes integrated in the front speaker columns. The integrated
five-disc changer plays practically any format, including DVD, DVD+R, DVD+RW,
DVD-R/ -RW, CD, MP3-CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3s. The system also features a media
slot (PCMCIA) for a PC card adaptor that allows users to share JPEG photos on
their TV. Available now and has a suggested retail price of $499.
Pixa www.pixainc.com
Pixa introduced a wireless rewritable DVD home theater system, giving consumers
a complete home theater in a box (HTiB) with an integrated rear 2.4G wireless
speaker kit for easy installation as well as DVD+RW support for repeated
recording on the same disc. The package includes a DVD +R/+RW recorder/receiver
with a 5.1-channel, 200-watt Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound system consisting
of wireless rear speakers mounted on stands, front and center speakers, and a
subwoofer. It features DVD-Audio for a full-range multi-channel sound field,
progressive scan, one-touch recording, and a front DV (IEEE 1394) input for
connection to a digital camcorder. It will play DVD videos, CDs, SVCDs, VCDs,
JPEGs, MP3s, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVD+Rs and DVD+RWs. You can also listen to FM radio
via a built-in FM digital tuner capable of saving up to 20 FM stations.
Available immediately and carries an MSRP of $499.
Samsung www.samsungusa.com
Look
Ma not wires, its the Samsung HT-DB390 wireless Home Theater System. There is
a 480p DVD player with 400 Watts of total audio power using a wireless rear
amplifier (Bluetooth Wireless Technology) SWA-1000 and rear speakers. This eliminates
distracting wires that normally run the length of a room. With this consumers
get everything needed in a single package, a DVD, CD Audio, CD-R, CD-RW, CD-MP3,
MP3, and AM/FM experience. The HT-DB390 includes Optical Digital In, Dolby Digital,
Pro Logic II and DTS, SDSM (Auto Sound Calibration, LSM, V-H/P, Super 5.1 from
standard two channel stereo), MP3, WMA compatibility, and can play a JPEG slide
show. MSRP of $500 available in Q1, 2004.
Sharp www.sharpusa.com 
At 600 watts output you will hear the power of the Sharp HT-AT3000DV. A six speaker
package creates surround sound home theater. Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro
Logic2 fully complements the 5.1 surround sound decoding system. Compatible formats
include DVD, DVD-R/RW, Audio CD, CD-R/RW, MP3. AM/FM Tuner with 30 Presets
allows you to tune in your favorite radio stations and program them with the
touch of a button.
Video Without Boundaries www.vwbinc.com
Using a VIA
C3-2 Processor at 1 Ghz Video Without Boundaries created the MediaReady™ 4000. Similar in
size to a standard DVD player, it does just about everything. It can play MP3/CD/DVD/MPEG-1/MPEG-2/MPEG-4.
It can
handle resolutions up to 1024x768 through NTSC or PAL TV. As you can tell from looking at
the back of the unit it has a lot of connections for whatever you want to do.
There are; Video - Composite and S-Video (In/Out), Ethernet, USB 2.0, 1394 Firewire, Parallel and
serial ports, PCMCIA, Smart Card, Microphone, VGA port. You can in fact do your web surfing
and check your email with the unit. There is a built-in mouse wireless keyboard,
mouse, and a 40Gb hard drive. Priced at about $400.
Portable Media Centers
Archos www.archos.com
The Archos Video AV300
Series Video Recorder / Player
can record and play back
movies with stereo MP3 audio. It has a high-resolution 3.8-inch color LCD screen. Users can
record their favorite
video content direct from any video source, TV, or VCR. Once the video is saved,
users can play back the
video either on the built-in color display, or on any TV or PC. The
AV380 has a 80Gb hard drive, users
can record and
store up to 50 full-length movies (80 hours of video) in MPEG-4 format. They
also have a AV320 (20Gb), and a AV340 (40Gb). Connection is via USB 2.0, you
can even use it as an additional hard drive. Available accessories include a 3.3 megapixel digital
camcorder and
camera with zoom lens, FM radio with remote control, and a selection of memory
input card readers
for importing photos directly in.
HandHeld Entertainment www.zvue.com 
HandHeld Entertainment’s ZVUE! ship standard with the HHe codec (HandHeld’s
proprietary and secure video format), and video manager software. With it you
can play MP3, look at JPEG pictures and
watch MPEG-4 videos. It has a 2.5-inch 24-bit full-color screen. The whole
thing is about the size of a deck of playing cards, and cost is set at $99.
Media slot for SD cards.
Norcent www.norcent.net 
Norcent has three models: MC1820H with a 1.8” color TFT panel and 20GB hard
disk drive; MC3520H with a 3.5” color TFT panel and 20GB HDD; and MC5040H with
a 5” color TFT panel and 40GB HDD. Additionally, the devices use Windows Mobile
software for Portable Media Centers, based on the Windows CE.NET operating
system. This includes Windows Media® 9 technologies such as the latest bundled
and optimized multimedia codecs including Windows Media Audio 9, Windows Media
Video 9, and MP3; extensive built-in driver support, including USB 2.0. Plays
video at 15fps.
Epson www.epson.com
Epson America had big crowds around its booth. The reason? They were showing
two HDTV LCD projection televisions - the Epson Livingstation LS47P1 and Epson
Livingstation LS57P1. First off they were big screens (47 and 57 inches), and they
had really good quality. It has 1280 x 720 native resolution and a 16:9 native
aspect ratio. Yet only 14.9 inches deep for the 47-inch model and 16.3 inches
deep for the 57-inch model. You can connect numerous devices to it including
DVI based set-top boxes, progressive scan DVD players, HDTV tuners, camcorders,
video games, and even PCs. Its has picture-on-picture ability. There is also a
"Freeze Image" feature that allows users to freeze video, live TV, or
other digital images and then print them from the built-in dye-sub printer. A
nice feature is the projection lamp can be replaced by the user from the front.
Shipping in March 2004, the estimated retail prices for the 47- and 57-inch
models are $3,499 and $3,999, respectively. It also comes with a CD-RW burner.
Slots for popular memory cards include SD memory card/MultiMediaCard, Memory
Stick, Compact Flash and SmartMedia. So you can quickly and easily view the
digital photos. From there print borderless 4"x6", or save to the CD
drive.
Hitachi www.hitachi.us 
The 55HDM71 is Hitachi’s 55-inch 16:9 HDTV Monitor. To achieve the deepest
blacks, the new plasma monitor utilizes a high contrast black rib structure
designed to deliver a higher "picture to non-picture ratio" to
produce smooth seamless images. It offers native 1,366 x 768 display resolution
(WXGA). Through Hitachi's VirtualHD™
1080p digital video processor, it up-converts all incoming non-native
signal sources up to 1,080 progressive before conversion to the native 768
panel display. Measuring less than 4-inches thin, it can be installed with an
optional swivel table stand or wall-mount bracket. Users can individually
adjust and save picture settings depending on personal preference or the level
of ambient light in the room. Connectivity options including a DVI-HDTV input,
multiple component video inputs, multiple RGB analog inputs and
S-video/composite inputs. Additional features include split screen, four-color
temperature memory, black and white film color temperature, four-step black
enhancement, digital 4MB 3D Y/C comb filter, and optional side mountable
speakers.
InFocus www.infocus.com 
Previewed the InFocus ScreenPlay™ 61-inch microdisplay television. This is a
ultra-thin, rear projection displays, which is light and thin enough to hang on
a wall, while generating a superior image quality relative to other thin
television options. It uses Texas Instruments’ DLP™ technology. Weighs in at
130 pounds, and available around the 4th quarter 2004. I’m thinking of buying
one and charging my neighbors a drive-in movie fee to watch.
Mintek www.mintekdigital.com 
Their new DTV-17 inch LCD panel is going to have a suggested retail price of $800.
The new DTV-23 inch is $1500 with a DVD slot on the side, available March. They
expect to have a DTV-30 inch out later the SRP will be $3000. Designed for use as a PC monitor,
television and/or DVD player, they have a viewing angle of nearly 180 degrees.
Additional features include: a built-in stereo audio amplifier with two
speakers, slot load DVD, DVI input, VGA input, PC audio input, S-video and
tow-channel audio inputs, AV input/output, headphone jack, Memory Stick reader,
USB port and a multifunction remote control. Reads DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD,
CD-R, CD-RW, Kodak Picture CD, MP3, and VCD.
Norcent www.norcent.net
The PDP-4201M is a 42-inch wide full color plasma display module with a
resolution of 852(H) 480(V) pixels. The display monitor includes a Display
Panel, EMI filter, Panel driving electronics, Logic controller, Power supply
and Image Scalar. Widescreen aspect ratio(16:9). Capable of showing 16.77
million colors. Resolution of SXGA 1280 X 1024 pixels, contrast ratio(in dark
room) is 600:1. Video system can show PAL / NTSC with a viewing angle of over
160 degrees. It has two 2 W speakers with Treble/Bass control. Component video
input; one(YCbCr), one HD(Y,Pb,Pr), one S-video input, one VGA input. Audio
input; 3 PC,VIDEO/SVIDEO,DVD/DTV.
Philips www.philips.com
Philips showcased their new high definition Ambient Light LCD and plasma
televisions. Ambilight technology sensors determine how much light is in the
room and controls the TV light output accordingly. So, a dark room will trigger
less light whereas a bright room will cause more light output. This
dramatically reduces glare and reflections on the television screen by
screening light sources that strike the front of the set. The light also
reduces eyestrain thus providing a more relaxing viewing experience for
consumers. The sets are high-definition televisions that feature the new
PixelPlus™ 2 Digital Natural Motion technology which improves the color
reproduction, and increases the resolution and picture depth up to 30 percent. Their
sizes go from 32, 37, 42-inch diagonal LCD FlatTV line up to the 50-inch plasma
FlatTV models.
Samsung www.samsungusa.com 
For those that like big and easy along comes the Samsung
HCP4363W. The TV has a built-in DVD/CD player and surround sound system
including front left and right, plus center channel and subwoofer. Even the CD
rear left/rear right rear speakers are simulated utilizing a Samsung-developed
Rear Reflector System. This is a 43" Widescreen Rear Projection HDTV
Monitor TV which includes a built-in DVD Player and 5.1 channel sound system.
The video projection system includes ‘DNIe™,’ Samsung's Proprietary Picture
Enhancement. The audio system features Dolby Digital, Dolby Prologic II, and
DTS Total Sound with an output of 180Watts. It will retail for $2000 by the end
of May 2004. If you want a little smaller (say what?) look at the LTN1535
a 15" LCD TV TV/Video with 1024 (H) x 768 (V) pixel resolution. The contrast
ratio is 400:1, with 450 cd/m2 brightness. NTSC Tuner is built-in. Viewing
angle is 150? (H) / 120?, 25 ms response time. Comes with built-in side speakers
with 3 watts audio power.
ViewSonic www.viewsonic.com
ViewSonic launched their large-screen DLP™
rear projection TVs including the ViewSonic NextVision N3000w 30" HD LCD TV. The
ultra-thin, flat panel screen has a true 1280x768 resolution. One of the first
of its kind to offer HDCP (high-definition content protection) capability. Dual
TV tuners give you full picture-in-picture (PIP) capability. There are
connections for all your multimedia components including integrated DVI-HDCP. Four
built-in stereo speakers deliver 20 watts of stereo sound to your TV and movie
choices. Stereo connections also allow you to enjoy stereo audio through your
sound system. Available in the second quarter of 2004. Their VPW505 is a
50" plasma TV with a built-in TV tuner that delivers beautiful images from
any TV signal, including HDTV. Their XtremeView® ultra-wide viewing angles
ensure your entire audience has a great seat. The flat screen eliminates image
distortion and reflection for a clear picture at virtually any angle.
USB TV
ADS Tech www.adstech.com
ADS Tech showed its new USB Instant TV. With the device, consumers can use
their desktop PC or laptop to watch TV with time-shifting capabilities. Users
with a CD or DVD-recordable device also can burn their favorite TV shows to
discs for viewing at their convenience. Connects to any Windows® PC equipped
with a USB 2.0 port and includes the Ulead Video@Home TV application, an
easy-to-use TV viewing and recording application that includes an electronic
program guide and the ability to schedule unattended broadcast recordings
automatically. ESP is US$100. The software also includes editing tools that
allow users to add new shows to rewritable discs and to create interactive
videos by adding scene and chapter menus. When CD-RW or DVD+/-RW discs are
used, the captured video can be recorded directly to disc for immediate
playback.
AVerMedia www.avermedia.com 
AVerMedia was showing two products to help users show and capture TV onto their
PCs. TVBox 9 is an external TV device turning any LCD or other VGA-compatible
monitor or projector into a TV/multimedia center with plug-and-play convenience,
without having to connect it to a PC. Comes with a remote control, it can show
in full-screen 1280 x 1024 SXGA format, DVD/VCD and video game use as well.
Parental control feature included, closed captioning, picture-in-picture see
through, 3:2 pull down, 13 channel preview and progressive scanning. UltraTV
USB 300 is an external TV tuner using USB 2.0 technology. It turns any PC into
a personal TV/PVR. It is only 3.6” x 3.48” x 0.69”, and offers a full range of
Personal Video Recorder (PVR) features including instant replay, recording
scheduler, live TV/camcorder/VHS video capture and more. Video editing and
real-time DVD/CD burner software are included.
Altec Lansing www.alteclansing.com 
The CS21 is versatile enough to support CD and MP3 players as well as PCs and
home entertainment systems. High-fidelity drivers and state-of-the-art
equalization circuitry shape the audio output with total accuracy. A 2.1 audio
package that features a pair of two-way, ported satellite speakers and a
front-firing, long-throw subwoofer.
Neodymium/Mylar tweeters, housed in each shielded satellite, produce
succinct highs that complement the midrange drivers. In the combination amplifier/woofer
cabinet, a 6.5” low-frequency driver with ferrite magnet creates low
frequencies using a ported vent to optimize its output. Total Sound Pressure Level (SPL) is 108 dB.
MSRP pricing for the system is $249. Their FX6021 feature exclusive InConcert™
technology. Encased in tower-format
satellites comprised of two slender, 1-inch thin tower satellites and a ported
subwoofer. Each one houses six shielded, full-range neodymium micro drivers set
apart at precise, logarithmically-calculated distances. Three separate
amplifiers are also incorporated, each powering one pair of drivers per
satellite. Different frequencies of sound are directed to a different pair of
drivers. This, combined with the critical distance between each driver, creates
the extraordinary InConcert™ effect. Adding resounding, full-throated bass is
the 6.5” subwoofer, housed in a low-resonance wooden cabinet. Delivers a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) of 105
dB. MSRP priced at $299. The VS3151 is a 5.1 audio system with four desktop
satellites, full-range center speaker, and 5.25” subwoofer. The Sound Pressure
Level (SPL) rating is 103 dB, it includes a dual-mode (6-channel surround or
2/4 channel stereo) selector and convenient, feature-rich control pod. MSRP
pricing is $100.
Xhifi www.xhifi.com 
While not cheap this is a well designed and crafted set. European cherry
hardwood veneer finish with champagne accents the 3-piece Satellite-Subwoofer
System. The "Aosis" Direct Drive Stick design was developed by
JVC Japan. It’s cylindrical enclosure minimizes diffraction, making it
position-free, 360° sound dispersion. Magnetically shielded for trouble free
placement next to most TVs and monitors. Ultra-high frequency response out to
over 50 kHz, twice that of typical speaker designs. Includes (2) sets of
dual-tiered feet for tilting in certain applications and a 6.6" long-throw
woofer driver. Bottom-firing, bass reflex design with special port design.
Custom crossover for seamless satellite/subwoofer integration. Independent
amplification stages for satellite and subwoofer. High current/high slew rate,
60W mono Subwoofer Amplifier. Tiptoe footprint design for maximum isolation and
coupling.
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