The company that brought you time-shifted TV jumps on the high-def bandwagon with the TiVO HD. An HDMI port plugs into your big-screen and provides hi-def video, while slots for two CableCARDs (provided by your cable company) makes it possible to record two programs at the same time. What’s more, TiVo’s partnership with Amazon’s Unbox downloadable movie service means renting or purchasing a movie is just a few clicks away, with no need to go to the Web site to browse or download any of the thousands of titles. Connect the TiVO HD to your home network and music on your computer can stream to your audio hi-fi system in the living room, and thanks to TiVo.com you can program or modify your TiVo’s recording schedule from the Web when you’re away from home, ensuring you never miss a favorite show or special.
-- Joe Hutsko";
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VUDU
$399
www.vudu.com
Think of it as a movie rental shop in a box – instant access to 5,000 titles, from blockbusters to classics, all with the click of the super slick remote control. Rentals go for 99 cents to $3.99, and movies for purchase cost $4.99 to $19.99. Most titles offer trailers so to check out before you rent or buy, and though VUDU doesn’t play in high-def at the moment, the company says HD is on the way. Also coming soon: external USB hard drive support to make the sky the limit for storing purchased movies. Though the price of admission is steep, movie fanatics looking for a way to get their fix instantly will love it.";
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Harmony 880 Universal Remote
$249.99
www.logitech.com
Dump that basket full of individual remote controls and go all-in-one with Logitech’s Harmony 880 universal remote. The 880 can control up to 15 devices, which can be grouped as specific activities, like “Play Videogame,” or watch “Watch HD Movie.” Choose “Watch HDTV” and the Harmony turns on your cable box, HDTV and surround sound system, switching each to the correct input. Switch to another activity and the Harmony switches the associated components on or off, and adjusts sound and video inputs accordingly. Though programming the Harmony via the company’s Web site is relatively easy, tweaking the settings so everything is just right takes a little patience. But once everything is set, you can toss all of those unnecessary remotes in a draw and forget about them once and for all. ";
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JVC TH-L1
$299.99
www.jvc.com
Anyone doing more than just watching TV on their HDTV will appreciate JVC’s TH-L1 “home theater in a box.” Not only does it punch up the volume with Dolby 5.1 surround sound for HDTV programs, movies and video games, it also switches the video signal of your various components from one to the next. That means no more swapping cables. Two HDMI ports accommodate your hi-def game console and HD cable box, and additional ports for component, S-Video and standard video signals and audio let you plug in a Wii, VCR or non-HD DVD player, since, unlike some other home theaters in a box, the TH-L1 has no built-in DVD player. That keeps the TH-L1 small in size, and makes for a nicer fit alongside your other gear – which is music to the ears.";
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Slingbox Pro
$229.99
www.slingbox.com
The Slingbox Pro is like having your home theater system with you anywhere in the world. Plug in up to four video sources and the Slingbox Pro lets you tap in with your Mac or Windows notebook from any Internet connection in the world, be it the café around the corner or a hotel room in another country. What’s more, the companion SlingPlayer Mobile ($29.99) program offers access to your home-based Slingbox Pro via various Palm, Windows Mobile and Symbian smart phones. Now TV junkies never have to miss an episode of a favorite series when they’re away as long as the Slingbox Pro is at the heart of their home entertainment system."; // END editorial data