The new slogan for DVD HD is "The look and sound of perfect." Where have we heard this before?

Although exhibits at THE SHOW were primarily an example of how out of touch some high-end audio manufacturers are with reality, Magnepan's Wendell Diller demonstrated that given a deadline with a wad of money at the end a fertile mind can find a way to solve a technical problem. True dipole ribbon speakers don't lend themselves to in-wall placement, but when the owner of a large and well-heeled casino chose Magnepans for their high-roller suites Diller devised a way. He automated his panels so when the video display is turned on the panels swing away from the wall, ready for action. With an adjustable angle and automatic reset if bumped, these Maggies are ready to deliver more sparkle than a trough full of slot machine quarters

The big news here is the seamless integration of TVs, Blu-ray players, and mobile devices, allowing you to enjoy any available content on whatever device is most suitable for a given situation—you can even start watching something on one device and transition to another device at any point in the program. Not only that, the phone and tablet include an IR blaster and universal-remote app, allowing them to control a home-theater system. Finally, both can play HD video from an HDMI output, which is way cool in my book.

Oh yeah, one more thing—the new TVs and Blu-ray players will incorporate Google TV with Bluetooth QWERTY keyboard/universal remote, Wi-Fi, and Chrome browser. As you may have heard, Google has asked its partners not to tout Google TV at CES because it's not quite ready for prime time, but Vizio has decided to do so anyway. It should be an interesting show!

Interviews are what go on behind closed doors at JVC, and demos for Shane are not. After getting the download on JVC’s demo of a new $7K D-ILA front projector, compared side by side with Sony’s highly regarded Ruby $10K SXRD projector, I motored right over to see the shootout only to be turned away at the door. Someone from JVC was being interviewed I was told, and could I wait outside just a few minutes.

BG's in-wall ribbon speakers are very impressive (and expensive so they should be), but this stunt took real guts. Apparently, the wine goblets were in less danger from their subwoofer than from passing visitors who already took it down once.

Maine is know for occasionally hostile weather, so it should come as no surprise that a company based in Maine should develop an all-weather speaker designed to handle even the most extreme conditions. Terra speakers "All Climate" models use a molded one-piece enclosure, cast aluminum mid/bass driver baskets, titanium dome tweeters, and a spiderless magnetic fluid centering system for their bass drivers. Available in a variety of colors, they have a sound that is both well grounded and liquid. Priced around $330 each, the Terra AV series will make any ground squirrel stop and take notice.