Things are looking up for Martin Logan as they move into in-ceiling speakers. The Helos 100 is a two way speaker which sits at an angle in your ceiling so you can aim it at your listening area. The tweeter sticks out like a mushroom and is also aimed at the listening area. An aluminum cone, Vojtko sourced crossover, a contour switch all add to the Helos' "not me too" approach. $500/each.

The BD1 control center from the Thiel Zoet collaboration is shown here driving multiple Thiel SCS4D speakers. The current version of the controller can only accept optical and coaxial digital signals, and can distribute Dolby Digital and DTS audio as well. However, TrueHD and DTS-HD MA will have to wait for another version (I'm guessing the BD2) that will come out sometime next year.

The Thiel SCS4D is an the IP addressable version of their SCS4 debuted at the last CES. The SCSrD is powered by 250 watts of class-D amplification. The Cat5e cable in the back and the power chord are the only indications that we're not in Kansas anymore.

Come October 1, 2008, Denon owners will be able to download firmware upgrades for their the AVR-3808CI, AVR-4308CI from Denon's website for a $100. What's that get you? Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Audyssey Dynamic EQ, for two, and Sirius radio ready capability and Rhapsody streaming capability for three and four. Meanwhile, the higher end AVR-5308CI AVR (picture) and AVP-A1HDC1 pre/pro can get a free firmware upgrade of Audyssey Dynamic Volume and Sirius Radio capability.