Audio Video News

Arizona-based <A HREF="http://www.rockfordcorp.com">Rockford Corporation</A> announced last week that it has acquired loudspeaker designer <A HREF="http://www.nhthifi.com">Now Hear This</A> (NHT) from Recoton Corporation. Previous Rockford acquisitions include Fosgate, Hafler, Acoustat, and MB Quart, and the company says that specific terms of the new agreement are confidential.

Upscale parents have already discovered the benefits of "mobile theater"&mdash;DVD players and LCD screens in sport-utility vehicles that keep cranky kids content on long drives. Soon they will be able to take the "plug-in drug"&mdash;broadcast television&mdash;with them as well.

The <A HREF="http://www.hrrc.org">Home Recording Rights Coalition</A> (HRRC) has thrown its support behind a proposal that could extend consumers' rights in the digital age.

News Corp. and DirecTV: The satellite broadcast merger appears to be a done deal now that both the Federal Communications Commission and the US Department of Justice have given their approval. News Corporation will buy a 34% stake in Hughes Electronics, giving it control over satellite broadcasting service DirecTV.

Michael Fremer positions the complete $21,000 <A HREF="/speakersystems/1103ap">Audio Physic Virgo III surround speaker system</A> into place and then wonders whether "using speakers capable of exceptionally stunning imaging would make sense in a home theater."