New Products - Nov. 2001 Page 2

Loewe

On looks alone, Loewe's 240-pound Aconda ACO 9383 38-inch widescreen TV stands a cut above most other direct-view sets. But once it's connected to an outboard high-definition TV tuner, the set displays 1080i-format images that will impress you even more. Standard NTSC signals are converted to 480p (progressive-scan) format for display, and there's also a user-controllable 2:3 pulldown function to improve the look of film-based video. One VGA, one wideband component-, three composite-, and three S-video inputs provide plenty of hookup options. An RS-232 port allows connection to an external control system. Finish options are high-gloss black or metallic. Price: $5,500. 800-736-7679, www.loewetv.com

Kenwood

You'd think being a 403-disc DVD megachanger would be enough. But Kenwood's Sovereign DV-5900M also boasts the ability to play CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs with MP3 files, and even DVD-Audio discs. On top of that, it has a progressive-scan component-video output with 2:3 pulldown to enhance film-based video. The changer mechanism can handle double-sided discs with ease, and the six-channel analog audio output features bass management for DVD-Audio signals. Three of the disc slots, intended for rented or borrowed discs, have their own play and eject buttons. Price: $1,500. 800-536-9663, www.kenwoodusa.com

Fisher

If your desktop CD player is taking up valuable real estate, Fisher's 2-inch-deep PH-DTA100 minisystem will let you get back your space without giving up your sounds. If 2 inches is still too much, hang it on a wall - the attractive system will take up a mere 16 1/2 x 5 5/8 inches of wall space. The timer can be set to wake you up to a CD or the radio, and the AM/FM tuner has 20 presets. The system comes with a remote control and an extra set of darker grille covers. That spinning disc on the wall making you dizzy? The player door doubles as a picture frame. Price: $150. 818-998-7322, www.fisherav.com

Infinity

Everything in consumer electronics seems to be climbing the walls these days, and Infinity's OWS-1 speaker continues the hanging trend. At 4 1/2 inches deep and 6 1/2 pounds, the speaker is designed for wall mounting and occupies an area of 9 x 14 1¼2 inches. The ceramic-coated aluminum drivers - a 6 1/2-inch woofer and 3/4-inch tweeter - deliver a rated frequency response of 70 Hz to 20 kHz ±3 dB; sensitivity is 90 dB. The OWS-1 comes in either black or white. Price: $319 a pair. 800-553-3332, www.infinitysystems.com

Tributaries

You still can't get something for nothing, but one audio signal can be split into two with Tributaries' Y-connector subwoofer cable. It allows subwoofers with left/right audio inputs to be elegantly connected to A/V receivers that have a single mono output and helps eliminate the potential for noise pickup. A high-gloss insulator encircles the two center conductors. The conductors are made of multistranded copper, and each one has its own shield to protect against noise. The cable is available in lengths from 1 to 8 meters. Price: $45 for first meter, $2.50 every extra half-meter. 800-521-1596, www.tributariescable.com


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