Scott Wilkinson

Long known for high-quality audio products, Cambridge Audio is introducing the Azur 650BD Blu-ray player, which joins the growing ranks of so-called universal players that can play DVD-Audio and SACD in addition to Blu-ray, DVD, and CD. In addition, it provides BD-Live functionality and 7.1-channel analog-audio outputs, and it can decode all the audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, all for $750.

Well-known British speaker company Mordaunt-Short is introducing a new 2-way bookshelf model called the Performance 2. Priced at $4500/pair, this little gem is designed to be a no-compromise speaker with a 6.5-inch aluminum mid/bass driver and 1-inch aluminum-dome tweeter with a transmission line behind it to allow much lower frequencies and more controlled resonance.

French speaker maker Focal will be debuting several next-generation models in its Electra Be lineup, so named for the beryllium tweeter used in each speaker. The 1008 Be ($5000/pair) is a 2-way bookshelf model, while the 1028 Be ($8500/pair, pictured) and 1038 Be ($12,500/pair) are 3-way floorstanders. The redesigned tweeter is said to have greater power handling capabilities with a crossover point all the way down to 2kHz.

Like everything digital, LED-backlit LCD TVs are quickly dropping in price. Case in point: Sharp's new LE700UN series, which will make its debut at CEDIA next week. Available in four sizes—32, 40, 46, and 52 inches—prices range from $1100 to $2800, a far cry from the XS1U series, Sharp's first generation of LED-backlit LCD TV—the 52-incher listed for $12,000. The new series no doubt has fewer bells and whistles, but it's 1080p and 120Hz, it provides Internet access, and the company claims it consumes less power than any other available LCD TV.