New Gear

by Wendy Nichols
Winter 2001

All in One
If you've been waiting for a multiple-format-reading DVD player that comes with NUON technology, the Samsung DVD-N501 might be the device for you. The DVD-N501 can play back DVDs, DVD-Rs, Video CDs, CD-Rs and MP3s. Along with the interactive features NUON provides, its Virtual Light Machine creates dancing colors to the rhythm of playing music. A joystick-style remote is included.
Samsung DVD-N501: $280
(800) SAMSUNG
[www.samsungusa.com]

I Mix, You Mix
Sima Corp.'s newest I-Mix Model, the IM-120, includes a CD player, which allows you to record, organize, sort and play 300 hours of music on its internal hard drive. It can also connect to a computer for Internet music downloads or to a portable music player. I-Mix allows the listener to create customized play lists by artist or by song.
Sima IM-120: $599
(800) 345-7462
[www.simacorp.com]

Xboxing Xboxing
If you're a gamer and a DVD lover, the Xbox from Microsoft promises to deliver both in one unit. When released, it will have an Ethernet port for online gaming via a broadband connection. It will include an Intel 733MHz processor and an 8GB hard drive for storing game information. A DVD Playback Kit is required for playing DVDs. The Xbox's scheduled release date is Nov. 15.
Microsoft Xbox: $299
DVD Playback Kit: $30
[www.xbox.com]

Doctor Your Discs
From Digital Innovations comes the SkipDoctor MD, a motorized device that repairs scratches and abrasions on a variety of consumer discs including music CDs, DVDs, CD-RWs and disc-based games. Though it does not repair severe abuse like gouges and warping, it is effective on the wear and tear that time and extended use bring to digital media discs.
Digital Innovations SkipDoctor MD: $55
(888) SMART-58
[www.digitalinnovations.com]

HDTV from JVC
The JVC TU-6000RU satellite receiver supports both standard-definition and high-definition DISH Network programming. An optional 8VSB tuner cartridge allows the user to receive off-air analog and digital broadcasts. Other features include the ability to program a VCR to record shows, parental control and four user-defined favorite lists.
JVC TU-6000RU: $500
With satellite dish: $600
(800) 252-5722
[www.jvc.com]

Launch into Interactivity
Catipult DVD from NetTV is a Windows 2000-based home network server that plays DVD, CD, MP3, TV, and streaming audio and video. The DVD plays back to a digital TV monitor. The Catipult supports QuickTime, .avi, Windows Media, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and has gaming and Internet browsing. It features an Intel Pentium III 1GHz processor and a wireless keyboard.
NetTV Catipult DVD: $4,990
(800) 440-6388
[www.catipultdvd.com]

Notable Nokia
The Nokia Media Terminal, scheduled for release in the first six months of 2002, will offer a 15-hour hard drive that can store digital music, movie and photo files. The personal video recorder (PVR) will feature Internet access for Web browsing, gaming and e-mail. For additional storage space, the Nokia Media Terminal will offer connectivity for an external hard drive.
Nokia Media Terminal: Price TBA
[www.nokia.com]

Need Broadband?
The QX-201NeverWire 14 from Phonex Broadband is a free-standing network device that turns any AC outlet into a 10 BASE-T Ethernet port, which then transmits voice and data signals at up to 14Mbps over standard electrical wiring. The device makes broadband networking available from any Ethernet device, including cable modems, PCs, set-top boxes and residential gateways.
Phonex Broadband QX-201
NeverWire 14: $100
(801) 566-0100
[www.phonex.com]

The Main Entré
Kenwood's first entertainment hub, the Sovereign Entré, stores and streams MP3 and .wma music files, Internet radio and serves as a main controller for other Kenwood Sovereign components. The Entré has a 20GB hard drive and a built-in CD player for ripping audio CDs into the system. It can stream multiple audio programs to different rooms simultaneously using the home's existing phone wiring.
Kenwood Sovereign Entré: $1,800
(800) KENWOOD
[www.kenwood.com]