Home A/V at CES 2006

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	Sharp SD-SP10. (Click for larger image)

In a delightful change of pace from the home audio industry's push for an (insert outlandish number here).1 home-theater system, many of the top manufacturers are adopting a "less is more" ethic, producing simpler sound systems that simulate 5.1 surround sound with as few as 2 speakers--case in point: Sharp's SD-SP10. Sharp aims to outshrink the 2.1 competition with 1-bit digital amplifier technology. The result: Sharp is promising a product that's two-thirds the size of analog amps, while running at half the power and one-fifth the temperature. Sound good? Find out for yourself in April when it hits US stores for US$350.

Credit: David Rudden, CNET.com

Sharp's Micro Audio Systems: big sound from a small box

	Sharp XL-UH260. (Click for larger image)

Sharp's latest microsystems, the XL-UH260 and XL-UH240, have a cornucopia of functions and format capabilities, including CD playback, AM/FM radio, and the ability to play connected MP3 devices via USB. Something has us worried, though: Sharp is touting its original lighting function, which shines LEDs based on a song's beat. Yes, that's exactly the sort of pointless "added value" that's more distracting than beneficial, but--seeing as how CNET reviewers cover audio products while inside sensory deprivation tanks--you can be assured of fair and balanced coverage of these products when they release. The 180-watt XL-UH240 comes out in March for US$150, and the 240-watt XL-UH260 will come tumbling after in April at US$170.

Credit: David Rudden, CNET.com

« Linksys's Wireless-G Music Bridge streams audio from your PC to your stereo | BenQ unveils a trio of new TVs »

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