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ANDOVER, MA - Easy-to-install surround sound
systems, flat panel TVs, compact audio systems and MP3 players
will likely be in great demand this holiday season, according
to the Audio/Video experts at Cambridge SoundWorks. Consumer
electronics that the entire family can enjoy will be the primary
influence for holiday shopping purchases.
Cambridge SoundWorks highlights what they expect to be some
of the most popular products this season. For additional advice
on audio/video products, consumers can visit Cambridge SoundWorks'
retail locations in New England or the San Francisco Bay area,
or go to www.cambridgesoundworks.com or call 800-FOR-HIFI
to speak with an A/V expert.
Surround sound without the hassle. For folks who want
surround sound, but don't want to deal with the hassle, not
to mention space requirements, of installing a multi-speaker
system, a huge breakthrough in home theater technology has
arrived - virtual surround sound. SurroundWorks 200 ($999.99)
uses a single, multi-channel center speaker placed on or mounted
above the TV. This one speaker emulates the surround effect
of five or more individual speakers - no need for wiring and
finding space for separate ones here. SurroundWorks' speaker
is paired with a powerful subwoofer and stylish DVD/AM/FM
control center, and the entire system is wired using just
two foolproof connecting cables.
Audio systems for MP3 users. MP3 players are cranking
out room filling sound thanks to audio systems like PlayDock
MP3 ($199.99). PlayDock MP3 fits most popular MP3 players,
including Creative's Zen and Zen Micro, Apple's iPod and iPod
mini, as well as Dell's DJ and Pocket DJ. So everyone in the
family, regardless of which player they use, can share their
music. Since PlayDock MP3 runs on an extended-life rechargeable
battery, it can be used cord-free for up to 10 hours of continuous
playtime, inside or outside the home. But the best thing about
PlayDock MP3 is its great sound. Packed inside its sturdy
enclosure are 3 speakers, including a powerful subwoofer that
crank out crisp, full-bodied tunes.
MP3 players to suit every style. Players like the
Creative Zen MicroPhoto 8GB ($249.99) let users take their
music and photos with them wherever they go. Winner of a Best
of CES 2005 award, Zen MicroPhoto features a vivid color display,
letting users view photos or browse through music playlists
from wildly colorful menus. With a huge 8GB capacity, users
can store up to 4,000 songs for music on the go, or keep thousands
of photos with them. Zen MicroPhoto comes in 10 dramatic colors,
has a removable, rechargeable Li-ion battery that offers up
to 15 hours of continuous playtime, FM radio and recorder,
and a voice recorder.
All in one stereo systems. For rooms like the kitchen,
den or spare bedroom, where adding music would make a great
addition but space is limited, high-end table radios like
the SoundWorks Radio CD 740 ($349.99) are excellent solutions.
The SoundWorks Radio CD has three speakers, including a powered
subwoofer, offering rich, natural, room-filling sound normally
associated with larger audio systems. Its front loading CD
plays standard CDs as well as MP3 files on CD-ROM. Radio Data
Service (RDS) lets users view station information, and a great
FM/AM tuner completes this feature-packed system. Front and
rear auxiliary inputs for additional CD or MP3 players, dual
alarms, and an ultra-compact remote control are also included.
It's all about flat panel. For those looking at the
big picture, it's a great time to buy a flat panel TV - they're
coming down in price and are loaded with extras. Sharp's LC-32D6U
AQUOS LCD HDTV has everything needed for HDTV viewing, including
a built-in HD tuner. The LC-32D6U is digital cable ready with
full CableCARD "Plug and Play" capability. It also has a detachable
bottom speaker and its included table stand can easily be
removed for wall mounting. And, the LC-32DU6U's elegant style
will add a nice touch to any room.
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