Digital Home Thoughts - News & Reviews for the Digital Home

"On the audio front, Philips just launched a pair of Network Music Players, the NP2500 and the NP2900. They're color-screened followups to January's monochrome NP1100, and the NP2500 does audio out (including coaxial digital audio) just like is forebear, while the NP2900 (pictured) includes built-in speakers. The players work with internet radio, your PC's music library and some online music services like Rhapsody. No word on price or release date."

I think there is a somewhat narrow market for these types of devices. If you make them too nice, they become too expensive, and you might as well just use a 360 or other game system. But then they have to be nice because someone buying one of these list probably looking for a classier looking option than a gaming system.

"We suppose it was just a matter of time before iPod docks and HTIBs achieved some sort of unholy union, and their demonic lovechild has appeared at IFA -- say hello to the Philips CinemaOne. Essentially a mashup of an iPod speaker system, a DVD player, and a soundbar, it's designed to plug in to your flatscreen via HDMI and provide surround audio through five DSP-driven speakers and 4-inch sub, all in a package about the size of a football. The DivX-compatible DVD player seems decent, with 1080p scaling and Dolby Digital and DTS support, but even though the speakers use the same soundbar tech found in Philips' Ambisound line, we've got our doubts that this thing sounds any good -- most soundbars we've heard require a separate large sub to be effective. No pricing or release date yet, but we'd wait to actually hear this thing in person before we started to set aside spare change."

I can't imagine that this would possibly sound very good, possibly a bit better than a TV's built in speakers but that is about it. Otherwise, as far as a minimalist presence goes, this is pretty cool. Piggyback it with a projector and you've got an ultra-portable theater, a crappy theater, but a theater nonetheless.