The new DVDO iScan VP50 is a high-definition video processor and A/V hub that converts standard definition, high definition (including 1080p) and PC signals from your DVD player, HD-DVD player, Blu-ray Disc player, HD DVR, game console or PC to any output resolution between VGA and 1080p, including popular HDTV resolutions such as 720p and 1080i.

The VP50 serves as your complete A/V hub, providing audio/video switching that simultaneously eliminates A/V lipsync and allows a one wire connection to display for all of your video needs. On sale now for $4999. For more information on this model see the Australian DVDO web site.

Cambridge Audio breaks new ground with an entirely new class of amplifier in the shape of the 840A which marks the zenith of Cambridge Audio’s critically acclaimed Azur line-up. Embracing Cambridge Audio’s patent pending proprietary Class XD™ technology, the 840A brings together the quality of Class A amplification, the power economy of Class B designs, and most amazingly of all, avoids many of the distortion pitfalls inherent in Class AB designs.

This amplifier sounds far better than it's price would have you believe, which is true of all of the Cambridge Audio amplifiers, but particularly so of this model which sounds different to other Cambridge Audio amplifiers in that it has an extraordinarily transparent sound. Where other models show a slight warmth to the sound, this model does so far less. Reviews around the globe are praising the amplifier and it looks like being a big hit for Cambridge Audio.

Pioneer's 'Elite' series of products have always been of very high quality and extremely well made, so the announcement of a new Elite series Blu-Ray player tends to get me a little excited.

If you're ready for the Blu-ray experience, the Elite BDP-HD1 Blu-ray Disc Player may be just the ticket. You can take full advantage of your flat panel's 1080p resolution, and the picture quality would be jaw-dropping. The Elite player can even upscale the resolution of your standard DVD collection, so all your standard resolution movies will look better. Pioneer's Blu-ray Disc Player connects into your existing home network, allowing you to serve up movies, music and photos from your PC to your flat panel-at your TV's highest possible resolution. Sweet! So, it looks like Pioneer may well have delivered 'the' next disc player we must have. Now if they only bring it to Australia!

Hitachi introduced three new media recorders in a some what 'different' design to that which we are accustomed to.

On the technical side, the features are impressive, such as HiDef video recording through XCodeHD, 250GB to 500GB, and even 1TB hard disk capacity depending on the model. The high-end DV-DH1000S is equipped of course with a DVD burner (why not Blu-Ray or HD-DV?), HDMI and i.LINK. Sexy as hell, can't wait to get one!

If you are looking for a dual HD tuner PVR with a little something extra, look no further than the exciting new Beyonwiz DP-S1.

With touch pad controls, USB connection, built in card readers and built in Wi-Fi it will connect to your IceGuide automatically and download the latest guide information and is a multi-media player as well. The really nice part is the matching remote players for other rooms in your house that can connect directly to the main unit and play back content over your wireless network. Pricing is looking to be higher than initially thought at $1700, but this may well be the holy grail of STB/PVR's! Stay tuned!

The Logitech Harmony 1000 features a brilliant 3.5” color touch screen that allows for one-touch activity-based control of even the most sophisticated A/V components.  Say goodbye to the wasted time and unnecessary complexity of multiple remotes controlling multiple devices; Logitech's patented Smart State Technology makes it easy! Control your HDTV, adjust aspect ratios, or change sound modes—there are no complicated macros to program.  Just press an on-screen activity icon and Harmony does the rest. The Harmony 1000's sleek shape and brushed aluminum surfaces will look right at home as the centerpiece of your digital living room.  One remote is all you'll need to control even the most complex home entertainment systems.  And when used together with a Harmony RF Wireless Extender (sold separately), you can further reduce clutter by placing your components out of sight.  Since the remote can transmit both infrared and radio frequency commands, you can control equipment inside a cabinet or even in the next room. Selling for US$499, should make it around $799 here in Australia, and at that price it is a very attractive proposition. Will it be as good as the NevoSL? Let's wait and see.