You don't have to be afraid of the dark with JVC's GR-DV915 MiniDV camcorder. The cam's NightAlive function (keep working on those names, guys) is said to let you shoot in full color even when light is scarce through a combination of signal processing and a slow shutter speed. There's also a built-in Auto Light that can turn itself on in darkened conditions. You can transfer video through the IEEE 1394 digital input/output or via composite/S-video connections. The cam has a 31/2-inch LCD viewscreen and a color viewfinder. Its 680,000-pixel image sensor can capture still photos, too, storing them on the supplied 16-megabyte MultiMediaCard. Price: $1,196. 800-526-5308, www.jvc.com
One of the most reliable sources of high-definition TV programs is a satellite service, and Zenith's IQCDTV1080 tuner can bring DirecTV's high-def programming to you. It receives standard- and high-def digital satellite and terrestrial broadcasts and can supply 1080i, 720p, 480p, or 480i format signals, with automatic aspect ratio correction, through its VGA or wideband component-video outputs. It passes multichannel soundtracks through its optical and coaxial digital audio outputs. Price: $699. 847-391-7000, www.zenith.com
Besides an 8-inch rear-firing powered subwoofer, Cerwin-Vega's floor-standing RL-18P power tower has a 6-inch midrange and a 1-inch tweeter. Rated frequency response is 35 Hz to 20 kHz ±2 dB, sensitivity 92 dB. The sub has both line-level and speaker-level inputs, and its amp is rated at 100 watts. Magnetic shielding prevents interference with video monitors. The RL-18P measures 10 x 431/2 x 141/2 inches and is finished in black woodgrain vinyl.
Price: $1,000 a pair. 805-584-9332, www.cerwinvega.com
Dolby Pro Logic II, intended to simulate 5.1-channel depth with Dolby Surround-encoded and plain stereo program sources, is onboard Onkyo's TX-DS595 digital surround receiver. Rated to deliver 75 W x 5, the receiver also has nine ambience modes. Its extended frequency response, rated out to 100 kHz, is said to accommodate DVD-Audio discs and Super Audio CDs. On the back panel are four assignable digital audio inputs (two coaxial and two optical), video and audio tape loops, four S-video inputs, and a six-channel analog audio input. A backlit universal learning
remote control is supplied. Price: $530.
800-229-1687, www.onkyousa.com
