Pushing the upper size limits of a cathode-ray tube (CRT), Sony's 40-inch KV-40XBR700 Wega is the largest direct-view CRT set on the market. It's also an HDTV monitor and has two wideband component-video inputs, 2:3 (also called 3:2) pulldown capability to improve the look of film-based material, and aspect ratio control. You can even watch a standard program inset into a high-def one, or vice versa. The mammoth Wega, with optional stand, is slated to reach stores in October. Price: $3,500. 800-222-7669, www.sel.sony.com
BLAUPUNKTIf your passengers need something new to do on those long road trips, consider Blaupunkt's DVD-ME1 car player. In addition to regular DVDs and CDs, it can play recordable CDs with MP3 files. A memory buffer (10 seconds for DVDs) and a spring-suspended mechanism help minimize interruptions on even the roughest of roads. The 63/4 x 3 x 81/2-inch player is designed to fit nicely under a seat or in a glove box - an external wired remote sensor and a full-function infrared remote are included. Also supplied is an AC power adapter so you can use the DVD-ME1 in your home system. Price: $450. 800-950-2528, www.blaupunktusa.com
KlipschTaking command of Klipsch's floor-standing speaker line is the new Reference Series flagship, the RF-7. The two-way model has a 1 3/4-inch titanium-dome tweeter incorporated into an 8-inch-square Tractrix horn plus two 10-inch ceramic-coated aluminum woofers. Frequency response is rated as 32 Hz to 20 kHz ±3 dB. The 1 15/8 x 45 x 16-inch, magnetically shielded wood enclosure is available in black, maple, and cherry finishes. Removable cloth grilles are provided. Price: $2,200 a pair. 800-554-7724, www.klipsch.com
YamahaThe DVD-S1200, Yamaha's flagship player, is very accommodating: DVD-Video and DVD-Audio discs, CDs, and recordable CD-Rs and CD-RWs are all welcome. A progressive-scan output with 2:3 (also called 3:2) pulldown (to compensate for film-to-video frame-rate differences) delivers the best possible images on progressive-scan monitors. The player has built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoding as well as virtual surround sound for two-speaker or headphone playback. In addition to a component-video output switchable between interlaced and progressive-scan, there are two composite- and two S-video outputs, coaxial and optical digital audio outputs, and a six-channel analog output. Price $999. 800-492-6242, www.yamaha.com
