Sound & Vision Magazine - Ultimate Gift Guide (part 4)

Harmony 520 universal remote
Harmony stormed onto the control scene just three short years ago, quickly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with. With the Model 520 universal remote ($99), it takes on the sub-$100 market. The 520 is a style departure from other Harmony models, resembling a chic Bang & Olufsen phone. The svelte controller fits nicely in one hand and gives you access to Harmony’s activity-based operation and live tech support. You program it via the Internet, using a simple interview process. The handy LCD screen can be populated with unusual commands not found on the “hard” buttons. If you’ve got an extra $150 to spend, Harmony’s 880 offers a larger color screen, even more hard buttons, and a rechargeable battery. But if you’re on a tight budget, this remote can bring Harmony to your system — and your wallet. — John Sciacca
logitech.com/us/home.html

Kameleon 6 hybrid remote
Remember that old candy-bar commercial, “Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t”? In the control world, sometimes you feel like a touchpanel, and sometimes you want real buttons. One For All addresses this dilemma with its Kameleon 6 hybrid remote ($50). The bottom half uses smartly laid-out buttons that are perfect for no-look, tactile system control, while the top half has a luminescent display that changes depending on the device being controlled. On the off chance your gear isn’t included in the vast set of preprogrammed codes, the remote can do head-to-head learning. Since the Kameleon 6 controls only six devices, serious theater owners will want to look elsewhere. But it can be the perfect solution for that secondary system, decluttering your bedside table or solving dorm-room confusion. Better still, it might be the key to your parents finally figuring out that home theater in a box you bought them last year. — John Sciacca
ofausa.com

ugg5_kameleon8_200 Kameleon 8 remote
If Industrial Light & Magic crafted a remote for Star Wars, it might look like One For All’s ultra-cool Kameleon 8 ($130). When not in use, the remote is a serene, button-free sea of deep blue. But pick it up, and the screen comes to life with a sexy, electroluminescent glow. Nighttime operation is a no-brainer, and only the buttons used by the currently selected device light up. With this Kameleon controlling eight devices — and featuring upgrades to support new gear — it can be part of your setup for the long haul. But it isn’t just another pretty face — this baby’s got legs! The Kameleon 8 offers RF (radio-frequency) control, which means it can send commands through walls or cabinetry. A control system for carrying infrared (IR) commands from room to room or inside cabinets can cost $200 or more. (The included base station translates RF into IR.) So if your gear is hidden away, this feature alone makes the Kameleon 8 worth a look. — John Sciacca
ofausa.com

Vaultz media binder and CD wallet
Let’s face it — optical discs are pretty flimsy. They break easily, scratch constantly, and have redefined “coaster.” There are lots of CD cases out there, but Vaultz’s wallet ($13) and media binder ($40) offer a new level of protection. The hard exterior and combination lock on the binder will ensure that nothing and nobody gets through to damage your precious discs, even if the case gets slammed around. And curious onlookers will be jealous of the sleek styling — perfect for too-cool DJs who are always on the move. — Peter Pachal
vaultz.net

CellStik phonebook saver
We all know somebody who’s lost his cellphone at some point, usually heralded by a panicked e-mail (“LOST CELLPHONE, SEND NUMBERS ASAP”). But he’ll never have to worry about losing those numbers again if you give him Spark’s trusty Cellstik ($40), which plugs right into a cell and stores all its contact info at the touch of a button. (Uploading to a new phone is just as easy.) There’s even software for editing the data on a PC — just jack in via the USB port. Check Spark’s Web site to see if there’s a Cellstik that has your phone’s number ... er, connector. — Peter Pachal
sparktech.com

Messenger solar-powered bag
Perfect for geeks, techies, and travelers, Voltaic’s Messenger bag ($229) not only stores your stuff but can power it, too. Notice the three solar panels on the front? Lightweight, scratch-resistant, and waterproof, they can generate up to 4 watts so you don’t have to worry about running out of power while on the go. In direct sunlight, it takes about 5 hours to charge a cellphone, PDA, or MP3 player and about 7 hours for a digital camera (sorry, no laptops). And if the sun’s not available, you can use the built-in battery pack, which stores any surplus power generated. You can also replenish the bag’s battery using the supplied AC travel charger or a car charger. — Jamie Sorcher
voltaicsystems.com

Solar SeV FineTex System jacket
With a fan base that’s said to include Secret Service agents, ScotteVest clothing makes it cool to carry all of your gadgets at one time. The newest addition to the line, the Solar SeV FineTex System jacket ($625), has enough room — 40 pockets! — so you can have your cellphone, iPod, PDA, digital camera, and portable video player at the ready wherever you are. You can also connect your gadgets using the patented PAN (Personal Area Network), which channels the wires through the jacket’s lining. And the detachable solar panels on the back let you charge most USB-compatible gear as you go. The jacket also has four pen/stylus pockets, a battery pack, and holders for AA and AAA batteries. — Jamie Sorcher
scottevest.com