Home Audio and Video Products

Action Asia Limited Akai Electric CO., Ltd. Altec Lansing Amcol Holdings Ltd. Anglotajik Minerals, Inc. Asia Pacific Space Telecom Company Limited Bang & Olufsen AS Carver Corporation Clarion Company Limited D&m Holdings DAHAAM E-TEC COMPANY LIMITED Daiichikosho Company Limited Digital Theater Systems, Inc. EG Industries Berhad Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. GRUNDIG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT Hitachi Limited Inkel Corporation

Joshin Denki CO Ltd Kxd Digital Entertainment Ltd Loewe AG Loud Technologies, Inc. MARANTZ JAPAN INCORPORATED MATSUSHITA-KOTOBUKI ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES LTD Mems Technology Berhad Mustek Ltd Nxt Plc OMEGA HOLDINGS LIMITED Philips Electronique Grand Public Sa Philips Gmbh Pioneer Corporation Polk Audio, Inc. Powerlinx, Inc. Q-See Sansui Electric Co., Ltd. Schneider Technologies AG

Setron (malaysia) Berhad Shinseido Co., Ltd. SHINTOM CO., LTD. Sichuan Hushan Electronic Co., Ltd. Skyworth Digital Holdings Ltd Starlight International Holdings Ltd Starlight International Holdings Ltd - A Tai Yuan Tianlong Group Co., Ltd. Taiwan Kolin Co. Ltd. Tbk Electronics Co., Ltd. Tcl International Holdings Ltd Telex Communications, Inc. Tianjin Tiandatiancai Company Limited U-Tech Media Corporation Victor Company OF Japan Limited VIDEOPROPULSION, INCORPORATED Xiamen Overseas Chinese Zenith Electronics Corporation

Guide to Home Audio and Video Products

Dazzle your customers with the next generation in consumer audio and video
By Sandy Crouch

Home audio and video products are all the rage with consumers. Content may be king on the internet, but exciting multimedia components claim the throne in home audio video systems. Consumers want digital surround sound and high definition monitors for the ultimate theater experience at home. Give them what they want, and they will come.

A whole new frontier in home video devices, surround sound audio and audio video home entertainment systems has opened up. Your inventory should reflect the new advancements in technology that allow you to package a high-end dream system or provide unsurpassed quality in a more budget-friendly configuration...combine that with superior customer service, and you've got a loyal customer. But, what products in home AV are generating a buzz with consumers?

1. Home-theater-in-a-box audio video systems

2. High definition television

3. Home AV network video streamers

4. Home audio video high-definition DVRs

5. Surround sound speaker systems

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Simplify their lives with theater-in-a-box home audio video systems Some customers will not have the patience or the knowledge to assemble a home theater system from separate audio video equipment. Fortunately, you can provide them with a welcome alternative - theater-in-a-box. They can purchase the entire home audio video system in one convenient package. Add a TV, and they are ready to go.

I recommend:  Sony's BRAVIA Theater System includes a five-disc DVD changer, 1080i HD output, automatic speaker calibration, component video pass-through and comes XM radio ready. Your customers will love the combination of features in a package that won't break the bank. The Onkyo home theater system rises to the top as the first THX-certified home theater-in-a-box system. The sound quality from this system is one of the best they'll find in home theater.

Monitor their excitement with HD home audio and video products Making the switch to high-definition TV is on the mind of every home audio video consumer. The promise of superior resolution, or picture detail, takes their breath away. Now that 1080p format is more widely available, consumer audio and video shoppers want to upgrade since this format combines the unsurpassed resolution of 1080i with the smooth progressive-scan of 720p.

I recommend:  Panasonic Viera Plasma HDTVs boast deep blacks and highly accurate colors. The anti reflective screen and single-pane design coupled with the precision of the THX mode make it one of the best performers out there. LG's Scarlet LCD Flat Panel HDTVs are setting high-definition on fire. The 1080p resolution, TrueMotion technology, cinematic sound quality, intelligent sensor and consumer AV hot keys for different picture modes make it truly seductive.

Get customers streaming to your door with new consumer audio and video Network video streamers are increasing in popularity. The technology lets customers stream digital music and video over their network from computer to living room. Along the same lines, place shifting devices allow your customers to stream home AV sources to a broadband-connected computer. Both products allow mobile consumers to have their cake and eat it too.

I recommend:  Apple TV gives consumers access to a wide network of media content like TV shows, music, movie rentals and podcasts. The easy-to-use interface and state-of-the-art networking make for smooth sailing. Sling Media's Slingbox lets customers watch their TV from virtually anywhere. The system steams consumer audio and video to their computer, cell phone or mobile device anywhere in the world with no monthly fees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• CNET.com is a great resource for keeping up with new technology. Their unbiased reviews and pricing comparisons will keep you one step ahead of the competition.