However, since they are at three price points with different amounts of functionality, we can recommend them to three different types of people.

First, the LG DN191H. It's small, thin, and only around $80. Although there are some shortcomings—lack of 5.1 for one—it's great for people who just want to watch some "HD" content on their new HD sets, but don't really care that much about audio quality or visual quality. Be prepared to miss out on features with this one.

Next, for the mid-range crowd, there's the Oppo DV-981HD. It supports 1080p, has fantastic DivX support, and wi the Faroudja upconverting technology, DVDs look pretty darn great. You'll have to have pretty great eyes to see a difference between one player's upconversion and another player's—it's definitely not as big as the gaps between DVD and HD or DVD and upconverting—but this player does give you great image quality.

At a price of $230, it's two or three times the price of the LG player, but you get 5.1 audio, 1080p support, and a better overall experience.

Lastly, there's the Helios X3000 network DVD/DivX player. This player has both Wi-Fi and 10/100 Ethernet, which means you can stream DivX movies off your PC without having to burn them to disc. Great.

Add to that 5.1 optical and coax output, HDMI, 1080p resolution, and you've got DVD and DivX performance at least as good as the Oppo. Which is a good thing, because at the grand total of $379, you're paying a $149 premium to add that networking functionality.

So to sum it up:
•Low-enders: LG DN191H [Best Buy]
•DVD/DivX Only: Oppo DV-981HD [Oppo]
•DVD/DivX With Networking: Helios X3000 [ModernJoys]

– Jason Chen

Did we like it? You bet your mother (in-law).

The features the X3000 has in common with the H4000—5.1 surround audio via optical or component audio outputs, HDMI, component, and VGA video—don't disappoint on the X3000. Upscaling DVDs looks great on our HDTV set in 1080i, and the 5.1 surround sounded solid on our setup as well. But the new stuff performed admirably too.

The X3000 has both ethernet and 802.11g wireless (complete with antenna). By using Window's Media Connect, you can hook up to any folder on your PC and play back any supported video file—DivX, etc.—without having to burn the disc first. If your wireless connection is fast enough and home layout obstruction free, there's no cables needed to set this up either.

In addition, there's a NeoLink Server Software that comes with the player so you can install and share music and photos as well. The Helios Media Portal is a sort of online portal you can reach with your player, but didn't have all that much content when we tested it out. Sort of a novelty rather than something you're going to be using all the time.

So is the networking functionality really worth going up $200 to $379 from the H4000's $169? We'd say so. If you're a frequent connoisseur of downloaded media, it'll save you lots of time and DVD-R discs by streaming instead of burning. But if you're looking for a thrifty solution without networking, you're be fine with the Helios H4000. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Neodigits]

Update: Reader Jeff notes you can save $37 by ordering here:
Product Page [Modern Joys]

Wi-Q Universal Remote Control is an all-in-one remote that has an integrated LCD screen that can display program guides and control every part of your home theatre. It uses EPG on remote updated via Wi-Fi. Meaning it connects to your network and downloads television program guides. This will be available in 2006 for $299, while sounds high is actually a competitive price compared to the other high-end Logitech remotes that are out.

RCA Rip and Go, a bookshelf audio system that directly rips from CD to MP3 players. It will exist in five different new products in 2006. Varying from a 10-watt system to a massive 160 watt unit with a 5 cd changed, 2x ripping, Wi-Fi, and Sirius satellite radio in home. Thomson will be working with Sirius for the new SiriusConnect Home service to bring satellite radio into the home.

Thomson says best way to beat the iPod is to go around, they are doing this by using very simple flash players. Their new line will be fully customized with decals and color faceplates, oh joy! This line starts at $59. Good luck is all I have to say.

Lyra X3000 Personal Multimedia Recorder, it allows direct recording of products minus a PC. They will be partnering with DirectTV and the service, DirectTV 2Go for television on the X3000, while the Lyra won't be able to directly connect to the DirectTV network, your pre-existing set top box will be upgradeable to a model that can link with the box and download content directly to the Lyra. The X3000 uses IR, MPEG4 technologies, real time recording from an analog source or transfer from a PC. It has a convenient media dock that can sit in your home theatre for easy transfer. It obeys the Windows Media DRM, supports photo viewing from SD or directly from a PC/camera. It is also compatible with audible.com for you audio book junkies. [Lyra pictured]

More products from the press conference in a moment.