Last night Sony showed off its DAV-IS 10 system. This 5.1-channel home theater in a box has five tiny speakers, each the size of a golf ball. The 50-watt speakers (each) and the normal-size subwoofer (200 watts) put out a roaring 450 watts of butt-kicking power.

Matched with the single-disc DVD player/receiver, it scales video up to 720p or 1080i format when connected via HDMI to an HDTV. It also takes advantage of the Bravia Theater Sync technology — a control interface for switching inputs that works through the HDMI cable but only if you have a Bravia HDTV. If you do, then you know about this and if you don't, then who cares? There's more: The Digital Media Port lets you hook up Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Also, you get Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, which simplifies setting up the sound.

Come July, you'll be able to buy the DAV-IS10 for $800. See more pics from last night's presentation by following the link. — Ken Sander