Coolest Inventions 2004: Screen Magic

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SOUND ALL 'ROUND

If you haven't yet jumped into surround sound--that is, bedecked your TV room with at least five speakers and a subwoofer--you have two sweet new options that include DVD player and speakers. Yamaha's affordable CinemaStation DVX-S650 home theater ($650; yamaha.com/yec can adjust the relative settings of each speaker by "listening" to the room with its special microphone. Not sure you want all those speakers? Denon doesn't blame you. Its D-M51DVS ($800; usa.denon.com creates seemingly real surround sound using only two speakers and, of course, the sub.

Sharp Aquos LC-20B6U-S

With its high-resolution screen (1024 by 762 if you're keeping score), this thin 20-in. LCD can be used as a high-definition TV or a PC monitor. There's also a 15-in. non-HD model for $650. sharpusa.com ($1,200)

Logitech Harmony 676

Pretty smart for a universal remote, the 676 relies on a Web wizard to get you set up, instead of making you punch in those annoying codes. Three changeable color plates are included. logitech.com ($230)

Hitachi 50VS810

Craving a big screen with class, but plasma's still too pricey? The 50-in. CineForm rear-projection TV uses new technology so it's bright, lightweight and almost as slim--at a lower cost. hitachi.us/tv($4,000)

Toshiba 26HF84

There's still life in the old-school cathode-ray-tube category. This 26-in. high-definition wide-screen set, with the latest digital-video inputs, is one of the best deals around. tacp.toshiba.com ($800)

GoVideo VR2940

Combine a VCR with a DVD recorder, and you have a way to put home movies on disc. This uses special software to prevent DVD-creation headaches. www.govideo.com ($350)