MORE COOL HOME THEATER GADGETS

JVC JX-S777 Audio/Video Switcher

You can buy cheaper audio/video switchers, but they won't switch everything this baby does. This is the first A/V switcher with full digital video, component video, and digital audio connections. Here's what you get. Inputs: eight composite/S-Video/audio, two component video, and two digital optical audio. Outputs: five composite/S-Video/audio, two component video, one digital optical audio. Plus, you get three FireWire DV input/output connections. You control them all via front-panel buttons or with the wireless remote control.

Model: JX-S777 Manufacturer: JVC (www.jvc.com) Dimensions: 17 3/16'' (w) x 4 1/8'' (h) Weight: 8.4 lbs. Price: $799.95

Polk Audio XRt12 XM Component Tuner

If you're an XM satellite radio junkie, you don't want your listening to stop when you get out of your car. There's tons of good programming on XM, and now you can listen to it on your home audio system, thanks to Polk's XRt12 XM tuner. It sits in your equipment rack like any other audio component and connects to your audio receiver. You do have to run a wire to a remote satellite antenna (either outside or near a window), but from then on it's like using any other audio component. It's XM radio in your living room, at the highest possible quality.

Model: XRt12 Manufacturer: Polk Audio (www.polkaudio.com) Dimensions: 17'' (w) x 2.3'' (h) x 10.5'' (d) Weight: 5 lbs. Price: $299.95

Monster Reference PowerCenter HTS3500 MKII

If you've spent a few grand or more on a quality audio/video system, you don't want to plug your stuff straight into a standard wall outlet. Monster's PowerCenter is a line conditioner that serves to filter out line noise as well as isolate noise between components. The HTS3500 (other models are available) filters 10 AC outlets, 3 coaxial connections, and 1 phone line connection. It's sized to look like a standard audio component, and fit comfortably in your equipment rack.

Model: HTS3500 MKII Manufacturer: Monster Cable (www.monstercable.com) Dimensions: 17 1/8'' (w) x 3 7/8'' (h) x 12'' (d) Weight: 4.9 lbs. Price: $399.95

Couch Potato Tormentor

Here's a gadget for the spouse of the ultimate home theater enthusiast. The Couch Potato Tormentor is the anti-remote, a small device that interferes with your television viewing. It randomly changes the channel your spouse is watching, which leads to all manner of hilarity (and possible spousal conflict). Use at your own risk!

Model: Couch Potato Tormentor Manufacturer: For Play Electronics (www.couchpotatotormentor.com) Price: $14.95

Surround Sound Tube Headphones

Surround sound is great, but what do you do if your spouse or neighbors want you to turn down the sound? Well, with the Surround Sound Tube Headphones you can turn off the speakers and get full surround sound from headphone listening. Five headphone drivers surround your head in a halo-like tube of sound, replicating the five separate channels in a Dolby Digital or DTS soundtrack. The Tube headphones are currently shipping in Europe only; check with the manufacturer for U.S. availability.

Model: THS 2004-5 Manufacturer: TubeSurround Corporation (www.tubesurround.com) Price: ~$190

Sony MDR-DS8000 Surround Sound Headphones

Sony's MDR-DS8000 replicates a six-channel surround sound experience in a single set of wireless headphones. Not only do you get surround sound without the speakers, you eliminate the cord from the phones to your receiver. Sony uses infrared technology so you can sit up to 33 feet away from the receiver. There's also a Gyro head-tracking system that rotates the soundwave when you rotate your head a really neat and practical effect.

Model: MDR-DS8000 Manufacturer: Sony (www.sonystyle.com) Price: $799.99

Premiere MovieLounger Bijou Theater Seating

Let's face it, here's what you really want movie theater seating for your home theater system. Premiere makes a full line of MovieLounger seating; the Bijou series is a Euro-deco style chair, ideal for a contemporary home theater system. The chair's a wall-hugger recliner, natch, with cup holders in each arm. It's available in loveseat or couch configuration; contact the manufacturer for more details.

Model: Bijou Manufacturer: Premiere (www.premierehts.com) Price: $2,000+

D-Box Quest Motion Simulator Chair

Here's another approach to home theater seating one that moves. D-Box's Quest is a motion simulator chair, which means that it moves back and forth to simulate the onscreen action. Imagine watching a car chase, and having your chair throw you right and left as the cars corner down the streets. For best effect, the Quest chair works with special motion-coded movies; there are currently 400 major titles available. Contact the manufacturer for specific seating configurations.

Model: Quest Manufacturer: D-Box (www.d-box.com) Price: $5,000+