10 Great Gifts for the Christmas Holidays 2008

Here are 10 great gifts that should spread some holiday cheer(from cepro.com slideshow).

The Dark Knight on Blu-ray
Some have called this the best superhero movie ever released.
The near 2.5-hour movie features an all-star cast and all of the elements that home theater buffs will eat up: a 2.40 aspect ratio, HD video, Dolby True HD uncompressed audio and IMAX sequences shot in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio.

Tip: Rip Home DVD with Best DVD Ripper
MSRP: $29.95

Panasonic DMP-BD55K Blu-ray Player
With the prices of Blu-ray hardware and software falling, it is now time to put consumers into a format that has a wow factor.
Panasonic has been consistent in putting out good products, and the DMP-BD55K is one of the company’s new players that includes the interactive BD-Live option.
What makes the BD55K really attractive is its built-in Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio decoding and 7.1 analog outputs, which means it can be used to deliver uncompressed surround audio with clients’ existing receivers and pre/pros providing these products have 7.1 analog inputs.
This is a nice upgrade that in the grand scheme of things costs short money for the client. Once an installer includes the additional cabling needed to make the connection, it’s a nice incremental revenue sale.

Cue Radio Model r1
Cue Acoustics’ Model r1 is a fun little package of good sound for a couple hundred bucks.
The unit is compatible with iPhones and iPods and provides tactile volume feedback, alarm-clock functions and displays info like artist and song.
Tip: Professional MP4 Converter to Convert DVD movie video to iPhone iPod.

Cue Acoustics
MSRP: $399

Wadia Digital 170i Transport
Designed to satisfy budget-minded audiophiles or anyone who appreciates music, the 170i Transport keeps the iPod’s audio in the digital domain.
The transport also offers composite, S-video and component video outputs and the option of analog audio outputs in the event that a digital input isn’t available on the preamp the transport is being connected to. Or if you have iPod Converter software to convert DVD video to iPod is also good.
MSRP: $379
Wadia Digital

ZVox 550 Speaker System
The ZVox 550 Speaker System is the most expensive product on this list, but it still represents value.
The speaker system is designed to provide stereo and virtual surround sound for consumers who are ideally placing a secondary TV in a bedroom, den, study or home office.
Consumers can think of the system as a pedestal that the TV goes on and can justify the price by listening to their TV’s internal speakers and comparing them to the 550’s sound.
This is a nice add-on product for electronics professionals, and through ZVox’s dealer programs, there is enough of an incentive to demo to clients.
MSRP: $499
ZVox Audio

URC MX-450
How many times has an installer or specialty retailer heard a client complain about the box of remote controls?
URC’s MX-450 checks in for less than $300 and can be configured without a PC to control a client’s home theater or electronics.
The remote features a combination of hard buttons and a color GUI to provide immediate feedback to consumers wanting to rid themselves of the remote control mess.
MSRP: $249
Universal Remote Control

Guns N' Roses: Chinese Democracy
This little throw-in should please clients who love rock music.
Like it or not, you have to give Axl Rose credit for finally releasing “Chinese Democracy” and proving Dr. Pepper wrong. Aside from Axl’s whining, the album is pretty good and the shining moment that’s apparent throughout out the record is, yes, Axl can write some good songs and Buckethead’s tasteful shredding.
Guns N’ Roses

Straight Wire Musicable II iPod Cable
Straight Wire has always produced some of the best cabling products at approachable prices.
The Musicable II iPod cable is an upgrade iPod connection product that allows users to enjoy music collections through tabletop radios, stereos and home theater systems.
Straight Wire

PS Audio Plasma Power Cable
Cables are a simple and noticeable upgrade to anyone’s electronics purchases.
PS Audio’s Plasma Power Cable checks in for less than $70 and is designed for flat-panel TVs and the space restrictions often associated with them.
Another product within PS Audio’s line of cabling that could be used to address space restrictions is the xStream Radian Power Cable. It’s more expensive, but unlike the Plasma Power Cable that uses a right-angle male plug, it employs a right-angle female plug to fit snugly behind an amp or flat-panel TV.
PS Audio

Rush: Snakes and Arrows Live on Blu-ray
Rush seems to better grasp the potential of the home video market and the technologies that fuel its popularity with the release of each DVD.
The Snakes and Arrows Live Blu-ray disc looks fantastic. With its optional DTS Master Audio soundtrack, it delivers the full dynamic impact of three of the best musicians in rock music.
Compared to older Rush DVDs, Neil Peart’s drums sound more defined, Geddy Lee’s bass is punchier and Alex Lifeson’s array of Gibson guitars sound more vibrant.
MSRP: $24.99
Rush