 Sony
I hate radio programming in Los Angeles. Sony has teamed up with satellite broadcaster XM Satellite to create a separate, powered satellite radio receiver for XM Satellite’s 100 channels. For between $299 to $399, you can hook your Sony XM Satellite receiver up to your car or home audio system, so that you can stream in 100 XM stations. 80 of the 100 channels are original programming. The other 20 are comprised of known syndicators like CNN and the BBC.
 Okay, you’re in your car and you hear a song you like, perhaps Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me.” All you do is touch your tiny Sony e-marker and it remembers your favorite tunes, so that when you get home or to your office you can plug your $19 e-marker into your USB hub and download the 411 about the tune onto your PC. The e-marker.com site launches from there. You have the option of making note of the tune, buying it from an online retailer or getting the details to download the MP3.
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Symposium
 Symposium makes isolation products that even jaded critics say really work. The latest product is called the Roller Block system. What the Roller Block does is dissipate and decouple mechanical energy from components, while providing isolation from external sources. A set of three starts at $299, with two ball bearing upgrades. The first upgrade is a tungsten carbide ball bearing for $75 for a set of three; the top of the line upgrade is known as the Super Ball, which costs $345 for a set of three. Liberal trades and an unconditional guarantee come with all Symposium products. Symposium products are sold direct or through high end audio dealers.
Svelte Shelf is a brushed stainless steel, constrained layer equipment platform that is a mere five-eighths of an inch thick. It reportedly improves both components on a shelf and under loudspeakers. The shelf dissipates mechanical energy as heat without introducing other resonance. A wide variety of custom sizes are available.
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 Mercedes Benz
The German luxury car maker showed their integrated AV and cellular technology in the $119,000, CL600 V12 sports coupe. The new Benz can pull stock quotes and e-mail onto your main screen in your dash while giving you GPS and total control over the Bose music playback system. System controls are also found on the steering wheel.
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 Disc Gear
We found the coolest CD storage equipment in the automated 100 CD desk organizer named the Disc Zen ($95). Also, Disc Gear has the best portable CD or DVD carrying case we’ve seen to date. It loads from both sides and can pack between 20 and 40 discs. Prices range from $25 to $40.
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 Boltz USA
Boltz USA makes a line of modular steel racks. The expandable racks come in various sizes for VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs and LPs. Boltz USA also displayed their new component and A/V racks.
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DH Labs
DH Labs is known for their unique application of silver over a copper conductor. The application of silver is said to reduce pitting and thereby the harshness often associated with silver cables. DH Labs introduced their new Q10 speaker wires, with 12- and 14-gauge conductors, capable of being internally biwired.
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 Analysis Plus, Inc.
Analysis Plus was on hand with several new cables, including their Copper Oval In’s, the copper version of their excellent silver interconnects. Also on display were Analysis Plus’ new power, component video, composite video and digital cables. Analysis Plus cables utilize a unique hollow oval design that results in uniform current distribution and low resistance.
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 Home Director
Home Director produces a line of home networking products designed to distribute audio, video, high speed Internet access and more throughout the home. Home Director displayed several of their many networking products and unveiled new security, entertainment and communications network packages at CES. The Home Director products are modular and can be configured to suit most needs.
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