New Products

SamsungHere we go folks - both your video playback and recording needs are handled by Samsung's DVD-VR300 combo DVD/VHS recorder. Each side can record from an external source or from a disc or tape loaded in the other side (though neither will let you dub copy-protected movies). The DVD deck can burn DVD-R/RW and DVD-RAM discs, and when recording a TV program to DVD-RAM you can pause it or use instant replay while the recording is in progress. You can also play CD-Rs and CD-RWs with MP3 files as well as CDs with JPEG photos. A set of front-panel inputs behind a hinged door includes a FireWire port for quick transfers of camcorder footage to disc. Price: $550. www.samsungusa.com, 800-726-7864

Bose Stereo Everywhere is the technology - and idea - behind Bose's 151 SE outdoor speaker, whose trio of full-range 2 1/2-inch drivers is said to disperse sound over a wide area, allowing a larger-than-normal stereo "sweet spot." Available in a black or white finish, the 12 1/2-inch-wide speaker can be mounted vertically or horizontally with the supplied weather-resistant brackets. The polypropylene cabinet's contoured styling helps it blend with eaves, decks, or roofs. Slot-port tuning is said to reduce air turbulence at the port for cleaner bass. Best of all, Bose says you can install Stereo Everywhere speakers anywhere - they're engineered to withstand temperature extremes from 158 to -40°F and can endure snow, rain, and ice without a shiver. Price: $278 a pair. www.bose.com, 800-444-2673

Canon While many digital still cameras can record snippets of low-quality video, Canon's PowerShot S1 IS breaks from the pack by capturing video at 30 frames per second in 640 x 480-pixel resolution. The supplied 32-megabyte CompactFlash card will fill up quickly at that rate, but a 1-gigabyte card could store about an hour of video. Automatic white balance adapts to the ambient light, and the built-in microphone records at near-CD-quality sound. There's also a fold-out 1 1/2-inch LCD screen. For still pictures, the camera's CCD imaging sensor packs 3.2 megapixels, and a single-point focusing system locks in on your target quickly and silently - even when it's far away, thanks to the 10x optical zoom. The PowerShot S1 IS uses four AA batteries. Price: $499. www.usa.canon.com, 800-652-2666