LATEST ADDITIONS

The next generation of home theater equipment is likely to be smaller and more efficient, thanks to recent developments in digital amplification at <A HREF="http://www.ti.com/">Texas Instruments</A>.

VInc. is a new company with a filial relationship to Princeton Graphics, a maker of computer displays and a line of commercial DTVs. The companies share a major investor in William Wang, and V Inc. has ambitious plans for the world of consumer electronics.

I Reviewed the Meridian 568 surround processor in the December 2000 <I>SGHT</I>, and since then I've used it almost continuously in one of my two systems. So I was expectantly curious when I discovered that Meridian was sending out their new 568.2 processor ($6995) to replace it, along with the new, companion 598 DVD-Audio player. (Actually, they sent me the 568.2MM, which includes the multichannel input module and lists for $7745.)

The DVD format continues to gain momentum. Earlier this year, DVD rentals exceeded VHS in units and dollar business for the first time, sure signs that videotape is headed for extinction.