LATEST ADDITIONS

While HDTVs are a lot cheaper now than they were a few years back, the options are still limited if you're looking to score a high-def model for not too much cash. You can get a hefty direct-view tube TV for less than $1,000, but the screen size on that baby is likely to be only 30 inches or less - too small if you want an engaging home theater experience.

<I>Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Bernard Hill, Christopher Lee, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Hugo Weaving, Miranda Otto, David Wenham, Brad Dourif, Karl Urban, John Noble. Featuring Andy Serkis as Gollum. With Ian Holm and Sean Bean. Directed by Peter Jackson. Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic). Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, DTS 6.1 ES, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround. Four discs. 250 minutes (film). 2004. New Line Home Video N6932. PG-13. $39.99.</I>

<I>Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Bernard Hill, Christopher Lee, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Hugo Weaving, Miranda Otto, David Wenham, Brad Dourif, Karl Urban, John Noble. Featuring Andy Serkis as Gollum. With Ian Holm and Sean Bean. Directed by Peter Jackson. Aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (anamorphic). Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, DTS 6.1 ES, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround. Four discs. 250 minutes (film). 2004. New Line Home Video N6932. PG-13. $39.99.</I>

<A HREF="http://www.meridian-audio.com">Meridian Audio</A> continues to improve its already excellent model 800 Optical Disc Player.