A new 13" Sharp TV that cost me the equivalent of $85US at CostCo let's me avoid turning on the HDTV, plus I don't have to fire up the amps as well since it has its own sound capability. I can look at any source, monitor one source while watching another, cue up VCR's etc. to tape, all while saving wear and tear on the more valuable components. I can also move it to other rooms in the house in a flash if need be.

Of course it has a "coolness factor" of zero - or less, takes up more space in my racks than a small LCD would, and offered no challenge to incorporate into the existing system.

I'm jealous.

Jeff Mackwood