January 6, 2000

DVD + you name it

Once a new technology gets a firm foothold with consumers, you don't need to wait long for variations on the theme. DVD is no exception. Now that the straight DVD player is becoming a mainstream product, manufacturers are combining it with other technologies in search of that elusive market hit. So, if you didn't get a DVD player for Christmas, you might consider waiting for one of these introductions out of CES 2000:

• EchoStar Communications unveiled the DISH DVD, which combines a DVD player with a DISH Network satellite-TV receiver. The unit is slated to hit the market this summer at $399.





• I-Jam Multimedia announced its IJ-888, a DVD player that can decode and play MP3 files burned onto CD-R discs, and also incorporates karaoke features.

• Clarion said that its next-generation AutoPC will contain DVD playback capabilities courtesy of silicon from Sigma Designs.

—by Matthew Miller