Cambridge SoundWorks, a manufacturer and retailer of home theater, home audio and multimedia products, today introduced its MegaTheater? line, four ready-to-go home theater packages with DVD player that incorporate high-powered digital hybrid amplifiers and high-performance speakers to deliver true "movie theater" sound quality. The MegaTheater systems, which range in price from $699.99 to $1,299.99, are similar visually and operationally to other "home-theater-in-a-box" systems, but the resemblance stops there. A 450-watt B.A.S.H.? digital hybrid amplifier system and ultra-high-quality speakers from Cambridge SoundWorks' Newton Series? delivers higher performance. Cambridge Soundworks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Creative Technology. The cornerstone of the MegaTheater line is the new, versatile Cambridge SoundWorks' DVD/tuner console, MegaTheater AVS500. Unlike most other all-in-one home theater consoles, the AVS500 doesn't rely on compact, low-power amplifier modules that limit output and prevent the use of better-quality speakers. Instead, the console delivers signals to a powerful 450-watt B.A.S.H. digital hybrid amplifier located in the system's subwoofer. This allows for a sleek, compact control console without limiting the system's performance. The AVS500 contains functionality for CD, VCD, DVD, CDRW, and MP3 playback, as well as a digital AM/FM stereo tuner. Dolby® Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic® Surround sound modes are featured. The AVS500 features high performance functionality, including progressive scan component video outputs, and proprietary 3:2 pulldown technology that offers superior, crisp flicker free images from high-definition TV sets. Two additional inputs are provided for connection of auxiliary AV sources such as a VCR, Cable Box, or satellite dish. Optical and coaxial digital inputs are provided to feed AC3 bitstream from a Digital Cable box or Satellite receiver through the Dolby Digital surround decoder. The AVS500 has 5.1 preamp level outputs, along with both optical and coaxial digital outputs usable for connection to an outboard processor/receiver or audio recording on DAT or Minidisc. All functions are controlled from the included I.R. remote control. Source: HiFi.com