Panasonic's new SC-HTR510-K (pictured) and SC-HTR10-K are a pieces of gear that, for lack of a better term, is called the theater rack -- that union of furniture, electronics and speakers that in an audio-only time would have been called a console system. We'd much prefer a HTIB (especially one of the Japan-only models) to these electrified pieces of furniture, but they are probably only meant for space-constrained Japanese market. The larger ¥200,000 ($1,800) SC-HTR510-K is a 3.1-channel system with 3x65-Watts of power and a 90-Watt subwoofer, while the ¥50,000 ($450) 2.1-channel SC-HTR10-K makes do with 2x25-Watts in the front and a 30-Watt sub. Simplicity is obviously the drive with these, so Viera Link shows up along with AAC, Dolby Digital and DTS decoding.

Need a home theater upgrade from your TV's audio but don't feel the need to have any of those messy things like speakers laying around? Sony's announced its own HTIB / TV stand, the RHT-G500, a 3.1 channel sound system with three HDMI 1.3 inputs, BRAVIA Sync connectivity and a Digital Media Port for additional access to iPods, WiFi etc. With S-Force PRO Front surround technology (apparently they're not bothering to fake 5.1 without rear channels anymore) Sony Europe didn't see the need to include any further specs or pricing info, though it should fit and BRAVIA LCD from 32 - 40-inches with no problem, unless you consider the lingering feeling you probably would have been better off with a midrange HTIB system a "problem".

[Via Slash Gear]

Having come to the land of HD from the audio world, it's ironic to see the return of essentially "console" systems that put speakers, amps and processing in a TV stand. But hey, fashion moves in cycles, right? Seriously, we'd recommend a HTIB system before one of these, but if you are really space- or fashion-constrained, or simply can't be bothered to think about both audio equipment and display furniture, then Panasonic's new SC-HTR110 might interest you. They've come up with a clever name, "rack theater," which will compliment your (naturally) Viera TV with basic surround decoding (including Dolby Virtual Speaker tech for surround-ish sound), amplification and four drivers spread across L/R channels. All of that, built into the TV stand! Up for grabs next month in Japan (where it makes more sense); let's hope this is one trend that doesn't catch on Stateside.

Sharp's new ANPR1000H is two, two products in one: TV stand and 2.1 "surround" sound system. There's also an FM tuner thrown in to complete the package. As you can see, you get L-R channels and two "sub"woofers. Oh yeah, and a place for your TV and assorted players. It's not the monster that Evesham has, but the receiver section of this console features 4x75W, Dolby's Audistry processing (for all manner of sound enhancement), and decoding for DTS, Dolby Digital, and Pro Logic II. We'd rather put the money into a receiver and speakers, but this is probably the sort of setup that was in mind for some other recommendations. No word on US availability, it's currently in Australia for AU$1099 (roughly US$980).

The Consumer Product and Safety Commission has just issued a voluntary recall on two models of Sauder Woodworking television stands that have caused 43 reports of injury. Some 414,000 of the stands, sold at Wal-marts nationwide from January 2005 until May of this year, can collapse if the legs on the lower shelf aren't assembled properly. Consumers should stop using the stand if it begins to move "side-to-side," although we'd probably recommend grabbing a pair of pliers and throwing a little elbow grease into those bolts, just to make sure.

Why settle for the measly two speakers built into that LED 120hz LCD when you can grab the new Evesham TV stand with nine? The Sound Stage X1 jump starts your surround sound with a subwoofer, two center-channel speakers, four front speakers, and finishes off with two more for the rear surrounds. The speaker orientation uses the acoustic properties of the room to bounce sound off of the rear and side walls, so it works best in a square-shaped room, but it should be a good alternative to stringing wires under the carpet or through the attic. The stand will match many of the new piano-black reflective finishes in today's flat-panel screens, and retails for £300. Now if we could just get them to do something about the TV stand with built-in drink holders...

If what you really want is a neat cable-less living room, a flat-screen seeming to be suspended on its own and don't want to tear into your walls to connect everything, ALU may have the television stand for you. It's a fake wall plus shelves for your equipment, that will support up to a 47-inch 185-pound flat-panel TV on its aluminum frame. We haven't seen this show up in the HD Beat flickr group yet, anyone willing to lay down $1,398 for the privilege?

[Via QJ.net]

Want better audio but just cannot stand to put speakers next to your beautiful flat panel? Onkyo has a stand for you that includes the center and front speakers right in the stand. This is the second generation of this product and Onkyo is a quality audio company so you can be sure this stand is worth almost $700.

The Asian market gets this stand first and since it looks a heck of a lot better then the one in our market, lets hope we get this one soon.