Onkyo is launching the WAVIO KM-2W its second (one year after the KB-1) keyboard/mouse combo for media center, composed of a brushed aluminum keyboard and mouse. The whole system is wireless and comes with 2.4GHz USB receivers, the keyboard has a 106-key Japanese layout plus 7 shortcut keys while the mouse is equipped with a 800dpi sensor.

The KM-2W is due to become available early this month in Japan in both black or silver anodized finish.

Panasonic will release their new RP-HJE900 high-end earphones in Japan on June 15th. These boast a body and driver made of zirconia, which is commonly used as a substitute for diamond in jewelery and known for its hardness. According to Panasonic, this material reduces vibration and improve sound quality. The RP-HJE900 comes with 1.2m detachable cables and don't expect them at less than $100, the announced price is about $190.

Specifications:
► Frequency response: 06Hz ~ 28kHz
► Nominal impedance: 26Ω
► Sensitivity: 100dB/mW
► Power handling: 200mW

JVC has introduced a couple of versatile HD video recorders, called the DR-HX500 and DR-HX250. Both models combine a HDD in 500GB capacity or 250GB along with a DVD burner and a VHS recorder. They also feature digital/anolog tuners that allows the recording of 2 programs simultaneously, EPG support, HDMI v1.2a with CEC, S-video and composite outputs, and two remote controls.

No release date was announced, but prices (converted from yen) are $890 for the 500Gb model and $710 for the 250Gb model.

LG has launched in the US the LFD850, a 160-watt stereo shelf system which combines superior sound quality and an attractive appearance in a compact package with piano black finish. The LFD850 features an AM/FM tuner, clock radio, CD/DVD playback with vacuum-loading vertical slot, USB media host, 3.5mm auxiliary input and all the needed video outputs to watch your DVD or DivX on a TV.

The LFD850 system comes along with a handy remote control for $299, and for $229 you can get the basic version without the DVD playback feature and video outputs.

Sony Japan is rolling out a new home theater-in-a-box system with cube-shaped speakers. As tiny as golf balls, each satellite measures just 1.7 inches on each side and providesno less than 45W, in addition to a 200W subwoofer. The HT-IS100 supports Dolby Digital/Dolby Pro Logic II/DTS and includes 3x HDMI ports, AM/FM tuner, S-Master audio system as well as the Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC).

The system goes on sale in Japan on June 25th for 90,000 yen ($890), but no word yet on availability nor pricing for U.S. and European markets.

The Montegiro Lusso is one of most beautiful and expensive turntable I've seen. This piece of art is built upon alternate polished layers of aluminum and black acrylic, including the upside -down cone for the aluminum platter fitted with an acrylic platter. The turntable is driven by a newly developed, extremely precise high-end synchronous motor suspended within one of the cones. The cones, connected to each other, embrace height-adjustable feet that serve for perfect set-up. Even the carbon tonearm, mounted on a cone, demonstrates attention to detail and style.

Prices start at $47,000 for the "basic configuration" which consists of a 10" carbon arm from Da Vinci (model Nobile), and the MG1 from the Montegiro family, a state-of-the-art pickup-system from titanium. The top-of-the-line model with four cones includes a 9" SME, model 5009 tonearm.

In complement of the new Scarlet LCD TV series, LG is launching the Scarlet HT953TVP home theater system. Designed in the same way as the TV, with an elegant black high-gloss finish, this 5.1-channel system includes the V.S.M technology (Virtual Sound Matrix) first employed on the HT762TZ system, which simulates a 10.1-channel configuration. The system does 1080p upconversion, read MP3 files and an "USB Recording" feature lets the user copy his MP3 CDs on a USB storage device.

There is no word on pricing or availability at the moment.

JVC Japan (Victor) has announced a new pair of bookshelf speakers, the SX-M3 where the M3 stands for Music, Magnesium and Mechanical Base Mount. As said before both tweeter and medium drivers employ magnesium in their construction. The cabinet is made up of cherry wood veneer and to reduce vibration, the engineers added a cast-iron base with three foot along with a trapezoidal cabinet structure.

The SX-M3 are available in Japan for $950 per speaker, so if you want to listen stereo music, you have to buy a pair...

Specifications:
► Frequency response: 50Hz ~ 65kHz
► Nominal impedance: 6Ω
► Sensitivity: 88dB/mW
► Power handling: 120W

Here is the newest Blu-ray recorder from Hitachi, called the Wooo DV-BH250, it will be available early this month in Japan, but price tag is still unknown. The player features a 250GB HDD, HDMI output (of course) and the device is AVCREC compatible, which means this player is able to record high-definition content straight on DVD-R/RW/RAM formats besides the BD-R/RE formats.

Marantz will release soon its first blu-ray player, the BD8002. Unveiled at the last CES in Las Vegas, this high-end player will be priced at $1,999. Marantz equipped it with a 10-bit Silicon Optix Realta video processor, HDMI 1.3 connection as well as the latest in HD audio decoding including Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio. The player also offers a SD-card reader, analog audio outputs and it even plays your old DVDs with upconversion feature or CDs.