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Editors' note: This blog originally speculated that the Harman Kardon BDP 1 may not have onboard decoding for DTS-HD Master Audio, due to the original spec sheet that was released. Since publication, Harman Kardon has confirmed that the BDP 1 can, in fact, decode DTS-HD Master Audio.

Harman Kardon has long been a respected brand for AV receivers, but the company hasn't stepped into Blu-ray until now. The BDP 1 ($500 list price) is Harman Kardon's first Blu-ray player, and it has a basic feature set, eschewing the streaming media services that are becoming common on other players.

It's Profile 2.0 compliant, so it can take advantage of BD-Live features on some Blu-ray movies, and it also has onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Although the BDP 1 covers the Blu-ray basics, it's going to have an uphill battle against the competition at the $500 price point. For example, the LG BD390 is available for $400 and offers all the same functionality, plus Netflix streaming, YouTube access, built-in 802.11N Wi-Fi, 7.1 analog audio outputs, 1GB onboard storage, and extensive file format support. Unless you gotta have the Harman Kardon styling, we can't see too many reasons to go with the BDP 1 over the alternative options.

The Harman/Kardon Go+Play is one of the best-sounding portable iPod speakers we've tested, and it's on clearance.

(Credit: CBS Interactive)

It may be over 2 years old, but Harman/Kardon's Go+Play is still one of the best-sounding portable iPod speaker systems money can buy. Unfortunately, the $350 price tag has kept this luxury boombox far out of reach for much people--that is, until now.

Amazon slashed $140 off the Go+Play's price Friday, putting the oldie-but-goodie down to an affordable $210 (also available as a refurb, should the sale expire).

Realize that this is an older iPod accessory, and today's iPhones, Nanos, and iPod Touches might not charge or fit properly in the dock. It's more than likely that the reason for this sale is to blow out old stock to make room for an updated model with improved device compatibility.

Still, if you're hanging onto an older iPod (even a recent iPod Classic will work), this thing sounds fantastic! It eats Bose SoundDocks for breakfast.

To find out more on the Harman/Kardon's Go+Play, check out our full review.

Does your iPod really need a steering wheel remote?

Donald and Jasmine are back and ready to catch up on FLAC-compatible MP3 players, speakers that use "twoofers," headphones that use speakers, and a handy way to control your iPod while keeping your eyes on the road.

Plus, Jasmine offers some tips for taking your iTunes music collection to a non-Apple MP3 player, and Donald reviews an oldie but goodie.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

... Read more

The ultimate PC speakers?

(Credit: Harman Kardon)

Just came across this hot little number on Amazon: a set of Harman Kardon PC speakers made out of glass. They don't appear to be available quite yet, but Amazon is taking pre-orders at $999.99.

Harman's made other clear speakers in the past, including the well-received SoundSticks II system, but these are the first to use glass--and the GLA-55s really make a statement. From some angles they have a gem-like quality, from others--namely in profile--they look almost alien in nature.

While these speakers are obviously about design, Harman's also touting the GLA-55s' "impeccable" sound quality. (At $1,000, they better sound good, right?) In fact, Harman claims it's "arguably the best 2.0 speaker system ever engineered" with numerous proprietary technologies that empower the speakers to create "clear and accurate high-impact sound with a large soundstage."

The side view has a more alien vibe.

(Credit: Harman Kardon)

Whether glass is the best material from which to fashion speakers is debatable, but Harman says its glass enclosure material is "the same as what is used in bulletproof glass." The material is put through an "annealing" process, which "includes baking each enclosure at 80 degree C for 4 hours."

The company adds: "This process provides increased dimensional stability by realigning the molecular structure of the enclosure material. To further enhance performance, the GLA-55's enclosure has a variable wall thickness which creates a stiff and resonance free enclosure. The net result of the annealing process and variable wall thickness enclosure is increased bass performance and a reduction in unwanted distortions and resonances."

Needless to say, I'm excited to get my hands on a pair. But I'm not so sure that in this economy people are as excited to drop a grand on these guys. Comments?

(Credit: Harman Kardon)

Today's audiovisual receivers are complicated things. They can be a real pain to use, have excruciatingly complicated menu systems, and many don't even accommodate turntables! Point is if you're mostly interested in playing music do yourself a big favor and buy a stereo receiver.

Like Harman Kardon's new HK 3490 two times 120 watt receiver ($449). In my opinion Harman makes the best sounding AV receivers, and I have every reason to expect their stereo models to be even better. The engineers invested in a high-performance phono preamp, pre-out/main-in jacks, and high-current amplification. You also get front panel access to bass & treble controls, dual subwoofer outputs and if you ever miss surround sound switch on the Dolby Virtual Speaker processing that simulates surround from two speakers.

You can, of course, use the HK 3490 with a 2.0 or 2.1 channel home theater system.

Harman Kardon AVR 354

While most audio manufacturers trot out a new line of AV receivers every year, Harman Kardon generally sits out of the "feature war" and lets its models stay in the product line longer. That's why it's a big deal that the company has announced three new receivers, bringing many cutting-edge features that were previously missing from the company's lineup. As always, these new receivers have Harman's typically refined look, and now that some of the models include updated features--like high-resolution audio decoding, a high-def graphical user interface, and video upconversion--you won't have to settle for beauty without brains. Let's take an in-depth look at the new line.

Harman Kardon 154

(Credit: Harman Kardon)

Key features of the Harman Kardon 154:

• 5.1 channels, 30 watts per channel
• Three HDMI 1.3a inputs
... Read more

(Credit: Harman Kardon)

Harman Kardon is releasing the second iteration of its iPod bridge dock, which connects the media player to a home sound system, but it seems like a case of too little too late. For one thing, the "Bridge II" is apparently designed specifically for other Harmon Kardon equipment. Second, there's no indication that it can work wirelessly, as do other products such as Monster's "iSoniCast," which also provides similar remote functions. And it's more expensive at $129, as listed on iLounge. But if you're already eyeing Harman's new AVR-354 receiver, you can get one included for free this summer.

Click here to see our photos

At the 2008 New York auto show, Subaru announced the addition of Harman/Kardon audio systems to its Legacy and Outback models. We take a look at, and a listen to, the new stereos at the show.

Click here for photos of the Harman/Kardon audio system in the Subaru Legacy and Outback.

Click here for more 2008 New York auto show coverage.

HK SoundSticks II PC speakers

(Credit: CNET Networks)

If you're like a lot of urbanites, your PC or laptop is also your media center, home theater, and audio system. If your apartment is 120 square feet and you're paying $1300 a month in rent (hello San Francisco!), you want to save space and dollars, so an array of conventional speakers may not be an option for full-on audiophilic indulgence.

Harman Kardon to the rescue. The HK SoundSticks are legendary among computerists, design fans, and aficionados of ultraclear sound. And with this "II" version, they work equally well with a PC or a Mac. You'll sacrifice a teeny bit of the deepest bass, but other than that, these are among the top performers in small-size sound.

Several online sellers have them deeply discounted from their original price of around $200. We picked the lowest for your purchasing pleasure.

What: Harman Multimedia SoundSticks II
How much:$114.99
Shipping: $20.73
Where: OnSale.com
When: Through unknown date
Click here for product review.