The home theater in a box market continues to grow. Their low entry price makes them even more attractive in the current economic climate. So it comes at as no surprise that Samsung introduced new Blu-ray HTIB offerings at CES. Each offers 1080p playback with the Blu-ray player, and virtual or real 5.1 audio.

The HT-BD8200 is the first home theater sound bar equipped with a Blu-ray player and wireless subwoofer. At 2.6 inches deep, the BD8200 is designed for wall mounting, but still provides virtual 5.1 surround. Users can stream multimedia from the integrated Blu-ray player, USB port, a Bluetooth enabled media device, or through the included iPod dock. It networks via 802.11 b/g/n or USB dongle to stream Netflix or Pandora and is BD-Live (Profile 2.0) compatible.

Samsung unveiled several new Blu-ray models at the Consumer Electronics Show and plans to use these models to stay competitive in the multimedia device market. In addition to showcasing the world’s fist wall mountable Blu-Ray player, the BD-P4600, the corporation also introduced the high performance BD-P3600.

One of the most impressive features of these new Samsung players is their wireless capabilities. Through a built in Wi-Fi connection, users can access video and music streaming services through providers like Netflix and Pandora. The players also have 1GB internal flash memory in order to access different features, like BD Live and Bonus View. Besides Wi-Fi, the players come with two open USB ports.

Monster is closing in on the Holy Grail of HDTV, wireless distribution. And while their new distribution product isn’t wireless, it does allow you to stream HD throughout the house without running new wires, assuming your home is already wired for cable TV. The Wireless Digital Express HD from Monster, introduced at CES, consists of a transmitter and receiver that connect and transfer 1080p signals across the existing coax cable in the wall.

Jumping on the wireless bandwagon at CES, Acoustic Research announced their new Modular Wireless Speaker Conversion line. These modules allow you to turn any 5.1 or smaller speaker system into a wireless application. To solve the common problem with wireless speakers where the signal bounces off of objects in the room creating a lag in one or more speakers, Audiovox has developed what it calls “Diversity antennas” which uses error correction to ensure interference doesn’t disrupt the signals. Each of the six channels provides 16 bit audio at 60 digital watts.

Monster, a leading power supply product manufacturer, has announced the release of the HTUPS 3700, the newest model in the Home Theater Uninterrupted Power Supply line. The HTUPS 3700 possesses the ability to maintain power during power outages. Furthermore, the device monitors power levels in order to ensure that they remain at safe levels.

Monster’s development team strived to create a product that can protect home theater components during power outages and maintain operation. During power loss, you can lose data, saved settings or suffer physical damage to the devices. The battery backup will ensure that you maintain optimal operation. Additionally, Monster will sell battery modules in order to extend the life of the battery.

Running a computer eats up a lot of power. Sometimes, you just don’t need gigahertz of processing power to watch a DVD or check the weather. While those instant-on operating systems are not too demanding, they still pull resources. Asus thinks they have the answer by putting two computers in one form factor.

In place of a touchpad is another computer with a touchscreen. It does not require a lot of power but can still access the rest of the system. In the demo, you can watch a movie using the low-power computer and the full monitor. See a video demo after the break.

Pogoplug was one of Gadgetell’s Editor’s Picks from CES 2009. For the nerds, it’s a home server. For everyone else, it’s a really easy way to share all of your content from a USB hard drive with anyone on the Internet.

Our Associate Editor, Robert Nelson, wrote about the Pogoplug during our live CES coverage. Here is an overview on how you can share files online. Hook up your Pogoplug to your router, connect your USB drive, and plug it in.

Connected devices are everywhere. Compositor wants to put together a solution for the tech savvy so you can have a connected living room using their Meeseries of devices.

Gadgetell saw their devices at CES and some of us were thoroughly unimpressed. The MeeBox and MeeCeiver system allows you to watch your digital content on your television. If I remember right, the MeeCeiver attaches to your television while the MeeBox sends your images, audio, and video to the MeeCeiver. Checking Compositor’s website, there really is no information to tell you what exactly the devices do.

Westinghouse wanted to be seen at the 2009 CES. They introduced a huge line of “affordable” LCD HDTVs and computer monitors at the show. Leading the pack was the new TX line of HDTVs. Available in 37”, 42”, and 55” sizes, the TX line has a 120Hz refresh rate with full 1080p. The 55” model will be available in May 2009 with the smaller models rolling out before July. Westinghouse promises they will be affordable, but refused to set a price at CES so the jury is still out.

Archos has become the latest company to join an already crowded netbook market, but fortunately they have some plans that are going to hopefully differentiate themselves from the competition. I first learned of the Archos 10 during CES, and was fortunate enough to get a little hands on time with the netbook, and also get some information firsthand.

To begin with, the specs on the Archos 10 are fairly similar to what we are seeing on numerous other netbooks, however Archos seems to be aware of that and will be attempting to make an impression with the software, but more on that in a minute. The Archos 10 will feature a 10-inch display with a 1024 x 600 resolution, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive and be running Windows XP Home.