All-in-One Entertainment Center Gets Rid of Cable Clutter
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CREDIT: IKEA |
IKEA is well known, especially to college students, for space-saving furniture and accessories. This time they've embraced technology with a combination HD television, DVD/Blu-Ray player, and stereo.
Called the Uppleva, it looks like any TV atop a cabinet, except they are all one unit. There are no messy cables snaking out the back. Instead they are built-in. (The included wireless subwoofer can be placed anywhere in the room.) As a bonus, you know that all the components will work with the same remote.
The Uppleva also has connections for other devices, such as USB and stereo inputs for an MP3 player. Four HDMI jacks allow you to connect additional video sources such as a cable box or game console. The system has storage space for those devices, so an Xbox or PlayStation won't ruin the clean look. Wired and Wi-Fi Internet connections provide access to online services such as Netflix streaming.
The Uppleva is available in screen sizes ranging from 24 to 46 inches, starting at 6,500 Swedish Kronor, or about $960. No word on how much the bigger versions will be. If you shop around diligently, you might get all those components, including an IKEA table, for a bit less, but then you've got all the setup hassle and clutter.
The Uppleva will be available in Europe in June and will be hitting our shores later this year or in early 2013.
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