Ship Date: Now

The S4 8200 is the first powered Dolby Digital 5.1 system to be produced by the audio engineers at MidiLand.

As such, it heralds the ongoing transformation of MidiLand's product philosophy from a traditional PC-centric focus to a more mainstream consumer electronic home entertainment focus.

Other audio-based firms are making this transition as well, including VideoLogic and Creative Labs who both manufacture powered Dolby Digital 5.1 systems for use with a PC or in the living room.

Thanks to the popularity of DVD players and satellite-based "cable" companies like DirecTV, the need for inexpensive Dolby Digital 5.1 capable audio systems has never been greater. MidiLand's S4 8200 kit provides buyers with the opportunity to enjoy a mainstream DVD movie in its full Dolby Digital 5.1 glory for under $300.

$300 is an important figure in terms of the worldwide electronics market, as it tends to be the barrier between those who will spend almost any amount of money of a new technology (so called "early adopters") and the mainstream consumer who makes purchase decisions based on pricing and budget.

In the past, VCRs, video game consoles, DVD players, and other new electronics products that debuted at $500+ prices, only achieved significant sales volumes when their prices fell to the magic $300 price target or below. With the MidiLand S4 8200, consumers can attain a complete DD 5.1 system at or below the psychological $300 barrier.

Lets examine the S4 8200 system in more detail, and pass judgement on MidiLand's first powered DD 5.1 solution.