The DAV-S300, or DVD Dream System as Sony calls it, combines a 180 watt Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS decoding audio AM/FM receiver with a combination CD/DVD player, six speakers, and a remote control all for the low price of an estimated $600.

This turn-key surround sound solution is packaged in a space-conscious silver casing, and offers color coded connections between all of its pieces to further aid in the setup of the system.

Sharky Extreme opinion: Although they're largely despised by purists for a perceived lack of quality, we have no problem in recommending the DAV-S300 to people who would otherwise be too technically challenged to piece together their own Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS DVD surround sound system.

In our opinion, the system provided very good sound, along with the most simple "get-up-and-running" instruction manual we've seen from a consumer electronic product.

Did we also mention the small size of the DAV-S300 system, which is perfect for a one-bedroom apartment or college dorm?

This system, and others like it, are winners and we expect them to do fairly well when they hit the market this year.

MZ-R90 Recorder: Last, yet certainly not least, Sony displayed their smallest, lightest portable player/recorder for their struggling MiniDisc audio format at CES, and to those who were capable of appreciating the diminutive unit, the small device was a hit.

We say "those capable of appreciating" the MZ-R90 for a reason, the impressive MiniDisc format, which debuted in 1992 (yikes), has never caught on with mainstream audiophiles outside of Japan.

It's a shame really, as the recordable 74-minute near-CD audio 2.5" MiniDiscs are really fantastic for those looking to archive their favorite music and then take it on the road with them via portable players.

The MZ-R90 measures a scant 3 1/8" w x 11/16" h x 2 7/8" d and is powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to an amazing 29 hours of uninterrupted music listening. Weighing just 6 oz., the MZ-R90 features the standard Sony jog lever control, a backlit display on both the unit itself and its tethered-to-the-headphones remote control, and a 600-character name bank for text input.

The MZ-R90 will be available in February at an MSRP of $350.