Mass Fidelity Relay.jpeg

I like gifts that I typically wouldn’t buy for myself even though they are so cool or useful that I would love to have them. Gifts that I want but just can’t seem to justify buying for myself. Well, here are some unique home theatre gadgets that easily fall into that category. They are cool because they are very useful, but might not be something you would think to give even though your gadget guru will likely really like them.

Slingbox M1.jpeg

Slingbox M1

I had the good fortune oftesting out the Slingbox M1, their newest media streamer, and I was extremely impressed. Most media streamers take video content from your computer, Smartphone, or tablet and stream it on to your TV, but the Slingbox M1 does it in reverse. Basically it takes TV content from your satellite or cable box and will play it on your computer, Smartphone, or tablet. The really tricky thing is it will do it anywhere in the world, no matter where you are as long as you have an Internet connection.

The Slingbox M1 in my opinion is their best box, and is at a very good price point. Not only will you be able to watch whatever TV channels you subscribe to anywhere you go on your other devices, but it will also let you watch whatever you have recorded on your PVR as well.

Mass Fidelity Relay Antenna.jpeg

Mass Fidelity Relay

The Mass Fidelity Relay is a Bluetooth device that will convert your stereo or home theatre system into a high-fidelity wireless music system. This device is awesome because it has the convenience of Bluetooth while producing extremely fine sound. So if you have a decent stereo or home theatre system, the Mass Fidelity Relay is perfect as it will allow you to play high quality sound from your computer, Smartphone or tablet wirelessly through your system. The fact it is Bluetooth base is even better because it is simple and anyone visiting can quickly play something off their mobile devices.

Accoustimass Bass Speaker.jpegBose CineMate 15

You typically don’t think of Bose in the category of unique gadgets, but the CineMate 15 is a sound bar that isn’t really a sound bar. It is a very small and simple way to add big sound to your entertainment system. The CineMate 15 system has a bass speaker called an Accoustimass module that is unique in itself since it is made of two smaller 5 ½ inch speakers rather than the usual single big woofer. Nevertheless, it produces a very clear and deep bass sound due to the engineering and design. The CineMate 15 also has a single small sound bar that is only 12” long so it hardly classifies as a bar. However, in true Bose fashion the sound that comes out of CineMate 15 will make any home entertainment system come to life.

Digiwave Digital TV Antenna.jpeg

Digital TV Antenna

Most of us think of TV antennas as old school technology that is outdated, but that is the farthest thing from the truth. A TV antenna like the Digiwave Digital TV Antenna (ANT2085) will pick up 1080p HD signals over the airwaves. No cable subscription required. So if your gadget guru is interested in cutting their cable and reducing their monthly costs, this is a good solution. Combine this with a media streamer and monthly cable could be a thing of the past. Even if they want to keep their cable, they still might want to see what other programs they can pick up, because it won’t cost extra to do so.

Face it, the gadget guru in your life loves technology and is always looking for new and interesting devices. Any of these four will likely be a welcome surprise under the tree.

Tom Brauser
I love to try new technologies and I have a practical approach to techie stuff - it has to be easy to use and make my life better. I have my house fully wired, with a surround sound system in my family room for music and TV viewing, but also drive music throughout the house as well as outdoors. I Internet stream content on all my devices at home, which provides a huge variety of entertainment to enjoy.