The Kenwood Entre is trying to enter your home. With the ability to control your audio receiver, DVD player, and digital media files, it will not only enter your home, but probably take over your whole entertainment center. The Entre is equipped with an internal CD-R/RW drive, a 20 GB internal hard disk drive, an internal 56 kbps v.90 modem, and cable modem or DSL access via USB connection, using a converter. Plus, users receive OpenGlobe Services without a monthly fee.

The device can be managed via a PC using the included application, or you can use the remote control or component buttons. The Entre is also equipped with multi-room capabilities via Home PNA 2.0 connection, so you can stream MP3s, CDs, or Internet radio to up to four rooms in your house. And of course, there is the video aspect of this device, which will allow you to play DVDs on-screen using the video input/output connectors.

Acquiring and delivering the sound is a matter of connecting the analog audio inputs/outputs and digital audio inputs/outputs to your speakers or other devices. You can rip MP3 files from CDs or transfer MP3 files from portable players using the USB connection. As for Internet audio, you can connect directly to the Internet without using a computer through the internal modem, a cable modem, or DSL line using a USB to Ethernet connector to retrieve streaming radio, using the OpenGlobe service.

The receiver's GUI displays track and title information, or you can opt to use the on-screen GUI for 1:33:1 TV screens.

Pricing and Availability

The Kenwood Entre is currently available for $1800.

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