The ZapStation is a broadband connected device that streams audio and video downloaded off the Internet through regular stereo devices and onto your TV. In other words, with the ZapStation, you can download, store, and access all of your music and videos from one convenient location.

Did I mention that it's fast, sharp-sounding, and good-looking? The 30GB hard drive runs on an 800 MHz Intel Celeron Processor with video out composite, S-Video, and SVGA options to match high-resolution systems, as well as audio out options to link with stereo systems, including digital S/P DIF audio out.

And did I forget to say it's easy to use? The remote control makes it easy to command the ZapStation while the wireless keyboard interface enables interaction with Websites, composition of email, and editing of song, artist, and album information. The ZapStation allows up to 10,000 songs or 20 hours of video to be stored. That means you can put your entire CD collection on the ZapStation without having to enter any artist, title, or song information, because it's done automatically. Then you can play it back any time, in any order, through any system in MP3 or Windows formats. It also creates personal play lists and mixes from your audio library.

For video, you can enjoy pre-loaded movie trailers from the major studios and movies and shorts from high-end independents. Plus, Internet access is unlimited, and USA Today sends up-to-the-minute news directly to your TV screen.

Pricing and availability

The truly unique ZapStation from ZapMedia is available now for $1499.

(For access to more than 4,500 other hands-on product reviews on all variety of wired and wireless appliance and consumer devices, go to the iAppliance Web Portal Page. )