More wireless home entertainment buzz comes from Sonos, whose solution includes ZonePlayers that operate over a network and an iPod-like remote control. The Sonos software is installed on a PC, which searches for music files. From there, a main ZonePlayer distributes your music collection to other ZonePlayers located throughout the home wirelessly via radio frequency. Because the ZonePlayer is only a receiver and amplifier, you'll need to supply your own set of speakers for each unit.

Philips' WACS700 Wireless Music Center takes a similar base station and satellite speaker approach but skips the PC entirely. Instead, it rips CDs directly to its built-in 40-GB hard drive (enough for 750 CDs) and streams tunes to other audio stations in the home. What's more, these sleek satellite units sport their own Super Sound Panel, so you don't have to connect external speakers to them. The Philips system also boasts a Music Follows Me feature. Just press a button on the six-line LCD remote, and your favorite songs will come to life in whatever room you enter.

Wire-Free Video

The fun isn't just limited to music, since video-streaming capabilities are being built into everything from DVD players to LCD TVs.

Even though stand-alone wireless media adapters continue to be refined, devices that stream music, pictures and movies from your PC to your home theater have not exactly taken the living room by storm. That's why companies are combining wireless connectivity with progressive-scan DVD players. Take D-Link's MediaLounge DSM-320RD. Not only does it offer Wi-Fi (802.11g) connectivity for faster, smoother streaming, it's also compatible with several

subscription content providers so you don't have to fret if your desktop isn't overflowing with media files.

Buffalo Technology's LinkTheater is a wireless high-def media player with a progressive-scan DVD. Not only can it upconvert DVDs to HD (the player supports 720p and 1080i), the LinkTheater can also stream HD movies over its 802.11g connection. And it can stream MP3 and WMA audio files and high-resolution photos. The aesthetic minded need not worry: The company worked hard to design a component that would fit in with the most stylish audio/video gear.

TVs Untethered

Until recently, many have had to put up with a rat's nest of wires hanging off the back of regular TVs, spoiling the whole minimalist aesthetic. Things are looking up for wireless TVs, though, starting with Sharp's 15-inch LC-15L1US wireless AQUOS, which was introduced last year. This battery-operated TV receives audio and video signals from a transmitter from up to 50 feet away.

Sony's LocationFree line features a 12-inch TV designed more for home use, since it communicates with a base station. However, the LocationFree models use the more robust 802.11a/g Wi-Fi standard for video transmission. They also double as a touchscreen remote control and let you surf the web and check email.

Look for even bigger wireless LCDs and plasma screens soon, even some that are capable of routing HDTV. The hitch? Expect to pay a hefty price for the convenience of finally being able to cut every cord -- except the one for power.

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