A plethora of digital devices for the kids' room

Great deals on TVs
If you don’t solve the television issue with a Media Center PC, but the kid still gets a TV, you have several options.  Tube-based color televisions are a great deal these days -- you can get 13” and 20” color sets for $100 or less from companies like Insignia or Daewoo.  Moving up, for less than $150 you can get a top-quality Toshiba 13” set that includes either a built-in DVD (MD13P1/Q41) or a VCR (MV13Q41).  (Combo sets are both space-saving and inexpensive, but of course if one part breaks, you may need to replace the whole thing.)  Flat-panel sets are still too costly for the kids’ room, but a twist might be to add DVD to an existing set with a portable DVD player—something like the reasonably-priced Magnavox MDP820, with 8” screen. That way you’ll bet both DVD playback on the kids’ room TV and something to take on vacation.

As far as audio goes, if the computer is the primary source—via MP3s and CDs—then all you need is a great computer sound system. You’ll definitely want a three-piece set that includes a sub-woofer—those low notes make even low-priced speakers sound impressive.  Computer-oriented companies like Creative Labs offer remarkably inexpensive 3-piece sets, such as their Inspire 2.1; you can also move up the food chain to better-known audio brands like Klipsch and Bose.  Bose, which was making great-sounding small speakers long before computer audio came along, offers the Bose Companion 3 with a sophisticated control pad that includes a headphone jack (more on those all-important headphones later).  At $250 it’s not cheap but since the computer means you don’t need to buy a separate sound system, there’s an opportunity here to pretend you’re saving money.  Also on the audio front, if there’s already a boom-box or mini-stereo in the room, a relatively cheap way to upgrade is simply to add a small powered sub-woofer, like the Yamaha YST-SW215.  Sub-woofers in this price range can often be found on sale for $100 or less, and they can transform a milk-toast audio system into a mean machine. 

A few PCs, like the Viewsonic M2100, include an FM tuner, but for the most part if you want AM and FM, you’ll need to buy a separate radio.  One thrifty option is to combine functions: for school-day mornings there is still no substitute for a clock radio.  Take a look at the Philips AJ3980, which—as do many models—also includes a CD player.  But this well-reviewed Philips distinguishes itself both by its relatively small size and its innovative orange touch screen controls.  An alternative you might consider is a clock radio like the silver AT&T E2120, which lacks a CD player but adds a single-line cordless phone, providing yet more nightstand space saving.

Can we play games now?
When it comes to video game consoles, of course, parental units’ opinions count for less than zero: you will be clearly informed as to your child’s tastes re Xbox, PlayStation or GameCube. However, there is one way parents can express an opinion about video game usage. The Time-Scout monitor is a clever device that locks a power cord—from a video game, TV or computer—into a control box that is activated by a magnetic-stripe card.  Parents put a given amount of minutes on the card and your kid can choose how to use them—but once the card is empty, there’s no more electricity forthcoming.  There’s also a similar software-based system, called EyeTimer, which controls computer use and has add-ons to limit other media devices.

Finally, there’s one other must for your offspring’s media den: headphones.  And the best way to encourage regular headphone use is to make sure they sound great and they’re easy to use.  Go wireless, and make sure they’re radio wireless, rather than the more troublesome infrared models.  Although Sony has some worthy models in the $60 and up range, for a little extra audiophile status, check out the light-weight Sennheiser 120s, which have excellent audio response and NiMH batteries for longer listening times.  After all -- just when you’re getting to sleep, you don’t want those batteries running out.

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