Dad's Big Gift
Sony TAV-L1
Whether Pops put you through college or is just an all-around fine father, he deserves this behemoth. The Sony TAV-L1 is the premiere television on the market - not only does it display an incredibly clear picture, its very design is as lovely as a field of red roses. Although it might be hard to believe, the very nature of the TAV-L1 puts other LCD screens [http://www.gizmocafe.com/tv-video/hdtv-buyers-guide.aspx] to shame, craftily blending audio and video technology into a seamless - and dare we say sexy - tech two-for-one.
What's so special about it?
The TAV-L1, like the dome at your local sports complex, can shift from one position to the next. However, unlike those massive indoor facilities, the TAV-L1's dual functionality exists to provide both excellent audio and video features, including dual subwoofers and a 32-inch Bravia LCD screen - calm down, boys, it's just a TV.
Or is it?
The main trick behind Sony's TAV-L1's prowess is its “open” and “closed” positions. When closed, the system appears to be one giant black speaker. It's in this position that the user can pop in CDs and SACDs via a slit-loading disc slip. Although it clearly isn't surround sound on its own, the dual subwoofers add some lovely bass to a speaker that effectively takes advantage of built-in virtual surround.
When you're done listening to The Who, a single button-press on the accompanying remote reveals an attractive 32-inch Bravia LCD HDTV. It's an adventure, and might just get the man of the house as hot and bothered as that little red number mom pulls out on special occasions - not that you even want to think about that.
Technically, the television sports all of the necessary hardware. Included are S-Video, composite, HDMI and even VGA outputs. That gives Dad the ability to connect a variety of different peripherals, including cable and / or satellite, video game systems, etc.
Ok, it rocks. How much does it cost?
The TAV-L1 was released at the end of August and retails for about $4,000. That means most guys have had a few months to salivate over it, and should be primed and ready to owe you their lives if this bad boy (somehow) fits under the tree this December. Sony's TAV-L1 is just one of those gifts that even if it isn't on their “official” list…it's still on the list.
