In the fast-growing arena that includes media hubs (appliances for distributing multimedia content) and digital media receivers, there's a new device with an interesting twist: the Onkyo NC-500 Net-Tune ($400 street). This media hub has AM/FM stereo receiver and an Internet radio receiver-most other media hubs let a separate device perform the receiver functions.

Against those attributes, three drawbacks will loom large for some users: the NC-500 has wired but not wireless Ethernet, doesn't display digital photos on your TV, and suffers from a clunky interface. But those who just want MP3 audio delivered reliably to their stereo systems may forgive the shortcomings.