Jim Bray, CFP Automotive Editor

Reference Recordings crafts classic, HDCD Christmas album

"Merry Christmas, y'all!" — Gigi Sherrell Norwood, Director of Education and Concert Operations, Dallas Wind Symphony.

Bose TV “sound bar” likes to be loud

Bose's new "Solo TV" sound system is the company's entry into the increasingly crowded "TV sound bar" market, and it's a good one – especially if you like your sound cranked.

Infiniti JX 35 throws down a gauntlet, while Honda’s Ridgeline soldiers on

The newest addition to Infiniti's stable is a big SUV/crossover thingy, and Infiniti would have you believe that it's the latest and greatest such vehicle ever to hit these shores.

FitDesk and Slimcoach October update

Remember Steve Martin's bit "Let's get small" from the 1970's? Well I've been trying to do just that this year, though not in the way he was suggesting, and so far there's less to me than met the eye. Needless to say, I'm pleased as punch about it.

Acura ILX – a TSX in cheaper clothing

Acura's new entry level sedan is a nice blend of luxury and performance – and if you get the upmarket engine it's also more darn fun than you might think it should be. The new car, dubbed the ILX (maybe it's the only one of its, er, ilks?), is based on the Honda Civic, which isn't a bad place to start, but you'd never know that to look at the car. It's luxurious enough to deserve the Acura badge, but not so high end that it's priced in the stratosphere. In fact, with a starting price of just under 30 grand, it offers excellent value considering what you get.

Toyota Camry hybrid: cheap to drive, but not the best driving experience

Toyota's new generation Camry can be a surprisingly nice ride, but it appears that the quality of the driving experience may depend on the trim level.

High def TV looks to get higher

Just when you've beaten off a TV salesman trying to hook you into 3D, now there's a whole new high definition format on the horizon.

On the road with Volkswagen’s new Passat diesel

Want to go on a road trip and not spend a lot on fuel? The Volkswagen Passat TDI may be just the ticket.

TuneLink device streams audio to your home stereo wirelessly

Bluetooth is one of the handier innovations of recent memory. The wireless communications system can let you talk on your phone hands free in your vehicle, as well as stream music to wireless speakers systems.

Lexus GS adds some sport to its luxury quotient

It began life as an Italian-designed Japanese luxury sedan and has evolved into an even better, and more interesting – albeit no longer Italian-designed - Japanese luxury sedan.

Paramount’s Titanic and Indiana Jones make for fine Blu-rays

Two, well, five, highly anticipated Blu-ray titles have hit the shelves, all of which are good home theater outings that fans and collectors undoubtedly will want to own.

Titanic “Ghosts” a nice companion to Cameron’s epic Oscar-winner

The Blu-ray buzz right now is about James Cameron's "Titanic" hitting the high def format, but Cameron also has another disc newly streeted that makes an excellent companion piece to his earlier blockbuster.

Scion FR-S: the poor person’s Porsche?

Lusting for a Cayman or a 911 but can't afford the sticker price? Join the club! But now, thanks to Toyota and Subaru, there's a car that can give you an excellent percentage of the Porsche's fun, but for less than half the price.

Mitsubishi Lancer a reasonable ride

Take a basic four door sedan, add all wheel control and a touch of élan and you have the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, a compelling choice for those looking for a reasonably priced, reasonably fun family car.

New fuel economy targets mean higher car prices

Is Obama, aided by his little socialist control freak friends, trying to kill off the car as we've known and loved it for over 100 years?

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid: electrifying grand tourer

Take a luxurious and fast grand tourer, add a healthy dose of political correctness, and you may end up with the Porsche Panamera S hybrid, a fine motor vehicle in which the political pandering doesn't ruin the drive.

Adobe’s Creative Suite CS6 a powerful package

Adobe's Creative Suite is back with version CS6, a powerful package of applications that's very nearly mind boggling in its power and speed.

Netflix: the electric car of home entertainment?

Netflix promises video nirvana for eight bucks a month – and you can try it free before you buy! Sounds like a nice way to give DVD's and Blu-rays a good run for your money, doesn't it? But is it?

Mercedes E 300: new entry in the E class

The words "entry level" and "Mercedes-Benz" may sound a lot like an oxymoron, but in the case of the E 300 4MATIC sedan, it's very nearly appropriate.

Mazda MX-5, Toyota Venza mostly stay the course

They may be very different in form and market niche, but the Mazda MX-5 and Toyota Venza are both excellent vehicles that offer a lot of value and/or fun to their owners. And that's nothing to sneeze at.