Bose VideoWave: 46-inch HDTV + integrated invisible speaker system = $5,349

Bose is known for squeezing big sound out of little speakers, often for a lot of money. It may have created the ultimate version of that formula in the new VideoWave Entertainment System, which combines an HDTV with virtual surround sound speakers built into the bezel and a single console that routes video from your set-top box, Blu-ray player, and game console to the set.

The VideoWave has a 46-inch 1080p LCD as its foundation, and Bose then somehow manages to fit 16 speakers into the surrounding frame, including six woofers, which are automatically calibrated for your room via Bose's Adaptiq system. It also comes with a click pad remote that has a few buttons to cover basics like volume or channel control, but then touching the pad lets you control devices via an on-screen display that surrounds the image. The console houses four HDMI inputs, a pair of component-video ports, a USB port, and the inevitable iPod dock.

If the thought of even an external sound bar solution for your HDTV is too much visual clutter for you to bear, you'll want to mosey down to your nearest Bose store and check the VideoWave out starting on October 14 (the only place you'll find it for sale). But hopefully your debit card has a large balance behind it, because this system will set you back -- way back -- to the tune of $5,349. I don't need to tell you how much of a TV and a speaker system you could buy for the same amount if you don't mind actually seeing those speakers.

[Via Engadget]