It seems the latest thing in AV is to have everything hidden away and completely unobtrusive: flat plasma/lcd screens, professional wiring jobs hiding everything, growth of sonos like control systems so the Hi-Fi equipment can be stoed away and controlled independently etc.

Continuing this trend I found these 'in wall' speakers which are actually set into the wall and run parallel with the wall when out of use and extend out automatically when in use. If the sound quality is there these could be a brilliant purchase. Question is what an earth IS going to visible in my front room? It'll just be an empty box soon!

I don't know about you Rodney, but I think I'd rather keep everythin out in the open. I don't doubt I'd be impressed by sci-fi-like speakers appearing magically from a wall, but there's nothing quite like having everything on show. My hi-fi equipment cuts the space in my living room by around a third..... but it looks darn good. Think the Mrs may disagree though.

You make a point there is something to be said for leaving it all on display, namely any problems are easier to address and it makes life easier to upgrade. If all of your cables are hidden under the floor and inside the walls imagine the fun you'd have replacing them!

You want us to compete for a calculator and two suitcases? At least I think that's what they are!