The Insignia Compact Shelf System

Best Buy has been doing really great things with its house brand of lower priced electronics called Insignia. We had a chance to review the new Insignia 75W DVD/CD/HD Radio Compact Shelf System with USB Port. The system functions as a dvd player, a cd player, a High Def Radio, an mp3 or other usb device player and an iPod speaker system. It's compact and doesn't take up much space, while giving a great deal of value for the low price of just under $160.

We were surprised at how fast we were able to set the entire system up. The HD radio picked up quite a few local HD stations and the sound was great. One quibble here -- you can't change the radio station without using the remote -- so don't lose the remote, whatever you do. More radio stations are broadcasting in Hi Def; how many stations you'll be able to pick up depends on where you live. Major cities have quite a few Hi Def stations now: you can find a list of HD radio stations here.

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The iPod fits right on top of the device and there is a USB port on the front for plugging in other USB devices. The unit also has a digital display clock. The sound was excellent for such an inexpensive system. One note on the iPod -- be sure to turn the volume on your iPod up before using the docking port. Then you need to remember to turn the volume way down on the iPod again before using your earphones.

After hooking the system up to the television, we were able to watch DVDs with crisp, clear sound from the speakers. This multi-use, lightweight low-cost shelf system would make a great holiday gift. The HD Radio Shelf System is available online at BestBuy.com, which is offering some helpful last-minute shipping deals.