ZVOX Audio 315 ($199.99) is a single-box home-theatre speaker designed to make it easier for hearing-impaired family members to enjoy television programs. Simply put, they can hear audio - especially the spoken word - more clearly, without having to turn up TV volume to the "blast 'em out" level.

According to the manufacturer, there are a number of reasons for this:

• The ZVOX 315's PhaseCue™ system creates a very wide sound field by incorporating "out of phase" information from recording and TV broadcasts. This out-of-phase material results in a very "live" sound with emphasized high-frequencies that can improve audio clarity.
• A key feature of the PhaseCue system is that it incorporates a single monaural speaker in the center of the cabinet. This mono speaker tends to "anchor" the sound, creating clear, robust audio that is easy to hear. This monaural speaker is particularly effective in reproducing human voices -- announcers, actors, interview subjects.
• Because it uses high-performance speakers and amplifiers, the ZVOX 315 produces a wide range of sounds accurately, with very low distortion. This rich, natural sound is easier to hear because it does not include the distortion often associated with cheap, "tinny sounding" TV speakers.