The Polk Audio I-Sonic is a ridiculously nice radio that has just started shipping. I originally didn't buy into the whole "all-in-one" concept, just because most all-in-one devices generally aren't very good at doing anything well at all. But I think the I-Sonic just might be the exception, and after watching this video, the drool-factor definitely has been set on high.

The I-Sonic brings AM/FM/CD/DVD together - which is ok - but it also throws together two dueling digital personalities: namely HD Radio and XM Satellite Radio (which, incidently, is the first device to accomplish this). It's also one of the first (if not, the first) home entertainment system that utilizes the XM Mini-Tuner.

Wrap that all together into a compact system with supposedly mind-blowing speakers and it might be a winner. Not convinced? Neither was I. I didn't really "get it" until I watched that video... and now I think it just may be worth the $599 pricetag.

[Polk I-Sonic Microsite via TRN]
[Tweeter Video]

The XM Passport has officially been renamed to the XM Mini-Tuner, according to an XM source. The new name does a better job of describing what the product is, and prevents confusion with other products on the market. As previously reported the XM Mini-Tuner is shipping this month, and will be broadly available in September. Price is set at $29.99 MSRP for the XM Mini-Tuner cartridge, with the home docking station for an additional $29.99 MSRP.

The Mini-Tuner delivers XM's signal to all XM-Ready products - with a backwards compatabilty to products that accept the first-gen XM Connect-and-Play antenna. The cable "end" of the XM Mini-Tuner is identical to the "end" of the XM Connect and Play antenna, so the port for plugging is the exactly same. So all Connect-and-Play products will support the Mini-Tuner, and vice versa. Smart.

One of the big benefits of the Mini-Tuner it's ability to be integrated into common household consumer electronics. Of some of the upcoming products that can use the XM Mini-Tuner: the Polk Audio I-Sonic home entertainment system and Sony's Blu-Ray DVD player.