I'm a fan of virtual surround sound. Granted, it doesn't compare to the real deal, but it keeps my living room wire-free and does a decent job tricking my ears into believing I have a full 5.1 setup at home. This is why I'm eyeing Altec Lansing's new soundbar, the PT7031. According to the guys at Electronista, the speaker will use NXT technology to keep a slim waist line and deliver both front and rear channel audio. If you desire a little extra oomph, you can opt for the PT8051 which comes with an added rear speaker. Both systems will be available in August for $599 and $999, respectively.