Electronics giant Sharp was showing off its space-saving new 2.1 channel (stereo plus subwoofer) sound bars at the Consumer Electronics Show last week and we got a first look and listen. As you can see in the pictures, they won't make much of dent in your living room or bedroom's space, and we were generally pleased with the sound quality. Another image, more thoughts, and some technical details below.

The two models were very similar. The 300 model had an optical digital audio connection while the 200 just had your good old analog plugs. The optical connection is needed in the 300 for Dolby DTS, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Pro Logic II decoding. Using those features, the 300 simulates 5.1 surround sound. Simulates is the key word, though; you've still just got two speakers and a subwoofer.

Both sound bars were 34W: not quite enough to irritate your neighbors if you're a homeowner, but plenty to make them bang on the walls if you're an apartment dweller. We didn't get to play with it, but supposedly both of these devices will come with a remote.

The 200 model is due out later this month for $250, and a Sharp representative told us that the company is shooting for a March or April release for the beefier 300 model at $300.