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Escient's latest device helps owners of Sony's DVP-CX777ES 400 disc DVD/CD changer manage their collections through online information downloads and an on screen guide.

Escient, a division of D&M Holdings, introduced earlier this week the FireBall SE-D1 DVD and Music Manager, a set top box designed to be paired to Sony's DVP-CX777ES DVD/CD 400 disc changer. The Fireball SE-D1 is priced at $999.

The Fireball SE-D1, said Escient, utilizes "patented automatic transport and DVD identification technologies", along with CD recognition information from Gracenote CDDB and music metadata from AMG, to help find and play DVDs and CDs. It also access a special movie DVD database the company uses to provide an onscreen movie guide which displays titles, genre, cast information, ratings, running time and cover art for every movie in a DVD collection.

Other features of the Fireball SE-D1 include support for streaming Internet radio, web interface for remote control via a standard browser, custom music playlists, integrated video switcher which uses only one input on an A/V receiver and a customizable on screen interface.

"As people continue to build large DVD and CD collections, there's a growing need for a simple and convenient way for them to access and enjoy all their movies and music," noted Bernie Sepaniak, president of D&M Holdings' RioReplayTV, Escient and ACT divisions. "The SE-D1 is the ideal solution for people who want quick and easy access to their entertainment, offering a host of features and capabilities previously only available with higher-priced media managers or custom installed systems. The SE-D1 literally makes storing, browsing, and enjoying your movies and music as easy as changing channels on your TV, with no more worries about scratched, lost, or damaged discs."