Affordable Home Theater
Years ago, if you weren't a movie star or a big-shot Hollywood director, your options for home entertainment were whatever came on television. Now, with big screen TVs, DVD players and inexpensive home theater equipment, you can have a stellar home entertainment system, reports WCBS-TV Tech Editor Brett Larson.
It's important to first determine what is important to you. If you want great video only, then there is no need to invest in a home theater. If you want picture with great sound for all those DVDs and music options, then a home theater is for you. Think about the amount of space you'll need, and consider your budget.
HOME THEATER SYSTEMS
Keep it simple. The home theater-in-a-box has basically everything you need to get started: speakers, the surround receiver and even a DVD player. Some come without the DVD player, but usually the DVD models will save you money. Another thing to consider when buying these in-a-box systems is whether you intend to upgrade in the future. The type of desired upgrades will determine whether this is the best option for you.
PIONEER / HTP 240
Retail price: $450
If you already have a DVD player or a DVD-based gaming system, this component receiver with its surround-sound speaker package will get you going.
PIONEER / HTD 540DV
Retail price: $600
This model has options for both wireless and wired surround-sound speakers. It also offers this option to eliminate wires and save space: Leaving detachable satellite speakers at the front of the room but pointing them at the wall to reflect sound back creates the impression of having speakers behind you. There is a five-disc DVD changer and options for video games.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com
WIDE SCREEN TELEVISIONS
Once you've selected your video system, the next thing is to select the viewing apparatus. Since the objective is to create a movie-like experience, you'll want a wide screen television. Rear projection DLP (digital light processor) televisions are popping up everywhere. These big screens provide bright, crisp pictures for a low price - compared to plasmas and some LCD sets of the same size. If you're on a tight budget, the good old CRT (cathrode ray tube) TV that we've had around since we've had TV is still your best bet. Though heavy, these sets provide a great picture for a great price.
The following options are on the high end - there are definitely less expensive televisions people can opt for. Work within your own budget.
SAMSUNG / HL-P5063W
Retail price: $3,699
This digital light processing (DLP) TV is compact and lightweight, only 77.2 pounds with a 50-inch screen.
SONY 34" FD Trinitron WEGA TV
KD 34XS955
Retail price: $1,999.99
This CRT TV provides good image quality at a relatively low price.
http://sonystyle.com
DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER
For the crazy TV viewer in the house who can't bear to miss a minute's worth of anything on air, the TiVo should be a consideration. This digital video recorder allows you to save shows by recording them with just one push of the button. You can even pause and rewind live TV. Different models record 0, 80 or 140 hours of television.
TiVo (80-hour model)
Retail price: $199 after the $100 rebate, which comes with the TiVo service.
http://www.TiVo.com
UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL
How many remote controls will you need to run all this equipment? Well the truth of the matter is you can chuck all the product remotes and channel your entertainment system through a well-adapted universal remote. Clear a space on the coffee table for the Harmony universal remote. Using their software and an Internet connection you pick which devices you want to control with your universal remote control handset.
LOGITECH HARMONY REMOTE 688
Retail price: $249
http://logitech.com
WIRELESS SURROUND SOUND
As more of us ditch our CD changers and load our computers up with tunes, our stereos are left in the cold. The solution? Apple's Airport Express with Airtunes. This pocket-sized device will let your computer stream your music digitally to your stereo up to 300 feet away. The system works quite easily with a Mac or Windows PC.
Apple AirPort Express
Retail price: $129
http://www.apple.com