Home Theater

Experience the thrill of watching an epic movie on the big screen without ever leaving the comfort of your home. Thanks to recent technological advances, home theaters have put the visual grandeur and surround sound of a movie theater right in the middle of your living room. With a wide range of TVs and audio equipment that run the gamut from economical to top-of-the-line, you'll want to make some decisions before you begin to shop. First determine how much you want to spend and how much room you have for the system. If you already have a few pieces in place, it will further narrow down your search. Use the following questions to help you make some crucial decisions when shopping:

• What should you look for in audio equipment and surround sound?
• Would you like an all-in-one system or separate components?
• What size and type of TV is the best fit for you?
• Does your receiver have enough inputs for all your equipment?
• What special features would you like to have?
  
  

Theater Components, Inputs and Televisions

Some home theater systems are color coded and streamlined for easy installation while others may require professional assistance. If you're working on a budget, you may be tempted to go for an economical theater system, but keep in mind that technology changes quickly. A system that can accept upgraded accessories in the future may cost more now but will save you money in the long run.

Theater Components: There are a few integral components of any home theater system. The receiver serves as the control center and amplifier, connecting all your devices -- audio, video, DVD players, video game consoles and much more. If you have a television with progressive-scan capabilities, look for a progressive-scan DVD player and enjoy a sharper, clearer picture. You'll also need speakers. Many standard home theater systems feature six speakers -- one center, two front, two rear (or surround) speakers and a subwoofer. More advanced systems can include up to eight speakers. There are a couple of ways you can acquire components. One is to purchase an all-in-one "home theater in a box." These systems can include any or some of the following -- a receiver, speakers, appropriate wiring (often color coded for easy installation) and peripherals such as a DVD player. While it may be more difficult to mix and match new components later on, all-in-one systems generally provide solid sound quality and will get you up and running right away. If you'd like to customize your system for high-end performance, consider purchasing components separately. It may require a larger up-front investment, but you'll be rewarded with a system that suits your tastes perfectly.

• All-in-one home theater systems are often more economical and provide a solid solution
• Separate components provide increased flexibility for upgrades and additions
• Multidisc and jukebox DVD players provide easier access to your entire DVD library
• Look for DVD players that can handle multiple formats, including MP3s, WMAs, JPEGs, MPEGs and various forms of recordable DVD and CD media
• Match the wattage of your sound system to the size of your room for optimal audio enjoyment
  
  

Connectivity: Connecting your home theater components can be quite a complicated task, but armed with a little knowledge, you can ensure that you purchase components with the necessary inputs and outputs for a great audio and visual experience. Components are typically wired through a central receiver which manages the various signals. A good receiver will have a wide range of inputs, with multiple ports for each type. Composite-video inputs are functional, but don't provide the best picture quality. S-video and component-video inputs provide a better quality signal. The latest in audio/video connectivity, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), provides impressive digital video and audio transmission using one single cable. If you have a DVD player, digital cable or satellite receiver through which you play music, you'll need a digital-audio input to relay undecoded digital audio.

• Make sure inputs on your home theater receiver match outputs on connected accessories
• Look for integrated connectors that allow you to access cable programming without additional boxes and remotes (requires card and cable subscription)
• Some televisions can serve as a high-resolution computer monitor with the appropriate connector (d-sub 15-pin connectors)
• Televisions with IEEE 1394 ports allow direct connection to digital video cameras
• Media card slots allow you to access digital images, music and other formats directly from your TV
  
  

Television Specifications: Televisions have evolved remarkably in recent years, providing a wide range of quality, prices and technology. There are three important measurements you'll want to keep in mind when purchasing a TV -- size, aspect ratio and resolution. Screen sizes can range from under 10" to over 60", making it easy to find the right fit no matter how large or small your room is. Choose a TV that allows you to see clearly from a comfortable distance and from varying angles. Aspect ratio is a measure of a TV's viewing area in terms of its width divided by its height. Traditional sets generally have a 4:3 ratio, while widescreen sets have a 16:9 ratio. Widescreen televisions provide an increased viewing range similar to that found on movie theater screens. Resolution determines how clear and detailed the picture is. The more lines and pixels a set possesses, the clearer its picture.

• Measure the width and depth of your entertainment center before choosing a TV
• High-Definition Television or HDTV provides a better quality image than standard programming and requires a special antennae for reception
• Progressive-scan capabilities provide a smooth image that remains sharp when there's movement on screen
• Many manufacturers feature proprietary technologies that help sharpen and enhance image quality behind the scenes for a better picture
• Look for televisions with display capabilities of 1080i or 720p for high-quality digital images (480i refers to standard analog television formats)
• Some televisions will upconvert digital and analog signals to a higher quality
  
  

Types of Televisions: There are several different types of televisions available. Use the chart below to determine which one is the best fit for your home theater.

Television Type	Features	Points to Consider
Direct View	Traditional CRT televisions Range in size from 13" to 36" Economical Different numbers of inputs and outputs available	Flat-tube units reduce glare and image distortion Flat-tube units require a larger up-front investment Higher-end sets feature better-quality audio
LCD	Flat panel 16 million colors Provide support for all input standards Lightweight	Take up less depth Provide more installation options, including wall and stand mounting Widescreen format provides 16:9 aspect ratio Available in small to large sizes
Plasma	Flat panel Lightweight No scan lines or hotspots High contrast	Take up less depth Provide more installation options, including wall and stand mounting Widescreen format provides 16:9 aspect ratio Screen is prone to burn-in if proper care is not observed Available in small sizes
Projection	CRT, LCD or DLP May have up to three panels Large format projectors also fall in this category	Available in rear or front projection Available in large sizes ranging from 40" to 65" May include tuner Can be bulky

Features

HDTV: Look for televisions with a built-in HDTV tuner for simple reception of high-definition programming. HDTV-ready televisions require the purchase of an external tuner to receive high-definition broadcasts.

TV/DVD/VCR Combo Units: Some television sets are available with integrated components such as a DVD player or a DVD and VCR player. This eliminates the need to purchase additional components and provides an all-in-one solution.

Front Inputs: Look for a television and/or receiver with conveniently located front inputs to make connecting camcorders, video game consoles and other devices easier.

USB Port: Having this port at your disposal will allow you to connect portable music players so you can enjoy your customized playlist with full surround sound.

Satellite Radio: If you wish to listen to satellite radio services, be sure to look for a receiver that includes an integrated satellite radio tuner. Satellite radio requires a subscription to a service and the accompanying fee, as well as the appropriate antennae.

Onscreen Display: This option allows you to set up and program various functions for your home theater through your TV rather than having to do it through the smaller display on the receiver.

Surround Sound Formats: Look for DVD players with decoding for various multichannel surround sound formats.

Programming Guides: Some televisions receive and display local programming guides that can be accessed through an onscreen menu. Advanced systems can even be programmed to flag your favorite shows and alert you when they are on.