Home Theater Systems

Home Theater Systems

Home Theater Systems

Custom Installation: Seeking A Professional For Home Theater Design

As home theaters increase in popularity, many people are trying to design and layout their rooms on their own with little guidance. Where this can save you money initially, it will inevitably cause heartache and money down the line. Home theater installation requires not only someone with technical know how and an eye for room layout. It also takes an audio expert who knows both what equipment is available and what limitations a room may have. Too often people end up with a custom home theater system that does not fit their home or needs because they were unskilled in matching speakers and components with the layout and acoustics of a home. A professional home theater installer is trained in all of these areas and can help ensure that the money invested in a home theater will be money well spent.

When looking for a custom home theater installer, find a person or team that is skilled in home theater design and that they are knowledgeable of all of the equipment options which could help transform a basic home theater system into a custom work of entertainment technology. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when shopping around for an installer.

Business Focus

When choosing a home theater installer, make sure that you find someone who knows audio and visual equipment inside and out. Look at the nature of the installer's business. Do they have a primary focus on electronics and home theater entertainment or is their installation service just an added service provided for buying a big-screen television or stereo system from their electronics department? Do they have dedicated installers who do A/V and home theater design as their primary job function or will the installer be an hourly employee who received a basic training course? Take the time to make sure that the person who will be installing your custom home theater layout has both experience with the task and is highly knowledgeable of what it takes to get great picture and sound out of a home theater setup.

Options Available

Different installation companies will have varying options and components available for purchase. Talk to someone at the store and see exactly what is available to you and how you can maximize the enjoyment that you'll get from your new system. If possible, bring photographs of the room or rooms that you'll be installing the home theater system in if they are unable to come to the house directly. This way, the designer can see exactly what they'll have to work with and how much space will be available for speakers and other components. Help them to get a feel for exactly the sort of custom home theatre system that you want, and see whether they'll be able to create one that meets your specific needs. Be sure to let them know of any special items that you want in the package, such as an HD DVD player, digital video recorder, Blu Ray player, or any other items that might not be included in a standard custom home theater design.

Cost and Value

Research component pricing before you go out looking for a home theater installer, making sure that you have an idea of any specific equipment that you are wanting and how much they are likely to cost. Shop around at different stores, seeing how much each will charge for the custom home theatre system that you want including the price of installation. If you have a budget for how much you want to spend on your home theater layout then try to stay within that budget. A good installer will be able to recommend equipment that may be equal in quality but cost less. Compare the quotes that you receive so that you'll know which business is offering you the best value for your money. After all, you are the one who's going to have to use the resulting home theater system, so be sure that above all else you end up with a system that you enjoy and that works well.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Which Home Theater System Is Best?


Coby CSP96 300-Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker System (Black)
Coby CSP96 300-Watt 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker System (Black)
List Price: $54.99
Sale Price: $39.99
You save: $15.00 (27%)
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Description

Immerse yourself in your movies and music with Coby's 5.1-channel home theater speaker system. Fill your room with 300 watts of surround sound from five 3-inch satellite speakers and a floor-rattling subwoofer. The integrated amplifier and switch allows you to easily change between two source connections. Independent volume/treble/bass control and magnetic shielding also included.

Enjoy an immersive cinema experience at home with the affordable Coby CSP96 5.1-channel home theater speaker system, which includes a floor-rattling subwoofer and five 3-inch satellite speakers that fill a room with 300 watts of surround sound. The integrated amplifier and switch allows you to easily change between two source connections, and it also features independent volume/treble/bass control and magnetic shielding that allow for speaker placement in close proximity to your TV without interfering with the picture quality. See larger image. Key Features 300 watts of home theater surround sound Designed for use with 5.1-channel DVD players, computer systems, and more Integrated amplifier with 2 connection options (RCA stereo and RCA 5.1-channel) Built-in switch allows you to easily change between audio connections Full-range satellite speakers with 3-inch drivers (40W peak output x 5) Wood subwoofer with tuned port for deep bass response (100W peak output) Independent volume, treble, and bass controls Magnetic shielding Wall-mountable or desktop design Subwoofer dimensions: 11.8 x 12 x 4 inches Satellite dimensions: 5.9 x 3.7 x 3.6 inches What's in the Box Subwoofer, 5 satellite speakers, 3 RCA audio input cords, operating instructions

Features

  • 5.1-channel home theater system with 300 watts of power; includes 1 subwoofer and 5 satellite speakers
  • Designed for use with 5.1-channel DVD players, computer systems, and more
  • Built-in switch allows you to easily change between audio connections
  • Independent volume, treble, and bass controls
  • Magnetically shielded speakers allow for speaker placement in close proximity to your TV
Sony BDV-E370 Sony 5.1 Blu-ray Disc System [3D Compatible]
Sony BDV-E370 Sony 5.1 Blu-ray Disc System [3D Compatible]
List Price: $399.99
Sale Price: $275.35
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Description

Enjoy Full HD 1080p and powerful 5.1 channel HD surround sound with the Sony BDV-E370 3D Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System. Minimized wait times means you can start watching your movies faster than ever. Plus, with this great system you can take your entertainment experience to the next level in 3D. You can instantly access a wide variety of movies, music and more from: Netflix, Amazon on Demand, Pandora, Slacker, and YouTube.

Features

  • 850W watt 5.1 channel surround sound (142Wx5+140W)
  • BRAVIA Internet Video: Access movies, music, videos & more
  • WiFi Ready & 3D Blu-ray Disc playback capability
  • Quick Start/Load to watch movies faster than ever
  • Enjoy music, photos and video via front USB slot
Sony BRAVIA DAV-DZ170 Home Theater System
Sony BRAVIA DAV-DZ170 Home Theater System
List Price: $249.99
Sale Price: $194.95
You save: $55.04 (22%)
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Description

The Sony DAV-DZ170 DVD Home Theater System has 1000 watts of power and also can improve the picture quality to near HD via HDMI connector.

Features

  • 1000 watt (167x5+165 3ohm, 1kHz, 10%THD) 5.1 channel surround sound
  • DVD upscaling to near HD picture quality via HDMI 1
  • BRAVIA Sync controls compatible devices w/ one remote2
  • Digital Cinema Audio Calibration for quick speaker set-up
  • Easy Set-up Disc is included to guide you through the set-up process
LG LHB335 1100-Watt Network Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System, Black
LG LHB335 1100-Watt Network Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System, Black
List Price: $399.99
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Description

LG has redefined what to expect from home theater. This isn't speakers and a receiver in a box. With the LHB355 Network Blu-ray Home Theater System, you get unrivaled Blu-ray technology, out-of-this world sound and instant entertainment...all in one. More than making the most of your Full HD with Blu-ray, NetCastâ„¢ Entertainment Access lets you directly tap into instant streaming movies, music and videos direct from the Internet to your TV.

Features

  • NetCastâ„¢ Entertainment Access
  • Blu-ray and DVD disc playback
  • Silk Dome Speaker Technology
  • HDMI Input
  • Standard DVD Up-Scaling
Panasonic SC-BT330 5.1 Channel Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System
Panasonic SC-BT330 5.1 Channel Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System
List Price: $499.95
Sale Price: $318.40
You save: $181.55 (36%)
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Description

VIERA Cast's assorted online content just keeps getting better - in addition to the popular contents such as YouTube and Picasa Web Albums, it now offers Pandora Internet Radio, movies streamed from Netflix, exciting sports from FOX Sports, and tweeting web communications with Twitter. No PC required. By using a combination of real speakers and virtual speakers, a more natural and smoother sound can be enjoyed. You'll notice the difference, epecially in an action scene - you'll feel like you're sitting in the center of a true cinema theater. With the new bamboo cone speakers, the sound becomes much more responsive. Vocals are more pure and cleaner, and the dialog is crisper and easier to understand than ever before. The SC-BT330 is compatible with a new feature of ARC (Audio Return Channel). ARC allows receiving audio signals from the TV, on top of the preexisting HDMI function of sending audio/video signals to the TV with just one cable. This new feature will simplify the connection by eliminating an audio cable connection between the TV audio output and the main unit's audio input.

Get your home theater going right out of the box with the Panasonic SC-BT330 home entertainment system, which includes a Blu-ray Disc player/amplifier plus a complete 5.1-channel surround sound speaker system. The Kelton subwoofer adds impact to your movies and music with dramatic deep bass, while the two tallboy front speakers add dramatic visual impact to your home theater. It also features 1000 watts of total power, Panasonic's VIERA Cast streaming video, 7.1-channel virtual surround sound (from the 5.1-channel speaker set), an FM radio, SD memory card slot of medial playback, and bamboo cones in the speakers. And you'll be able to play music and video stored on your iPhone or iPod thanks to the included iPod dock. Key Features VIERA Cast: Enjoy Great Web Entertainment on Your HDTV VIERA Cast's assorted online content just keeps getting better--in addition to the popular contents such as YouTube and Picasa Web Albums, it now offers Pandora Internet Radio, movies streamed from Netflix (unlimited membership required) and Amazon Video on Demand, exciting sports from FOX Sports, and tweeting web communications with Twitter. And no PC is required. Connect to your home network via Ethernet or go wireless using an optional Wi-Fi dongle that connects to this home theater system via one of its USB ports. VIERA Cast streaming content. Cinema Surround: Reproduces Realistic Movie Theater Surround Experience By using a combination of real speakers and virtual speakers, a more natural and smoother sound can be enjoyed. You'll notice the difference, especially in an action scene--you'll feel like you're sitting in the center of a true cinema theater. Advanced Bamboo Cone Speaker: Clear, Beautiful Vocals With the new bamboo cone speakers, the sound becomes much more responsive. Vocals are more pure and cleaner, and the dialog is crisper and easier to understand than ever before. Audio Return Channel: Simple Connection with HDMI Cable The SC-BT330 is compatible with a new feature of ARC (Audio Return Channel). ARC allows receiving audio signals from the TV, on top of the preexisting HDMI function of sending audio/video signals to the TV with just one cable. This new feature will simplify the connection by eliminating an audio cable connection between the TV audio output and the main unit's audio input. (ARC compatible TV is required.) Specifications Total power: 1000 watts RMS (125 x 2 for front speakers; 250W for center speaker; 125W x 2 for surround speakers; 250W for subwoofer) Dolby Digital decoder: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital DTS decoder: DTS-HD Master Audio Essential, DTS HD High Resolution Audio, DTS DVD+R/RW/R(DL) playback formats: Video, AVCHD DVD-R/RW/R(DL) playback formats: Video, DVD-VR, AVCHD, JPEG, MP3 CD-R/RW playback formats: CD-DA, MP3, JPEG BD-RE/RE DL playback formats: BD-MV, JPEG SD memory card slot: Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; plays AVCHD, MPET2, and JPEG media Universal Dock for iPod/iPhone: Integrated VIERA Cast: Yes Wireless LAN system: Ready (requires optional USB dongle) FM radio: Yes, with 30 presets Main unit dimensions: 2-1/8 x 16-15/16 x 11-5/16 inches (HxWxD) Connections HDMI output: 1 Digital audio input: 2 (optical) USB port: 1 (for optional Wi-Fi dongle) Ethernet: 1 Audio input: 1 (stereo minijack, 3.5mm) Speakers Front speakers (x2): 2-1/2-inch full range, cone type; 40-5/32 x 10-1/32 x 10-1/32 inches (HxWxD) Surround speakers (x2): 2-1/2-inch full range, cone type; 4-11/16 x 3-5/32 x 2-11/16 inches (HxWxD) Center speaker: 2-1/2-inch full range, cone type; 3-11/32 x 5-23/32 x 2-13/16 inches (HxWxD) Subwoofer (Kelton Type) : 6-1/2-inch woofer; 10-inch passive radiator; 12-11/16 x 7-1/8 x 13-13/16 inches (HxWxD) What's in the Box Blu-ray Disc player/amplifier, 5.1-channel surround sound speaker set (subwoofer, center channel, two tallboy front, two surround), remote control (with batteries), speaker cables, video cable, operating instructions

Features

  • Home theater system in a box, with Blu-ray Disc player/amplifier plus 5.1-channel speaker set; 1000 watts of total power (RMS)
  • Kelton subwoofer adds dramatic deep bass; two tallboy front speakers for dramatic home theater presentation
  • VIERA Cast Internet streaming video and music from services including Netflix,
  • Connects to your home network via Ethernet or using optional Wi-Fi dongle (connects to USB port)
  • Plays Blu-ray discs plus full array of DVD and CD formats; SD memory card slot for playback of music, video, and photos
Sony HTS-S370 Surround Sound Home Theater System, Black
Sony HTS-S370 Surround Sound Home Theater System, Black
Sale Price: Too low to display
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Description

Complete your entertainment experience with 5.1 channels of high-quality surround sound and 1000 watts of power with the HT-SS370 surround sound system. Connect multiple HD devices using a single HDMI cable per device and turn this great system into your entertainment hub, plus operate all your compatible BRAVIA Sync devices using one remote control. Add optional S-AIR accessories and enjoy the convenience of wireless rear speakers or multi-room streaming.

Features

  • 1000 watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system ideal for Blu-ray Disc players
  • HDMI Repeater lets you connect multiple devices and send to your HDTV with just one HDMI cable
  • BRAVIA Sync compatible for controlling multiple devices with one remote
  • Wireless S-AIR support for adding wireless speakers with multi-room capability
  • Digital media port for iPod (iPod cradle sold separately)
Klipsch CS-500 2.1 Home Theater System with DVD Player
Klipsch CS-500 2.1 Home Theater System with DVD Player
List Price: $999.99
Sale Price: $199.99
You save: $800.00 (80%)
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Description

**Note from Klipsch: We are aware of and have addressed the trouble with the DVD player portion of our Klipsch CS-500 2.1 Home Theater system. We recently (MAR-10) upgraded the DVD portion of the CS-500 to a much more robust and reliable mechanism (this includes units currently in-stock at Amazon). After recognizing the failure rate of the CS-500's DVD section was not up to Klipsch standards, we implemented this upgrade at the factory-level.** Sleek, simple, and small the Klipsch CS-500 2.1 home theater system puts the ultimate cinema experience right into your living room with fewer wires and less components. By way of Dolby Virtual Speaker technology, this amazing compact setup delivers the effect of a large, 5.1 home theater system with just two satellites, a subwoofer, and an A/V center. Each magnetically shielded CS-500 satellite speaker employs dual 2.5" high-output woofers and a 0.75" horn-loaded tweeter. Our exclusive Tractrix(R) Horn technology is what allows this home theater system to deliver genuine lifelike sound as well as produce more output using less energy. The down-firing subwoofer utilizes a powerful 6.5" woofer. The A/V center features a built-in Class D amplifier that distributes 35 watts of power to each satellite speaker and 100 watts of power to the subwoofer. It also includes Dolby Virtual Speaker technology along with a progressive scan DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and three auxiliary inputs. The CS-500 home theater system even has the ability to pass high-definition signals through a component output and can simplify all of the auxiliary input connections into a single convenient output to the TV. An easy-to-use universal IR remote control directs all system functions as well as those of the TV and other entertainment devices.

Sleek, simple, and small, the Klipsch CS-500 2.1 home theater system with DVD player delivers the effect of a large, 5.1 home theater system with just two speakers, a subwoofer and an A/V center. It features a built-in Class D amplifier that distributes 35 watts of power to each satellite and 100 watts of power to the subwoofer. See larger image. Each magnetically shielded CS-500 speaker employs dual 2.5-inch high-output woofers and a 0.75-inch horn-loaded tweeter. Through Klipsch Tractrix Horn technology, this compact home theater system delivers clear, lifelike sound. It also produces more output using less energy. The down-firing subwoofer utilizes a powerful 6.5-inch woofer. Due to its compact size, it can easily be hidden away while still delivering dramatic low-end effects. The CS-500 also includes a progressive scan DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner, and three auxiliary inputs. The CS-500 home theater system even has the ability to pass high-definition signals through a component output and can simplify all of the auxiliary input connections into a single convenient output to the TV. An easy-to-use universal IR remote control directs all system functions as well as those of the TV and other entertainment devices. The Klipsch CS-500 amplifier with DVD player. The CS-500 can be set up and operating in as little as 10 minutes. A step-by-step set up guide is included to walk you through the simple process. Speakers are wall mountable (hardware not included) Specifications Amplifier power - subwoofer: 100 watts Amplifier power - speakers: 35 watts per channel Video output: Component (Y/Pb/Pr) Radio: AM/FM with RDS Surround sound decoding: Dolby Digital, DTS USB: Yes (for MP3 and JPEG playback) Audio inputs: coaxial digital, optical digital, pair of analog Component dimensions: 3-1/2 x 15-1/2 x 9-1-/2 inches (HxWxD) Subwoofer dimensions: 15 x 11 x 18 inches (HxWxD) Front speaker dimensions: 8-3/5 x 4 x 5-1/2 inches (HxWxD) What's in the Box Controller, set-up guide, owner's manual, remote, batteries, composite cable, audio cable, FM antenna, AM antenna, two 15' speaker cables, subwoofer cable, rubber pads, white gloves

Features

  • 3-speaker surround sound system simulates 5-channel sound via Dolby Virtual Speaker technology
  • Includes main component with DVD player and AM/FM radio; subwoofer; 2 front speakers
  • Horn-loaded satellite speakers deliver maximum impact; compact subwoofer delivers dramatic low-end effects
  • Three auxiliary inputs for games, MP3 players and other devices; component video output
  • Universal IR remote controls entire system
Sony BDV-E770W Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System [3D Compatible]
Sony BDV-E770W Blu-ray Player Home Entertainment System [3D Compatible]
Sale Price: Too low to display
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Description

Experience movies in full HD 1080p resolution and powerful 5.1-channel HD surround sound including wireless rear speakers with the BDV-E770W 3D Blu-ray Disc home theater system. This great system minimizes movie wait times so you can begin watching faster than ever. You can also wirelessly stream Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, Slacker, YouTube and more.

Features

  • 1000 watt, 5.1-channel surround sound system with Blu-ray Disc player
  • Enjoy Blu-ray Disc movies in Full HD 1080p, including 3D Blu-ray Discs
  • BRAVIA Internet Video for instant streaming of content from Netflix, YouTube, Slacker, and more
  • Wireless S-AIR rear speakers minimize wire clutter
  • Turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a remote with a free app
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