Audio/Video, Advice, Columns, Editor's Picks
Just Tell Me What to Get: Home Theater
We're asked all the time what constitutes a great, but affordable home theater package. Unfortunately, 'affordable' can mean very different things to different people. So, we've put together two excellent home theater set-ups for two different budgets, both of which are still firmly planted in the realm of reality. In other words, you probably won't need a winning lottery ticket to afford the payments on them.
For the budget-conscious buyer:
VIZIO VX37L 37-inch LCD TV
At just $799 for a top-notch LCD, you really can't beat VIZIO. Though you might not be familiar with the name, the company has been making some noise lately for offering high-quality sets priced with real people in mind. On this LCD, you get two HDMI inputs for connecting video sources with just one cable for picture and sound -- a nice feature at such a low price. The resolution tops out at 720p, but at this size that's all you'll need for HDTV broadcasts, DVDs and gaming. (More on 720p versus 1080p here.)
Panasonic SC-PT950 Wireless Home Theater
When putting together a home theater, hardcore audiophiles will tell you to handpick your components and speakers separately. But, that quickly gets expensive and time-consuming. All-in-one systems, or HTIBs (Home Theater In a Box), on the other hand, give you everything you need in one convenient package – like this Panasonic kit, which includes a receiver, amplifier, five-disc DVD changer and speakers. In addition to an included iPod dock and the ability to up-convert DVDs to true 1080p resolution, the $440 system also boasts the convenience and easy setup of a wireless back speaker.
TOTAL: $1,240
For the budget-conscious buyer:
VIZIO VX37L 37-inch LCD TV
At just $799 for a top-notch LCD, you really can't beat VIZIO. Though you might not be familiar with the name, the company has been making some noise lately for offering high-quality sets priced with real people in mind. On this LCD, you get two HDMI inputs for connecting video sources with just one cable for picture and sound -- a nice feature at such a low price. The resolution tops out at 720p, but at this size that's all you'll need for HDTV broadcasts, DVDs and gaming. (More on 720p versus 1080p here.)
Panasonic SC-PT950 Wireless Home Theater
When putting together a home theater, hardcore audiophiles will tell you to handpick your components and speakers separately. But, that quickly gets expensive and time-consuming. All-in-one systems, or HTIBs (Home Theater In a Box), on the other hand, give you everything you need in one convenient package – like this Panasonic kit, which includes a receiver, amplifier, five-disc DVD changer and speakers. In addition to an included iPod dock and the ability to up-convert DVDs to true 1080p resolution, the $440 system also boasts the convenience and easy setup of a wireless back speaker.
TOTAL: $1,240
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ray said 1:41PM on 3-29-2008
This is so stupid, a "theater" starts with the correct construction of the room your going to be in.
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Ethan said 12:51PM on 10-07-2007
I wish I read this article before I started my TV upgrades.
Here is another option to consider: I own a 42" 1080p Vizio TV; also I use my old regular DVD player. The Vizio seems to somewhat "clean up" the picture from the (15 yr.) old standard DVD player.
I wanted my DVD player seperate from the sound system so that I can upgrade to a High Def player later on.
I bought a Sony HT-DDW790 from circuit city for $150 (on sale using the internet price), regular price is $200. The receiver box is too big in my opinion, and the surround speakers are wired. However, for the money, The sound is impressive. the unit comes with everything except an inexpensive RCA cable. And set-up is easy.
The sound is driven from the TV. So that later on, I can easily add any type of DVD player, i.e. a HD or Blu-Ray DVD player.
This cost was $1250 for the TV, $150 for the sound system, $7 for the cable... $1407 total.
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cartire said 8:22PM on 10-07-2007
Last year I bought an XGAPB6200 XGA HDTV projector - 935.00. An ONKYO "all in one" 5.1 Audio setup - 275.00. Then an 84 inch 16:9 movie projector screen on eBAY - 39.00. Seeing crystal clear TV (HD) on that size screen as well as DVD's is absolutely amazing. I would recommend to anyone to consider getting a modern DLP projector for real Home Theater....
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Mom said 9:23PM on 10-07-2007
Thanks so much for the info on home theater. I'm pretty much a novice when it comes to these systems, and I need all the help I can get. I now feel like I can put a great system at a reasonable price.
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Dee said 8:36AM on 10-08-2007
Agree with all of the above. Most "box HT" systems from reputable "audio" companies have good sound. That is, for the average "non-demanding listener". A balance between simple hookup, good sound, space and budget saving is what most "non-audiophiles" want.
The "dvd upgrade" reader is "spot-on" with benefit of having separates to upgrade w/technology. Myself? I have multi systems for different rooms (separate components for family room and Master bedroom and a box systems for two smaller bedrooms).
It's all par for the course in a never ending search for the that first "audio" high! :o)
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