TheSatelliteTVGuide.com
Home Theater Systems
A home theater system consists of a TV screen (or monitor), a receiver (or tuner), and speakers. Accessories can include a DVD player, a DVD recorder, a video cassette player, and a video game player.
You can purchase home theaters as single units, or you can buy individual components to create your own home theater.
Home Theater Equipment
Here's some information on home theater components:
Tube TVs - These are the cheapest and most popular of all the home theater TVs. They are available in curved or flat screen, and in standard or widescreen design.
Formats: Regular or HDTV. Screen Sizes: 26" to 36." Price: $100 to $1,500.
Projection TVs - These large-size TV systems project a picture onto a front or rear screen. They produce the largest picture of all the home theater TVs, and are available in regular or widescreen design.
Formats: Regular or HDTV. Screen Sizes: 46" to 150". Price: $1,000 to $11,000.
LCD (light crystal display) TVs - These TVs produce a sharper, brighter picture than tube TVs or projection TVs, and are thin and lightweight so you can put them anywhere in your home or office. They are available in regular or widescreen design.
Formats: Regular or HDTV. Screen Sizes:15" to 65". Prices: $300 to $13,000.
Plasma TVs - These TVs have the most lifelike picture of all the home theater TVs. Their slim design allows them to be placed anywhere, even hung on a wall. They are available in regular or widescreen design.
Formats: Regular or HDTV. Screen Sizes: 37" to 84". Price: $1,000 to $30,000.
Speaker systems - Home theater speakers are available in either stereo or surround sound, and wired or wireless. A good audio system will include a set of tweeters, midrange speakers, and a subwoofer. A surround sound system consists of a subwoofer, two side speakers, and two rear satellite speakers.
Formats: Stereo or surround sound. Price: $50 to $4,000.
DVD Players and Recorders - A home theater system just isn't complete without a DVD player. The new generation of DVD players can play CDs, record DVDs, and play the the new HD DVDs.
Price: $50 to $150.
Bottom Line
Home theater systems give you the ultimate entertainment experience. With a wide-screen HD picture, and digital surround-sound audio, you get the feeling you're right in the middle of the action.
We recommend shopping around for a home theater system in your local electronics and discount stores. Try out the various TVs and DVD players, and test the speaker systems, until you find the ones you really like and can afford. Then check out prices online.
Check It Out
If you're in the market for a home theater system keep in mind that prices can vary widely between retailers. That's why we recommend checking out models and prices online before you buy one.
Before we make a major purchase we go to Shopzilla.com to check out products and compare prices.
Shopzilla will give you independent price comparisons, detailed product information, and unbiased customer reviews for all the newest models. After just a few minutes of browsing their site you'll be able to make an informed decision about which home theater system is best for you.
You'll quickly find the model that best meets your needs, where it's available, and where to get it at the lowest possible price. Whether you want to purchase a home theater system online or at a local store, Shopzilla.com will point you to the best deal and the most reputable dealer.
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