 |
Home Theater Systems Components |
|
|
 Where in the World (Wide-Web) do you start? Right here! Looking For Good Home Theater Systems Advice? The Olympics are underway and if you're looking for a new HDTV for Olympics in HD viewing you've come to the right place in cyberspace. Herein you'll find info on how to research and select your new TV, comparison shop and even integrate and install your audio system. All aspects of bringing the big screen experience to your own home are covered within this humble little web site. From the basic HDTV systems incorporated into a family room - to custom home theater rooms you'll find time and money saving tips in the various topical sections of this site. Much of the advice here is geared for those beginning their Home Theater project. Perhaps you've watched the big game on a friend's big screen and want to upgrade your TV but are unsure what format or type to get. 720p, 1080p, LCD, DLP -- the terms can indeed be confusing. If you are among the "dazed and confused" relax and read on - HDTV selection, setup and installation tips are all here within this site. If you're needing one-on-one, personal consultation, component selection or room design help check out my economical home theater consultation services and I'll be glad to help you figure it all out and probably save you some time and even more importantly - money.
Please allow me just a moment to introduce myself -- It's a "whole new ballgame" nowadays as home cinema technology has advanced considerably. Modern home entertainment systems -- high definition DVD players, satellite TV systems, SXRD DLP LCD and plasma big-screen TVs, digital surround sound and the technology associated with home theater systems can be confusing or even overwhelming to many people. The purpose of this site is to help you make an informed decision when considering your home theater system components purchase. My first bit of advice is that you do not have to spend a small fortune to achieve the desired "WOW factor" (unless you really want to). Great systems that will impress your family and friends can be built or purchased that can fit even the most modest of budgets. All you really need for the basic home cinema experience is a DVD player, a good (preferably large) video display device and digital surround sound and you too can begin to enjoy movies at home even more than before. For more basic system selection tips see the new section on home theater systems buyers' advice. In my opinion one of the best home theater systems is one which can be incorporated into a family or living room. My personal DLP projector, screen and digital 5.1 surround audio system is unobtrusive and goes fairly unnoticed. Unnoticed, that is, until it is time to really enjoy a DVD movie, or watch stunning HDTV programming complete with theater quality digital surround sound. If you have a larger budget you may want a dedicated room for your home cinema experience. Likewise dedicated home cinema rooms can range from a previously unused area in your basement to a new addition to your home - more information on casual versus dedicated can be found in the overall theater room design section. You can also explore the added little extras that will help complete your home theatre decor and make your home cinema viewing experience most enjoyable. |
A section with installation tips to help make your do-it-yourself theater installation a little bit easier is now online here at Home Theater Installation Tips.
We are now in the Summer of our third year here at Home Theater Systems Advice. Sometimes it seems like five years and sometimes like just yesterday that I started this site out of a LOVE for home theater technology. Soon I will be starting a new section of "random related ramblings and rants" -- or somewhat of a daily blog-like series of postings on home theater related topics. I know -- there is already a blog linked in the nav bar -- but that is admittedly more of a "site log" than blog (due to the limitations of my server/host's publishing software which I use to publish this site). I'll change the name of that button and point the blog to the more-traditional postings in the new section. Stay tuned -- you may find it interesting and somewhat amusing... :) Also in the works in the very near future is an area where readers and home cinema enthusiasts can interact and share views, reviews and even images of their home theater projects.
UPDATE The new section where you can tell us about new equipment and recent home theater gear purchases is NOW LIVE. Here's your chance to brag a little and tell us about your new home theater equipment.
There are indeed some interesting things planned as we forge onward into 2008. Stay tuned -- 2008 promises to be even more interesting as this "humble little web site" enters its third year.
Latest developments -
Will you need a digital TV converter box by 2009?
There seems to be a panic among TV owners over the FCC mandated changeover of broadcast TV transmission from analog to digital signals. Fueled by sweeps period mentality, ratings-happy TV news stations with phrases such as "Your TV will be dead in 2009 details at 11" the panic is generally unwarranted. Chances are good that you are already prepared for the big analog to digital conversion happening by February 17, 2009. You can read more on the changeover and how it may or may not affect you here at digital TV receivers for 2009.
Onkyo's new TX-SR606 - Full Featured Value
Onkyo continues it legacy of offering more value per dollar with its new AVR. If you are looking for high performance on a budget take a look at the Onkyo TX-SR606.
Onkyo Raises The Bar With Three New HTiBs
Onkyo has released a new line of Home Theater in a Box systems that are both powerful and stylish. The top unit, the HT-S5100, boasts 130w/ch of 7.1 with a 230w subwoofer. More on the new gems at New Onkyo Home Theater Systems.
The HD DVD vs. Blu-ray war is finally over
Late on 2-16 came a report from Reuters that Toshiba was planning on dropping out of the high definition disc race. And early on 2-19 Toshiba made it official with a press conference announcing they were conceding defeat to Sony's. Toshiba announced they are ceasing production of HD DVD optical drives and will be out of the HD disc biz by the end of March. If you already have an HD DVD player now would be a good time to stock up on movies and at a savings as existing inventory is liquidated.
Media Streaming with the Popcorn Hour A-100
Syabas Technology has a new media streaming device for the technically advanced user. Dubbed a "Networked Media Tank" the Popcorn Hour A-100 is a multi-format A/V storage streamer. Check here for more info on the Popcorn Hour A-100.
New Hybrid Dual Format HD Disc Player from LG
LG has released its newest second generation hybrid / dual format Blu-ray and HD DVD player. Prices should be dropping on hybrids now that HD DVD is done. Check here for more info on the LG BH200.
An Amazing Device from Yamaha
The Yamaha Digital Sound Projectors have been out for a while now and I recently had the opportunity to install a YSP-800 for a client here in OKC and to say I was impressed is an understatement. Virtual and authentic surround sound out of one sleek looking sound bar. Read more on the Yamaha YSP-800.
More "Sound Bar" Systems on the Market
Yamaha has introduced a new line of sound bar along with new entries from Sony, Samsung, Boston Acoustics and Polk Audio.
Check out the new units at Sound Bar Speaker Systems.
New Micro Theater from Philips
Philips won a bunch of Best of Innovation awards at CES 2008. You can read a bit about the most intriguing device amongst the award winners here with the slim available details on the Philips BTD710 Micro Theater.
Sony has been busy
Sony unveiled their new line of high definition televisions at CES 2008 and stunned reviewers with their "Z" designation model line of full HD LCD TVs.
Read more on the Sony KDL-40Z4100 and Sony KDL-46Z4100.
Sony's New HTPC
Sony also has announced their newest home entertainment computer and high definition media server. It's a very powerful Blu-ray equipped and very stylish box. Read more on the Sony VAIO Home Theater PC.
The above stories are the seeds of the aforementioned new blog-like section on Home Theater Systems News where I'll filter through the latest components, devices and trends for your perusal and offer my take on the home cinema scene for your amusement (and bemusement). It's just getting started so come back soon for new articles.
HDMI 1.3 is the latest HDMI version with increased bandwidth transmission capabilities. HD media is the target of the new format with the greater bandwidth enabling higher quality video and HD audio. HDMI 1.3 enabled A/V receivers are now shipping. The nicest one I have seen is the Denon AVR-888 with great features such as upscaling of all analog signals to 1080p via HDMI 1.3 which enables your existing SD media to be displayed with greater quality. The AVR-888 utilizes an integrated Faroujda DCDi scaler to achieve remarkable results from SD content. Check this link for prices under $700 delivered. By the way if you are a bit confused as to the different versions of HDMI that are out there check this clarification in the HDMI section from the Home Theater FAQs pages.
There's a new solution for wireless speaker systems available from Best Buy. Their in-house RocketFish brand has debuted a Universal Wireless Rear Speaker Kit. It is an impressive little unit - you can read my impressions of the system in the section on Wireless Speakers. And if you are looking for a remote control extender for controlling components hidden in a closet or entertainment center check out the very impressive Next Generation Remote Control Extender. It's a very inexpensive and ingenious device that turns your remote into an RF remote - then its receiver re-transmits signals as IR to control your hidden components.
Be sure to check out my new and improved recommended products section where you will find the absolute best prices available on a hand-picked selection of some of the best HT components from a variety of the top manufacturers of home entertainment electronics. Home Theater Store
Speaking of recommendations -- I rarely promote playback media such as a particular movie or music DVD -- however I had the pleasure to discover the Pink Floyd PULSE DVD and it is absolutely phenomenal. I saw Pink Floyd in Dallas back in 1994 and it immediately became my most favorite, #1 rock concert of all time (and I have seen a LOT of the greats over the years) displacing the Who's "Who's Next" tour back in '73. The PULSE DVD captures the concert's incredible sound and lighting effects like no other DVD to date. Featuring the entire Dark Side of the Moon -- the performance is technically astounding. I could go on quite awhile about the show but for brevity's sake just check out the reviews and order it here at Amazon and add it to your DVD collection. It's visually and aurally stunning and highly recommended. :)
As the smoke from the HD DVD vs Blu-ray war clears from the battlefield along comes a newcomer in the form of a new format from NME dubbed the HD VMD. Read more about the latest and newest high definition 1080p disc format and its players' features here at HD VMD.
As mentioned above in the notes on HDMI versions - the NEW Home Theater Systems FAQ section is shaping up a bit and I've added more questions and answers here in the Home Theater FAQ section for your perusal. I've been compiling a collection of the most frequently asked questions over the past year and a half (plus) and am collating the Q&A's into a FAQ section. There you will find the latest answers incorporating the latest home theater technology.
|
|
Note - Home Theater Systems Advice is updated with new info added almost daily. This humble little web site celebrated its two year anniversary in December '07. Bookmark this site and come back soon (and often) for fresh information.
For inquiries, comments or basic assistance Contact Me and I'll answer your basic questions. More specific aid is offered through my personal and custom consultation services.
Thanks for your interest,
Phil
Newly Added -- Check out the fun and crazy line of
home theater t-shirts, enthusiast apparel and cool stuff
in the HT Swag Shop.
Google Pack comes with a great list of free Google software: the amazing Google Earth, Google Desktop, Google Toolbar, Google Talk, and Google Video Player. You also get the absolute best and safest internet browser -- Firefox -- (I switched to Firefox last year and now wonder why I used IE for so long - no more popups!). Plus Picasa, Norton Antivirus, Ad-Aware, Adobe Reader, Realplayer, a screensaver and GalleryPlayer. Quite the complete browser add-on package -- and it's FREE.
Site Table of Contents
| Your Home Theater Video Display - HDTV Screens and Video Projectors Home Theater video display advice for DLP, LCD, SXRD and CRT front and rear projection TVs | video projectors, Plasma and LCD flat panel HDTV video displays - get the BIG picture. |
| Projector Screens - Home Theater Video Screens - manual, electric, fixed & DIY Information for Home Theater video projector screens including manual, electric, fixed and do-it-yourself. |
| Home Theater Audio Systems - Digital Sound Advice Advice on Home Theater Audio Systems. What do you need? Component or HTiB? Wireless speakers? Digital sound formats advice - THX, Dolby Digital. Bose, Denon, Sony Panasonic Koss it's here. |
| Home Theater Speakers FAQ - What are the best home theater system speakers? Home Theater Systems speakers FAQ - What are the best home theater speakers for the best surround sound digital audio? |
| DVDs or Satellite TV or Cable TV - or all of the above Advice on DVDs or Satellite TV or Cable TV for your Home Theater System. Pros and cons of each device and format explained. Which is right for your home theater? |
| Satellite TV for Home Theaters - Dish Network vs Direct TV, C-Band and HD Voom Sorting out Satellite TV for home theater. Dish Network vs Direct TV, C-Band and high definition HD Voom services and receivers. Which has the best selection of channels, quality and customer service? |
| PVRs and DVRs - Digital Video Recording for your Home Theater Find info and advice for PVRs and DVRs - digital video recording for Home Theaters. The best way to watch TV - on your time schedule. . |
| Home Theater Computer - HTPC - Digital Media Servers Home Theater Computer - HTPCs - deliver lossless digital video and multitrack digital audio to your home theater. From multimedia personal computers to dedicated media servers - find info here. |
| Home Theater Room Design - bringing the HT Cinema Experience home Home Theater Room Design - bringing the Cinema Experience home. From acoustic treatments and speaker placement to the furniture and posters that finish your project - find info here. |
| Home Theater Installation Tips - Advice to make your installation easier Home Theater Installation Tips - advice on how to make your home theater installation go a bit smoother and easier. Find important installation tips here. |
| Home Theater Systems Advice - Home Theater FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions Find answers to frequently asked questions in our Home Theater FAQ. From home theater digital audio and acoustics to room design and digital video -- it's here from A to V. |
| Home Theater Video Gaming - Get the most out of your PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii Home Theater Video Gaming is reaching new heights of popularity as home theaters are turning into hi-tech gaming arenas. Get unsurpassed realism from your video console with a home theater system. |
| Home Theater Sickness Prevention - Systems Buyer's Advice Don't help spread "Home Theater Sickness". Your new home theater system can indeed make you sick if you don't gather sufficient information before buying. |
| Home Theater at Amazon.com - Recommended Products Recommended Home Theater at Amazon.com products. A selection of products chosen for best value and stellar owner reviews. |
| Home Theater - SWAG Store - home theater t-shirts and stuff for HT enthusiasts A collection of home theater t-shirts, hats, mugs, stickers and other fun stuff for HT enhusiasts. Wear 'em, use 'em and let the world know you're in love with your home theater. |
| Home Theater Systems Advice - My New Home Theater Equipment Reader's stories and reviews of new home theater equipment they've recently bought or received as gifts. |
| Home Theater Systems Advice Blog Tips for selecting components including video projectors, big-screen TVs, plasma and LCD displays, DVD players, HDTV receivers, satellite TV and surround sound systems. |
| Home Theater Installation Services - Oklahoma City and Tulsa OK area Help with your project - Home Theater Installation Services - Oklahoma City, Tulsa and surrounding areas. Don't overpay for your system install - experienced Audio Visual systems installer - save BIG! |
| Home Theater Systems Consultation Service One-on-one, personalalized home theater systems consultation service. For a very nominal fee I will answer any and all of your quiestions regarding component selection, integration and wiring. |
| Home Theater News - Systems, Components and Trends Home Theater News - systems, components, trends and new products for the home theater enthusiast and beginners alike. |
| Technology News - Straight from News Wires Around the World Technology news and information gleaned from newsfeeds around the world. |
| Entertainment News - from Around the Globe The latest entertainment news headlines from around the world. |
| More Resources for Home Theater, Supplies and Further Reading More resources for home theaters and interesting reading about home cinema system components, equipment and projects. Find further information and product retail sale availability. |
| Contact Home Theater Systems Advice Home Theater Systems Advice contact form for questions. comments, suggestions or help with your project. |
| About Home Theater Systems Advice About Home Theater Systems Advice - why we're here and what we hope to do for you and your interest in home theater systems. |
| Home Theater Systems Advice - Privacy Policy Home Theater Systems Advice Privacy Policy. We respect your privacy, we respect you and will not divulge anything to anybody. No personally identifiable info is collected during your use of this site. |
| Home Theater Systems Advice - Terms of Use Terms of Use for Home Theater Systems Advice, Includes legal disclaimers and contact info. |
| Home Theater Advertising - for your Home Theater Systems related products Home Theater Advertising for your Home Theater Systems related products. Gain maximum exposure to a highly motivated readership. |
| Sony VAIO Home Theater PC - HD media server personal computer from Sony The Sony VAIO home theater PC - high definition media server for home theaters - with integrated Blu-ray disc player. |
