It is that time of year where every consumer electronics journalist picks their favorite products of the year. While many choose the most expensive and/or only high end products, I take the approach of picking items from a broad range of product classes and prices that provide a good value for the consumer. You can check out either a Photo Gallery or List of my favorite home theater-related product picks for 2009.

Although DVD is the most successful home entertainment product in history, ever since it was introduced in 1997, it lacks true high definition playback and recording capability. Two competing camps came up with a solution: Blu-ray and HD-DVD. However, only the Blu-ray format now remains. To find out the answers to questions about Blu-ray check out my latest "Question of the Week Series" on Blu-ray Basics. This week's question: What Type of Television Do I Need To Use With a Blu-ray Disc Player or Recorder? Also, be sure to check out my complete Blu-ray FAQs.

Looking for something "hot" this holiday season? Flat panel Televisions (either LCD or Plasma) are selling like hotcakes in the consumer market. This year, prices are lower than ever, and, combined with the switchover from analog to televisions broadcasting earlier this year, purchasing a new television has taken on more meaning. Check out some current offerings from my Plasma Television Top Picks List In addition, for information on what you should know before buying a Plasma Television, check out my article: Before You Buy a Plasma Television as well as suggestions from Forrest Hartman, About.com Guide for TV/Video.

Best Buy, bolstered by movie studio support, has announced that will be allocating 30% of its in-store entertainment software retail space to Blu-ray Discs. This means that its in-store DVD and CD offerings will be reduced and de-emphasized in anticipation of increased demand for Blu-ray Disc products this holiday season. For all the details, check out the report from Home Media Magazine. If you are planning to buy a Blu-ray Disc player for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, check out my current list of favorites.

Also, some of the deals that will be offered by Best Buy upcoming on Black Friday include a $99 Blu-ray Disc player, a $999 Panasonic 50-inch Plasma TV and Blu-ray Disc player bundle, and floor standing Klipsch loudspeakers for $186.99 each. For the complete list, check out the post by Black Friday Info. Note: Stay tuned for my complete Black Friday Report as the popular shopping day gets closer.

LG has experience with both the now-defunct HD-DVD and surviving Blu-ray Disc formats, and was the first manufacturer to introduce a networked Blu-ray Disc player at CEDIA 2008. However, their new BD390 expands on the success of their previous networked Blu-ray Disc player platform and incorporates not only expanded video and audio streaming options (which include CinemaNow, YouTube, Vudu, and Netflix), but wireless network connectivity via built-in WiFi. This is definitely a player for those that want a complete Blu-ray and internet streaming entertainment experience.

Flat panel televisions are definitely hot this holiday season. With lower prices and more variety in screen sizes, there is a flat panel television out there for just about everybody. Today, I am putting the spotlight on LCD flat panel televisions by featuring some suggestions for sets 40-inches and Larger, 32 and 37-inches, 26 and 27-inches, and even some suggestions in the compact 23-inch and Smaller screen size. Also, for some tips on what to look for in an LCD television this holiday season, check out my Guide to LCD Flat Panel Televisions as well as suggestions from Forrest Hartman, About.com Guide for TV/Video.

Are you a video recording fanatic? If so, DVR maker Moxi has just announced a product may be just right for you. The new Moxi HD-DVR has three built-in tuners, combined with 500GB of storage (expandable to 6.5 Terabytes), that allow you to record either two shows and watch another at the same time, or record three shows and watch a fourth previously recorded show at the same time. For all the specifics on the Moxi 3-Tuner HD-DVR, check out the official Product Page. Also, for details on Moxi's new product line of DVRs, out their latest Official Annoucement.

The California TV regulation controversy continues to heat up as the CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) has come out with their written response to the CEC (California Energy Commission). The CEA is claiming, in a written presentation, that the CEC has made significant errors and misleading statements regarding its proposal to regulate TV energy efficiency and that current voluntary efforts, such as the Energy Star program are succeeding in reducing TV power consumption.

For all the details on the CEA side of the story, check out their full presentation posted by the lobbying group Californians for Smart Energy. It is expected that the CEC will make its final decision on whether to implement its proposed regulations on November 18th (Delayed from Nov 4th). Check out my coverage of the recently held hearing by the CEC regarding its TV regulation proposal, as well as my perspective on this controversial issue.

Related Story: Study Indicates Energy Efficiency Not Top Priority in TV Purchase Decisions

TIVO refers to a popular video recording device that records on a hard disk drive, rather than on video tape or disc. TIVO use also requires a paid subscription to allow use of its operating system. For specific details, refer to the TIVO Website.

For additional terms and definitions, check out my Home Theater Glossary

When giving a home theater component, such as a DVD player, Television, speaker system, or other high-tech gadget gift, make sure you include the accessories that make it work. For more details, check out my article: Don't Forget Needed Accessories

For other useful Holiday Shopping Tips, also check out my Holiday Shopping Survival Guide, What's Hot and Not in Home Theater for the Holiday Season, and Top Home Theater Gifts for Holiday Shoppers.