Home Theater - Top Picks
TopPicks Index
Top 9 Plasma Televisions - EDTV and HDTV Plasma Televisions
Plasma television is finally becoming a viable alternative to those bulky tube and projection sets as prices are coming down and a variety of screen sizes are available. Check out some of my favorite Plasma Televisions and monitors.
Top 4 DVD Player/VCR Combos
The rise of DVD and the continuing popularity of the traditional VCR has given birth to the DVD/VCR combo. Check out some of my DVD/VCR combo picks in this new alternative to the home theater mix.
Top 10 Home Theater-In-A-Box - Top Picks
You want to get into all the Home Theater fun, but don't have the space or the money? The home theater-in-a-box may be just the right solution. Also makes a great gift for any occasion.
Top 6 DVD Recorders
DVD recorders have not only arrived on the scene, but sales are finally beginning to take off. With prices becoming more affordable, the DVD recorder is now a serious option for home video recording. Check out the current field of DVD recorders.
Top 10 Home Theater Receivers 400.00 - 1,299.00
The Home Theater Receiver (also referred to as an AV Receiver) is the heart of a home theater system. It not only provides power to the speakers, but serves as an integrated control center for all of your components, often times providing both audio and video switching. Check out my list of home theater receiver favorites in the $400 to $1,299 price range.
Top 10 Powered Subwoofers
The subwoofer has emerged as a critical component of the home theater system. Today's DVDs contain low frequency information that add a dose of "reality" to those explosions and other special effects, as well as revealing those lower musical tones. If you are considering adding a little punch to your system, consider a few of my moderately-priced powered subwoofer picks.
Top 10 Home Theater Gifts For Dad
Any time of year is a great time to buy a gift for Dad, especially when it comes to adding to his home theater system. Check out some of my suggestions.
Top 10 DVD Players - Standard and Upscaling DVD Players
DVD continues its penetration into retail stores and consumer's homes at an accelerated pace. Even if you don't have a high-end TV or home theater system, you can still enjoy the benefits of the DVD revolution. However, if you do have a higher end system or TV, even today's inexpensive players have a wealth of features. Here are some entry level players to consider.
Top 6 60-Inch and Larger Widescreen Rear Projection Television Picks
If you have the space and the pocketbook, then check out my favorite picks for 60-inch and larger widescreen rear projection televisions.
Top 7 Stereo Receivers - Two Channel - Top Picks
Home theater and surround sound is a great experience, but for some applications, a good-old two channel stereo receiver can handle the job. Check out some of my moderately-priced stereo receiver favorites.
Top 8 CD Players - Changers
Looking for a new CD player? Check out my top picks in moderately priced, but high performance units from a variety of manufacturers.
Top 6 Projection Televisions Less Than 60-Inches in Size - Top Picks
You are shopping for a big screen TV, but a Plasma Television is just not in your budget. Why not consider a rear projection TV? OK, so you can't hang it on the wall, and the cabinet takes up more space, but for about one-half the price of a 42-50 inch Plasma TV, you can get a rear projection TV with the same screen size, and with the same features (many with HDTV upgradability) and, in many cases, better overall picture quality. Check out some of my favorites.
Top 7 CD Recorders
Do you have a vinyl record collection that you never seem to have enough time to listen to? If so, why not make CD copies and take your collection anywhere you go. A CD recorder is a great gift idea for this holiday season.
Top 5 27-Inch Flat Tube Analog and HD-Compatible Televisions
Although the trend these days is towards both HDTV and larger screen televisions, not all consumers have the space or the budget. The basic 27-inch Television is still highly desirable for a large number of consumers. However, there are growing number of 27-inch televisions that are now also HDTV-compatible, bringing the benefits of HDTV to a broader customer base. Check out my latest suggestions for 27-inch televisions that include both analog and HD-compatible units.
Top 4 16x9 Flat Tube HD-Compatible Televisions
As the impact of DVD, DTV, and HDTV becoming more of a factor in TV viewing, the popularity of digital TV is on the rise. Coming in 16x9 screen ratios, this new breed of 16X9 Widescreen televisions provides high performance for both analog and digital video sources. Here are a few of my picks for HD-ready 16X9 Widescreen televisions sets in the 26, 30, and 34-inch screen sizes.
Top 7 Compact Televisions - 19-Inches and Smaller Tube and LCD Televisions
We typically think of compact TVs as bargain basement models for use in the kid's room or the kitchen. However, there is a new breed of high performance compact TVs that deliver excellent picture quality and audio performance that are perfect for smaller spaces.
Top 6 TV Combos
TVs with built-in VCRs have been with us awhile, but now some TVs come with built-in DVD players and other gadgets. These new hi-tech TV combos make great gifts for holidays and other special occassions, including back-to-shool.
Top 4 32 and 36-Inch Analog And HD-Compatible Direct View Tube Televisions
You need a new television, but 27-inch sets are too small, projection sets are too big, flat panel TVs are just too expensive, and the new 16x9 sets just don't quite suit your taste. You can still get the benefits of big screen viewing combined with the latest technology in a 32 or 36-inch 4x3 direct-view TV. Check out several of my favorites.
Top 10 Home Theater Gifts For Lovers
Instead of giving your lover jewelry, flowers, candy, or lingerie on Valentine's Day, anniversary, or birthday, why not give a gift that will not only last, but provide the perfect catalyst for romance - a home theater-related product. Whether cuddling up on the couch to watch that romantic movie, or providing the perfect romantic musical background to set the mood, here are some great gifts that fill the bill.
Top 10 From The Home Theater Archives - Favorite Products Of 2002
The following is list of my favorite home theater-related product picks for 2002. This listing is kept for archival and continued reference purposes. Although many of these product have now been discontinued, they are still in use by consumers.
Top 10 From The Home Theater Archives - Favorite Products of 2003
The following is list of my favorite home theater-related product picks for 2003. This listing is kept for archival and continued reference purposes. Although many of these product have now been discontinued, they are still in use by consumers.