TopPicks Index
Top 10 Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD Players
Ever since DVD was introduced in 1997, engineers and manufacturers have been working on its eventual replacement, which has resulted in the development of two competing formats - Blu-ray and HD-DVD. Although DVD as we know it today will be around for some time to come, the advent of high definition playback for consumers is now available in the U.S., with recording capability also becoming available. Check out the latest offerings from these two high definition formats: Blu-ray and HD-DVD.
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 20-Inch Analog Flat Tube Televisions
The standard 20-inch television is often just the right size for a second room, office, or small apartment. Today's flat tube 20-inch televisions offer great performance, as well as the latest input options for DVD players, and outputs for connection to a home theater system. The advantages of a flat tube include less glare from ambient room light, less shape distortion, and a wider viewing angle. Check out some of my current favorites.
Top 10 Home Theater Products Priced at 199.00 or Less
Many consumers have the impression that home theater is complicated and expensive. Although you won't find that 42-inch Plasma Television or LCD flat panel television for $199, there are a lot of surprisingly good home theater-related components priced at $199 or less. For a look at my current favorites, check out my Top Picks for Home Theater Products Priced at $199 or Less.
Top 6 Home Theater Receivers 1,300 Dollars and Up
The Home Theater Receiver (also referred to as an AV Receiver or Surround Sound 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. High end Home Theater Receivers also provide extensive audio and video switching, as well as video upscaling capabilities. Check out my list of high end home theater receiver favorites in the $1300 and Up price range.
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 8 Universal DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio Players
DVD players come in all types of configurations, including DVD/VCR combos, players that play MP3 CDs, Multi-region players, and DVD players that are also DVD recorders. However, a new DVD player configuration is becoming popular, DVD players that can play both of the new high resolution audio formats: DVD-Audio and SACD. Check out the latest crop of affordable Universal DVD players.
Top 10 Video Projectors - Entry Level and Mid-range Home Theater Projectors
The video projector has long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some very high-end home theater systems. However, video projectors are becoming more available and affordable for the average consumer. For a sampling of video projectors in the entry-level to upper-mid price ranges, check out some of my current suggestions.
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 LCD Televisions - Top Picks For LCD Televisions
Flat panel televisions are quickly becoming quite commonplace on store shelves and in consumers' homes. Although Plasma TVs seem to be be getting all the attention in this area, the LCD television is also making an impact, especially for those that desire smaller screen sizes. For a list of some of my LCD television favorites, check out the following selections.
Top 4 Mini/Micro Audio Systems Priced Less Than 199.00
Want big sound but have little space and a small budget? Check out some of my favorite budget mini-audio systems priced less than 199.00. Athough not as powerful as a standard audio system, these units provide great sound for their small size and are perfect for the office, bedroom, kitchen, or dorm.
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 6 Home Theater Receivers - Priced at 399.00 or Less
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 priced at $399 or less.
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 Grads
Looking for a great gift for your favorite Grad? If so, then consider a gift of Home Theater. Check out my list of affordable Home Theater Gifts for Grads.
Top 10 Home Theater Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
You spent a ton of money and time setting up your new home theater system, but something just doesn't seem right. Did you make any mistakes? To find out, check out my list of common mistakes many of us make when trying to put together a home theater environment.
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 10 Home Theater Gifts For Mom
Home Theater isn't just for the guys, check out some great home theater gift ideas for mom!
Top 10 Home Theater Accessories for Committed Movie Fans
A lot of attention is placed on the basic equipment needed to experience home theater, however, there are many unusual accessories that can enhance your home theater enjoyment. Check out my list of suggestions that can add both to the functionality and aesthetic enjoyment of your home theater experience. Some suggestions are very inexpensive and practical to implement, while others are expensive and indulgent, but all add to the variety and what can be attained in the home theater experience.
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 6 Compact Audio Systems Priced at 200.00 and Up
Want big sound but have little space? Check out some my favorite mid-range compact audio systems. These units are perfect for the office, bedroom, or apartment.
Top 5 DVD Recorder - VHS VCR Combinations
DVD recorder/VCR combos are finally here. For those that are both replacing a VCR and want a DVD recorder, this flexible option gives you the best of the old and the new. You can use these units to play DVDs and VHS tapes, as well as record or copy homemade recordings (such as camcorder tapes, television recordings, etc...). However, keep in mind that DVD recorder/VCR combos cannot be used to copy commercially made DVD movies to VHS or commercially made VHS movies to DVD, due to copy-protection.
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.