1. Electronics & Gadgets

Discuss in my forum

Home Theater Product Picks

By , About.com Guide

Shopping for a Blu-ray Disc Player, TV, Home Theater Receiver, Loudspeakers, or other home theater product can be daunting these days. There are literally hundreds of choices in many product categories to choose from. Even us "pros" don't have time to check everything out, but we do get to see and touch a lot of products. If you are looking for a good value in a home theater-related product, start your quest by checking out my current suggestions in alphabetical order (the following lists are updated on a periodic basis).

Blu-ray Disc Players

Although DVD, as we know it, 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 possibly becoming available at a later date. Check out the current Blu-ray Disc Player offerings.

In addition, if you looking for PC Blu-ray Disc drives, check out some suggestions from Mark Kyrnin, About.com Guide for Computers.

Digital Sound Projectors, Sound Bars, 3-in-1 Speaker Systems

Home theater has resulted in two main audio system options. First, there is the traditional separate component approach. Second, there is the home theater-in-a-box approach. However, another option for those that don't want excessive connecting wires or don't have space for separate components and speakers, is the One or Two piece home theater system. This type produces a surround sound listening environment using a one speaker box, or one speaker box paired with a separate subwoofer. For some suggestions on this approach to home theater audio, check out my product picks for Digital Sound Projectors, Sound Bars, and 3-in-1 Speaker Systems

Home Theater Accessories and Add-Ons

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.

Home Theater Accessories and Gadgets - Most Priced Less Than $99

Are you looking for an inexpensive home theater gadget for yourself or the some one special? If so, check out my selection for great budget-priced, and practical, home theater gadgets and accessories. Most priced less than $99.

Home Theater-In-A-Box Systems

Interested in setting up a home theater, but don't want to have to remodel your living room or deplete your finances to do it? Get in on the home theater craze with a minimum of hassle and cost with a home theater-in-a-box system. Here are some of my favorite picks for low cost, home theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems. Just add your own TV.

Home Theater Products Priced at 199.99 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. Check out my current favorites in the low-priced/high value Home Theater Components.

Home Theater Receivers Priced at 399.00 or Less

The home theater receiver not only provides power to the speakers, but serves as a control center for other components, providing both audio and video switching. Even moderately priced home theater receivers provide features and quality that just a couple of years ago would have commanded sky high prices. Below is a list of my favorite budget home theater receivers ($399 or Less). Also, check out my Home Theater Receiver Connections Gallery to get more familiar with Home Theater Receivers.

Home Theater Receivers $400.00 to $1,299.00

The home theater receiver (also referred to as an AV Receiver) 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. In addition, even moderately priced home theater receivers provide features and quality that just a couple of years ago would have commanded sky high prices. Below is a list of my favorite midrange home theater receivers ($400- $1,299). Also, check out my Home Theater Receiver Connections Gallery to get more familiar with Home Theater Receivers.

Home Theater Receivers $1,300 and Up

The Home Theater Receiver is the heart of a home theater system. It not only provides power to the speakers, but serves as a 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. Also, check out my Home Theater Receiver Connections Gallery to get more familiar with Home Theater Receivers.

LCD TVs - 40-Inches and Larger

Flat panel televisions are quickly becoming quite commonplace on store shelves and in consumers' homes. Although Plasma TVs seem to be be getting a lot attention in this area, the LCD television is actually making a greater market impact. For a list of some of my LCD television favorites in the 40-Inch and larger screen size, check out the following selections. Also, be sure to check out my suggestions for LCD flat panel televisions in the 32 and 37-Inch, 26 and 27-Inch, and 23-Inch and Smaller screen sizes.

Proceed to the next page for more home theater product picks

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.