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Top Home Theater Gifts for Holiday Shoppers - 2011 Edition

Home Theater Christmas and Winter Holiday Product Picks

By , About.com Guide

It is that time of year when stores begin to fill with eager Christmas and Holiday Shoppers looking for great deals on consumer electronics products, such as LCD and Plasma TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Audio systems, and more... For those that haven't been able to keep up with latest, check out my list of home theater-related products that are a great value in both price and performance, that will enable that special someone to put together a great home theater system.

OPPO Digital BDP-93 3D/Network Blu-ray Player

OPPO Digital BDP-93 Blu-ray Disc Player - Dual ViewPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
If you are looking for a great Blu-ray Disc player to add to your own home theater system, or give as a gift this holiday season, this is the player to seriously consider. The OPPO Digital BDP-93 3D/Network Blu-ray Player is a high-end player, with a reasonable price tag. Amongst its features are 2D and 3D Blu-ray Disc playback, SACD and DVD-Audio Disc playback, and compatibility with a host of other formats. For standard DVDs, the BDP-93 features a Marvell QDEO Kyoti-G2 88DE2750 upscaling chip. In addition, the BDP93 also incorporates NetStreaming from services such as Netflix and Blockbuster and can also access content from connected USB Flash, eSATA drives, or from a network-connected PC.

The BDP-93 also includes Dual HDMI outputs that enable the connection of one HDMI output directly to a 3D-TV, while the second HDMI output can connect to another 2D or 3D compatible display or to supply a separate audio signal to a non-3D compatible HDMI-equipped home theater receiver. To find out more, check out my Review, Photo Profile and Video Performance Test Results.

Panasonic DMP-BDT110 3D and Network Blu-ray Player

Panasonic DMP-BDT110 3D and Network Blu-ray PlayerPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
If the OPPO BDP-93, listed above, is a little out of your holiday shopping blu-ray disc player budget, check out the more affordable Panasonic DMP-BDT110. This is Blu-ray Disc Player that is compact, stylish, performs well. The DMP-BDT110 provides 2D and 3D playback of Blu-ray Discs, 2D to 3D conversion, and 1080p upscaling of standard DVDs via HDMI output. The DMP-BDT110 also features internet streaming from services such as, CinemaNow, Netflix, Pandora, Vudu, and more.

For all the details on this great Blu-ray Disc player choice, read my Review as well as my supplementary Photo Profile, and Video Performance Test Results.

For additional suggestions, check out my current list of Blu-ray Disc Players.

Panasonic TC-P50GT30 3D/Network Plasma TV

Panasonic TC-P50GT30 3D Network Plasma TV - Photo of Front ViewPhotos (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
If you are planning on purchasing a TV this holiday season, there is definitely a lot to choose from. However, one TV to consider is the Panasonic TC-P50GT30. The TC-P50GT30 is a 50-inch Plasma TV that can display both 2D and 3D Blu-ray, TV broadcast, cable, or satellite TV sources, along with network media player capabilities, which allows direct access to both PC-based and online streaming audio/video content via wired or wireless internet connection. With the addition of a compatible accessory webcam, you can even make Skype video phone calls. The TC-P50GT30 also utilizes an attractive, thin profile, design.

In addition, the 50-inch TC-P50GT30 also features a 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 600Hz Sub Field Drive, 4 HDMI inputs, and a two side mounted USB ports for accessing audio, video, and still image files stored on flash drives. The Panasonic TC-P50GT30 is definitely a feature-packed TV that may be just right for your home theater system. For more details, check out my Review, Photo Profile, and a sampling of Video Performance Tests.

Also available in larger screen sizes - Compare Prices for the: 55-inch TC-P55GT30, 60-inch TC-P60GT30, and 65-inch TC-P65GT30.

For more suggestions, check out my current list of Plasma TVs.

Sony KDL46EX720 46-inch 3D LED/LCD TV

Here is another great TV to consider for your holiday shopping. The Sony KDL46EX720 LCD TV features a 46-inch screen, 1080p resolution, and LED Edge Lighting. Just as with a growing number of new TVs, the KDL46EX720 is able to display 2D and 3D images (3D glasses and 3D content required). This set also features four HDMI 1.4a inputs, 120Hz screen refresh rate, supplemented by 240Hz processing, and both ATSC and QAM tuners. The ATSC tuner allows reception of the over-the-air HDTV signals and the QAM tuner allows Digital/HD-cable (non-premium channels) reception.

In addition, the KDL46EX720 offers WiFi connectivity via accessory adapter, and access to internet-streaming content, such as Netflix, YouTube, and more. The KDL46EX720 delivers excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast, and LED Edge Lighting is very energy efficient. Also available in a larger 55-inch screen size (KDL55EX720 - compare prices) and 60-inch screen size (KDL-60EX720 - compare prices), as well as a smaller 40-inch screen size (KDL40EX720 - compare prices).

For more suggestions, check out my current list of LCD and LED/LCD TVs 40-inches and Larger.

Compare Prices

Toshiba 32SLV411U LCD TV/DVD Combo

Another great gift to consider this holiday season is a TV and also has a built-in DVD player. The Toshiba 32SLV411U is a great choice in this category. With its 32-inch screen size, it is great for small apartments or offices. The LCD TV section features LED Edge-lighting that provides slimmer profile and energy efficiecy. Also, its 1366x768 native pixel resolution (approx 720p) provides a detailed impage. In addition, built-in NTSC/ATSC/AQM tuners, two HDMI, PC monitor input, digital optical output, and USB port provide connection and content access flexibility. There is also a gaming mode that reduces lag time between a game controller and the TV. The DVD/CD player is compatible with DVD/DVD-R/DVD-RW/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/VCD discs and also has for home theater audio hookup. This combo can easily fit in a variety of setups.

For more suggestions, check out my current list of TV Combos.

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Optoma HD33 3D DLP Video Projector

Optoma HD33 3D DLP Video Projector - Front ViewPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
If you are looking for really special gift this holiday season, consider a video projector. As it turns out, you don't have to spend a fortune to own one and the Optoma HD33 is a very affordable projector that is definitely one to consider. The HD33 provides both 2D and 3D viewing (3D content required) utilizing DLP technology. The basic specification of this projector include: 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 1,800 lumen output capability. The HD33 also comes with an easy-to-use plug-in RF 3D synch transmitter (each pair of 3D glasses requires a separate purchase). Both the 2D and 3D image quality is great, especially when projected on a large screen. Also, even if you are not ready for the 3D part, the HD33 projects great 2D images as well.

The HD33 makes a great replacement for an older video projector, but is priced low enough to consider as a first video projector. However, if you have never owned a video projector, don't forget to consider a screen. For all the details, read my review, check out my photo profile, and take a look at some video performance test results.

For additional suggestions, check out my current list of DLP and LCD Video Projectors.

Onkyo HT-RC360 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver

Onkyo HT-RC360 3D Network Home Theater Receiver - Front View with AccessoriesPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Home theater receivers make a great holiday home theater upgrade gift. The Onkyo HT-RC360 7.2 channel home theater receiver is a great choice in the moderately-priced category, offering both practical features and good performance. The HT-RC360 provides TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and both Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX processing.

In addition, the HT-RC360 also has 6 3D-compatible HDMI inputs with both 1080p and 4K upscaling via its built-in Marvell QDEO processing chip. Besides solid audio and video features, the HT-RC360 also includes iPod/iPhone connectivity, Internet Radio, and DLNA functions that allow access to media files stored on PCs or other network connected device. For futher consideration, check out my Review, Product Profile, and Video Performance Tests.

For additional suggestions, check out my list of Midrange Home Theater Receivers.

Cambridge Audio Minx S215 5.1 Channel Speaker System

Cambridge Audio Minx S215 5.1 Channel Speaker System - Full ViewPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Buying speakers for yourself is hard enough, so what should you buy if you are looking for a speaker system as a holiday gift? Here is one suggestion to check out, the Cambridge Audio Minx S215 5.1 Channel Speaker System. The speakers are extremely compact, but they deliver great sound. Unlike some expensive speaker systems that offer "tiny" speakers, but still sound cheap, the Minx is reasonably priced and sounds very good, especially for smaller spaces, such as an apartment or second room setup. Check out more about the Cambridge Audio Minx S215 5.1 Channel Speaker System Surround Speaker System in my Review and supplementary Photo Profile.

For additional suggestions, check out my current list of Home Theater Speaker Systems.

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Onkyo HT-S9400THX Home Theater System

Onkyo HT-S9400THX Home Theater SystemPhoto (c) Onkyo USA
One great holiday gift is a compact all-in-one home theater system that includes a home theater receiver, speakers, and subwoofer. However, a lot of these systems are made cheaply and sound cheap. However, the Onkyo HT-S9400THX is a 7.1 channel home theater-in-a-box offers higher-end features and performance not typical in many all-in-one systems. The included receiver provides Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, and Dolby Prologic IIz processing, is also THX I/S Plus Certified for audio processing and loudspeakers to insure consistent, quality, performance and that everything in the system is both electronically and acoustically matched.

In addition to great audio features and performance the HT-S9400THX is also 3D and Audio Return Channel compatible. The system even includes Marvell 1080p and 4K video scaling, and network connectivity that allows access to internet streaming content, as well as content stored on compatible PCs and media servers. For more details and perspective, read my HT-S9400THX Product Profile.

For additional suggestions, check out my list of Home Theater-in-a-Box Systems.

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WD TV Live Hub by Western Digital

WD TV Live Hub by Western DigitalPhoto (c) Barb Gonzalez - Licensed to About.com
Network Media players and Media Sreamers are very popular home theater add-ons, especially if you don't have an internet-enabled TV, Blu-ray Disc player, or home theater reciever. One great holiday gift choice to consider is the WD TV Live Hub by Western Digital. The Western Digital WD TV Live "Hub" combines a network media player with an internal 1TB hard drive. You can use the WD TV Live Hub to store media, rather than using network attached storage (NAS) or an external hard drive for your network's central media library. For more on the WD TV Live Hub, check out our Review.

For additional suggestions, check out my list of Network Media Players and Media Streamers.

Yamaha YSP-2200 Digital Sound Projector

Yamaha YSP-2200 Digital Sound Projector System - Photo of Front ViewPhoto (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
If you are looking a great holiday gift idea, but aren't interested in getting a home theater gift with a lot speakers to connect, consider something a little different that can still fill the bill.

The Yamaha YSP-2200 is a all-in-home system that is referred to as a Digital Sound Projector. The YSP-2200 incorporates 16 individual speakers (2 watts x16) built into a single thin-profile cabinet in combination with an external 100 watt powered subwoofer. The YSP-2200 provides Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD-Master Audiosurround sound decoding. Additional features include 3D and Audio Return Channel compatible HDMI inputs, as well as digital optical/coaxial and analog audio inputs. You can even connect your iPod or iPhone.

The Yamaha YSP-2200 is a no-hassle way to get surround sound with minimal hassles, especially for a small room. For more details, read my review and check out my photo profile.

For more suggestions, check out my current list of Digital Sound Projectors and Sound Bars.

RedEye Remote Control System and App

The iPhone and Android phone, via downloadable apps, are becoming a part of the home theater experience. The RedEye remote control app for iPhone is free with the purchase of either a RedEye or RedEye mini remote control system that works with either an iPhone or Android phone to control your home theater system and related devices. An extensive online database provides remote control codes for thousands of devices. The app enables control of devices individually or as group using an "activity" function (such as turning on your TV and home theater receiver when you want to play a Blu-ray Disc). Also included in the app is access to a real-time online program guide.

The way the system works is that once the app is installed on either an iPhone or Android phone, the phones send remote control signals either via WiFi to the RedEye station, or via direct plug-in to the RedEye mini. The RedEye station and Mini then send standard IR signals to the devices that are to be controlled. The RedEye station also doubles as a charger/AC adapter for your phone. If you have an iPhone or Android phone, this is definitely an app and remote control system to check out.

Download the iPhone App

Download the Android App

Compare Prices for the RedEye and Compare Prices for the RedEye mini.

For more suggestions, check out my current list of iPhone Home Theater Remote Control Apps.

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