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 $199.99 or less. Check out my current favorites in the low-priced/high value Home Theater Components.
1. Panasonic DMP-BD75 Entry-Level Blu-ray Player
Are you looking for a bargain-priced Blu-ray player that still delivers the goods? If so, check out the easy-to-use, fast-loading, very affordable (about $100) Panasonic DMP-BD75.The DMP-BD75 plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. This player is compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Standard DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output.
With its built-in Ethernet connection, the DMP-BD75 can access both Profile 2.0 internet content related to some Blu-ray Disc releases, as well as the content streamed from Netflix, CinemaNow, and Vudu. Another bonus is that the DMP-BD75 also has a front mounted USB for access to media content stored on USB flash drives. You can even access media content stored your PC.
The Panasonic DMP-BD75 is definitely worth checking out. It is a great entry-level player for the novice, but is also worth considering as a second (or second and third) player for the bedroom or office.
NOTE: The Panasonic DMP-BD75 is not 3D-compatible.
2. Sony STR-DH520 Entry-Level Home Theater Receiver
Here is a great buy for less than $199. At this price point the Sony STR-DH520 packs in 7.1 Channel Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio/Multi-channel PCM decoding, as well as Dolby Pro Logic IIz processing and 4 3D-compatible HDMI inputs and one Audio Return Channel-enabled HDMI output. The STR-DH520 also has pass-through mode that allows access to HDMI connected devices even if the receiver is off. The STR-DH520 definitely offers practical features and good overall performance for the price. You can download the user manual to see if the money-saving STR-DH520 is really right for your home theater receiver needs.3. Polk Audio PSW10 or PSW110 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer
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The Polk PSW10 is a modest powered subwoofer that is great for entry level systems and/or small rooms. This compact subwoofer delivers 50 Watts of continuous power, good clarity, tightness, and a lower bass response than you might find on more expensive subs. The PSW10 has a 10-inch woofer cone, a front mounted port to extend lower frequency response, a frequency response of 35 to 200Hz, and an 80Hz to 160Hz adjustable crossover. Input connections include both Line Level and standard speaker connections. The PSW10 also features an Auto On/Off function. Also, if you want a more "beefy" sub, also check out the PSW110, which is about the same size as the PSW10 but offers a 100 watt output and downfiring port - it is also priced a little higher at around $249. Compare Prices on the PSW110.
4. Epson Accolade Duet ELPSC80 Projection Screen
If you are looking for a convenient portable video projection screen, the Epson Accolade Duet ELPSC80 may be just the ticket. The ELPSC80 comes with both a sturdy removable tripod and wall mounting hardware, so you have installation flexibility. The ELPSC80 opens from the center outward and can be set for a 60-inch 4x3 aspect ratio or an 80-inch 16x9 aspect ratio. When you open the screen there are clicks to tell you when you reach the desired aspect ratio. Note: There is a slight sag at the top of the screen that may be noticeable on images that fill the entire screen surface. The ELPSC80 is a very affordable portable video projection screen solution for the living room, office, or even outdoors on a warm Summer night.5. Panasonic DVD-S68 Upscaling DVD Player with CD Ripping
If you are still resistant to make the jump to Blu-ray and you need to replace your DVD player, check out the Panasonic DVD-S68. This modestly priced unit has an abundance of features including HDMI with 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling, DVD-Video/-R/-RW, CD/-R/-RW, VCD, WMA, MP3-CD, JPEG-CD, and Divx playback. In addition, the DVD-S68 also feature a USB input for playback of digital music files. In fact, you can even rip your CDs to a USB connected flash drive. Also, both analog and digital audio outputs are provided for easy connection to home theater systems. If you are looking for a good DVD player, especially with HDMI 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling, and price well under $99, definitely check out the Panasonic DVD-S68.6. Seagate FreeAgent Theater+ HD Media Player
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Seagate is a familiar name in the PC world as makers of hard drives that are used in PCs, DVRs, and DVD Recorder/Hard Drive Combos. Previously, I reviewed the FreeAgent Theater hard-drive based media player. Now, Seagate offers an updated model, the FreeAgent Theater+, that not only allows you to play back audio, video, still image files stored on a portable hard drive, USB flash drives and many Digital Still cameras, but adds full HD 1080p output via HDMI, as well as home networking and internet access via ethernet. To find out if the the FreeAgent Theater+ is right for you, check out my Review and Photo Gallery. Also, check out a follow-up review from About.com contributing writer, Barb Gonzalez, that includes some updated features.
7. Sony CDP-CX355 CD Changer
Is your CD collection crowding your bookcases? If so, check out this 300-CD Megachanger from Sony. In addition to storing your entire CD collection, this player is also compatible with CD-R/RW and Text Discs. There is even a PS/2 Keyboard connection to enable you to connect a PC-keyboard to assist in organizing and cataloging your collection. Of course, the CDs sound great too.8. Toshiba DR430 DVD Recorder with HDMI Output
Here is a budget-priced DVD recorder with very practical features. For less than $120, the Toshiba DR430 offers DVD-R/-RW and +R/+RW format recording with Auto Finalization, a front panel DV-input for connecting digital camcorders, and an HDMI output with 1080p upscaling. In addition, the DR430 can also play back MP3-CDs, as well as standard audio CDs. However, the DR-430 does not have a built-in tuner, so it is necessary to use an external cable or satellite box to record television programs. If you subscribe to cable or satellite and use a box, and have an HDTV to access the 430's 1080p upscaling video output capability, then this DVD recorder might be a good match for your entertainment setup.9. Netgear XAVB1004 Powerline Adapter Kit
Powerline adapters use your household electrical wiring to transfer data and audio/video information. A network media player or other networkable TV or component can use powerline adapters to connect to the home network router and internet modem that is placed in another part of the house, eliminating the need for long Ethernet cables. The Netgear XAVB1004 provides fast connection speeds for transferring files and smooth high definition audio and video. This kit comes with an adapter that has four Ethernet ports to connect several home theater devices--a TV, a Blu-ray Disc player, a network media player and a DVR.10. Atlona High-Speed Flat HDMI Cables
If you are upgrading your home theater and are looking for HDMI cables that are "future-proof", then check out the offerings from Atlona. The Atlona Flat HDMI cables come in a variety of lengths and meet all current HDMI requirements, including 10.2 GPs transfer rate capability for 3D and Audio Return Channel, plus capability for future needs including resolutions up to 4K (4096x2160) and Ethernet-over-HDMI. In addition, the flat styling makes placing and hiding the cables easier. Last, but not least, the Atlona flat HDMI cables are actually less expensive than HDMI cables from some other well-known manufacturers.