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.
The TX-SR304 delivers what it promises, both in terms of home theater and music reproduction. The TX-SR304 also offers features that are practical for the user. Although not offering the extensive connectivity, features, and more complex audio/video processing of higher-end units, the TX-SR304 offers essentials for today's entry-level user: Excellent sound quality, HD-compatible component video switching for use with HDTVs, and an easy-to-use remote control.
The Yamaha HTR-6130, despite its suggested price of $229, can be found at retailers for $199 or less. This receiver offers practical audio features including, a powerful 5.1 channel amplifier, Dolby Digital/DTS surround decoding, front panel mini-jack for connection of digital audio players, and both iPod and Bluetooth connectivity via optional adapters. The SCENE function allows for preset or customized listening and viewing modes. Also included is HDMI switching and 1080p pass through via two HDMI inputs and one output. If you are planning to purchase a basic home theater receiver, with useful features, power, and performance that you normally find on mid-priced units, the HTR-6130 may fill the bill.
The OPPO OPDVDV980H is a feature-packed DVD player that delivers what it promises. HDMI connectivity and upscaling enables the DV980H to deliver an excellent picture on an HDTV. In addition, other features, such as SACD, DVD-Audio, and Divx playback, as well as a front mounted USB port for importing images and sound from flash drives, add great audio and video flexibility. If you are looking for a new DVD player to use with an HDTV or Video Projector, and surround sound system, make sure you check this one out. The OPPO DV980H is an excellent all-around DVD/CD/SACD/DVD-Audio player, and is priced less than $170. For a more detailed look at the DV-980H, check out my Short and Full Reviews.
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The Polk PSW10 Powered Subwoofer is a modest 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 adjustabele crossover. Input connections include both Line Level and standard speaker connections. The PSW10 also features an Auto On/Off function for convenience. If you are looking for a compact subwoofer, check out the Polk Audio PSW10. Although its suggested price is $239, it can easily be found for $199 or Less.
The JBL Venue Series Monitor loudspeaker is a compact powerhouse. With a 5-inch woofer, 3/4-inch titanium tweeter, a continuous power handling capability of 60 watts (240 watts peak), and frequency response of 68Hz to 24KHZ, the Venue Series Monitor delivers great sound for a compact speaker. The Venue Series Monitor is equally at home in both a two-channel stereo configuration or as part of a surround sound home theater system (either as main, center, or surround speakers - or all three) with the addition of a subwoofer. Check out the JBL Venue Series Monitor - less than $199 a pair.
The Sima VS-HD31 HDMI
Switcher is a very useful product for owners of HDTVs that have only one HDMI input connection. With all the new source components coming on board with HDMI connections (DVD players, DVD recorders, Blu-ray players, HD-DVD players, and Satellite and Cable Boxes) one HDMI input provided on most HDTVs is definitely not enough. With the VS-HD31, you can expand your single HDMI input into three. The VS-HD31 is 1080p and HDMI audio compatible, offers signal boosting for long cable runs, and also has a credit card-size wireless remote. This is definitely a useful and affordable accessory for your HDTV.
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.
Here is a budget-priced DVD recorder with very practical features. For a price below $130, the Toshiba DR410 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 DR410 can also play back Divx file discs, as well as standard audio CDs. However, the DR-410 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 410's upscaling video output capability, then this DVD recorder might be a good match for your entertainment setup.
The SLV-D380P DVD Player/VCR combo has a full complement of AV inputs/outputs for its 4 Head HiFi VCR section, as well as composite, component (with progressive scan), S-Video, and digital audio outputs for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound on the DVD side. This unit can also play back most DVD and CD disc formats. On the VCR side, this unit is a 4-Head HiFi Stereo unit with high speed rewiind. Here is a very affordable, practical, unit suited for a basic home theater. NOTE: This unit does not have a built-in tuner. In order to record television programs, the SLV-D380P must be connected to an external Cable, Satellite, or Over-the-Air Set-top Box. Lastly, SLV-D380P is a DVD Player/VCR combo - the DVD side does not record.
The Audio Technica AT-LP2D-USB LP-to-Digital Recording System is a package that includes an audio turntable (with cartridge) with a USB output that can connect to a PC or Laptop. Also included is all the software you need to transfer old LP Vinyl records to CD or MP3 for continued listening pleasure on a home audio system or portable digital music player. An added bonus is that the turntable has a built-in preamp that allows it to be connected to standard CD or AUX audio inputs on home theater receivers that may not have a dedicated turntable input. For more details, check out the Audio Technica AT-LP2D-USB Product Page.
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