The following is list of my favorite home theater-related product picks for the year 2003. This listing is kept for archival and continued reference purposes. Although many of these product have now been discontinued, they are still in use by consumers.
1. Optoma H56 DLP Video Projector
The Optoma H56 DLP projector, with minimal setup, provides excellent projected images of stunning detail and color accuracy. There is no hint of annoying anomalies, such as green tinted blacks or overblown whites. Colors and shadows retain intended characteristics even in the darkest scenes, while primary colors (red and blue) do not overwhelm in bright scenes. Even though the H56 is a fully capable HDTV projector, standard resolution DVD images, through the S-Video connection look outstanding.2. Marantz SR-7300ose Home Theater Receiver
The SR-7300ose is an AV receiver that has a discrete 6-channel amp supplying 110 RMS WPC into standard 8 ohm loads. It has all needed front and rear analog/digital AV connections as well as 7.1 channel analog inputs for external surround decoder or SACD/DVD-Audio sources. This unit also offers 2-channel second zone input/output as well as switching of composite, S-video, and component sources. Read my review for more.3. Pioneer DV-563A Universal DVD Player
Up until now universal DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio players have been a little on the expensive side, but the new Pioneer DV-563A comes in at less than $200! Not only does this unit play DVD/SACD/DVD-Audio discs, but also plays CDs, CDR/RW, MP3, and WMA. On the video side, this unit offers progressive scan. The 563-A may not have the subtle nuances of more expensive units, but is worth checking out.
4. Yamaha YHT-740 Home Theater-In-A-Box
The YHT-740 is Yamaha's latest entry in its home theater-in-box product category. Unlike most sytems of this type, the YHT-740 is made up of separate components that include its 6.1 channel (95wpc) HTR-5650 AV receiver, the DV-C6660 5-Disc progressive scan DVD player, its compact YST-SW015 120-watt powered subwoofer, and NS-AP3400 satellite speakers. This package is definitely one to consider.5. Philips DVDR75 DVD Recorder
Have you wanted to edit all of those old camcorder videos to VHS tape? Instead of VHS, how about a DVD recorder? With four recording speeds, digital audio recording, built-in TV tuner, progressive scan, and more, the third generation DVDR75 is very versatile, both as a recorder and a player. Utilizing the DVD+R/RW recording format, the DVDs this unit makes are playable in most DVD players.6. Sony KE32TS2 Plasma Television
Make the leap from traditional TV to Flat Panel TV, with this gem from Sony. This unit not only has a bright 32-inch 16x9 screen with a respectable 1000:1 contrast ratio, but also has a built-in NTSC tuner as well as being able to accept any HDTV source. Combine these features with 3:2 progressive scan, built-in sound system, HD component and DVI-HDTV inputs as well as computer RGB inputs, and you have a space-saving centerpiece for your home theater or computer system.