The following is list of my favorite home theater-related product picks for 2004. 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. Syntax Olevia LT30HV LCD Television
The Syntax Olevia LT30HV HD-compatible LCD television, at $1,999, sports a 30-inch 16x9 screen with 1280x768 native resolution, as well as HD-compatible progressive scan and DVI-HDCP inputs for watching DVD and HD material (with an outboard set-top box). For audio, the LT30HV includes a ten watt-per-channel amplifier with side-mounted speakers, and an output to connect an external subwoofer. This gives an additional option for those who may not have, or desire, a full external audio system.
2. Samsung DVD-HD931 HD-Compatible DVD Player
The Samsung DVD-HD931 is a DVD player that will upconvert signal output to either 720p/1080i. If you own an HD or HD-upradable TV with DVI-HDCP input, you can watch DVDs in higher resolution, thanks to a Faroudja de-interlacer/scaler. This works well with Plasma/LCD monitors and DLP video projectors. This unit has all video outputs and features you would expect, including CD/CDR/CDRW/MP3/JPG playback. Although it may be a little expensive for a "budget" category, this DVD player is a bargain.
3. LiteON LVW-5005 DVD Recorder
If you are looking for a DVD recorder and are confused as to which format to choose, then check out the LiteON LVW-5005 All-Write DVD recorder. This unit can record in the DVD+R/+RW and DVD-R/-RW formats and also record VCD format video on CD-Rs and CD-RWs. The 5005 also has both analog and firewire inputs. This unit is creating quite stir in the marketplace, especially amongst weekend video editors. The only drawback is that its built-in TV tuner does not decode MTS-stereo audio.
4. Yamaha HTR-5790 Home Theater Receiver
With its moderate price and loads of features, the THX Select Certified HTR-5790 AV receiver is an excellent value. This unit is a 7.1 channel capable receiver that delivers 110 WPC with its high-current amps. Three useful features are: Video Conversion, which allows mixing of Component/S-/composite video inputs/outputs; Second Zone pre-outs (additional amplifier needed), and Audio Delay, for adjusting any DVD lipsynch issues. The HTR-5790 makes a great centerpiece for a home theater system.
5. Kiss Technology DP-470 DVD Receiver
The Kiss Technology DP-470 DVD Receiver is an innovative home theater component that incorporates a standard DVD/CD player with some additional, practical, features, such as a built-in 5-channel surround sound amplifier, AM/FM tuner, and Divx file compatibility. Just add speakers and a powered subwoofer and you are set to go. To find out more, check out my review of the DP-470.
If you enjoy listening to your audio/home theater system with headphones, but tire of standard stereo headphone bulkiness, then check out the Shure E-series earphones, especially the E3c. Although expensive ($179), you will not be disappointed. Several benefits to the listener include: extremely compact size, high-energy drivers for high output, great sonic definition at all frequencies, and low distortion compared to similar products.
Subwoofers come in many sizes, but, with the trend towards more compact audio and home theater systems, the traditional big-box subwoofer can be asthetically undesirable. However, new technologies are shrinking the physical size of subwoofers. This has enabled a new generation of small subwoofers for use with multimedia, compact audio systems, and televisions. Check out my review of the Maxx Home MiniWoofer.
There are many brands of high-end AV cables available. Accell Ultra brand cables are definitely worth considering with their easy grip design, good construction, and signal strength that is required in home theater applications.
9. Sony KV-27HS420 27-inch HD-Compatible Television
Sony's KV-27HS420 is an example that you don't need to get a big TV to get HDTV. This 27" TV features Sony's Hi-Scan 1080i display capability and DRC Digital Reality Creation Circuitry. Also included is progressive scan with 3-2 reverse pulldown for a more film-like image on DVDs and HDTV sources. All the input and output options to complement your home theater are included: A/V (Composite), S-Video, Component Video, Front A/V (Composite), Front S-Video, HDMI-HDCP, and standard audio outputs.
10. Hitachi 65X500 HD-Compatible Projection Television
Hitachi has taken their projection televisions up another notch with a great selection of HDTV sets. With a large 65-inch 16x9 screen, the 65X500 is HD-upgradable, including a DVI-interface, with the ability to display 480p, 720p, and 1080i high definition signals as well as providing upconversion for standard definition interlaced signals as well as upscaling 1080i to 1080p. You may not see this set at a lot of retailers, but it is well worth looking for.
