The following is list of my favorite home theater-related product picks for 2005. This listing is kept for archival and continued reference purposes.
If a subwoofer doesn't provide enough "kick" for you, then add more fun to your home theater with the Crowson Technology TES-100 Tactile Transducer. Although subwoofers bring realistic bass sound to the home theater environment, there is still something missing - tactile sensation. The combination of the TES100 Transducer and A200 Amplifier enables one to turn his/her own chair into a home theater component that adds the sensory experience of touch to your viewing and listening enjoyment.
For less than $2,000, this set sports a 32-inch 16x9 screen, as well as HD-compatible progressive scan and DVI-HDCP inputs, perfect for watching DVD and HD material (with an outboard set-top box). The LT32HV includes great sounding side-mounted speakers, and an output to connect an external subwoofer. The LT32HV also has extensive picture adjustment controls, a very wide viewing angle due to its Super Inplane Switching, and good response time, which minimizes motion lag on poor source material.
The OPPO OPDV971H is a feature-packed DVD player that delivers what it promises. DVI connectivity and upscaling enables the 971 to deliver an excellent picture on an HDTV. In addition, other features, such as DVD-Audio and Divx playback add great audio and video flexibility. If you are looking for a new DVD player, whether to use with that new flat panel HDTV and surround sound system, make sure you check this one out. The OPPO OPDV971H is one of the best DVD players out there for under $200.
The JVC XV-NP10S is a great basic DVD player, offering not only CD and DVD playback, but, with its memory card reader you can also play back your favorite digital camera photos. However, in its Region Code Free version, with its built-in PAL-to-NTSC converter, this DVD player also becomes very practical for those that have the need for a unit that will play back any commercial DVD from any region of the world on an NTSC television. For additional details, check out my review.
With its stylish profile, excellent complement of features - including the incorporation of an 80GB hard drive and DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD-R DL recording capability, analog and DV inputs, very good video/audio quality in both recording and playback operation, and plentiful connectivity options, the 533 is great example of how good a DVD recorder can be in terms of consistent performance and practical features. For additional details, read my review.
AV receivers in the $300 - $500 price range now provide performance and flexibility that was once reserved for much higher-priced units. Having had a chance to use the Yamaha RX-V557, I must say that it is an excellent value, with the added bonus of XM Satellite Radio capability. For those wishing to get into home theater with a good performing entry-level AV receiver that is priced reasonably, consider the RX-V557 as a possible choice.
The single chip DLP-equipped Optoma H31 16x9 video projector, right out of the box, produces very good detail and color accuracy. Colors and shadows are even and retain their intended characteristics even in the darkest scenes. Even though the H31 does not have as high a lumens output or native HD-resolution capability of more expensive units, it still hits the mark in terms of providing excellent value in terms of performance and features. The H31 is priced at less than $1,500.
The RX-V1500 represents an excellent value in an AV receiver. The RX-V1500, delivers exceptional sound with its high-current design and low distortion. Three useful features are: Video Conversion, which enables mixing of S-video and composite video inputs and outputting them in component form; YPAO automatic room setup option, which aids in setting up your speakers, and THX Cinema Processing, which adds enhancements in equalization and spatial cues to the Dolby Digital and DTS surround field.
There are literally thousands of loudspeakers on the market, and many times the choice, despite all the technical specs, is determined by how they sound to you. If you are looking for new set of bookshelf loudspeakers for your stereo or home theater, and you have never experienced a horn-loaded loudspeaker, then you have to check out the Klipsch Synergy B-3. Despite its modest price and small size, the B-3 really delivers where it counts; sound quality.
One of the constant problems encountered by both home theater and video editing enthusiasts is having a logically organized way to hookup everything in their systems. The constant battle with cable clutter, dust, and re-connecting and re-arranging components every time a new component is added is a real bother. However, JVC may have come to the rescue with its JX-S777 A/V Switcher that does more than you expect. For details, check out my full review.
