Top 10 Home Theater Gifts For Dad

1. Samsung BD-P1500 Blu-ray Disc Player

The Samsung BD-P1500 plays Blu-ray Discs at full 1080p/60 or 1080p/24 resolution, provides bitstream output for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via its HDMI 1.3a output, and is fully playback compatible with standard DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, standard music CDs, and CD-Rs/RWs. Another bonus is that standard DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output. The BD-P1500 adheres to Profile 1.1 (Bonus View) specifications, and is firmware upgradable (Profile 2.0 upgrade now available) via internet download. For more details, check out both my Short and Full Reviews, as well as my Photo Profile.

2. OPPO Digital DV-983H Upscaling DVD Player with Anchor Bay VRS Processing

The OPPO DV-983H is a power house of a DVD player. HDMI connectivity and 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling using Anchor Bay VRS technology enables the DV983H to deliver an excellent picture on an HDTV. In addition, other features, such as SACD and DVD-Audio playback, as well as a rear 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 that new flat panel HDTV and surround sound system, make sure you check this one out. The OPPO DV-983H takes DVD player performance to the highest level. For a more detailed look at the DV-983H, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as my supplementary Photo Profile.

3. Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver

The Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver is a great performer, is very flexibi, and is extremely affordable. This receiver is delivers a strong, sustained, power output, and features Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio processing. The Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K also has 3 HDMI inputs, 1080p pass-through, and up to 1080p video upscaling. Extra bonuses include iPOD connectivity via a front mounted USB port, and both Sirius Satellite/XM Radio Compatibility. Another plus to this receiver is that it runs fairly cool. To find out more on whether this receiver is worth your consideration, check out my Product Profile, Short and Full Reviews as well as a Photo Gallery of the Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver.

4. Sony BRAVIA KDL-46V5100 46-inch LCD TV

The Sony KDL-46V5100 is a 46-inch 16x9 LCD television with a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p) and a dynamic contrast ratio of 50,000:1. This set includes some of the latest technology, such as four HDMI 1.3a inputs, 120Hz screen refresh rate (Motion Flow), 1080p/60 and 1080p/24 compatibility, and both ATSC and QAM tuners. The ATSC tuner allows reception of the over-the-air HDTV signals and the QAM tuner allows Digital/HD-cable (non-premium channels) reception. This set delivers excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast. If you are looking for an LCD television with good performance at an affordable price, the KDL-46V5100 is a great choice, especially if you also have a Blu-ray Disc player

5. Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote Control

Home theater has certainly given us more and better options for enjoying home entertainment. However, it has also given us the clutter of remote controls. Many of us have a half-dozen, or more, remotes on the coffee table. The quest for a remote control that can do it all is the true "Holy Grail" of home theater. There are many "universal remotes" that can than replace some of the functions of your remote control collection, but the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote Control can just about do it all and is not any larger than most single component remotes. For more details, check out my Product Review and supplementary Photo Profile.

6. Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G10 42-inch Plasma TV

The 42-inch Panasonic VIERA TC-P42G10 plasma television delivers great image quality at a reasonable price. Bolstered by THX Certification, this set features 1920x1080 (1080p) pixel resolution, excellent contrast ratio, and pixel orbiting to eliminate screen burn-in. Inputs are not a problem as the TC-P42G10, includes, HDMI, HD-Component, and VGA. This set also has ATSC/QAM tuners for receiving HDTV broadcast and unscrambled cable, and also an SD card slot for digital photo playback. Viera Cast allows access to YouTube, Amazon video, and other web content without a PC connection. This is a great addition to a family's home theater experience. If 42-inches is too small for you, check out its bigger brother, the TC-P50G10 (compare prices).

7. Onkyo HT-S5100 7.1 Channel Home Theater System

The Onkyo HT-S5100 offers performance, as well as providing practical features. This system has 7.1 channels with 130x7WPC with a low .9% THD distortion rating. NOTE: The wattage output is measured at 1KHz; Actual output across all frequencies will be lower. For a big punch, the HTS-5100 has a 10-inch 290-watt subwoofer. The HT-S5100 also has HDMI pass-through switching, Sirius Satellite Radio capability (with optional tuner/antenna), and iPod connectivity using the provided Docking Station. Also, this system includes the Audyssey 2EQ automatic speaker setup system. If you are looking for a home theater system that offers a lot of flexibility, and sounds pretty good for a reasonable price, check out the HT-S5100.

8. Axiom EP400 Epicenter 8-Inch Front Firing Powered Subwoofer

The AXIOM EP400 Epicenter is a powerful subwoofer despite is small size. This 8-Inch Subwoofer delivers power, clarity, tightness, and undistorted deep bass response for both movies and music. This subwoofer also offers several controls that allow the user to tweak performance parameters to specific room environments and listening tastes. My impression of the EP400 is extremely postive, making this subwoofer a real winner, especially for those looking for a high-performance subwoofer in a smaller room. For a close-up look and explanation of the features of the EP400, check out my Photo Gallery.

9. ION LP2CD - Vinyl LP to CD Recording System

Here is a great gift idea for Dad. The LP2CD is a the latest in analog-to-digital conversion products from ION Audio. The LP2CD combines a vinyl record turntable with a CD-Burner in a single device. To make recording to CD easy, the LP2CD includes an onboard 700MB flash drive that allows you to review your recording before doing a final burn to CD. In addition, the LP2CD also has audio inputs that allow recording from external sources, such as a cassette deck, or another CD player, and also has provisions for more editing options on a PC/MAC via its built-in USB port. To find out if the ION Audio LP2CD is right for you, check out my Product Review and Photo Gallery.

10. Vivitek D326WX Compact DLP Video Projector

At an MSRP of $1,199, the Vivitek D326WX DLP Projector is a great value. With its extremely compact design this projector can be placed just about anywhere, and with its included carrying case, you can take it with you to the office or grandma's house. With its native 1280x800 native pixel resolution (approx - 720p) and impressive 2,600 lumen output capability, the video quality is very good. Flesh tones and overall color saturation produce a very natural looking image. Another bonus is that the D326WX has a very quick turn-on and cool down shut off time. For more details, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as a Photo Gallery and results from a series of Video Performance Tests.