Home Theater isn't just for the guys, check out some great home theater gift ideas for mom!
1. Sony Eco-Series Bravia KDL-40VE5 40-inch LCD TV
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Energy efficiency is becoming more of a concern these days, so having a television that provides good performance and lowers your electric bill is a good thing. The Sony KDL40VE5 40-inch LCD television meets this challenge. This 40-inch set features a modest 90 watt average (140 watt peak) power draw (which beats current Energy Star specificiations), full-off mode that removes typical standby power consumption, an automatic room light sensor, and a motion sensor that turns the TV off if you leave the room. However, despite its energy-saving functions, the KDL40VE5 still delivers an excellent picture with its full (1920x1080) 1080p native pixel resolution as well as 120hz screen refresh rate. This set is definitely worth consideration.
2. Epson MovieMate 72 3LCD Video Projector Upscaling DVD Player Combination
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The Epson MovieMate 72 is one of new class of video projectors that includes a built-in DVD player. The projector section utilizes 3LCD technology with 1280x720 (720p) native resultion. All DVDs played in the projector's built-in DVD are upscaled to 720p. In addition, this unit also has extra inputs (including HDMI) that can accommodate another device, such as a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player, game system, or other source. The MovieMate 72 also has both built-in speakers and a digital audio output for connection to a home theater audio system. The MovieMate is easy to use and very portable, making it great for novice users. Also, check out my Review and Photo Gallery.
3. Samsung HT-BD1250 Blu-ray Home Theater System
If you want to the get the most out of your HDTV and don't want the hassle of, or have the budget for, both a Blu-ray Disc Player and a Surround Sound System, the Samsung HT-BD1250 gives you both in one affordable unit. The Blu-ray Disc player section provides Blu-ray Profile 2.0 capability, Netflix/Pandora audio/video streaming, plus an HDMI output for connection to your HDTV. You can even access content from your iPod or iPhone. The audio side of this system decodes all Dolby Digital and DTS formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Also, don't forget the included onboard 5.1 channel amplifier, speakers, and powered subwoofer. Give the HT-BD1250 a look and a listen.4. Sharp AQUOS LC-32LE700UN 32-inch LED/LCD TV
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Who says you have to buy a large screen television to get the latest features? The latest tech being promoted on many new large-screen LCD televisions is the use of LED backlighting. However, while most manufacturers are using this new technology exclusively in large screen sets, Sharp is "spreading the wealth" in all screen sizes. The Sharp LC-32LE700UN is a 32-inch LCD television that not only includes LED backlighting, but also offers full 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution for excellent detail, and a 120Hz refresh rate for rapid motion response. If you are looking for a great choice in a small screen LCD television, check out the Sharp LC-32LE700UN.
5. OPPO DV-980H Upscaling DVD PLayer
Photo (c) - Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
The OPPO DV-980H is a feature-packed DVD player that Mom will surely enjoy. 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 family photos and/or favorite downloaded musisc from flash drives, add great audio and video flexibility. If you are looking for a practical 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 DVD player, and is priced less than $170. For a more detailed look at the DV-980H, check out my Short and Full Reviews.
6. Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD recorder/VCR Combo with HDMI
The Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD recorder/VCR combo has the ability to record most DVD formats and play back most DVD and CD formats, including MP3 and Divx files. In addition using the VCR section, the consumer can both record directly to VHS or dub non-copyprotected video content from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS. With Panasonic's enhanced 4-hour recording mode, you can record sporting events and longer movies onto DVD with the same video quality as the 2-hour recording mode. The incorporation of HDMI and video upscaling makes the EZ48VK a good match for an HDTV. The DMR-EZ48VK has both an SD card slot and USB input for digital image and music file playback, as well as an ATSC tuner, for the reception of digital tv signals after Feb. 17, 2009.7. ZVOX Audio Z-base 550 Low Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System
Photo (c) Robert Silva Licensed to About.com
The ZVOX Audio Z-base 550 surround sound system is one of the latest in a growing trend towards one-box surround sound solutions that are targeted to those consumers that want more than just listening to sound from cheap built-in Television speakers, but don't want the hassle, of setting up and using a multi-speaker home theater system. Although not perfect, the Z-base 550 is an easy-to-use system that does delivers great sound. Also, this speaker system can also double as a platform for many televisions up weighing less than 90 pounds, and with a stand less than 28-inches wide. For look at the ZVOX Audio Z-base 550 Low Profile Single Cabinet Surround Sound System, check out my Review and Photo Gallery.
8. Vizio VSB210WS 2.1 Channel Sound Bar Home Theater System with Wireless Subwoofer
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Vizio is not the first brand you think of when considering a home theater system, but with the VSB210WS, it offers an attractive compact, self-contained, easy-to-use system that can complement a flat panel television and create an intimate, but satisfying home theater listening experience. The system combines a main unit that houses a 2 channel speaker/amplifier, with a wireless subwoofer, making it a 2.1 channel system. The subwoofer receives audio signals from the main unit without the need for an unsightly audio cable. For more details on whether the VSB210WS is right for you, check out both my Review as well as my up-close Photo Gallery.
9. Sonoro Cubo Model AU-1300 Compact CD Player and Clock Radio
Photo (c) Robert Silva
Do you have a great home theater or audio system in your home, but listen to a cheap clock radio for your bedroom or kitchen? If you desire a compact CD player/Clock radio combination that actually delivers great sound, then you might consider the Sonoro Cubo Model AU-1300. The Cubo features a built-in slot load CD player that is CD/CD-R/RW, CD-MP3, and CD-WMA compatible. Also, this compact unit also has a rear mount audio input jack for connecting an iPod or other digital audio player. In addition, the Cubo also contains an FM tuner and Clock, and is available in ten different colors. To find out if the Cubo is right for you, or if you are looking for a great gift for a special occasion, check out my product review.
10. Toshiba 19LV610U 19-inch LCD TV/DVD Combination
The Toshiba 19LV610U is a great little LCD TV/DVD combo, with features such as a 19-inch 16x9 screen with 1366x768 native pixel resolution and a DVD player with DVD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/VCD/DVD-R/-RW and Divx playback, both analog and digital audio outputs for connection to an external audio system, and both HDMI and PC monitor inputs. In addition, the 19LV610U offers a built-in ATSC/QAM tuner. This enables the 19LV610U receive over-the-air digital TV signals and unscrambled digital cable channels without the need for an external converter box. If you don't have space for both a DVD player and a TV, check out the Toshiba 19LV610U as a compact alternative.
