Home Theater Gifts For Mom

Looking for a great gift for Mom that the whole family can enjoy? How about a new 46-inch TV that won't break the bank? The Samsung UN46D7000 may just the ticket. The UN46D7000 features a very stylish thin silver bezel design and attractive built-in stand. Within the bezel, this set incorporates a 46-inch 16x9 LCD screen with energy efficient LED Edge Lighting, 1080p display resolution, and Clear Motion Rate processing.

For added viewing enjoyment, both 2D and 3D viewing options provided (3D glasses and 3D content required). Also, four HDMI inputs, and both ATSC and QAM tuners are included. The ATSC tuner allows reception of the over-the-air HDTV signals and the QAM tuner allows Digital/HD-cable (non-premium channels) reception.

In addition, the UN46D7000 can connect directly to an internet router via Ethernet, but also includes built-in WiFi. A host of Internet apps provide access to internet-based content, such as Netflix, YouTube, and more. In fact, with a compatible webcam, Mom can even make video phone calls via Skype! However, all these features don't mean much without good picture quality, and with that in mind, the UN46D7000 delivers excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast.

Compare Prices

Do you think Mom might like a larger TV? No problem, this TV also comes in a 55-inch screen size as well (UN55D7000 - Compare Prices).

For more suggestions, check out my current list of LCD and LED/LCD TVs 40-inches and Larger.

Give Mom a really big home theater experience with a video projector. The Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD might just be the perfect gift as it has a variety of uses. On the "techie" side of the equation, the MG-850HD utilizes 3LCD technology with 1280x800 (approx 720p) native resolution, supported by a strong 2,800 lumens light output (this is really bright!) and up to a 5,000 hour lamp life. Also, in addition to the usual HDMI and Component video connections, the MG-850HD also has a microphone input, USB input for digital media playback from flash drives, and has built-in speakers.

Another bonus is that the MG-850HD has a built-in iPod/iPhone/iPad docking station for direct playback of music, photo, and video from those devices. For more details on whether the Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD, read my Review, Photo Profile, and Video Performance Tests.

Compare Prices

For additional suggests, also check out current list of LCD and DLP video projectors.

Here a great gift idea for Mom. The Panasonic TC-L32E5 is a compact 32-inch LED/LCD TV that features great styling. With a 16x9 screen, 1080p native resolution, wide contrast ratio, and 60-Hz refresh rate supported by backlight scanning, the set delivers a very pleasing image. This TV also provides 4 HDMI inputs, ATSC tuner, and both an SD Card slot and USB port so that you can not only enjoy true high definition video from a variety of sources, but still images and music can be accessed from compatible USB-equipped playback devices, such as flash drives, media players, and digital cameras.

However, the big bonus on this TV is the inclusion of built-in internet connectivity for access to an abundance of streaming content, such as movies and TV shows from providers such as Netflix, Vudu, HuluPlus, and more... Mom will also like this TV as the LED edge-lighting makes the TC-L32E5 very energy efficient, which can help out with the electric bill.

Compare Prices

Note: This set is also available in larger screen sizes. Check out the 37-inch TC-L37E5 (compare prices) and 42-inch TC-L42E5 (compare prices).

For more suggestions, check out my current list of 32 to 37-inch LCD and LED/LCD TVs.

An increasing number of consumers are accessing TV programs and movies via the internet, and, as a result, Network Media Players and Media Streamers are becoming very popular gifts. One player that would make a great gift for Mom is the Western Digital WD TV Live. This network media player is a great way stream both online and network-based digital content to a TV and home theater system. The WD TV Live connects to the internet via either wired or WiFi connection.

Some of the internet streaming services available include HuluPlus, Netflix, Spotify, Blockbuster On Demand, CinemaNow, and Pandora.

An added feature is the ability stream digital media content stored on PCs and media servers. The WD TV Live also features 1080p video output resolution via HDMI connection. For more details, check out my Full Review and Photo Profile.

Compare Prices

For additional suggestions, check out my list of Best Network Media Players and Media Streamers.

Here is a great gift for Mom. The Panasonic SC-BTT490 is an all-in-one unit that combines a 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player, a 5.1 channel surround sound system (including speakers), and network media player into a single package. The Blu-ray Disc player section not only plays both 2D and 3D Blu-ray Discs, but can perform real-time 2D to 3D conversion (3D TV and glasses required for 3D viewing). You can also control the actual depth the 3D image to your comfort level. Additional features include built-in Skype capability (additional webcam required) and WiFi for wireless access to your home network and the internet. Online content from services such as Netflix, Vudu, and CinemaNow provides a broad selection of movies to watch that you may not have on Blu-ray Disc or DVD.

The BTT490 also has very stylish and thin floor standing speakers for the front channels, combined with compact surround speakers and subwoofer. A 3D Cinema surround function is provided which projects sound from the speakers vertically as well as horizontally for a more immersive listening experience, which is great for 3D movie viewing. Another audio convenience is the incorporation of Audio Return Channel function that can simplify the audio connections with a compatible TV.

Compare Prices

For additional suggestions, check out my list of Home Theater-in-a-Box Systems.

Are you looking for a bargain-priced Blu-ray player that still delivers the goods? If so, check out the easy-to-use, fast-loading, very affordable (about $100) Panasonic DMP-BD75. The DMP-BD75 plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. This player is compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Standard DVDs are upscaled up to 1080p via the HDMI output.

With its built-in Ethernet connection, the DMP-BD75 can access both Profile 2.0 internet content related to some Blu-ray Disc releases, as well as the content streamed from Netflix, CinemaNow, and Vudu. Another bonus is that the DMP-BD75 also has a front mounted USB for access to media content stored on USB flash drives. You can even access media content stored your PC.

NOTE: The Panasonic DMP-BD75 is not 3D-compatible.

Compare Prices

For additional suggestions, check out my current list of Blu-ray Disc Players.

Here is a great idea for Mom that will really like - A home theater sound bar system that is also a TV stand. The ZVOX Audio IncrediBase 580 fill your room with great sound for both movies and music, without the clutter of a lot of speakers. Also, the ZVOX 580 provides a wide sound image using virtual surround processing. The ZVOX provides both analog and both digital optical (Toslink) and coaxial digital audio inputs which makes connecting CD player, DVD player, and even a VCR easy. Check out more about the ZVOX Audio IncrediBase 580 in my Review and Photo Profile.

Compare Prices

For more suggestions, check out my current list of Digital Sound Projectors and Sound Bars.

Here is a fantastic gift idea for Mom. The Sony NAS-SV20i is a table-top music system that combines a digital media player, renderer, and server in one unit. Mom can plug her iPod in to NAS-SV20i's docking station or listen to internet radio featuring access to music streaming from Qriocity, Slacker, vTuner. In addition, the NAS-SV20i can send music to compatible devices throughout the house via wired or wireless networking utilizing Sony's HomeShare system.

Read Full Review - Compare Prices.

For additional suggestions, check out my list of Best Network Media Players and Media Streamers.

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.

Compare Prices

For more suggestions, also check out my list of Compact Audio Systems.

Here is a great gift idea for Mom. First off, the 24SLV411U is a stylish, high definition 32-inch LCD TV with LED Edge Light that also has a built-in ATSC/QAM tuner that can receive over-the-air digital TV broadcasts and unscrambled HD cable programming. Also featured is a built-in slot-loading progressive scan DVD player, plus HDMI, Component, and analog (composite) video inputs for connecting additional devices, such as a Blu-ray player, DVD Recorder, or VCR. You can also use this combo as a PC monitor via its VGA monitor input. USB port is also included that allows access to digital music and image files stored on flash drives. This combo can easily fit in a variety of setups

Compare Prices

For additional suggestions, check out my list of TV Combos.