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 UN46ES6500 may just the ticket. The UN46ES6500 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 are provided ( two pairs of 3D glasses included). Also, three 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 UN46ES6500 can connect directly to an internet router via Ethernet or WiFi, providing access to Internet apps and 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 UN46ES6500 delivers excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast.

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Do you think Mom might like a larger TV? No problem, this TV also comes in several larger screen sizes: 50-inches (UN50ES6500 - Compare Prices), 55-inches (UN55ES6500 - Compare Prices), 60-inches (UN60ES6500 - Compare Prices), and even 65-inches (UN65ES6500 - 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.

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

Here is a great gift idea for Mom. The Vizio E420i is a very affordable 42-inch LED/LCD TV that features great styling, and a matte screen that reduces glare. Behind its 16x9 screen, this set provides a 1080p native resolution and 60-Hz refresh rate supported by backlight scanning. This TV also provides 3 HDMI inputs, ATSC tuner, and a USB port so that still images and music can be accessed from compatible USB-equipped playback devices, such as flash drives, media players, and digital cameras. Mom will also like this TV as it is very energy efficient, which can help out with the electric bill.

However, the big bonus on this TV is the inclusion of built-in internet connectivity (via Ethernet or WiFi) for access to an abundance of streaming content, such as movies and TV shows from providers such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, M-GO, Pandora, and more.

Review - Photo Profile - Video Performance Tests - Compare Prices.

For more suggestions, check out my current list of LCD and LED/LCD TVs 40-inches and Larger, or if you are looking for something a little smaller, check out my 32 to 37-inch LCD and LED/LCD TV picks.

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.

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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.

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

Give Mom the gift of Blu-ray! The DMP-BD89 is priced at about $99 and 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.

Using either the Ethernet connection or built-in WiFi, the DMP-BD89 can access both Profile 2.0 (BD-Live) internet content related to some Blu-ray Disc releases, as well as the content streamed from Netflix, CinemaNow, and Vudu, as well as content stored on network connected PCs. Another bonus is that the DMP-BD89 also has a front mounted USB for access to media content stored on USB flash drives or other compatible devices.

NOTE: The Panasonic DMP-BD89 is not 3D-compatible.

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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.

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

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.

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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.

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

Here is a great gift idea for Mom. First off, the 24V4210U is a stylish, high definition 24-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 and Component video inputs for connecting additional devices, such as a Blu-ray player or DVD Recorder. 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.

NOTE: A composite video input is also provided, but is combined with the component video input - this means you cannot use both the component and composite video input options at the same time.

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