Instead of giving your lover jewelry, flowers, candy, or lingerie on Valentine's Day, Christmas, anniversary, or birthday, why not give a gift that will not only last, but provide the perfect catalyst for romance - a home theater-related product? Whether cuddling up on the couch to watch that romantic movie, or providing the perfect romantic music background to set the mood, there are some great products that fill the bill. For some great ideas on what to give, check out my product suggestions.
1. Panasonic DMP-BD60K Blu-ray Disc Player
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Here is an affordable Blu-ray Disc player for your gift-giving budget. The Panasonic DMP-BD60K supports full high definition resolution Blu-ray Disc playback via HDMI output, and is also compatible with standard DVDs, most recordable DVD formats, and CDs. DVD upscaling is available via the HDMI output. This player also provides both onboard decoding or undecoded bitstream output of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD via HDMI. The DMP-BD60 also features BD-Live, which provides access to interactive features available on many newer Blu-ray Disc releases as well as additional direct internet access via ethernet to You Tube, Bloomberg TV, and more. Check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as a supplementary Photo Profile and Video Performance Tests.
2. Epson MovieMate 72 Video Projector/DVD Player Combination
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
Want an excuse to cuddle up with your lover and watch romantic movies? Here is a great gift idea. The Epson MovieMate 72 is one of new class of video projectors that includes a built-in DVD player. This projector section utilizes 3LCD technology with 1280x720 (720p) native resolution. This means that all DVDs played in the projector's built-in DVD will be upscaled to 720p. This unit also has extra inputs that can accommodate a second DVD player or Blu-ray player and also has both built-in speakers and a digital audio output for connection to a home theater audio system. The MovieMate is very easy to use, making it great for novice users. For more details, check out both my Short and Full Reviews, and also my MovieMate 72 Photo Gallery.
3. Vizio VF551XVT 55-inch LCD TV with LED Backlight
Vizio is an aggressive competitor that offers good performing products at low price points. The VF551XVT LCD TV offers consumers a large 55-inch screen, full 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, 240Hz smooth motion processing, and LED backlighting with local dimming at a suggested price of $2,199. I had the opportunity to see an extensive demonstration of this set at CEDIA 2009 and it looks great. The black levels and color consistency are very good, and the set also has more than enough connections, including 5 HDMI inputs. In addition, for those that are concerned about energy consumption in such a large screen set, the VF551XVT only draws an average of 154 Watts, which is excellent for an LCD TV of this size.4. Atlantic Technology FS-4000 Front Stage Flat Screen Speaker System
Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com
If you are looking for new set of loudspeakers to set a romantic mood that is stylish and saves space, you might want to check out the great sounding Atlantic Technology FS-4000 Front Stage Loudspeaker. This unique speaker combines all three front channel speakers (left, center, and right) into one 40-inch long housing that is attractive and can be either table or wall mounted. The design of FS4000 is intended to complement flat panel LCD and Plasma televisions and can be used alone, or combined with a subwoofer and/or a set of rear surround speakers. However, the most important thing about this loudspeaker design is that it sounds great. For more details, check out my Short and Full Reviews, and my FS-4000 Photo Gallery.
5. Samsung LN22B460 22-inch LCD Television
If your are looking for a small screen LCD TV that offers good performance, check out the Samsung LN22B460. Behind its modest 22-inch 16x9 screen, if offers 1366x768 (720/768p) native pixel resolution, 15,000:1 stated contrast ratio, and 8ms response time. Other practical features include both HDMI and component video inputs, ATSC and QAM tuners for reception of both over-the-air and non-scrambled cable HDTV signals, and an onboard speaker system bolstered with SRS TruSurround HD audio processing. You can also use this set as computer monitor as it has a VGA input for your PC. This set even offers a game mode to increase image vividness and minimize game controller/TV response lag. This set is great for the office, dorm, or bedroom.6. Premiere Home Theater Surroundings - Home Theater Lounger
Image (c) Premiere Home Theater Seating
Don't settle for that dusty old couch or recliner to view your home theater presentations, step up to first class movie viewing with a specially designed home theater lounge chair. Check out some great, comfortable, home theater seating options from Premiere Home Theater Surroundings. This is also great gift idea for that special someone.
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. Yamaha MCR-330 CD/iPOd Micro-System
The MCR-330 is a compact system that consists of a CD Receiver (20wpc) and Two compact two-way Bass Reflex speakers. In addition, the CD transport is compatible with CD/CR-R/RWs as well as WMA and MP3 discs, while its USB port can access audio files from connected flash drives. Other features include, a 30-channel preset AM/FM tuner, integrated iPod Dock, and remote control. This system also features a subwoofer line output for connecting an external powered subwoofer of your choice. On the other hand, the MCR-330 does not have additional analog audio inputs for connecting other analog audio devices, such as an audio cassette deck. Despite this oversight, the MCR-330 provides great music listening performance in a small package.9. Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD recorder/VCR Combo with HDMI
Photo (c) Panasonic
Whether recording your favorite memories together or playing your favorite romantic movies, the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD recorder/VCR combo might be just the perfect gift. This combo can record in most DVD formats and play back most DVD and CD formats. Using the VCR section, your special someone can record directly to VHS or dub non-copyprotected videos from VHS to DVD or DVD to VHS. The incorporation of HDMI and video upscaling also 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. The DMR-EZ48VK is a very practical gift that will provide years of enjoyment.
10. Sony CDP-CX355 CD Changer
Image (c) Sony Corporation
Is your special someone's CD collection crowding out their living space? If so, check out this 300-CD Megachanger from Sony. In addition to storing your entire CD collection, this player is also compatible with CD-R/RW and Text Discs. There is even a PS/2 Keyboard connection to enable you to connect a PC-keyboard to assist in organizing and cataloging your collection. Of course, the CDs sound great too. The Sony CDP-CX355 CD Changer makes a great gift for that special someone, which can provide the both of you an almost endless supply of romantic background music.
