Electronics & Gadgets

Top 12 Home Theater Gifts For Lovers

By Robert Silva, About.com Guide

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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. Samsung BD-D7500 3D Network Blu-ray Disc Player

Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber

Many home theater components are downright unappetizing in appearance, but Samsung has decided to add a little style to their Blu-ray Disc player line-up. The BD-D7500 is very slim and stylish and can even be wall mounted. Besides Blu-ray Discs DVDs, and CDs, the BD-D7500 also has built-in WiFi which provides internet access to content providers, such as (Blockbuster, Netflix, Pandora, Vudu). The BD-D7500 also has DLNA functions (Samsung AllShare) that can access audio and video content stored on you PC or media server. Of course, the big bonus is that BD-D7500 also features 3D playback when playing 3D-encoded Blu-ray discs (3D-enabled TV and compatible 3D glasses required), as well as 2D to 3D conversion function. This Blu-ray Disc player is definitely worth considering.

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

2. Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD 3LCD Video Projector

Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD 3LCD Video Projector - Photo 0f Front View with Accessories

Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com

Here is a video projector that really packs in the features and makes a great gift for that special someone. The Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD is an LCD projector that incorporates 3LCD technology, 1280x800 (approx 720p) native resolution, 2,800 lumens light output, and up to a 5,000 hour lamp life.

As far as connections go, in addition to HDMI and Component video connections, the MG-850HD also features a microphone input, USB input for digital media playback from flash drives, and has built-in speakers. However, the big bonus is that the MG-850HD also has a built-in docking station for direct playback of music, photo, and video from an iPod,iPhone, or iPad.

For more details on this very unusual video projector, read my Review, Photo Profile, and Video Performance Tests.

For more suggestions, check out my current list of LCD Video Projectors.

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3. Sony KDL46EX720 46-inch 3D LED/LCD TV

Here is great gift idea. The Sony KDL46EX720 an LCD TV that incorporates a 46-inch screen, LED Edge Lighting, 1080p 120Hz screen refresh rate, supplemented by 240Hz processing, and both 2D and 3D viewing (3D glasses and 3D content required) - all within a stylish frame.

On the connection side the KDL46EX720 has four HDMI 1.4a inputs, 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.

An added bonus is either ethernet or WiFi connectivity (accessory adapter required) and internet widgets that provide access to internet-based content, such as Netflix, YouTube, and more. However, getting down to the basics, the KDL46EX720 delivers excellent detail, color consistency, and contrast, and LED Edge Lighting is very energy efficient. This set makes a great home entertainment centerpiece.

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

4. Atlantic Technology FS-4000 Front Stage Flat Screen Speaker System

Atlantic Technology FS-4000 Front Stage Flat Screen Speaker System - Front View - Grill On

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 (home theater receiver or amplifier also required) 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.

For more suggestions, check out my current list of 3-in-1 Speaker Systems, Digital Sound Projectors and Sound Bars.

Manufacturer's Site Read Review

5. Vizio E260MV 26-inch 1080p LED/LCD TV

If you are looking for great smaller size LCD TV as a gift for that special someone, check out the Vizio E260MV. Ths set features a 26-inch screen, LED edge lighting, 1080p native resolution, excellent contrast, and an 5ms response time. This set also has 2 HDMI inputs, a PC monitor input, and a Headphone output jack. This set also havs a very thin, stylish profile, 1080p resolution, and is very energy efficient (Energy Star 4.1 Certified). This LCD TV is definitely worth consideration.

For more suggestions, check out my current list of Best 26-Inch LCD TVs

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.

For more suggestions, check out my current listing of Best Home Theater Seating Options.

Manufacturer's Site

7. ZVOX IncrediBase 580 Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System

ZVOX Audio IncrediBase 580 Single Cabinet Surround Sound System - Front View

Photo (c) Robert Silva Licensed to About.com

Here is a great gift for that special someone. The ZVOX Audio IncrediBase 580 is single cabinet home theater system that provides great sound for viewing movies, or listening to music, without having to hook-up a bunch of speakers, but also doubles as a platform to set your LCD or Plasma TV on. The sound quality of the ZVOX 580 is very good, with a wide sound image utilizing virtual surround processing. The ZVOX also has analog and digital optical (Toslink) and coaxial digital audio inputs so you can connect a CD player, DVD player, and even VCR. Check out more about the ZVOX Audio IncrediBase 580 in my Review and Photos.

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

8. Sony CMT-BX20i Micro Shelf System

Looking for a great gift for someone special, but are on a limited budget? If so, then check out the Sony CMT-BX20i. This system is compact, stylish, black cabinet and has a built-in CD player with CDR/RW/MP3 playback capability. Also included: built-in iPod dock with iPod control, a PC/Audio in for connecting your PC or Digital Audio Player, an AM/FM tuner features 30 presets, and a wireless remote control. The Sony CMT-BX20i sounds great for a small micro-system under $130.

For additional suggestions, check out my list of Compact Audio Systems

9. Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD recorder/VCR Combo with HDMI

Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK DVD Recorder/VCR Combination

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. The DMR-EZ48VK is a very practical gift that will provide years of enjoyment.

For more suggestions, check out my current list of DVD Recorders and DVD Recorder/VCR Combinations

10. Sony NAS-SV20i Network Audio System/Server

Sony NAS-SV20i Network Audio System/Server - Photo of Front View with Included Accessories

Photos (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com

If you are looking for a cutting edge gift that is a lot of fun to use, check out the Sony NAS-SV20i. This "gadget" combines a digital media player, renderer, and server in one compact unit. The NAS-SV20i features an iPod docking station, internet radio tuner with access to music streaming from Qriocity, Slacker, vTuner. In addition, via wired or wireless network whole house music distribution is possible by utilizing Sony's HomeShare system. For more details, read my review of the Sony NAS-SV20i Network Audio System/Server.

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

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11. Denon/Boston Acoustics DHT-1312BA or Denon DHT-1312XP Home Theater System

Denon has two affordable home theater systems that combine the same Denon AVR1312 home theater receiver with two different speaker systems: the Boston Acoustics MCS160 speaker system (DHT-1312BA) or Denon SYS-1312 Speaker System (DHT-1312XP). The AVR-1312 5.1 Channel Receiver delivers a respectable 75 WPC output that can fill small or average size rooms with great sound. In addition to four 3D compatible HDMI inputs, the receiver also has provisions for an iPod and Network control dock connection. Whether you choose the Denon DHT-1312BA or DHT-1312XP you are getting a solid, no frills, basic home theater system that looks good and sounds great.

Compare Prices for the DHT-1312BA Home Theater-in-a-Box System

Compare Prices for the DHT-1312XP Home Theater-in-a-Box System

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

12. 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.

For additional suggestions, check out my list of Home Theater Add-ons and Accessories.

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