HOME THEATER
TOOLKIT
A Guide to Making Your Home Theater
Dreams A Reality
Avdeco CO-Series TV Stand and Audio Stands
“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get." - Warren Buffett
1
CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................... 7
1.1
Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................... 7
1.2
About the Authors ............................................................................................................................ 7
1.3
Who is this Toolkit For? .................................................................................................................. 7
1.4
How to use this Toolkit ..................................................................................................................... 7
2
WHAT IS A HOME THEATER SYSTEM? ................................................... 8
2.1
Overview............................................................................................................................................ 8
2.2
TV/Screen .......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.1
Analog TV ..................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.2
Digital TV .....................................................................................................................................10
2.2.3
HDTV ...........................................................................................................................................12
2.2.4
Plasma TVs...................................................................................................................................13
2.2.5
LCD TVs.......................................................................................................................................13
2.2.6
EDTV Plasma TVs.......................................................................................................................13
2.2.7
EDTV Video Projection ..............................................................................................................13
2.2.8
OLED ............................................................................................................................................13
2.2.9
DLP ...............................................................................................................................................13
2.3
Projectors .........................................................................................................................................14
2.4
Surround sound processors ............................................................................................................15
2.5
Amplifiers .........................................................................................................................................17
2.6
Receivers...........................................................................................................................................18
2.7
DVD/VCR options ...........................................................................................................................19
2.7.1
HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray ...................................................................................................................20
2.7.2
DVD +/- RW options....................................................................................................................21
2.7.3
DVD Regions ................................................................................................................................22
Page 2 of 112
2.7.4
2.8
VCR options .................................................................................................................................23
CD / MP3 options.............................................................................................................................24
2.8.1
CD / CD –R...................................................................................................................................24
2.8.2
MP3 ...............................................................................................................................................24
2.9
Speaker Systems ..............................................................................................................................24
Front left and Right Speakers .........................................................................................................25
2.9.2
Center Channel Speaker ............................................................................................................25
2.9.3
Surround Speakers .....................................................................................................................25
2.9.4
Powered Subwoofer ...................................................................................................................25
2.9.1
2.10
Wireless ............................................................................................................................................26
2.11 Seating ..............................................................................................................................................26
2.11.1
Conventional Household Seating...............................................................................................26
2.11.2
Authentic Theater Seating .........................................................................................................26
2.11.3
Home Theater Seating ...............................................................................................................26
2.11.4
Custom Seating ..........................................................................................................................26
2.12 Cabling .............................................................................................................................................26
2.12.1
Video Cables .............................................................................................................................27
2.12.2
Analog Audio Cables.................................................................................................................28
2.12.3
Speaker Cables ..........................................................................................................................28
2.12.4
Digital Audio Cables .................................................................................................................29
2.12.5
Subwoofer Cables ......................................................................................................................29
2.12.6
General Cabling Advice ............................................................................................................29
2.13 Other Accessories ............................................................................................................................29
2.13.1
Home Automation Accessories .................................................................................................29
1)
Lighting .........................................................................................................................................30
2)
Remote Controls ............................................................................................................................30
3)
Curtain/drape Control ....................................................................................................................31
2.13.2
Acoustic Room Treatments .......................................................................................................31
2.13.3
Antennae ....................................................................................................................................31
2.13.4
Earphones ..................................................................................................................................31
2.13.5
Surge Suppressors and Power Conditioners ..............................................................................33
2.14 Other Options ..................................................................................................................................34
2.14.1
PC Entertainment Centers..........................................................................................................34
2.14.2
Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360 ........................................................................................................35
2.14.3
Home Theater In A Box ............................................................................................................38
3
EVALUATING THE OPTIONS .................................................................. 39
3.1
Determining Your Needs .................................................................................................................39
3.1.1
What you already have ..............................................................................................................39
3.1.2
All-in-one vs Separate Components ..........................................................................................39
3.1.3
Taste in Music ...........................................................................................................................39
3.1.4
Taste in movies ..........................................................................................................................39
3.1.5
Front Speaker Style Preference .................................................................................................39
3.1.6
Size of Room .............................................................................................................................39
Page 3 of 112
3.1.7
3.1.8
3.1.9
3.1.10
3.1.11
3.1.12
3.1.13
Loudness ....................................................................................................................................40
What type of surround sound system .........................................................................................40
Budget .......................................................................................................................................40
Décor and Convenience .............................................................................................................40
Screen ........................................................................................................................................40
Audio .........................................................................................................................................41
Extras .........................................................................................................................................41
3.2
Comparisons ....................................................................................................................................42
3.2.1
Websites ....................................................................................................................................42
3.2.2
Showrooms ................................................................................................................................42
3.2.3
Manufacturers ............................................................................................................................43
3.2.4
Magazine Reviews .....................................................................................................................45
3.2.5
Magazines ..................................................................................................................................45
3.2.6
Shows ........................................................................................................................................46
3.2.7
Buying / Comparison Tools .......................................................................................................46
3.3
Buying Guides ..................................................................................................................................46
3.3.1
General Home Theater Buying Guide .......................................................................................47
3.3.2
TV buying guide ........................................................................................................................48
3.3.3
Earphones Buying Guide ...........................................................................................................49
3.3.4
Projection Screen Buying Guide ...............................................................................................50
3.3.5
Amplifier Buying Guide ............................................................................................................51
3.3.6
Projector Buying Guide .............................................................................................................51
3.3.7
Home Theater Receivers Buying Guide ....................................................................................53
3.3.8
DVD Player Buying Guide ........................................................................................................55
3.3.9
Speakers Buying Guide .............................................................................................................57
3.3.10
Remote Controls Buying Guide.................................................................................................60
3.3.11
Power Conditioner Buying Guide .............................................................................................61
3.3.12
Seating Buying Guide ................................................................................................................61
3.3.13
Furniture buying guide ..............................................................................................................62
3.3.14
Racks .........................................................................................................................................63
3.3.15
Cables Buying Guide .................................................................................................................64
3.4
Our Top Picks ..................................................................................................................................65
3.4.1
TVs/Screens ...............................................................................................................................65
3.4.2
Projectors ...................................................................................................................................74
3.4.3
Receivers ...................................................................................................................................79
3.4.4
DVD/VCR options ....................................................................................................................82
3.4.5
CD/MP3 options ........................................................................................................................82
3.4.6
Speakers .....................................................................................................................................83
3.4.7
Seating .......................................................................................................................................83
3.4.8
Other Furniture ..........................................................................................................................83
3.4.9
Cabling ......................................................................................................................................83
3.4.10
Other Accessories ......................................................................................................................83
3.4.11
Other Options ............................................................................................................................84
3.4.12
Other Accessories ......................................................................................................................84
3.5
Summary Comparison Tables ........................................................................................................84
3.5.1
Receiver comparison chart ........................................................................................................84
3.5.2
DVD Comparison chart .............................................................................................................89
4
PLANNING AND BUILDING YOUR HOME THEATER ............................ 90
Page 4 of 112
4.1
Budgeting/Cost .................................................................................................................................90
4.2
Planning the Home Theater ............................................................................................................92
4.3
Installation .......................................................................................................................................92
4.4
Décor and Design .............................................................................................................................93
4.4.1
Design Phases ............................................................................................................................93
4.4.2
Define Requirements .................................................................................................................93
4.4.3
Assess Feasibility ......................................................................................................................94
4.4.4
Diagrams / Plans ........................................................................................................................94
4.4.5
Construction ..............................................................................................................................95
4.4.6
Design Tools/Software ............................................................................................................100
4.4.7
Listening Room Design Resources ..........................................................................................100
4.5
Home Theater Installation ............................................................................................................100
4.5.1
Cable / Wire Management .......................................................................................................100
4.5.2
Mounting Components ............................................................................................................101
4.5.3
Mounting a TV ........................................................................................................................101
4.5.4
Installing a Speaker Jack .........................................................................................................101
4.5.5
Installing a Cable TV or Satellite TV set top box ....................................................................102
4.5.6
Installing a DVD Player ..........................................................................................................102
4.5.7
Installing a VCR ......................................................................................................................102
4.5.8
Installing a TV .........................................................................................................................102
4.5.9
Installing Speakers ...................................................................................................................102
4.5.10
Projector Installation................................................................................................................103
4.5.11
Installing a Receiver ................................................................................................................103
4.5.12
Home Automation Accessories Installation.............................................................................103
4.5.13
Antennae Installation ...............................................................................................................104
4.5.14
Audio Calibration ....................................................................................................................104
4.5.15
Trouble-shooting .....................................................................................................................105
5
MAKING GOOD USE OF YOUR HOME THEATER ............................... 105
5.1
Downloading From The Web .......................................................................................................105
5.2
Renting DVDs ................................................................................................................................106
5.3
HD Programming Sources ............................................................................................................106
5.4
Record TV ......................................................................................................................................107
5.5
Improve Your TV’s Picture ..........................................................................................................107
5.6
Archive VHS to DVD ....................................................................................................................107
5.7
Film Sanitizing ...............................................................................................................................107
5.8
Learn about Home Theater ..........................................................................................................108
6
USEFUL RESOURCES ........................................................................... 108
6.1
Books / DVDs .................................................................................................................................108
Page 5 of 112
6.2
Websites ..........................................................................................................................................109
6.3
Tools ................................................................................................................................................110
6.4
Papers .............................................................................................................................................111
6.5
Useful Videos ..................................................................................................................................111
Page 6 of 112
1
1.1
Introduction
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all the retailers and manufacturers who provided information used during
compilation of the Home Theater Tookit, as well as all the friends and colleagues who provided ratings,
reviews and information about Home Theater equipment they had used themselves.
1.2
About the Authors
Michelle Johnston Sollicito is an Ebusiness Consultant and Professional Writer, owner and editor of the
portable entertainment website portatainment.com, and a regular writer with leading technical websites
such as Informit.com.
1.3
Who is this Toolkit For?
This toolkit is for anyone about to evaluate or purchase any Home Theater equipment – regardless of their
budget and requirements.
1.4
How to use this Toolkit
This toolkit starts with the basics, explaining the key features of Home Theater System components and
technologies. It then goes on to help the potential purchaser to evaluate options on the market, and to plan
the layout and installation of their Home Theater equipment, providing useful tips on how to get the most
out of a Home Theater.
Page 7 of 112
2
What is a Home Theater System?
2.1
Overview
The aim of building a Home Theater System is usually to duplicate, to a greater or lesser extent, the
experience of the Movie Theater within the home, using audio and video equipment (and sometimes also
furniture and home automation components).
Building a Home Theater System may involve simple steps such as adding some audio-visual equipment to
an existing living room, or it may be as complex as building a completely new dedicated sound-proofed
Home Theater room with all the latest equipment and gadgetry.
The extent to which re-creation of the Movie Theater experience is possible depends to a great extent on
how much money is spent on the Home Theater, although prices of Home Theater System components are
falling rapidly and, generally speaking, quality is improving at the same time.
At its most complex, a custom built Home Theater can cost tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of dollars,
housed in a purpose-built room, with wooden acoustic panels, sophisticated lighting, drape controls and
false walls, containing a high end video projector, DVD player(s), and separate amplifiers for each channel
controlled by a master pre-amplifier or controller, in-wall speakers, as well as the almost obligatory pair of
subwoofer speakers that make sound-proofing the Home Theater room a necessity.
However, at its simplest, a Home Theater can consist of a 27 inch TV and a basic DVD player, coupled to
an inexpensive stereo/hi-fi system set up within an existing living room with a comfy sofa.
Components typically considered to be “Home Theater System” components include:
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A high quality TV Screen
o high-definition televisions, flat-panel televisions, and so-called front and rear projection
technologies for large screens
A projector
A sound processor
A preamp
An amplifier
A receiver
A DVD/VCR player
A CD/MP3 player
A speaker system
A radio tuner
Wireless device(s)
Seating
Other furniture
Cabling
Other accessories
Not all Home Theaters consist of all of these components of course, and each component is available from
a wide range of manufacturers/vendors and at a wide range of prices and specs.
For example, for those on a budget, it is possible to buy an integrated receiver which includes a built-in
surround sound processor, pre-amplifier and amplifier. It is also possible to use just about any decent
television in a Home Theater.
Page 8 of 112
However, for the Home Theater enthusiast for whom high quality surround sound audio is more important
than price, buying separate components - a separate processor, preamplifier and one or more power
amplifiers may well be worth the investment, and many Home Theater enthusiasts argue that a large screen
is essential to any Home Theater.
Other options include Home Theater In A Box and PC Entertainment Center Systems.
This toolkit aims to guide the Home Theater enthusiast in selecting components, and evaluating which
options best meet his or her needs.
2.2
TV/Screen
Most Home Theaters today include a high-definition television, a flat-panel television, or one of the socalled front and rear projection large screens. However for those with modest budgets, any decent
television can be used.
2.2.1
Analog TV
Up until recently, most TVs were analog, offering 525 “scan lines” (625 in Europe) on a 6 MHz signal,
with an image refresh rate of once every 30th of a second (half of the scan lines are painted once every
sixtieth of a second in what is called an “interlaced” display). This gives a horizontal resolution of around
500 dots for a color set.
Analog TV often suffers from interference (“ghosting” and “snow”), depending upon environmental factors
and the location of the receiving TV. The bandwidth for analog TV also restricts the resolution and overall
quality of image possible. There are two main analog TV standards – NTSC is the US standard, based
upon 525 scan lines, 60 fields / 30 frames per second (interlaced, at 60 Hz), and PAL is the European
standard, based upon 625 scan lines. NTSC was developed before color broadcasting was prevalent and
therefore has a number of weaknesses in relation to color quality and consistency. It is the official analog
video standard in the US, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and some parts of Central/South
America. PAL offers slightly better color quality and consistency. Another analog TV standard, less
widely used, is SECAM.
SIDEBAR
NTSC, PAL and SECAM
NTSC, PAL and SECAM are the three main current analog video systems used across the world. They
limit the detail possible in an image because they limit the number of scan lines – NTSC limits the number
of vertical scan lines to 525, while PAL and SECAM limit the number to 625.
NTSC is the analog video standard in the USA, Canada, Mexico, various parts of Central and South
America, Korea, Japan and Taiwan. It is based on 525 scan lines (interlaced – each frame is scanned in two
“fields” of 262 lines), 30 frames per second, and transmits and displays video images at 60Hz.
PAL is the dominant video standard in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, China, India, parts of
Africa and the Middle East. It is based on 625 scan lines (interlaced – each frame is scanned in two
“fields” of 312 each), 25 frames per second, and transmits and displays images at 50HZ. Because it offers
more scan lines than NTSC, the resulting image is of better quality. Also, PAL provides better color
handling than NTSC, because color was part of the standard from its inception. However, because PAL
offers fewer frames per second (25 as opposed to NTSC’s 30), flicker is occasionally a problem with PAL.
Page 9 of 112
SECAM is the video standard in France, Russia, Eastern Europe and some parts of the Middle East. Like
PAL, is a 625 scan line, 25 frames per second interlaced system, but the color component is implemented
differently than in either PAL or NTSC.
While, for all three of the above formats, the number of vertical scan lines is static, and is dictated by the
relevant standard, the horizontal resolution can vary according to the equipment being used to portray and
display the images. Most analog TVs can display up to 450 lines of horizontal resolution, while some
screens display much more.
Nowadays, when consumers are accustomed to using computer monitors with a minimum resolution of
640x480 pixels, and more commonly a resolution like 800x600 or even 1024x768, demand for TV
technology offering more clarity and solidity has risen.
Consumers realize that it is a waste to have access to some of the new satellite and cable systems and
DVDS, which use a digital encoding scheme that provides a far clearer picture, and then convert it back to
analog so that it will display on an analog TV, despite the fact that these digital images surpass the pictures
provided by VHS tape on analog TVs. Consumers are demanding digital TVs.
To find out more about how TV works see http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/TV.htm
SIDEBAR
Progressive vs Interlaced Scanning
Progressive scanning differs from interlaced scanning in that the image is displayed on a screen by
scanning each line (or row of pixels) in a sequential order rather than in alternate order, as is done with
interlaced scan. In other words, in progressive scanning, the image lines (or pixel rows) are scanned in
numerical order (1,2,3) down the screen from top to bottom, instead of in alternate order (lines or rows
1,3,5, etc... followed by lines or rows 2,4,6). By progressively scanning the image onto a screen every 60th
of a second rather than "interlacing" alternate lines every 30th of a second, a smoother, more detailed,
image can be produced on the screen that is perfectly suited for viewing fine details, such as text, and is
also less susceptible to interlace flicker. Seeing this technology as way to improve the way we view images
on a television screen, progressive scan has now been applied to the display of DVD and certain types of
HDTV images.
2.2.2
Digital TV
Digital TVs do not need to convert digitally encoded transmissions back to analog, and therefore they offer
enhanced clarity of picture over the traditional analog TVs. Digital data is sent and received as a series of
1s and 0s (or ONs and OFFs or “bits” of information), so that the likelihood of the picture suffering
interference is reduced – the viewer should either see a picture or see nothing at all. Also, because data is
transmitted in “bits” a lot more information can be sent over the same bandwidth as an analog TV signal,
enabling high quality images to be transmitted as well as additional text, audio or video signals. This
allows broadcasters to offer extra features such as surround sound, multiple language audio and text
services, and of course, HDTV (High Definition TV) or Wide Screen format signals.
Further, Digital TV has been designed to take into account color transmission and audio transmission, and
can be transmitted as an interlaced or progressive signal, with the result that the quality of the signal
content is much improved.
Digital TVs use a decoder to receive a digital signal transmitted via cable or satellite or direct from a DVD
player, and this digital signal drives the digital TV. There are a number of standards for digital TV
resolution, the highest of which is HDTV.
Page 10 of 112
Stations can choose to transmit Digital TV in any of the 18 Digital TV formats. Six of these are HDTV
formats. Five of these HDTV formats are based upon progressive scanning and one is based upon
interlaced scanning1.
Other Digital TV formats include SDTV (four wide-screen formats with 16:9 aspect ratios, and four
conventional formats with 4:3 aspect ratios). The remaining four are VGA (Video Graphics Array)
formats.
Although all Digital TV tuners are required to decode all 18 different Digital TV standard signals, in reality
3 standards are being used. These standards are: 480p (which is not HDTV), 720p, and 1080i.
480 lines of resolution, progressive scanning (480p)
480p is of similar resolution to the standard broadcast TV signals, but is scanned progressively instead of
being interlaced. Progressive scan DVD Players use this signal, which offers high picture clarity,
especially on smaller screens (20-27”). However, it only provides half the potential quality of picture
offered by a HDTV picture.
720 lines of resolution, progressive scanning (720p)
720p is also a digital TV format, but it is also considered to be one of the HDTV standards. Some
broadcasters, such as ABC, and now FOX, have committed to 720p as their HDTV broadcasting standard.
720p uses progressive scanning, and hence offers a very smooth image. In addition, image detail is at least
30% sharper than 480p. Because of this improved image detail, it offers acceptable picture quality on
medium to large screens, without taking up as much bandwidth as 1080i.
1080 lines of resolution, interlaced (1080i)
1080i is the most commonly used HDTV format, and has been adopted by broadcasters such as NBC and
PBS as their HDTV broadcast standard. It is also used by HDNet, Showtime, and HBO through special
feeds. Although it is widely believed to be very difficult for any viewer to perceive much difference
between the picture quality offered by 720p and 1080i, especially when viewed on any screen smaller than
36” in size, without question, 1080i provides the most detailed image of all the 18 approved DTV broadcast
standards. Hence, 1080i provides the detail required for those projecting large images using large screen
projection sets and custom front projection Home Theater setups.
There are disadvantages, though, to using 1080i format. Firstly, it takes up a large amount of bandwidth
because it needs to transmit so much more information about the image in order to provide the finer detail,
leaving less room for other features. Secondly, it is an interlaced signal, and not a progressive signal, and
hence some flickering may be perceived. However, it is possible to convert 1080i signals to 1080p images
and this smooths out the picture a great deal.
For more on Digital TV see http://farsight.decisionmark.com/docs/cea.pdf
1
The two Digital TV scanning systems are "Interlaced" and "progressive". Interlaced format is based upon
two scans of the screen – the first shows every odd line on the screen, the second shows every even line on
the screen – and this can cause flickering on some of the larger screens, although the benefit of this format
is that less bandwidth is used as only half of the data is needed every sixtieth of a second (based upon 30
frames per second). Progressive format shows the whole picture, every line, every sixtieth of a second, and
therefore offers a far smoother picture.
Page 11 of 112
Also see the HDTV guide http://www.ce.org/hdTVguide
2.2.3 HDTV
Typically HDTV offers the following benefits – higher resolution display (HDTVs typically offers 720 or
1080 lines of resolution, compared to the 525 (625 in Europe) of analog TVs), resulting in enhanced picture
quality, great audio (Dolby Digital Surround Sound (AC-3) typically), and a wider viewing area, with the
screen typically being much larger than a regular television.
In order to make the most of an HDTV, it is important to be able to receive HDTV content – either via
cable or satellite typically. The HDTV provider must use new production and transmission equipment to
produce HDTV signal output, and the consumer must have special equipment allowing them to receive that
signal.
There has been much confusion related to the adoption of HDTV. A lack of strong leadership and a lack of
cooperation and co-ordination amongst all the main players (cable companies, satellite companies,
broadcasters, manufacturers and the government) has left consumers confused as to which programs are
available on HDTV and which products to buy.
However, many cable and satellite providers now offer a wide choice of HDTV channels, including ABC,
FOX, HBO, Showtime, Discovery, ESPN, HDNet, HDNet Movies, some local programming and some
sports events in HD. See 5.3 for more information on HD channels offered.
High quality HDTV output is very much dependent upon the screen being able to reproduce in full detail
all of the information being transmitted in DTV/HDTV. Just because a 1080i image is being input into a
HDTV does not mean the TV has the ability to display the full detail. When the TV is unable to display the
full detail, the signal is often “up converted” or “down converted” in order to be displayed on the actual
resolution of the physical screen.
True HDTV is especially dependent on a monitor that displays the image in a 16x9 screen shape: HDTV
screens which use the traditional 4x3 shape display 16x9 images in the “letterbox” format with black lines
across the top and bottom of the screen. Of course, larger screens can display more detail than smaller ones
(e.g. 50” Plasma screens can display more “dots” than a 27” Digital TV). At its fullest resolution, a 1080i
image is comprise of 1920x1080 pixels (about a 2 mega pixel field) on a 16x9 screen. However, the
HDTV image can be scaled to fit 1366x768, 1280x960, 1024x768, 852x480, often with little perceptible
loss of detail (this is of course dependent upon the screen size and the viewing distance from the screen).
Generally speaking, when purchasing a HDTV, it is important to ensure that the TV can accept input from
480p, 720p and 1080i signals, and it is also important to know how images will be scaled (will they be up
converted or down converted), and to what extent this will affect the detail of the image. If the end result
of any scaling (or up conversion/ down conversion) is a 720p image or better, it is considered to meet
HDTV specs (most LCD TVs will convert to a 720p image for example). Where the end result is below
this resolution, the TV is known as an EDTV.
Commonly, HDTVs use either LCD or Plasma flat screen technology, although DLP and OLED
technology are also HDTV technologies. LCD screens appear to be gaining favor over Plasma screens.
OLED is however, similar to LCD and is cheaper to build, so it is possible that OLED could emerge as the
lead HDTV technology in the near future.
Page 12 of 112
2.2.4
Plasma TVs
Plasma technology is preferred by those who want a light, large screen (above 46”), and of course, Plasma
technology is cheaper than LCD generally. Contrast ratios tend to be better than for LCD TVs, although
they rarely produce true blacks.
However, images can burn onto the screen and color accuracy is often somewhat lacking. Plasma TVs are
often easily broken also.
2.2.5
LCD TVs
LCD TVs tend to have higher resolutions (e.g. as high as 1920 x 1080). They are very lightweight, tend to
be extremely thin and offer very bright pictures. LCD technology is “burn proof” in that images cannot be
burnt onto the display, and they are “glare proof”, even in direct sunlight. They use little power and their
replaceable bulbs tend to have long life spans (60,000+ hours).
However, LCD TVs tend to be fairly expensive and are not available in larger sizes.
2.2.6
EDTV Plasma TVs
Strictly speaking, TVs that have to “down convert” HDTV signals (e.g. from a 720p or 1080i HDTV signal
to a 480p pixel field), are not known as HDTVs, they are instead known as EDTVs (Enhanced Definition
TVs). They tend to be cheaper than true HDTVs.
2.2.7
EDTV Video Projection
Similarly, lower-priced video projectors down convert full HDTV signals by scaling the image down and
do not project a true HDTV-resolution image as a result.
2.2.8
OLED
OLED TVs use solid-state devices made up of thin films of organic molecules (OLEDs) to create light.
They produce brighter, clearer pictures and use less power than conventional LCD TVs.
OLED technology has the potential to provide thin, large screen TVs that use very little power and could
potentially be very flexible. To find out more about this emerging technology see
http://science.howstuffworks.com/oled.htm
2.2.9
DLP
Many of those who buy HDTVs consider the choice to be a simple one between whether to get an LCD or a
Plasma HDTV, because these two technologies offer “flat screen technology”. However, a Digital Light
Processing HDTV. while not providing flat screen, is well worth consideration, if only because of the
superb picture quality offered and because it is relatively cheap.
At the center of a DLP TV is a tiny Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) containing as many as 2 million
tiny mirrors, each one of which corresponds with a single pixel on the resulting display. The mirrors each
can be in an on or off position at any one time, and are used to create a monochrome image. A color wheel
is used to add color to the image (note that in more expensive DLP Projectors, three separate color chips
exist – a red, a blue and a yellow chip).
For more information about DLP technology, see http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/dlp.htm
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For more about TV screen choices, see
http://www.bestbuy.com/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat27000050016&type=category
2.3
Projectors
There are currently three main types of projector available on the market: CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD
(Liquid Crystal Display) and DLP (Digital Light Processing). In addition to the main three types, there are
also LCOS (essentially, a hybrid between LCD and DLP) and D-ILA.
CRT Projector
This type of projector is based upon standard television technology in which three small cathode ray tubes
(one for Red, one for Yellow and one for Blue), coupled with a magnifying lens, projects a color image
onto a screen. If a CRT projector has the right circuitry, CRT size and lens combination, it can produce
very high quality images.
The CRT projector is the best option when flexibility to display variable resolutions is the main
requirement, as images do not suffer from scaling issues when displayed using CRT technology (as the
CRT display is not based upon pixels). It is also the best type of projector for displaying the blackest
blacks and a full range of colors. CRT Projectors typically have the longest projection life (up to 20,000
hours) as compared to other types of projectors (LCD and DLP projectors have to have their light sources
replaced every 1000 to 2000 hours on average in order to maintain optimum brightness and contrast, which
of course, also adds considerably to the expense of the equipment ).
However, CRT Projectors are typically rather large (a good one can take up as much room as a 20” TV
set!), making them impractical for those with portability requirements. They also typically work best in a
very dark room, as their brightness is not as good as other types of projectors. Of the three main types,
CRT Projectors are typically more expensive, costing $10,000 for a suitable Home Theater CRT projector
unit.
LCD Projector
An LCD Projector works by passing a powerful light through a transparent LCD chip made up of
individual pixels displaying the moving video image, and projecting the resulting image through a lens on
to the screen.
LCD Projectors are typically very compact, because the LCD chip is very small (hundreds of times smaller
than the three cathode ray tubes required in a CRT projector). As a result, not only are they cheap (prices
start at around $1000, with models suited to Home Theater starting at around $3000), but they also
consume far little power and offer great contrast and brightness capabilities. Therefore LCD Projectors are
well suited to portable usage, especially where multimedia requirements exist in rooms of varying amounts
of light.
However, when viewed on larger screens, images produced by LCD Projectors may appear “pixelated” or
harsh in terms of brightness and/or contrast. Also, because LCD chips have a finite number of pixels, some
higher resolution images may suffer due to scaling, required in order to convert input formats (e.g. HDTV
1080i format, 1920 x 1080 pixels) into the LCD chips pixel field (e.g. 1024 x 768). Another disadvantage
of LCD over CRT projectors, as mentioned above, is that the LCD light source must be replaced once
every 1000 to 2000 hours, at a cost of several hundred dollars.
DLP Projector
Currently the most popular buy, the DLP (Digital Light Processing) Projector is like an LCD projector in
that the image itself is displayed on a chip. However, the chip inside a DLP Projector is a DMD (Digital
Micromirror Device), consisting of a reflective mirror representing each and every pixel in the display.
First, the image is displayed on the DMD chip. Then each of the micromirrors tilts very quickly as the
image changes, producing the grayscale basis of the image. Color from a high-speed color wheel is then
projected onto and reflected off of the micromirrors on the DLP chip. The color coupled with the degree of
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tilt on each of the micromirrors determines the eventual structure projected image. As the light is reflected
off of the micromirrors, it is sent through a lens and is projected onto the screen.
When a DLP Projector is used, the film is converted into digital format and stored on a storage device
(usually a hard disk drive or an optical disc). This digital data is then fed into the DLP Projector and is
projected onto the screen. DLP chips are high resolution and therefore provide superb color quality, no
pixelation (unlike LCD), and an image that is very clear (almost as good as 35 or 70mm film – without all
the film scratches!), with excellent contrast and brightness. All DLP Projectors offer 16.7 million colors.
Further, DLP Projectors use little power and are very compact, making them ideal for use where portability
is required.
However, like the LCD Projector, the DLP Projector does have some limitations when compared to the
CRT Projector. Its resolution and scaling capabilities are limited by the number of pixels it supports, and
its light source must be changed every 1000 to 2000 hours, just as for the LCD Projector.
LCOS Projector
An LCOS projector is really a hybrid between LCD and DLP. It works in much the same way as a DLP
Projector, but the tiny mirrors are replaced with liquid crystals representing each pixel. Instead of the three
LCD Panels used to modulate light in the red, green and blue channels of an LCD Projector, a LCOS
Projector uses three LCOS chips for the same purpose.
LCOS picture quality can surpass LCD and DLP, offering high resolution, smooth images and no
perceivable pixelation, but coming with a correspondingly higher price tag typically.
LCOS Projectors typically offer poor contrast and are typically not very portable however, starting at a
weight of around 12lbs. Lamplifier replacements on some models is very expensive also.
For more on LCOS projectors see http://www.projectorcentral.com/lcos.htm
D-ILA Projector
D-ILA (Digital Drive Image Light Amplifier) is a particular implementation of LCOS, created by JVC,
which has proved very popular.
2.4
Surround sound processors
The aim of surround sound is to immerse the audience in the audio sensations of the Home Theater
experience by enabling the listener to experience sound coming from all directions.
An Audio/Video Receiver (also known as the AV Receiver, Surround Sound Receiver or Home Theater
Receiver), the heart of most Home Theater systems, connects inputs and outputs within a Home Theater
system and is the component that commonly provides the surround sound capability by decoding and
reproducing surround sound from a source (e.g. a DVD).
Usually, the Audio/Video Receiver combines the functionality of three components:
1. A radio tuner for AM/FM
2. A Preamplifier that determines which audio and video source is selected (e.g. DVD player, VCR, CD
player, etc.), processes the incoming stereo or surround sound signals and distributes them to the correct
amplifier channels and the subwoofer output. It may also route video signals from the source to the screen.
3. A built-in multi-channel amplifier that sends the surround sound signals and power to the speaker
system.
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Note that in higher-range Home Theater installations, the functions of the Audio/Video Receiver may be
provided by separate components, each providing one of the above three functions – a Tuner, a preamplifier (Processor) and either a single multi-channel amplifier or separate amplifiers for each channel.
The benefit of separating these functions into separate components comes from the increased ability to
switch in or out the different components (perhaps in order to upgrade or repair existing components) as
well as reducing the likelihood of interference resulting from combining functions and sharing the same
power supply, although for most consumers, a good Audio/Video Receiver will be more than adequate.
One of the core components in any Home Theater system is the processor, which takes the soundtrack of a
DVD, videotape, or TV broadcast, videotape and separates the various surround sound channels. Many
DVD players and receivers come with built-in surround sound decoding, but for very high quality sound, a
stand-alone processor with its own power supply and sophisticated electronics is essential.
Dolby Digital (also known as AC-3) is the sound format of choice currently. Because it uses five channels
and five speakers along with a subwoofer for 5.1 channels of sound, Dolby Digital offers a substantial sonic
improvement over the older, four-channel Dolby Pro Logic system, which is still very pervasive on a wide
range of video titles and on many TV broadcasts. Dolby Pro Logic II decoding has given new life to some
of these titles by adding discrete surround channels, better channel integration, and impressive virtual
surround sound from two-channel audio sources.
The biggest competition to Dolby Digital surround sound is currently Digital Theater Systems (DTS). DTS
has a higher resolution of 1,411,200 bits per second compared to 384,000 bits per second for Dolby Digital.
DTS can also be used as a 7.1 channel system, adding two additional surround channels for even more
seamless 3d sound.
Most of the newer surround processors are able to handle Pro Logic sound, and some receivers and
processors can handle Pro Logic, Dolby Digital and DTS. It is a good idea to ensure that your receiver can
handle Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats at least, as DVDs may use either of these. If you
watch a lot of older videos, it is a good idea to ensure it handles Pro Logic II also.
If, as most Home Theater aficionados do, you consider surround sound as at least of equal importance as
the video performance of your system, you will purchase a receiver and processor of as high quality as you
can afford, and not consider some of the cheaper home-theater-in-a-box options currently popular on the
market. If you are looking for the ultimate Home Theater experience, it is a good idea to look for a
processor that can handle seven or more channels, and to ensure that it is THX certified (meaning that the
Home Theater pre-amplifier meets Lucas-film Ltd surround sound standards), which guarantees that the
component will deliver quality surround sound.
SIDEBAR
History of Sound
Before surround sound came into existence, the sound production methods that existed were monophonic,
stereophonic and quadraphonic sound.
Monophonic sound works using a single-channel, in a uni-directional manner. All components of the
sound are heard in the same way no matter where the listener is located within the room, and seem to
eminate from the same point in the room. Using a monophonic amplifier, two speakers create a “phantom”
channel halfway between the two speakers.
Stereophonic sound uses two channels, allowing the listener to experience the correct “sound staging” of
the audio – in that some sounds are channeled to the left of the “soundstage” and others are channelled to
the right.
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Quadrophonic sound aimed to overcome the limitations in stereophonic sound but required the use of
special amplifiers, receivers and speakers, and there were also problems in achieving consensus between
manufacturers on standards and programming. As a result, it did not really take off.
Dolby Surround sound involves four channels of information (front left, phantom center, front right and
rear), delivered in a two channel signal, which is then decoded by a chip, and diverted to the appropriate
destination output channel. This provides a more balanced sound experience, where vocals/dialogue are
conveyed via the phantom center channel, and most of the remainder of the sound is derived from the left
and right channels, with the ambience or effects coming in from behind the audience. This gives music a
more natural feel and, for movies, provides the sensation of sounds moving around the viewing area,
placing the audience right in the middle of the action and adding realism to the viewing experience.
However, limitations of Dolby Surround sound include a lack of separation between channels, and a lack of
precise direction of sound because the rear channel is basically passive.
Dolby Pro Logic aimed to address the limitations of Dolby Surround sound by adding a center channel that
more accurately centers dialogue in a movie soundtrack, increasing the separation between channels and
adding equipment that emphasizes the directional cues in a movie soundtrack by increasing the output of
the directional sounds in their respective channels. This was useful for increasing the accuracy of the
soundtracks of movies especially those containing the sound of explosions and plane sounds for example.
Limitations relating to the sound placement cues reproduced in a Dolby Pro Logic system included
limitations in sound placement and movement.
Dolby Digital, in which data is encoded digitally, aimed to improve on the Pro Logic system. Most of the
time Dolby Digital is accompanied by 5.1 or 6.1 channels, although it can theoretically be Monophonic, 2
channel or 4 channel also.
Dolby Digital 5.1 enhances accuracy and flexibility by adding a dedicated Subwoofer Channel to
emphasize low frequency effects as well as stereo rear surround channels that enable sounds to emanate in
many directions.
Dolby Digital encoding is very common on DVDs, Laser Discs and Satellite TV programming. It requires
a Dolby Digital receiver or amplifier in order to accurately decode the signal from the original component
(e.g. a DVD player) using either a digital optical connector or digital coax connector.
Dolby Digital EX is based upon the technology already developed for Dolby Digital 5.1. It simply adds a
third surround channel that is placed directly behind the listener, so that the listener has both a front center
channel and a rear center channel of sound, enhancing the positioning of sounds emanating from the sides
and to the rear, increasing the illusion that the listener is in the center of the action.
For more about Surround Sound see
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat22200050005&type=category
2.5
Amplifiers
A power amplifier takes in low-level audio signals from a pre-amplifier and boosts them to a level that is
powerful enough to drive speakers. Integrated amplifiers have a built-in pre-amplifier which provides input
selection, volume adjustment, etc. A power amplifier requires a separate pre-amplifier.
A Home Theater system that uses a separate pre-amplifier and power amplifier usually delivers the best
sound quality, but it is also possible to obtain great results using an integrated amplifier.
Amplifier Power
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Amplifier power is key to getting high quality sound from a Home Theater system. Some believe that the
more power you can afford, the better the results (especially with demanding film soundtracks), although
less power is obviously required in a smaller room than in a larger room. Most Home Theater speakers
require 60 to 100 watts RMS2 to sound controlled and distortion-free.
However, there is much more to choosing a good amplifier than simply looking at the number of watts.
Current is also important. A high current 60-watt amplifier can outclass a more ordinary 100-watt amplifier
on difficult sound extracts due to its power reserves. The amperage of the internal power supply, the quality
of the input and output stages, and the overall stability at the desired ohm load all are contributing factors in
how well an amplifier performs. For Home Theater use, it is important to check the rating of the amplifier /
receiver in terms of the maximum wattage with all 7 channels in use (many vendors provide ratings over 2
channels this information is irrelevant to the Home Theater enthusiast).
Inside a Power Amp
Modern power amplifiers have three active stages - input stage, driver stage, and output stage - plus a
power supply. The input stage increases the signal voltage for the driver stage. The driver stage supplies the
signal and controls the output stage. The output stage regulates the power that drives the speakers. The
power supply provides the electrical power for each stage and provides the raw current to drive the
speakers. Most high-end amplifiers have highly sophisticated power supplies with separate regulation for
each channel.
2.6
Receivers
The Home Theater receiver receives signals from various input devices (e.g. a DVD Player or Satellite
dish), interprets and amplifies those signals and then sends them to output devices (e.g. a HDTV or
speakers).
Photo courtesy Sony
A surround-sound stereo receiver from Sony
The Home Theater receiver combines the functions of a number of components (inputs from video sources,
pre-amplifier, surround sound decoder, power amplifiers and outputs). Home Theater aficionados with
unlimited budgets prefer to buy the components separately, but most people buy one unit that does all these
jobs because it is cheaper.
RMS – Root Mean Square, the average continuous power output an amplifier is capable of producing or a
speaker is capable of receiving.
2
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Cable TV
or Satellite
DVD Player
VHS Recorder
Surround Sound Receiver
Speaker System
HDTV
The receiver is at the heart of a typical Home Theater system.
2.7
DVD/VCR options
According to DEG, more than 400 million DVDs were shipped to retail in North America during the
first quarter of 2005, representing a 21% increase over the same quarter in 2004. Additionally, 7.5 million
DVD players were sold from January through March 2005, an increase of 13% over the same period in
2004.
There is no doubt that DVD is now the format of choice for the Home Theater enthusiast, and that VCRs
are rapidly losing popularity.
DVD is an all-digital format that offers a high quality video experience. DVD's horizontal resolution of
over 500 scan lines far surpasses that of traditional VHS video, and the latest generation of DVD players
offer advanced features such as progressive scan display providing even better quality images.
A DVD player is the main input device for most Home Theater systems. Many DVD players support Dolby
Digital, DTS, and Dolby Pro Logic II decoding. DVDs provide five separate channels of sound – left,
right, center, left rear surround, right rear surround – or more! There is also a dedicated subwoofer channel.
For music lovers, DVD-Audio format offers high-resolution, multi-channel surround sound reproduction.
DVDs often include extras that do not come with their corresponding VHS releases. These extras often
include outtakes, added scenes, previews, and scene-by-scene narration from a movie's director or actors.
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Many DVDs also allow you to choose between the normal "TV-movie" or widescreen "letterbox" versions
— and let you decide whether to watch the "G," "PG," or "PG-13" version of an R-rated film.
DVD players have plummeted in price while adding more features and performance than ever before, to
such an extent that VCRs (Video Cassette Recorders) now appear to be “old hat” technology.
SIDEBAR
Progressive Scan vs Line Doubling
Because interlaced scanning generally produces flicker on HDTVs when viewing traditional television /
VCR / DVD content, HDTV manufacturers looked for a better way of displaying traditional content. Line
Doubling, in which the HDTV creates “lines in between lines” combining the line above and below, and
then progressively scanning these lines along with the original lines, giving the appearance of a high
resolution image, was the method they introduced. This solution is not ideal, but is a good compromise.
Pulldown - Transferring Film to Video
Another issue which arose when trying to display NTSC images was the fact that NTSC video is produced
at 30 frames per second, whereas film is shot at 24 frames per second. If film was simply transferred to
such video, a severe flickering effect will result. The solution was to “stretch” the film frame rate by a
formula before transferring the film to the video.
In order to eliminate this flicker effect, when a film is transferred to video (whether DVD, VHS, or other
format), the film frame rate is "stretched" by a formula that more closely matches the film frame rate to the
video frame rate. For more information about how this process, known as “pulldown”, is implemented, see
http://www.projectorpeople.com/tutorials/pulldown-3.asp
2.7.1 HD-DVD vs Blu-Ray
Just as there were two primary competing formats when Video first emerged (Betamax and VHS), there are
currently two major competing formats for high definition DVD – at the time of writing, Sony and Toshiba
are unable to come to an agreement about offering a common format.
Sony developed Blu-Ray and Toshiba developed HD-DVD, and technology companies and manufacturers
are backing up one or the other or both. At the time of writing, it is difficult to anticipate which of these
formats will win out in the end, although it appears that Blu-Ray is slightly in the lead, because rumors
abound that Microsoft and Intel are about to announce that they will support only HD-DVD because BluRay does not meet its requirements. Should this happen, it could be devastating to the Blu-Ray movement.
Blu-Ray Supporters
Sony
Samsung*
Philips
Matsushita
20th Century Fox
HD-DVD Supporters
Toshiba
NEC
Sanyo
Warner Home Video*
*Note that some companies recently announced they will be supporting both formats
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Although nothing has yet been formally announced, it looks certain that, at some point in the near future,
the two sides will agree on a common disc utilizing technology from both formats. This is essential, as
consumer confusion and retailer frustration is currently reducing the volume of sales of High Definition
DVD wares, because it is unclear which format will emerge as the “winner”.
2.7.2 DVD +/- RW options
Although standard DVD is not a high resolution format, many DVD players are now capable of outputting
a video signal in the 720p and 1080i formats, allowing them to closely match the resolution of HDTVs. As
current DVDs (those that are not HD-DVD or Blu-Ray) are not recorded in high definition, this is not true
high definition viewing, although the detail and color is superb. Viewing such output is, of course, better
on LCD or Plasma TV sets, as the upscaling involved sometimes results in harsh images on standard CRT
and Projection sets. Also, if your television’s native display resolution is anything other than 720p or
1080i, the TVs video processor will have to rescale the incoming signal to its own specification, which can
also yield different results on the final, displayed television image.
DVD-R
A write once only, recordable DVD format approved by the DVD Forum, allowing single layer data to be
stored on each side of the disk. Sales of DVD-R media are far higher than DVD+R media, although the
technology is slightly less advanced.
DVD+R
This is a proprietary write once only DVD format, developed by the DVD+RW alliance, allowing 4.38
gigabytes (GB) of data to be stored on a single layer on one side of the disk, or 8.5GB of data to be stored
on dual layers. Note that all DVD+R capable burners manufactured before 2004 allow burning on a single
layer only.
DVD-RW
This format is the re-writable version of DVD-R, allowing recording many times to the same disk.
DVD+RW
This format is the re-writable version of DVD+R, allowing recording many times to the same disk.
DVR
For the enhanced convenience and durability of DVD disk-based recording, it is worth considering a DVR
(DVD Recorder). Some units also allow multiple recordings to a single disk, overwriting the original
recording with a newer recording.
SIDEBAR
Video formats with horizontal resolution estimates:
VHS/VHS-C
220 - 240 lines
BETA
250 lines
8mm
250 - 280 lines
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SuperBETA
270 - 280 lines
Analog TV Broadcast
330 lines
Analog Cable TV
330 lines
Standard Digital Cable
330 - 500 lines (Depends on original source of the signal and compression used in downloading to the cable
box)
S-VHS/S-VHSC
400 lines
DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW
250 - 400+ lines (Depends on recording mode and compression used)
Laserdisc
400 - 425 lines
Hi8
380 - 440 lines
Digital 8
400 - 500 lines
miniDV
400 - 520 lines
microMV
500 lines
ED BETA
500 lines
Commercial DVD
Up to 540 lines
As you can see, there is quite a difference in the detail that different video formats can input into a TV or
video display. Basically, VHS is on the bottom end of things, while miniDV and DVD represent the best
that analog video can currently produce in terms of detail.
2.7.3 DVD Regions
When purchasing a DVD player or DVDs, it is important to understand the way in which DVD “Regions”
work. There are eight DVD “Regions”, of which six are loosely aligned to their geographical equivalents,
and two are artificial “Regions” reserved for “specialized” use. These “Regions” are listed below:
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Region 1 - US, Canada
Region 2 - Europe, Middle East, South Africa, Japan, Greenland
Region 3 - S.Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Parts of South East Asia
Region 4 - Australia, New Zealand, Latin America (including Mexico)
Region 5 - Eastern Europe, Russia, India, Africa
Region 6 - China
Region 7 - Reserved for Unspecified Special Use
Region 8 - Reserved for Cruise Ships, Airlines, etc..
Region 0 or Region All - Discs are uncoded and can be played Worldwide. (Although PAL discs must be
played in a PAL-compatible player and NTSC discs must be played in an NTSC-compatible player).
Theoretically, this means that all DVD players sold in the US are made to region 1 specifications and will
therefore only play Region 1 DVDs (all DVDs have their Region number marked on the packaging). The
purpose of this design was originally to protect the movie studios and related film companies’ copyright
and distribution rights (because movies are released in movie theaters at different times to different regions
of the world). However, in practice, movie companies have allegedly used this feature for price-fixing with
respect to different regions, and, with the help of the internet and global commerce, DVD players from all
Regions (as well as “Region Code Free” DVD players, which enable the playing of all DVDs from all
Regions) are available in just about all locations and various efforts have been undertaken to force the
industry to discontinue region coding, including European Court action.
Hollywood has reacted by adding Regional Coding Enhancement (RCE) which prevents some Region 1
DVDs from playing even on the “Region Code Free” DVD Players.
Note that, when using DVRs or DVD Camcorders, the end results are not Region Coded and can be viewed
on any DVD player supporting the format (NTSC or PAL or SECAM) in which the DVD was recorded.
Of course, even if a DVD player will play a particular DVD, the TV attached to it may still not be able to
display its contents, if for example, the DVD is pressed in PAL format, but the TV only supports NTSC. In
the US Market, all video is based upon the NTSC format, and therefore it is more difficult to view
programming in PAL or SECAM format. However, in other parts of the world, many consumers have
access to multi-system TVs that can view DVDs pressed in any of these formats.
2.7.4 VCR options
A VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) is a key component of a home entertainment system for anyone with an
extensive collection of VHS tapes.
There are disadvantages, of course, to viewing VHS (Video Home System) videos - the picture quality is
much lower than DVD, at only 240 lines of horizontal resolution, compared to DVD’s 500 lines. Even
standard broadcast television signals offer higher resolution.
Note also that some VCRs (especially cheaper ones) have only mono sound and it is a waste to include one
of these VCRs in a Home Theater System, as the result is a single track of sound out of one of the front
speakers only. Hi-Fi stereo VCRs are only a little more expensive than mono VCRs and will vastly
improve the Home Theater sound experience of video cassettes, especially if the video cassettes are
recorded in Dolby Surround Sound (most videos recorded after 1980 are), although the resolution of the
images will still be low.
However, a lot of VCRs offer features such as one touch recording, multi-brand remotes that can also
control your TV, etc. VCR Plus+ is a feature that allows the taping of TV shows, using simple timer
recording in conjunction with the “PlusCode” for the show (published in the local paper or at
www.TVguide.com).
Super VHS and Digital VHS
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For further improved recording quality, it is possible to purchase Super VHS models, which use S-VHS
tapes to record at almost twice the resolution of regular VHS, or Digital VHS models, which are capable of
recording HDTV content in a great deal of detail.
Combination Units
In order to save space, it is worth considering purchasing a DVD/VCR combination unit, offering the great
picture quality of DVDs alongside the flexibility of VHS recording and playback. In order to record VHS
recordings onto the more durable DVD disks, it is worth considering a DVDR/VCR (combining a DVD
Recorder and VCR). Hard drive based DVRs enable the recording of lots of TV programs.
2.8
CD / MP3 options
2.8.1 CD / CD –R
A CD can store up to 74 minutes of high quality music. It can also store data or software. Information is
stored on a CD as very tiny bumps / pits arranged in a spiral shape, and a great amount of information can
be stored on a single CD – up to 783,000,000 bytes – so the reading mechanism (a laser and lens system)
has to be very precise and accurate. It is possible to record songs or data onto a CD-R drive using special
CD Recording software. The most common format for storing audio on CD is CDA while the most
common format for storing data on a CD is CD-ROM.
To find out more about how CDs work, see http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cd.htm
2.8.2 MP3
MP3 stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3. It is a file compression format, developed as part of MPEG-1
video encoding format, developed by Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) in the early 1990s.
MP3 format is commonly used by music software and online music stores such as Napter and iTunes
(although other formats are available - such as AAC). The advantage of MP3 music files is that near CD
quality music can be created, and yet the space required to store the music information is much reduced,
meaning that it is easier to transfer music files between (often small) devices. There are many types of
players that are capable of playing MP3 format music (for example, PCs, PDAs, portable MP3 players such
as iPod and iRiver, and CD/MP3 players) and these players are often capable of playing other formats also
(such as WMA, WAV, MIDI, AAC and others).
To find out more about how MP3 players work see http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/mp3-player2.htm.
2.9
Speaker Systems
Speakers work together to create the Home Theater surround sound experience. It is important to ensure that the
speakers complement one another, working together as one.
One aspect of ensuring that speakers complement one another is known as “voice matching”. This process ensures that
the speakers share the same tonal quality and harmonic characteristics, so that the sound seamlessly moves from one
speaker to another. The best way to ensure that speakers are voice matched is to purchase speakers of the same brand.
Polk Rti4 bookshelf speakers in white
Realistically, to make best use of today’s surround sound formats, five speakers are required – one to the
front left, one to the front right, one at the center, one surround left speaker and one surround right speaker.
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Seven channel theater systems, though more complex and costly, will further enhance the “3d” quality of
the surround sound experience.
A typical Home Theater system includes the following types of speakers:
2.9.1
Front left and Right Speakers
The front left and right speakers may be floor-standing, bookshelf speakers or even satellite/subwoofer systems. Floorstanding speakers offer more power and provide excellent bass reproduction. Bookshelf speakers are less adept at
reproducing the lower frequencies, although they work well if teamed up with a separate subwoofer.
Satellite/subwoofers produce big sound.
The front left and right speakers create the soundstage, reproducing the musical score as well as the special effects,
which move between the two speakers in time with the movement of images on the screen.
When selecting the front left and right speakers for a system, it is important to take into account the
features of the whole system they will be supporting, and to choose a pair that complements those features.
2.9.2
Center Channel Speaker
The center channel speaker is not so important if the Home Theater system is to be used mainly to listen to music.
However, the center channel is key if the system is to be used mainly to watch movies, as it reproduces nearly all the
dialogue in a movie, as well as about 50% of the rest of the soundtrack. The Center Channel’s whole purpose is to
keep the sound in sync with the action on screen, and is vital to well-balanced sound for movie watching.
Again, it is vital that the center channel speaker is well voice-matched to the other speakers, especially the front and left
speakers. They are typically available in a variety of sizes so it is important to match the size to the size of other
speakers and the TV set within the Home Theater System (especially as the center speaker typically sits
either on, above or just under the TV in the system).
2.9.3
Surround Speakers
Surround speakers create the depth in the sound field of a Home Theater System, in tandem with the front speakers.
They tend to produce excellent directional effects that make the audience feel as though they are deep in the center of
the action, as well as providing background, atmospheric or ambient sounds.
Most surround systems are 5.1 channel surround systems, consisting of only one pair of surround speakers
in addition to the front and left speakers and center channel speaker. However, many of the more recent
receivers are capable of powering 6.1 or 7.1 channel systems.
Some surround speakers offer greater speaker placement flexibility in their use of a dipole / bipole switch,
featuring two high frequency drivers that either fire in phase (bipole) or out of phase (dipole).
2.9.4
Powered Subwoofer
A powered subwoofer provides a rich depth to the musical or movie experience, with bass reproduction that can be felt
as well as heard, in a good Dolby Digital Home Theater System. A good subwoofer will provide realistic-sounding
crashes, explosions, aircraft noises and thunder storms, as well as providing very powerful music experiences.
Satellite speakers and many bookshelf speakers do not excel at reproducing lower bass frequencies. For these speakers,
a subwoofer is absolutely necessary to achieve full-range Home Theater sound.
It is important to select appropriately-sized subwoofers, and to ensure they have adequate power levels, in order to best
show off the capabilities of the sound system. For example, in a medium-sized room, a 10” or 12” subwoofer (or two,
to provide more dynamic reproduction of the lowest level bass) with at least 125 watts of power would be appropriate,
whereas for a larger room, dual subwoofers with drivers at least 12” in diameter will be required in order to provide
realistic volume levels.
Be aware that vendors often exaggerate power levels for subwoofers. For more information about this, and more
general information about Subwoofers see
http://www.soundstage.com/gettingtechnical/gettingtechnical.htm
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2.10 Wireless
Wireless technology means that the TV in the Home Theater no longer has to be located close to the Cable
or Satellite box, but can be placed anywhere within reach of the wireless network. It also means that MP3
songs stored on just about any device (PDA, PC, portable MP3 player etc.) are available to be played
through the Home Theater system.
2.11 Seating
There are four main types of seating typically found in Home Theaters - conventional household seating,
authentic theater seating, Home Theater seating and custom seating.
2.11.1 Conventional Household Seating
For a Home Theater room that doubles as a living room, family room or play room, conventional sofas,
sectionals etc. may be a good choice of seating. Cost may be another reason for choosing conventional
seating.
2.11.2 Authentic Theater Seating
For those with limitless budget, some companies offer commercial-style theater seating to the public.
These may be fixed (bolted to the floor), may be covered in plush velvet fabric, and / or may have solid oak
armrests.
2.11.3 Home Theater Seating
Home Theater seating is large, comfortable, lounger-style seating designed specially for Home Theater.
Designed for comfort, and theater-like in style, this type of seating typically includes luxury features such
as recliner / incliner mechanisms, beverage holders (in acrylic or glass), exotic woods or veneer trim,
various fabric options, etc.
2.11.4 Custom Seating
Although often the most expensive option, some companies offer customized seating, whereby the seating
is designed specifically to make the best of the features of the Home Theater room in question. Size, color,
fabrics, style and features can all be customized to requirements.
2.12 Cabling
Cabling can be key to getting the best performance out of Audio Visual equipment. Poorly made cables
which allow noise and interference to reduce the quality of the audio or visual output, can adversely affect
the listening or viewing experience.
Many Audio Visual components will either include low quality cabling, cables that are inadequate in some
other way (e.g. are not the desired length), or even include no cabling at all. It is nearly always worthwhile
buying higher quality cables than the ones included with such components, even if the budget is very tight.
It is recommended that when choosing cables, it is best not to simply purchase the most expensive cables,
but instead to choose well-built, durable cables with solid connections to components. It is also important
to arrange cables in such a way as to minimize interference, etc. (See installation section later in this
toolkit).
The three main parts of a cable affecting the quality of the signal output are:
The Conductor
This is the wire through which the signal is conducted. Most good audio cables contain an oxygen-free copper
(OFC) conductor, which passes signals accurately with minimal signal loss. One of the problems with the
conductor part of a cable is that it is capable of acting as an antenna receiving RFI (Radio Frequency
Interference) and EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference), which is why Shielding is necessary.
The Shielding
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Shielding filters out potential sources of “noise” from the RFI and EMI sources of interference. Usually a
braided copper shield filters out RFI and a foil shield filters out EMI. These filters prevent buzzes and pops
in the signal. If the cable is to be run over a relatively long distance, or if the components experience
interference, the shielding of the cable is extremely important.
The Connector
The connector is the part of the cable that connects to the audio-visual component itself. As such, it is
extremely important to the quality of the overall cable. There are many types of connector, the most
common of which are RCA, S-video and F-type. In order to provide high-quality transfer that will not
degrade over time, or cut out intermittently, a good RCA connector will provide constant, solid contact
with the component’s jacks, with gold plating to prevent corrosion.
2.12.1 Video Cables
Until the advent of DVDs, the RF antenna output of the VCR was simply connected to the TV in most
Home Theater systems, although occasionally a composite connection might be used, and of course, those
using projectors connected to video sources had to deal with more complex cabling issues. However,
DVDs have made video cables much more important to all Home Theater enthusiasts. Because video
cables work at higher frequencies than audio cables, they are more susceptible to degradation of signal, and
radio frequency or electromagnetic interference (RFI or EMI), especially if a substandard conductor is
used. This can cause lines, snow, etc. in the resulting picture. Thus, higher quality cable with a copper
conductor, 75 ohm impedance and double shielding can effectively preserve the strength and accuracy of
the original signal.
The four main types of video cables are (in order of quality, from poorest to highest): Coaxial RF (F-type),
Composite, S-Video and Component:
Coaxial RF (F-Type)
Coaxial RF cable (not to be confused with coaxial digital audio cable) carries video and stereo audio information
simultaneously. There are two main types of this cable - standard coaxial cable, which is labelled "RG-59"and the
higher quality cable, which is labelled "RG-6", offering reduced signal loss and better shielding (each of which is
essential for DBS satellite systems and longer cable runs). Coaxial RF cable is often used for connecting antennae,
cable boxes, VCRs, TVs and so on.
Composite Cables
Composite cables, the most common video cables, transmit images of the same level of quality as NTSC
and PAL systems, which, compared to DVD component signal images, is far poorer. Dot crawl and color
degradation are some of the intrinsic image quality problems with this type of cable. These cables are
typically color-coded – red for the right channel audio, white for left channel audio and yellow for video.
The whole video signal is transmitted using a single cable. Most new televisions, DVD players, receivers,
DBS Satellite systems, VCRs, camcorders and videodisc players have RCA jacks for composite cables.
S-Video Cables
S-Video cables feature round, 4 pin connectors and provide slightly poorer color quality than component
video cables, but generally the picture signal is pretty good using one of these cables, better than the quality
Composite or RF cables offer. They split the video signal into two separate components – luminance
(black and white) and chrominance, therefore offering better quality pictures than composite cables, as well
as reduced noise.
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Component Video Cables
Component Video cables, found on most HDTV tuners and DVD players, maintain the exceptionally high
quality of picture offered by the component signal emanating from today’s DVD players, with no
degradation in color, dot problems etc. They do this by splitting the signal into three (Red, Green and
Blue) and using color-coded RCA connections for each. The main function of 75-ohm component video
cables is to alter the signal as little as possible while conducting an AC video signal from a source (e.g.
DVD player, VCR) to a load (e.g. TV, monitor). These cables are capable of transmitting high definition
and progressive scan video signals. Because these cables must work at much higher frequencies than audio
cables (8MHz to 10MHz for NTSC), especially when HDTV is involved (over 35MHz), these cables are
probably the most important cables in any Home Theater system. Generally, the higher the frequency
being conducted, the more essential it is that the cables used have adequate shielding, solid connectors and
adequate characteristic impedance (75-ohm).
To find out more about component video cables, see
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/interconnects/ComponenTVideoCables.php
Other Video Cables
Digital video cables – such as DVI (Digital Visual Interface) or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia
Interface) – leave the digital signal intact all the way to the screen, avoiding the degradation of signal that
can come from translating the signal from digital to analog and back again. Thus, they are particularly
suited to Plasma, LCD, DLP, or LcoS TV, and other “fixed pixel” displays. These cables can carry
standard (NTSC/Pal) as well as High Definition digital video signals. In addition, HDMI cables are
capable of carrying 2 to 8 discrete channels of digital audio. Most HDTV tuners and HD-ready TVs, as
well as, increasingly, DVD players, have either a DVI or a HDMI connection, or both.
For more information on all these types of video cable, see
http://www.michaeldvd.com.au/Articles/VideoConnectors/VideoConnectors.asp
2.12.2 Analog Audio Cables
Analog cables are also quite important as they interface with connections that have high impedance
(10kohms and greater for amplifiers, preamps etc.), typically connecting with the preamp, power amp, cd
player and / or subwoofer. Again, these cables must have adequate shielding and solid connectors and it is
important that twisted pair cables or shielded coax is used to provide low capacitance (in order to avoid
amplifier instability or premature roll-off). Nowadays, it is relatively easy to find reasonably priced low
capacitance, twisted pair cables that will provide frequency response beyond the limits of your hearing and
equipment abilities, although it may be more costly to use shielded Coax with RCA connectors.
2.12.3 Speaker Cables
Although popular perception (generated mainly by the cable manufacturers themselves) is that speaker
cables are highly critical to a Home Theater system, the truth is that, for most applications, standard 10 / 12
AWG OFMC (Oxygen Free Multistranded Cable) will be more than adequate for most Home Theater
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systems, although there may be some situations where lower DCR and inductance will provide better
performance. Also, a very small investment will improve sound quality by a great amount. The most
important part of speaker cables is the connector – it is important that the connection is tight in order to
minimize contact resistance. Spades or banana plugs are therefore recommended. It is also a good idea to
keep speaker cables as short as possible and to ensure that they are not looped, as this is likely to increase
cable inductance. Shielded twisted pair speaker cables can be a good option if RFI ingress is a problem, or
if it is necessary to run speaker wires in parallel with power cords (not recommended). For more tips on
how to prevent interference affecting your speakers, see Bulletproofing Your System From Interference by
Dan Banquer http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/interconnects/bulletproofing.php .
2.12.4 Digital Audio Cables
These cables typically carry Dolby Digital or DTS signal from a DVD player (or other source component)
to a surround sound processor, which decodes the signal. There are two types of digital audio cables,
optical and coaxial. The main problems that occur with digital cables are Jitter (clock phase noise) and
errors (loud popping noises), and careful selection of cables can reduce these problems.
Optical Digital Cables
Optical cables (Toslink / fiber optic) are used on CD and DVD players as well as Home Theater receivers.
They are highly resistant to interference because they transmit digital audio signals as pulses of light.
However, the better the cables are built, the better the quality of the resulting audio visual output. Be aware
that the connections of toslink cables may be a little flimsy, especially if the cable flexes or bends
excessively, and it is recommended that a cables with a good locking mechanism should be used.
Coax Digital Cables
While these look very similar to standard analog RCA cables, it is important to remember that cables
engineered specifically to pass a digital signal provide superior signal transfer, because they offer 75 ohm
impedance and wider frequency bandwidth. However, these cables are not as critical as video cables
because the bandwidth for audio signals is not as great as that for NTSC television signals.
2.12.5 Subwoofer Cables
Subwoofer cables are specially designed to conduct the ultra-low frequencies used in movie soundtracks.
They are shielded to keep out Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electro Magnetic Interference
(EMI).
2.12.6 General Cabling Advice
Generally, if a cable runs a relatively long distance, or interference is a problem, it is important to use the
cable with the best shielding within price range. However, if the distance the cable needs to run is beyond
30 feet, run longer speaker cable instead and move components closer together.
For a host of very useful articles on cabling see
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Accessories/Cables/Cable_Articles/
2.13 Other Accessories
2.13.1
Home Automation Accessories
Home Automation warrants a Toolkit all of its own. This toolkit will briefly summarize areas of Home
Automation particularly relevant to Home Theater enthusiasts – lighting controls, curtain controls and
remote controls.
Home Automation accessories allow the Home Theater enthusiast to use a button or remote control to turn
on the TV or DVD player, close the blinds or curtain, dim the lights, and play music not only in the Home
Theater room, but possibly throughout the house. Although a remote control is the most commonly used
device used to control a Home Theater’s Home Automation accessories, they can now take commands via a
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touchscreen, a keypad, a PC, the internet, a PDA, a phone, and some even accept voice commands. Use of
the internet or the phone enables control of Home Automation devices from anywhere in the world.
SIDEBAR
X10
Note that the most popular Home Theater products are those that use the X10 protocol (communications
languate). This protocol allows compatible products to communicate with each other using existing
electrical wiring in the home. Such products are typically rather cheap, and because they use X10, they
require no extra wiring or re-wiring, making installation simpler. Usually a transmitter plug (or wire) at
one location in the home sends control signals (on, off, dim, bright) to a receiver which plugs into another
location in the home.
1) Lighting
Path lighting can provide a dimly lit path to the door when you stand up during a movie, which is dimmed
once you return to your seat. Lighting can also automatically respond if the doorbell or phone rings (this
can often be co-ordinated with pausing the movie).
2) Remote Controls
It is possible to control many devices (A/V devices as well as lighting, curtains etc.) from a single remote
control pad using a wealth of commands. It is also possible to carry out multi-step setups by
“programming” a single button to carry out all the steps – e.g. program a button to “record the Sopranos”
(this itself can be a “Command”) to dim the lights, turn on the Cable box, change the channel to 301, turn
on the VCR, record the program starting at 9.00 and ending at 10.00pm.
Depending upon the type of devices to be controlled, and the budget available, there are five types of
remote controls that might be considered.
Remote
Control
Technology
Advantages
Disadvantages
Typical Applications
Cost
Range
Infrared (IR)
Cheap
Only works if in
component is within
sight, close
proximity usually
TV / consumer electronics
$10 +
Powerline
Cheap, works
throughout the house
May need noise
filters / phase
couplers
Lighting, consumer
electronics and appliances,
security devices
$10 +
Radio
Frequency
(RF)
Works through walls
etc.
Long distance
issues, more
expensive than X10
Garage doors, computer
networking
$40 +
INSTEON
Cheap, works
throughout the
house, works
through walls, no
noise filters or phase
couplers required,
works with legacy
X10 products, high
speed, high
reliability, adding
products increases
Lighting, appliances,
computer control
$30 +
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reliability
Hardwired
High speed and high
reliability
Cost, difficult to
retrofit
Video, networking, highend applications
$1,000's +
3) Curtain/drape Control
Curtains / drapes can be controlled using a remote control, and can be automatically closed when a movie
starts and opened when a movie ends.
2.13.2 Acoustic Room Treatments
The two main types of room treatments are absorbers and diffusers. Absorbers (usually made of acoustical
foam that looks like egg cartons, drapes / curtains or rigid fiberglass board) are designed to absorb sound so
that it does not project outside of the listening room. The acoustical foam absorbers tend to look unpleasant
and are not greatly effective, while the fiberglass ones are more effective but are expensive. Diffusers
spread out sound waves so that rather than bouncing off of walls in the same spot, they spread out in
different directions. They may be purpose-built panels, or may be some piece of furniture, such as a
bookcase. Some Home Theaters benefit from a combination of both absorbers and diffusers. A great
cheap tip for improving absorption and diffusion in a listening room is to install lots of bookcases and fill
them with lots of books, put up many drapes, lay down lots of rugs and add plenty of furniture!
For more information on acoustic room treatments see
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/roomacoustics/index.php
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Accessories/Acoustic_Room_Treatments/Acoustic_Room_Treatment_Ar
ticles/
2.13.3 Antennae
The antenna required to receive Digital TV programming is different according to a number of complex
factors. However, rather than have to understand these complexities, consumers can now simply visit
http://www.antennaweb.org and look at the channel numbers of the stations to be viewed.
If the digital stations required are between channels 2 and 69, it is best to use a VHF/UHF antenna.
However, in most cases, DTV channels are between channels 14 and 69, and it is possible to use a
significantly smaller UHF antenna.
For more information about antennae, see
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Accessories/Antennae/Antenna_Articles/
The tool for deciding which antenna to choose is at
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx
2.13.4 Earphones
Typically, the earphones that come with audio components are cheap and nasty, offering poor audio
quality, and do not meet the specific needs of the user.
Different earphones are appropriate to different purposes – traveling, exercising, TV, high-end audio,
mixing music, etc. There are many different designs and features also – earbuds, clipons, wireless, noise
canceling (sealed), full size, in-ear monitor etc.
In Ear Monitor (IEM)
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Although these earphones are very small and inserted into the ear, they are not in the least like earbud
earphones. Some IEMs are considered to be among the world’s best sounding earphones because of the
high level of seal from outside that they provide (often exceeding 20 dB of isolation), as well as the
precision of acoustic coupling to the eardrum that they can employ.
Wireless
Wireless earphones consist of not only a set of cordless earphones, but also the base station through which
the earphones connect to a wireless network. Unfortunately, wireless earphones tend to offer poor sound
quality and their range is often limited also, although there are a few good wireless earphones options
available on the market more recently.
ClipOns
Clip Ons, perhaps surprisingly, actually offer pretty versatile, cheap earphones, offering surprisingly good
sound quality, despite the fact that they may look a little odd. They tend to be clipped onto a contraption
that rests on top of the ears and are useful to wear with hats or helmets.
EarBuds
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Earbuds are mostly cheap and nasty, offering poor sound quality, and tend to be given away as freebies by
airlines, conference centers or portable player manufacturers. Having said that, there are a few models
offering good sound quality, although they are rare.
Street Style
Most often seen being worn by fashion-conscious rollerbladers, this style of earphones are probably the
least likely to be both comfortable and good-sounding. They are a hybrid clip-on/small earpad headphone
with a band that holds the earpiece up against the ear with a loop over the top of each ear and wrapping
around the back of the neck. We have found a couple worth a listen.
For more information on earphones, see http://www.headphone.com
2.13.5
Surge Suppressors and Power Conditioners
The quality of audio / visual output obtained by a Home Theater system can be adversely affected by the
poor quality electricity (AC power) being delivered to the equipment by the overworked, outdated power
grid in the US, which is commonly subject to many electrical surges and spikes.
The electricity that enters your Home Theater equipment carries a great deal of noise and interference.
While this may be fine for some less sensitive electrical equipment (e.g. lamps, toasters), it can
detrimentally affect the performance of Home Theater equipment to a great extent. This is because any
piece of equipment that uses the same power line, whether it is a street light, an elevator or a freezer, can
“pollute” the electric current received by your Home Theater equipment. Radio stations can further distort
the current because every copper line in a house acts as an antenna, picking up radio stations broadcasting
and adding these into the line current.
This poor quality power can not only affect the performance of a Home Theater system, it can also cause
severe damage to equipment. Thus, in order to obtain good quality sound, it is necessary to purify or clean
the power entering a Home Theater system.
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Surge suppressors and power conditioners are designed to protect valuable audio / visual equipment from
spikes and surges in power levels and lightning strikes, which could potentially cause serious damage. In
addition, power conditioners can clean up interference and other power problems that can adversely affect
sound and picture quality.
While Home Theater owners understand the need for surge protection to guard sensitive electronic gear
from damaging voltage spikes and lightning strikes, few realize how much clean power can enhance the
performance of audio and video systems. One way of reducing the impact of poor AC quality on a Home
Theater system is to install separate power lines from the breaker panel to sensitive Home Theater
equipment. However, to prevent all power line distortions and block noise from equipment within the
home, the best option is to use a power conditioner designed for the special needs and power demands of
Home Theater equipment. A quality power conditioner will make a huge difference to the quality of output
from Home Theater equipment.
Some tips on using power filters
Linear power filters provide better noise reduction than non-linear ones.
Computer-grade filters use only high-frequency filters and can actually add noise and distortions when
used with Home Theater equipment.
Power Conditioners
Audio power conditioners clean power, protect equipment, and improve sound. They:
-
-
filter incoming line noise with filters to reduce RF, EMI, and other distortions from AC power
lines
often include special isolation transformers that eliminate ground loops and reducing incoming
line noise. These isolate critical components from each other effectively and prevent power
fluctuations from damaging equipment.
may contain power dampers to clamp or control power fluctuations which adversely affect audio /
video performance.
Power Regulators
Power Regulators regulate the voltage that flows from your house wiring to Home Theater equipment,
making sure it receives a steady supply of volts (120 volts in the US) for optimal performance. Most power
regulators also include power conditioning features.
For more on power conditioners see
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Accessories/Power_Conditioners/Power_Conditioner_Articles/
2.14 Other Options
2.14.1 PC Entertainment Centers
A new breed of PCs aimed at Home Theater applications has been unleashed. These are known by names
such as “PC Entertainment Centers” or “Media Center PCs”. Currently, these PCs typically run Windows
XP Media Center Edition 2005 Operating System and make special use of Windows Media Player 10.
The PC Entertainment Center aims to provide a Home Theater that's capable of playing anything: that can
be used to surf the net, play video games, listen to music (in any format - CD, MP3, SACD, DVD-A, etc.),
and be accessible by TVs and speakers throughout the house.
PC Entertainment Centers typically include the following equipment:
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









high-end processors capable of delivering high-quality video and audio
large amounts of memory and hard disk space
CD Rom or DVD drives (or both)
advanced graphics and audio capabilities (specialist chips, graphics cards etc.)
a Media Center compatible remote control
an Infra Red (IR) sensor
a TV tuner that captures television signal from cable, satellite or antenna sources
a hardware encoder enabling recording ot the TV shows received via the tuner
TV output capabilities that enable display of the Media Center content on a television connected to
the computer
digital audio output that enable integration of digital audio from the computer into the other
components of the Home Theater system
Two examples of PC Entertainment Centers include the HP Digital Entertainment Center z545, the HP
Media Center 7070n Photosmart PC and the Sony VAIO VGC-RA830G (see Top 10 picks for more about
these models).
For more on Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, see
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/evaluation/hardware.mspx
2.14.2 Playstation 3 vs. Xbox 360
Recent launches of the Xbox 360 and Sony’s Playstation 3 threw two new players into the Home Theater
market.
Both the Sony Playstation 3 and the Xbox 360 feature an advanced processor, advanced graphics processor
and super-fast memory.
The Playstation supports the Blu-Ray High Definition DVD format and high quality HD displays at a
resolution of 1080p as well as 720p / 1080i. Because of its advanced power, video games graphics will be
so realistic that it will feel like playing within a movie.
The Xbox 360 is comparable to Media Center PCs, and is aimed at much more than game playing – it
enables storage of digital media files on a 20GB hard disk, ripping of MP3 files, networking via Ethernet or
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wireless (802.11a, b and g) and it supports just about all DVD and CD formats (except DVD-Audio and
SACD), including High Definition DVD format (though there has been no announcement as to whether
Blu-Ray or HD-DVD is the favored High Definition DVD format).
Sony has made a point of demo-ing many games for their new system, whereas the Xbox 360 seems to be
lacking in any software other than “vaporware” at the time of going to Press. However, the Xbox 360 gains
much in the competition between the two systems from providing instant Xbox Live access (free Silver
access is included with the system), enabling a great amount of online collaboration, probably involving
file-swapping, messaging and webcam interaction. As yet, no announcement has been made of how the
Playstation will interact with the internet, if at all.
Feature
Xbox 360
Playstation 3
Xbox 360 Processor
Three Symmetrical PowerPC-based CPUs
(3.2GHz)
VMX-128 vector unit per core (3 total)
128 VMX-128 registers per hardware thread
1 MB L2 cache
Cell Processor
PowerPC-base Core @3.2GHz
1 VMX vector unit per core
512KB L2 cache
7 x SPE @3.2GHz
7 x 128b 128 SIMD GPRs
7 x 256KB SRAM for SPE
*1 of 8 SPEs reserved for redundancy
total floating point performance : 218
GFLOPS
512MB of 700MHz GDDR3 RAM
Unified memory architecture
256MB XDR RAM Main RAM
@3.2GHz
256MB GDDR3 VRAM @700MHz
Custom ATI graphics processor
10MB of embedded DRAM
48-way parallel floating-point dynamically
scheduled shader pipelines
Unified shader architecture
RSX @550MHz
1.8 TFLOPS floating point
performance
Full HD (up to 1080p) x 2 Channels
Multi-way programmable parallel
floating point shader pipelines
Photo
CPU
Memory
Graphics
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Multi-channel surround sound output Supports
48KHz 16-bit audio
320 independent decompression channels
32-bit audio processing
Over 256 audio channels
Dolby 5.1, DTS, LPCM, etc (cell based processing)
Sound
Dolby 5.1, DTS, LPCM, DPLII, etc
Supports 48KHz, 16-bit audio
320 independent decompression channels
32-bit audio processing
Over 256 audio channels
Digital Media
Support
Communication
Online Features
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Support for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVDR/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CDR, CD-RW, WMA CD, MP3 CD, JPEG Photo
CD
Backwards compatible with SOME Xbox
titles
Ability to stream media from portable music
devices, digital cameras and Windows XPbased PCs
Ability to rip music to the Xbox 360 hard
drive
Custom playlists in every game
Built-in Media Center Extender for Windows
XP Media Center Edition 2005
Interactive, full-screen 3-D visualizers
Backwards compatible with PS 2 & PS
CD-ROM/CD-DA/SACD/Dual Disc
DVD-ROM/DVD+/-R/RW
Blu-Ray compatible - BD-ROM/BDR/BD-RE (PS3 native is BD-ROM)
Xbox 360 Details
Ethernet: 10/100/1000 BASE-T
Wi-Fi ready: 802.11a/b/g
Ethernet: 10/100/1000BASE-T x 3 (1
input, 2 outputs)
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g
Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
Instant, out-of-the-box access to Xbox Live
features with broadband service, including
Xbox Live Marketplace for downloadable
content, gamer profile for digital identity, and
voice chat to talk to friends while playing
games, watching movies, or listening to music
Built-in Ethernet port
Wi-Fi ready: 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g
Video camera ready
Unknown at this time
Controller
Photo
Availability
Holidays 2005
Spring 2006
Price
$399.99 full system, $299.99 core system
(SRP)
Unknown at this time
More Info
XBox 360 Site
E3 Playstation Coverage
Home Theater In A Box
For those who want a Home Theater but are subject to a tight budget, or for those who do not want to have
to completely remodel their living room, a Home Theater In A Box may be the ideal solution.
2.14.3
A Home Theater In A Box system typically consists of a DVD player and a receiver with a set of speakers
attached. All the Home Theater enthusiast needs to add is a HDTV. Because few (no?) manufacturers are
good at producing speakers and DVD players and receivers, the Home Theater In A Box option was seen as
the cheap and nasty Home Theater option by many up until recently.
However, more recently some of the quality companies have joined forces to produce some pretty good
Home Theater In A Box options. For example, Kenwood and Boston Acoustics collaborated to produce
the Unity system, consisting of a composite DVD player and A/V receiver capable of 5 x 25W output with
five small speakers, a self-powered (100W) subwoofer, a universal remote, and all the wires required to
hook it all up together at a very low suggested retail price ($1200). For more information, see
http://www.onhometheater.com/product/20020601.htm
The advantages of buying Home Theater In A Box systems over buying separate components are many.
They contain all the components needed for a basic Home Theater system – all speakers, a surround sound
receiver, a DVD/CD player, a multi-function remote control to control the whole system – and yet tend to
be compact and easy to install. All the cables are provided and simple instructions are usually provided.
They tend to be reasonably-priced, with some complete systems costing as little as $200, while the better
quality sound and video systems are priced at around the $2000 mark. They are also easy to buy as they
can be found at any consumer electronics store (Best Buy, Circuit City, Walmart etc.).
However, there are, of course, some disadvantages. Quality of the individual components making up the
Home Theater In A Box tends not to be high, although due to improvements in technology, some of the
“budget” systems offer surprisingly good quality for the money. Also, sound tends to be optimized for
movie and TV viewing rather than for music listening, and so those looking for a good sounding music
system should probably turn instead to individual component purchases. Further, if the system is to be
installed in a large room, a Home Theater In A Box may not be the perfect solution, due to distortion levels.
It is important, when buying a Home Theater In A Box, that you ensure that it can work with any other
devices you may have (e.g. VCR, game console, cable box or satellite dish). Although Home Theater In A
Box systems do usually provide connections from such devices, they tend to have some limitations on
which connections they can support. Also, it is a good idea to check out the sound provided by the Home
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Theater In A Box at the store before purchasing it, or, if possible, take it home on a trial basis whereby a
refund can be obtained if the system does not meet requirements.
3
3.1
Evaluating The Options
Determining Your Needs
Factors that should determine which Home Theater equipment you should buy include:
3.1.1
What you already have
What equipment do you have already that can be used within your Home Theater System, and which do
you wish to buy or upgrade? For those on a low budget who already have a high end PC, for example, it
may be worth using the PC as the center of your Home Theater system, as this may require only a simple
upgrade to existing equipment. For those who already own high quality individual components, especially
those who own a high quality DVD player, a high quality HDTV, or high quality speakers, it is often worth
integrating these into the Home Theater system in order to reduce the overall cost, and, in this scenario, it is
important to take into account compatibility requirements when selecting new components.
3.1.2
All-in-one vs Separate Components
Generally, the Home Theater In A Box option is one that you will select if budget is more important than
quality of performance, whereas those requiring the ultimate in performance will select separate
components if cost is not an issue. However, Home Theater In A Box options are improving in quality,
and separate components are coming down in price, so the rules for making this decision are less welldefined than they were in the past.
3.1.3
Taste in Music
What kind of music do you prefer to listen to? This will drastically affect your requirements for speakers,
as for example, you really don't need a powerful sub woofer if you only ever listen to classical music or
rock music, which tend to have few low frequencies / bass. However, a sub woofer is essential, of course,
if you tend to listen to hip-hop or techno music. Note that bookshelf speakers, because they tend to be
small, do not typically offer good bass / low frequencies.
3.1.4
Taste in movies
Your taste in movies will affect your selection of speakers as well as your selection of screen. For example, a good
subwoofer will provide realistic-sounding crashes, explosions, aircraft noises and thunder storms, as well as providing
very powerful music experiences, so if you prefer Action films or Musicals, it is a good idea to spend a little more on
the subwoofer in your system.
3.1.5
Front Speaker Style Preference
The amount of space you have in your Home Theater room will affect which style of Front Speaker you
will choose. Floor standing speakers tend to be larger and therefore require a good deal of space, whereas
bookshelf speakers tend to be smaller and can be placed on bookshelves or stands. Floor standing speakers,
however, cannot be beaten for powerful, room-filling sound.
Polk LSi15 Floor Standing Speakers in Black
3.1.6
Size of Room
Space available will affect a great deal of your Home Theater choices.
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The size of your Home Theater area or room will dictate how large a screen or TV you can accommodate.
Further, if space is at a premium, floor standing speakers are not generally a good choice – though you
might wish to consider one of the slimline options, if space is not limited too much. Subwoofer / satellite
combination systems, or in-wall or in-ceiling speaker systems may be a good option if space is extremely
limited.
Whether or not you can opt for movie theater seating and other furnishings will also be dictated by the
amount of space available.
3.1.7
Loudness
Louder sound requires a more powerful amplifier. However the relationship between loudness and
amplifier power is not as straightforward as many might think. See the following article for details.
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/109138.html
3.1.8
What type of surround sound system
The number of speakers you need to buy for your Home Theater is dictated by the type of surround sound
system you require. The following setups are the most common:
5.1 (2 front, 1 center, 2 surrounds plus a subwoofer)
6.1 (2 front, 1 center, 3 surrounds plus a subwoofer)
7.1 (2 front, 1 center, 4 surrounds plus a subwoofer)
3.1.9
Budget
How much money you have at your disposal will probably be the factor that most determines the options
available to you. See our budgeting section below (4.1) for tips on how to get the most for your money.
3.1.10 Décor and Convenience
Is décor and convenience of more importance to you than performance ultimately? This choice will dictate
whether or not you spend more on amplifier and speakers or more on furnishings and home automation
features.
3.1.11
Screen
Size and Resolution of Screen
In order to fully re-create the movie theater experience, most Home Theater enthusiasts require a large
screen – a minimum of 25 inches in diameter is advised by most experts, as anything smaller will be
dwarfed by a powerful audio system, and of course there are some very large screens available for those
with limitless budgets (65 inch sets can cost $5,500 or more, whereas low end screens start at a few
hundred dollars, and costs are falling all the time). At the very top end, some front-projection sets come as
large as 92 inches in diameter.
Of course the ratio of width to height is important also, with most Home Theater enthusiasts requiring a
widescreen experience utilizing a 16:9 image ratio as opposed to standard TV’s 4:3 ratio. Widescreen is
ideal for watching standard movies in their original aspect ratio, while avoiding the black bars above and
below the picture.
Front or Rear Image Projection
Front Projection systems make it easier to utilize larger screens and provide excellent quality images if
used in a totally dark environment, projecting the image onto the screen from a secondary source
(sometimes built into the set, or sometimes from an overhead ceiling-mounted setup). If the screen is to be
used in a less than totally dark environment, a rear projection option is probably best.
Image Quality
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) TV sets provide very high quality images, but tend to be very expensive for
larger models. Most Home Theater enthusiasts require either a Plasma or an LCD TV. Plasma screens
tend to be more expensive but provide excellent image quality, whereas LCD screens tend to be cheaper,
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and the quality of the images they offer is improving all the time, with some good LCD screens now
offering comparable color and superior resolution.
HDTV Compatibility
It almost goes without saying that a Home Theater screen shoud be HDTV compatible, with the High
Definition format slowly becoming the norm for all types of programming, from DVDs through to various
DTV broadcast stations (see www.nab.org for a listing of programming in your area, if in the US). HDTV
has better sound - usually six channel (5.1) Dolby Digital Surround Sound – higher resolution, widescreen
display (16:9)
3.1.12
Audio
Audio Quality
The secret to excellent audio quality is a good set of speakers. The depth, range, power and frequency
response of your speaker set should match your carefully chosen visual setup, taste in music as well as your
taste in movies.
If audio quality is the most important factor for you, it is advisable to look at the top name brand speakers
such as B&W, Atlantic Technologies, Polk and Blue Sky. These tend to be also the most expensive
options, of course, with a range from $399 upwards, but quality comes at a price.
In order to optimize sound quality, it is important to choose optimal cables also, as well as to place speakers
carefully. A sound pressure level meter can be used to align levels relative to their distance from your
primary viewing space (i.e. the sofa) or, if cost isn't a limiting factor, it is a good idea to hire a professional
to position your speakers properly for you. For the ultimate in excellent, crisp sounds, a separate preamplifier processor is recommended.
Receiver
Some features that you may require of a receiver, that are not standard on all models, though they are
becoming more prevalent include: automated component-switching, high wattage output to your speakers,
Dolby / DTS compatibility and a remote control that can be programmed to handle all your components
and multi-step setup programs. Regardless of your requirements, it is not a good idea to be too budgetconscious when selecting a receiver, because it is the heart of your Home Theater system. Prices range
from $299 to $3,000 but it is vital to ensure that your receiver has all the features you require for now and
the future of your Home Theater System.
DVD Player
The DVD Player is the ultimate Home Theater accessory, and models available are getting cheaper and of
higher quality all the time. Most Home Theater enthusiasts require a progressive-scan player in order that
it works effectively with the HDTV in their system, offering the best picture quality, and most players now
have Dolby / DTS compatibility. However, there are other features that you might require, such as the
ability to play more than one disc, the ability to read DVDs from different parts of the world (Region code
free), the ability to play DVDs of different formats (DVD-Rs, SACD, DVD-RAM, audio CDs etc.),
whether or not you want a combination unit (with a built-in VCR).
3.1.13 Extras
For extra comfort and style, you may require special furniture (such as a recliner or movie theater seating)
in your Home Theater. You may want to install a bar in the room or you might require only a minirefrigerator and a popcorn popper. For those with extra cash, home automation features, such as a lighting
system allowing dimming of lights, automated drape opening and closing, temperature adjustment etc. may
be a requirement.
At the high-end, there are some companies who will create a customized look for your Home Theater –
perhaps a Space Age high-tech look, or else an art deco or film noir look.
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3.2
Comparisons
It is key when making decisions about which Home Theater items to purchase to gather as much
information about products as possible. There are a number of resources offering such information,
including extensive comparisons and reviews of products.
Websites are probably the best source of such information, as they tend to be up-to-date, easily accessible
and much of the information they offer is free. However, it is important to be aware that anyone can post to
a web site, and some of the information found on some websites may simply be the opinions of uneducated
consumers. Below, some of the more reliable website sources are listed, but be aware that even they have
bulletin boards / forums that contain unedited information and opinions.
Specialist magazines offer in-depth reviews by reviewers who are paid for knowing about their subject
matter, but some of these magazines are quite costly and some magazines are not as good as others. Listed
below are some of the more useful Home Theater magazines.
Once you have carried out research on the web and in magazines, you may wish to venture into showrooms
so that you can hear and see the equipment for yourself. Listed below are some of the major showrooms
you might consider, though be aware that there are many smaller specialist showrooms that may provide
more individual attention and more specialist personnel, although these tend to be more localized, specialist
and, accordingly, more expensive.
3.2.1
Websites
Listed below are recommended websites providing reviews and comparisons of Home Theater components.
Review Sites
AudioReview http://www.audioreview.com
Cnet http://www.cnet.com
Ecoustics http://www.ecoustics.com
Epinions http://www.epinions.com/Home_Theater_Systems/_redir_att__~1
and http://www.epinions.com/Home_Theater_Systems/search_string_~home%20theater/adv_search_~1
Reviewers choice http://www.reviewerschoice.com/
TNT-Audio http://www.tnt-audio.com
Price Comparison Sites
Listed below are recommended websites providing pricing comparisons of products.
Froogle http://www.froogle.com Google shopping comparison bot site
MySimon http://www.mysimon.com comparison pricing bot site
PriceGrabber http://www.pricegrabber.com comparison pricing bot site
Shopping.com http://www2.shopping.com/xFS?KW=hdTV&FD=0
Yahoo! Shopping
http://shopping.yahoo.com/s:Home%20Theater%20Systems;_ylc=X3oDMTEwMzRwMnAxBF9TAzk2Nj
MyOTA3BHNlYwNmZWVkBHNsawNzc2VhcmNo
3.2.2
Showrooms
The following are major US retailers offering Home Theater showrooms at many locations:
BestBuy (www.bestbuy.com)
CircuitCity (www.circuitcity.com)
Crutchfield (www.crutchfield.com)
JCPenney (www.jcpenney.com)
Walmart (www.walmart.com)
High-end specialty retailers may offer more specialist personnel, more individual attention, customized
options and installation etc. (though they tend to be more expensive). To find specialty retailers in your
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area, use http://www.whitepages.com and search for Home Theater and enter your zip code in the Business
section.
For showrooms in the UK see http://www.audioworld.com/dir/HiFi_Audio/Retailers/UK/index.shtml
3.2.3
Manufacturers
Atlantic Technology http://www.atlantictechnology.com
One of the most highly regarded companies, specializing in designing complete high performance multichannel speaker systems.
Aiwa http://www.us.aiwa.com/
AIWA offers a wide range of products in the U.S. from consumer electronics to multimedia to computer
storage devices and peripherals, all delivering outstanding performance and value.
Bose http://www.bose.com/
Bose produce elegant Home Theater systems and acclaimed Home Theater speakers. Innovative Bose
technologies deliver premium surround sound performance for music and movies.
Bowers & Wilkins Speakers http://www.bwspeakers.com
High quality speakers from England.
Coby http://www.cobyusa.com/
Coby Electronics Corporation is a manufacturer of quality consumer electronics products.
Denon http://www.denon.com
DENON has become a world leader in the manufacture of high quality audio and audio/video equipment
and software products for the entertainment and information industries.
JVC http://www.jvc.com
JVC are the makers of camcorders, cameras, VCRs, satellite systems, TVs, and other audio/video products.
Klipsch http://www.klipsch.com
Klipsch offers no-compromise, premium-quality audio products. As one of the first U.S. loudspeaker
companies, Klipsch continues to be the high-performance brand of choice for audiophiles and Home
Theater aficionados around the world.
Monster Cable http://www.monstercable.com
Monster is now the world's leading manufacturer of high performance cables that connect audio/video
components for home, car and professional use as well as computers and computer games. Monster's audio
cables increase the clarity, dynamics and power of the audio signals that travel through them. Monster
video cables deliver the sharpest, clearest picture possible with naturally vivid color from traditional and
digital television, projectors, home theatre and satellite systems. Monster Game products lets enthusiasts
enjoy the ultimate gaming experience by maximizing sound and video quality of a gaming system. Monster
Power, a division of Monster Cable, delivers cleaner AC power to A/V components and computer products
and high joule surge protection for maximum performance.
Onkyo http://www.onkyousa.com
ONKYO has grown to become one of the leading names in audio/video components and Home Theater
systems throughout the world. Onkyo, which means 'audio' or 'sound' in Japanese, has been producing
precision audio components for over a half-century. The company's philosophy is to deliver products that
are superbly designed and built to a consistently outstanding standard of excellence. Today, Onkyo is at the
forefront of the Home Theater and digital revolutions.
Panasonic http://www.panasonic.com
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Panasonic's vision of the digital future is driven by the needs and aspirations of our business customers and
millions of consumers around the world who use our products every day. We share their dream to live a
fuller life by providing ways of working smarter and enjoying the rewards of technological advances
Philips http://www.philips.com
Philips Consumer Electronics is the third largest consumer electronics company in the world and a leader in
the development of digital television systems and compact disc applications. Its main product lines are
television, video, audio and set-top boxes.
Pioneer http://www.pioneerelectronics.com
Pioneer's Home Entertainment Division is recognized as a leader in digital home entertainment products,
bringing consumers the highest quality audio and video reproduction. Its product line is focused on
forward-looking digital technologies that bring theater quality entertainment to the home. The product line
includes high definition Plasma televisions, DVD players and recorders, audio components and Home
Theater systems. Products are sold under the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite brand names.
Polk http://www.polkaudio.com
Polk Audio is one of the world's most successful brands of high quality home, car and multimedia speakers.
Samsung http://www.samsung.com
We will devote our human resources and technology to create superior products and services, thereby
contributing to a better global society
Sharp http://www.sharp.com
At Sharp Electronics Corporation, our challenge is to create a balance between work time and personal
time, with products that can benefit people's lives at work, at home, and everywhere in between. Sharp
consumer electronics can enhance your enjoyment, add to your comfort and open new perspectives. Sharp
business products can boost your productivity and reduce costs. Sharp products are designed to help
individuals, families, and corporate teams connect effortlessly, communicate clearly, and unleash creativity
like never before. Sharp is dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology
and a commitment to innovation, quality, value, and design.
Sony http://www.sony.com
Sony is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, communications, and information technology products for
the consumer and professional markets. Its music, motion picture, television, computer entertainment, and
online businesses make Sony one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world.
Toshiba http://www.toshiba.com
The Toshiba America Group specializes in advanced electronics and is a recognized leader in products that
enhance the home, office, industry and health care environments. Toshiba markets and manufactures
information and communication systems, electronic components, heavy electrical apparatus, consumer
products and medical diagnostic imaging equipment.
Yamaha http://www.yamaha.com
Today, Yamaha is a leader in businesses ranging from musical instruments and audio & video products to
information technology products, new media services, home furnishings, auto components, specialty
metals, music education and resort facilities.
Other manufacturers include:
Audioplex
AVDeco
BDI
Channel Vision
Chief
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Decorp
Dedicated Micros
Definitive Technology
Digital Projection
Dynaudio
Fujitsu
Hitachi
LG
Loewe
Logitech
Mcintosh
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Diamond
Mitsubishi Medallion
Panamax
RGPC
Rotel
Runco
Sanus
Sennheiser
Speakercraft
Straight Wire
TechHome
Terk
Universal Remote
Zenith
3.2.4
Magazine Reviews
Below we have selected some of the better magazine reviews of Home Theater products.
PCMag reviews of Screens
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1874,6,00.asp
PCMag reviews of PC Media Centers
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1874,1375129,00.asp
PCMag reviews of MP3 players
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1874,2359,00.asp
PCMag reviews of Receivers
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1874,924250,00.asp
CNet reviews of Home Theater products
http://reviews.cnet.com/Home_video/2001-6463_7-0.html?tag=cnetfd.dir
HomeTheaterMag reviews of Home Theater products
http://www.hometheatermag.com
RemoteCentral reviews of Remote Controls
http://www.remotecentral.com/reviews.htm
Vast number of Stereophile reviews of Audio products
http://www.stereophile.com/equipmentreviews/
3.2.5
Magazines
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Listed below are recommended magazines providing reviews and comparisons of Home Theater
components.
Connected Home Mag (http://www.connectedhomemag.com)
Digital TV & Sound (www.dTVmag.com)
Home Theater Magazine (www.hometheatermag.com)
PCMag (http://www.pcmag.com)
Stereophile (www.stereophile.com)
Tech Living Magazine (www.techliving.com)
UltimateAV (http://www.ultimateavmag.com)
3.2.6
Shows
CEDIA Expo
http://www.cedia.net/expo
Home Entertainment Show 2006 Los Angeles
http://www.he2006.com
What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision Show (UK)
http://www.whathifishow.co.uk
3.2.7
Buying / Comparison Tools
Antenna Choice Tool
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx
Axiom Audio Home Theater Wizard for selecting speakers
http://www.axiomaudio.com/store.html?1069#
DVD Player Buying Guide Tool from Target
http://sy.adiho.com/ASA/Controller?adi_hasScript=1&_AD_195R22=80&adi_scriptSID=DDA9C7EBDD
6726D7C9CBB00B016BDB37&sysid=88&appid=10423&que-FF5=abg
Home Theater System Buying Guide Tool from Target
http://sy.adiho.com/ASA/Controller?adi_hasScript=1&_AD_195R22=97&adi_scriptSID=8F58D46266223
04993FA6D233700FB0F&sysid=88&appid=10425&que-FF5=abg
Icovia Home Theater Planner
http://www.icovia.com/hometheater.html
MP3 Buying Guide Tool from Target
http://sy.adiho.com/ASA/Controller?adi_hasScript=1&_AD_195R22=68&adi_scriptSID=3BC50DBFB92F
19CEA5E0871DD603E1C8&sysid=88&appid=10427&que-FF5=abg
Sony TV Advisor tool
http://www.advizia.com/v41/Advisor.asp?User=sonytelevision-ss&Rnd=254
TV Buying Guide Tool from Target
http://sy.adiho.com/ASA/Controller?adi_hasScript=1&_AD_195R22=107&adi_scriptSID=4EC230DC208
FCBBBA4A26C93FC4AAE62&sysid=88&appid=10430&que-FF5=abg
3.3
Buying Guides
The following are general rules you should follow before buying Home Theater equipment.
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1. Determine your needs – see Section 3.1
2. Compare reviews on the sites and magazines (in section 3.2) and ask friends for recommendations
3. Compare prices of different retailers using comparison bot sites (in section 3.2.1)
4. Visit showrooms (in section 3.2.2) so that you can see and hear the equipment in action
5. Check for bargains at bargain sites such as Ebay (be aware of all the rules for trading on Ebay – for
example, ensure the vendor has a good history on the site, be sure you get a warranty with new products,
pay through paypal and take out insurance if necessary) Although Ebay is probably the best in terms of the
amount of support surrounding the site etc. there are many alternatives. A few are listed here:
http://www.ebay.com
http://auctions.yahoo.com
http://www.half.com
http://www.ubid.com
3.3.1
General Home Theater Buying Guide
When buying a Home Theater the first thing to be determined is whether the requirement is for a Home
Theater In A Box system or separate components.
Generally, if the Home Theater will be used primarily for watching TV and DVDs, price is more important
than sound quality, and the convenience of a single purchase is more appealing than carrying out a great
deal of research and having to work out how to get the best from each component, a Home Theater In A
Box system is probably the best option. It is also a good option if space is at a premium as separate
components typically take up more space than their all-in-one counterparts. Some Home Theater
enthusiasts use a Home Theater In A Box as the secondary Home Theater in their home – perhaps in the
kids’ playroom – preferring separate components for the main Home Theater.
However, if the system will be used to listen to a great deal of music as well as TV and DVDs, sound
quality is very important, and cost is not such an issue, separate components are the way to go. Of course,
if you already have some components, or if you want the flexibility to swap components / upgrades in and
out over the lifetime of the system, it is also easier to go with the separate components approach, in order
to make best use of existing equipment.
Home Theater In A Box systems tend to be cheaper, with prices ranging from $200 at the low end,
although there are now some pretty good high-end systems also in the $2000 range. Most consumer
electronics retailers offer at least one Home Theater In A Box option – Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.
They tend to be more convenient and easy to put together as they contain everything needed for a basic
Home Theater system except the TV typically – all speakers, a surround sound receiver, a DVD player or
DVDR, a multi-function remote control and all cables and instructions.
Home Theater In A Box systems tend to take up less space than the separate component equivalents do.
Speakers, especially, tend to be compact and are designed to be unobtrusive in the average living room.
However, quality is often compromised to some extent in these Home Theater In A Box systems, as the
manufacturers tend to be good at producing only one of the components (e.g. speakers) at the expense of
others (e.g. DVD players or receivers). However some Home Theater In A Box systems sound surprisingly
good for their low cost.
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It should be noted that most of these Home Theater In A Box systems are designed to provide optimal
sound for movies etc. rather than for music listening and so audiophiles may be disappointed with the
performance of the average Home Theater In A Box. Add to this the fact that these systems tend to have
less “clean” power, with consequently higher distortion levels than the separate components.
If purchasing a Home Theater In A Box, it is important to ensure it will work with any other components
you already own. It is important to try out a Home Theater In A Box system in a showroom (see 3.2.2)
before purchasing it to ensure its quality is acceptable. It is a good idea to ensure that the system is
returnable if, after using it for a trial period, it is found to be unacceptable.
If buying separate components, rather than an all in one solution there are a number of rules to bear in mind
when buying components:
1.
Make sure the wattage capacity of components are roughly the same (if your speakers only handle
100 watts but the receiver supports 350, there is a waste of receiver capacity inherent in the
system)
2.
Ideally ensure that key components are made by the same manufacturer as they will work better
together typically
3.3.2
TV buying guide
Size
The most important thing to decide when purchasing a TV these days tends to be how big the screen should
be! While a large TV can swamplifier a small room, most Home Theater enthusiasts tend to want as large a
screen as possible so that they feel immersed in the action of movies and so that they can recreate the
Movie Theater experience as much as possible in their own homes.
It is important to remember, when looking at screen sizes, that they are measured diagonally across the
viewing area. Generally speaking, the larger the viewing area, the deeper and heavier the set will be, so
when assessing the size of the screen required, take into account its height and depth also, and of course,
ensure that the space allocated for the screen has a power source nearby!
The optimal screen size for excellent viewing depends upon the distance between the viewing area (usually,
the sofa!) and the screen. Generally speaking, for a HDTV, the number of inches diagonally across the
screen should be around seven times that of the distance between the viewing area and the screen. Around
32 inches tends to be considered to be a good-sized TV for most living rooms.
Screen Type
Size determines the screen type that can be considered to some extent. CRT screens tend to be 40 inches or
smaller in size, and LCD TVs are usually less than 37 inches or smaller in size due to a technical limitation,
whereas Plasma and Projection TVs have no real limitation in terms of size.
Once size has been determined, other features of the TV to be purchased can be considered.
Price
Price is often an important determining factor. Plasma screens and Rear Projection TVs are the most
expensive generally, with LCD screens next most expensive and CRT TVs the least expensive. However it
is important to remember that with TVs, the most highly-priced is not necessarily the best TV. Other
factors should be considered.
Viewing Angle
For those requiring a wide viewing angle, Plasma TVs or Rear Projection DLP TVs are unlikely to be
suitable, while the Cathode Ray tube TV offers optimal viewing angles.
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Viewing Room
If the TV will be viewed in a room that will not be totally dark, LCD and Plasma TVs are less suitable than
a Cathode Ray tube TV. However, if high resolution is required, an HDTV (LCD or Plasma) is more likely
to be suitable than a CRT TV.
Life Span
Another point to note is that Plasma and Projection TVs tend to have shorter life spans than LCD TVs and
CRT TVs.
HDTV-ready
Most Home Theater enthusiasts insist upon a HDTV-ready TV these days because they wish to watch the
increasing amount of High Definition programming becoming available (see 5.3).
Generally a HDTV-ready TV will offer either 1080i format (1920x1080 resolution interlaced – high
resolution but poor movement rendition and not capable of displaying progressive scan DVDs) or 720p
(resolution of 1280x720 – still very good quality images, the most popular format and is capable of
displaying progressive scan DVDs).
Aspect Ratio
Most Home Theater enthusiasts also opt for a wide screen TV (16:9 aspect ratio), which is shaped more
like a movie screen than a traditional (4:3 aspect ratio) screen and prevents “letterboxing”. Although wide
screen TVs are more expensive, and traditional (4:3) programming looks distorted on such TVs, they are
still more popular for those who watch a lot of movies / DVDs. Many TV manufacturers now offer a
solution to the distortion of 4:3 programming, offering a 4:3 “setting” on wide screen TVs that puts black
bars on either side of the picture (known as “picture boxing”).
For more information about the pros and cons of buying a CRT TV see
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tv-buying-guide3.htm
For more information about the pros and cons of buying a Plasma TV see
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tv-buying-guide4.htm
For more information about the pros and cons of buying an LCD TV see
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tv-buying-guide5.htm
For more information about the pros and cons of buying a Rear Projection CRT TV see
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tv-buying-guide6.htm
For more information about the pros and cons of buying a Rear Projection DLP TV see
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tv-buying-guide7.htm
For more information about the pros and cons of buying a Rear Projection LCD TV see
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tv-buying-guide8.htm
For more information about the pros and cons of buying a Rear Projection LCOS TV see
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tv-buying-guide9.htm
3.3.3
Earphones Buying Guide
When buying earphones for a Home Theater there are a number of factors to consider:
Sound quality
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How good is the noise cancellation of the earphones? Do you hear a great deal of background noise?
Some models have a noise cancellation option – usually a small switch, which reduces the low frequency
background sounds, resulting in “cleaner” sound.
Good Fit?
Do they fit comfortably? There is nothing worse than watching movie after movie and listening to CD
after CD while suffering from uncomfortable earphones.
Style
There are a number of styles of earphones available. Ear buds, clip-ons, wireless, noise canceling (sealed),
full size, in-ear monitor etc. (see 2.13.4 for more information).
Wireless
In order to listen to music all over the house, not just in the Home Theater room, it may be advisable to buy
wireless earphones.
3.3.4
Projection Screen Buying Guide
The following are the most important features to look for when selecting a projection screen:
Projector
It is important to remember that, no matter which projection screen is used, the better the projector used,
the better the resulting picture will be.
Screen Size
It is essential to determine how large you want your resulting image to be and to use that to determine
which projection screen to buy, but to be careful not to simply assume that bigger is better.
Typically, screens can be 10 – 12 feet wide – or even wider for those lucky few for whom budget is less of
an issue. However, the ratio of the screen’s width to the height is also important. The aspect ratio for
HDTV, 1.78:1 (16:9) is very popular and practical. Most HDTV (1.78:1) content (as well as most
conventional widescreen films made in the US (1.85:1)) will fill or nearly fill a screen with this aspect
ratio. However, some content on this size of screen will display black bars (on the sides for NTSC
television and older movies (1.33:1) and on the top and bottom for some films with a wider aspect ratio.
Note that as the width of a screen increases, its total area increases more than you might realize – of course,
the larger the total area of the screen, the dimmer the image will appear. Note that SMPTE recommends
that optimum viewing occurs when a movie screen occupies a minimum of 30 degrees of the audience’s
field of vision; this rule appears to work for DVDs and HDTV also. As an example, from an 80 inch
screen, this 30 degree angle is reached at 12 feet back from the screen.
Screen Gain / Light Output
Screen gain is the ratio of the amount of light reflected from the screen to the amount of light projected
onto it. "Unity gain" (a gain of 1.0) means there is no net loss or increase in the amount of light reflected
from the screen compared with the amount of light hitting it. Screens with a gain higher than 1.0 reflect
more light back than the amount of light hitting them, usually resulting in a brighter image in the area
where the audience is sitting, and a slightly dimmer image out towards the sides of the screen. “Matte
white” screens often have a gain of 1.0, meaning that there is no “bright spot” and the image brightness is
even across the whole screen. Some argue that a modest gain (e.g. 1.3) is useful and can sometimes aid
color purity. Screens with reduced gain (less than 1.0) tend to provide darker blacks but the rest of the
image is often dimmed also.
To get the most out of any projection screen, it is essential that the room in which it is used can be made as
dark as possible (so dark, preferably, that members of the audience cannot even see their hands when held
right in front of their faces!). The reason this is necessary is because projectors cannot project black onto a
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screen – even the best projectors can only not project light onto areas of the screen that are black – so it is
essential that no other light source projects light onto the dark areas of the screen.
For a detailed look at how to determine the expected light output levels from different setups, see
http://www.ultimateavmag.com/accessories/705screens/index1.html
Retraction
Projection Screens can retract upward or downward.
Price
For those with budget issues, it may be tempting to simply aim the projector at a white wall or a wellironed white sheet, though of course this solution will not do justice to a high quality projector.
3.3.5
Amplifier Buying Guide
When buying an amplifier there are a number of features to consider:
Channels
Multi-channel amplifiers are cheaper and more convenient to use in powering a Home Theater system.
However, if performance is more important than price, it is worth considering buying more than one (twochannel or mono) amplifier.
Power
It is important that the amplifier selected can provide enough power to drive the speakers in the Home
Theater system. Otherwise sound quality will be compromised and the full capacity of the speakers in the
system may not be utilized.
THX Certification
If a Home Theater amplifier meets surround sound standards (set by Lucas Film Ltd), it is given THX
certification. This guarantees that the amplifier delivers a high quality surround sound experience.
3.3.6
Projector Buying Guide
When choosing a projector, it is important to take into account the following requirements:
 which type of content the projector will be used to view (HDTV, DVD, Widescreen TV,
Multimedia etc.)
 where the content will be watched (for example, will the projector remain fixed in one room or
will it be moved from place to place and be used with different hardware; will the room(s) be
bright or dark, etc.)
 how important brightness color reproduction, picture quality and contrast are to you and your
audience
 inputs you will be using, and therefore connectivity and compatibility requirements you might
have
 the screen(s) you will be using to view the content on
 price
Some more detailed guidelines on evaluating some of these requirements is given below.
Brightness
Brightness of projectors is measured in ANSI lumens, generally ranging from 700 lumens at the low end up
to 2500 lumens at the high end. Note that for use in a room which can be fully darkened, 1000 lumens is
adequate; however, for situations where background light is difficult to control (or in a room where you
will be presenting without turning off the lights) a minimum output of 1500 lumens is recommended. Also
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recognize that brighter projectors (2000+ lumens) are required for larger audiences. Of course, if you
cannot predict in advance in which circumstances the projector will be used, it is best to opt for the
brightest option within your price range, as room size, screen distance and screen size will all affect the
need for more or less lumens.
Brightness Uniformity
Projectors are given brightness uniformity ratings to indicate how evenly brightness is delivered across the
image (reducing distortion and hot spots in the image). Generally speaking, consistent, high quality images
are delivered by projectors with a rating above 85%.
Contrast Ratios
Regardless of brightness, it is important to be aware of how well the projector handles blacks and whites.
Higher contrast ratios produce whiter whites and blacker blacks, preventing the image from looking washed
out. Contrast ratios of 2000:1 are excellent, although 1500:1 is good enough for most Home Theaters.
Resolution
DLP Projectors usually offer both 4:3 (standard TV e.g. 800 x 600, SVGA) resolution as well as 16:9 (wide
screen “native” e.g. 1366 x 768, WXGA) resolution, the latter being the best choice for HDTV, DVDs and
Widescreen viewing. However, it is important to be sure that both modes are supported by your chosen
projector, assuming that you will be using your projector for both HDTV and traditional TV viewing. In
order to obtain the best picture clarity, it is important to adjust your laptop or pc’s resolution so that it
matches the projector’s native resolution.
Pixel Density and Scaling
As discussed above, projectors scale images when the input needs to be converted (“up converted” or
“down converted”) to the resolution supported, and this can detrimentally affect the quality of the end
image. Remember that HDTV requires as high a pixel density as is possible, whereas a native pixel count
of 1024x768 is sufficient for DVD. If a projector has good scaling capabilities, the image will look smooth
and clear no matter which input is used (HDTV, DVD, NTSC etc.).
HDTV compatibility
Many DLP projectors provide images that are clear enough to use for HDTV big screen images. If you
plan to use your projector to project HDTV images, ensure that the projector you select is HDTV
compatible.
Portability
If portability is required, it is important to take into account the total volume (length x width x height) of
the projector, as well as its weight. As a general rule, DLP Projectors tend to be lighter. If the projector
will be carried around a great deal, it is good to look at options between 2 and 51b in weight. It is worth
considering purchasing a sturdy carrying case to protect your projector investment if it will be carried
around a great deal. Also, if a projector will be used in a number of locations, it is likely that a number of
different setup options will be required, so it is important to opt for a projector that makes setup and
installation easy, operates at low brightness levels, and is compatible with a wide range of hardware.
Recognize that the projector may need to work with different resolutions, screen sizes, screen distances,
and room environments etc. when making your choice.
Plug and Play Capability
Most DLP projectors nowadays are plug and play capable, making it much easier to set them up quickly
with a variety of hardware. All DLP projectors are PC and Mac compatible.
Screen Format
Screen formats, measured in terms of aspect ratio (width of the projected image divided by its height), tend
to fall into one of two types – the 4:3 aspect ratio associated with traditional television screens, or the true
“Home Theater” shaped screen with a typical exaggerated ratio of 16:9 (1.78 times wider than the height,
as opposed to 1.33 times wider than the height).
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The type of screen that is best depends on the projector being used, the viewing angle, the amount of
ambient light in the room, and the distance of the projector from the screen. Consult a video screen dealer
and see the Screens section above.
Connectivity/compatibility
Projectors designed specifically for Home Theater use typically have many inputs for video, special video
chips and other features. Be sure that the projector you select has all the compatibility features you require.
Typical users require composite and S-video for analog sources, component inputs for DVD, and DVI or
HDMI inputs for HDTV (note that DVI, or HDMI, or both, are highly recommended because Blu-Ray and
HD-DVD will almost definitely require HDMI or DVI in order to view DVDs at HDTV resolutions) .
Computer users may need to check for VGA compatibility also. Component video cable offers highquality of image because the signal is split into three, whereas S-video and Composite connections send the
entire video signal over a single cable. S-video offers a significantly better image than composite cable
because it separates luminance and chrominance components when transmitting the video signal. Note that
while nearly all DLP projectors have at least one S-video and one Composite connection, some may not
have Component video options. It is recommended that for serious Home Theater use, a Component video
input is essential. A new connection type which looks set to become the industry standard for HDTV settop boxes is Digital Visual Interface (DVI). DVI compatible projectors are hitting the market as this guide
goes to press.
Mounting
Projectors can be mounted on the ceiling or on the tabletop. For those with limited space, who do not need
a portable projector, a ceiling mounted projector is an elegant addition to a Home Theater setup. However,
most portable and tabletop projectors can be ceiling mounted if required. When mounting a projector on
the ceiling it is important that it is positioned correctly (see our section on Installation of Home Theater
Equipment later in this guide).
Color Quality
When purchasing a projector, be sure to perform a test run, checking how colors look in the brightest and
darkest areas of the screen.
Price
Projector prices are continually falling for all types of projector. However, the overall cost, including an
installation mount or table, the screen, and cables can be very high – between $5,000 and $10,000 for even
a mid-range setup.
Other Factors
It is important to recognize that a Home Theater projector is probably a waste of money if it will be used
only to watch regular TV, because of the cost involved in replacing the bulb in an LCD or DLP Projector
every 1000 to 2000 hours of viewing. It is also important to recognize that to get the best use out of a
Home Theater Projector, a good-sized room is required (the actual room size required depends upon the
projector being used).
A useful buying guide for projectors is available at:
http://projectorpeople.com/tutorials/buyersguide.asp
3.3.7
Home Theater Receivers Buying Guide
The receiver is arguably the most important component of any Home Theater system, regardless of whether
it will be used mainly to watch movies or to listen to music. Not only does it power your speakers and tune
in to various radio stations, but it also ideally provides easy switching between various audio / video
components (sources and outputs), and allows you to customize the sound of your Home Theater system to
suit your room and your preferences. Of course, a Home Theater receiver also provides the surround sound
decoding necessary to feel immersed in the movie being watched or the music being listened to.
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For those on a budget, the easiest way to get started with Home Theater is to buy an integrated receiver
(“Home Theater In A Box”) that includes a built-in surround sound processor, multi-channel pre-amplifier
and power amplifier, along with an AM / FM tuner. These Home Theater In A Box products also include
a number of A / V connections so that the receiver can function as the central hub of your Home Theater
system.
However, for the Home Theater enthusiast for whom high quality surround sound audio is more important
than price, buying a separate processor, pre-amplifier and one or more power amplifiers may well be worth
the investment because in a Home Theater In A Box product, these components all make demands on the
same power supply, degrading performance, and because separate components typically boast more
sophisticated design and construction than those found in Home Theater In A Box systems.
When buying a Home Theater Receiver, the following features should be considered:
Advanced Surround Sound Decoders
Advanced surround sound decoders (e.g. Dolby Digital EX and DTS-ES) ensure high quality surround
sound in a Home Theater system, but tend to be found only on the more expensive models. Also, be sure
that Dolby Pro Logic II is supported if you watch a lot of VHS videos. Pro Logic II greatly improves upon
the old Pro Logic system with discrete surround channels, better channel integration, and impressive virtual
surround sound from two-channel audio sources.
Channels
The number of channels supported by the receiver should match the number of speakers to be used with the
system, whereby the number before the decimal point is the number of independent full-frequency channels
and the number after the decimal point is the number of independent limited-range channels (i.e. extra bass
for subwoofers). There are three main surround sound formats – 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 – which may be supported
by the receiver being purchased.
Video-switching Capability
This feature saves you from having to manually switch cables whenever you go from watching a movie on
DVD with component video connections to an S-VHS movie with S-Video connections. Many receivers
automatically sense and switch to active audio and video inputs, making this feature simple to use and
operate.
Power
An amplifier requires sufficient power in order to ensure that the sound from attached speakers sounds
clean at low volumes, and that the bass is of good quality, as well as to ensure the system operates well at
high volumes. Remember that the larger the room in which your speakers are situated, the more power that
will be required to drive them.
Advanced Connections
Ensure that the receiver has ample input and output options, allowing additional video recorders, game
systems, speakers, cable boxes, satellite receivers and other components to be hooked up to the Home
Theater system. Note that while all Home Theater receivers have digital inputs, some do not offer digital
outputs. It is important to have digital outputs on the receiver in order to reduce the amount of digital /
analog conversion (which reduces sound quality) that is carried out in order to produce output.
Remote Control
Although all receivers include a remote control, some remote controls can only control other components
by the same manufacturer, so if it is necessary to support components produced by other manufacturers, it
is important to ensure that the receiver has a multi-brand remote control, so that all attached components
can be easily and centrally controlled. Some receivers have very elaborate remote controls, some of which
are programmable, and some remote controls feature LCD touchscreens for ease of use.
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For more information on buying Receivers, see:
Access Wave’s Buyers Guide to Home Theater Receivers
http://www.accesswave.ca/~valuecanuck/HTReceivers.htm
Circuit City’s Click and Learn about Receivers
http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/lookLearn.do?cat=-12898&edOid=105483&c=1
3.3.8
DVD Player Buying Guide
Generally speaking, newer DVD Players exhibit better quality and features than older ones – nearly all
“third generation” DVD Players (i.e. newer players) are very good, and nearly all “first generation” DVD
Players should be avoided.
Nearly all third generation players offer the following features as a minimum:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Progressive Scan
Dolby Digital / DTS digital output(s)
Bass management for DVD Audio and/or SACD
96KHz / 24 Bit DACs
10 bit Video DACs
Component Video outputs
Ability to play CD-Rs
Virtual Surround mode for applications limited to 2 channel configurations
DVD Audio and/or SACD multi channel capability
Audio Performance
Note that spending more money on a DVD Player (or, indeed, a CD Player), rarely guarantees a vast
improvement in sound quality. Instead the increase in price usually signifies more features, or perhaps a
better remote control, or maybe a better user interface.
The only time when an improvement in a DVD Player’s audio performance might be noticed would be if
the DVD player’s analog outputs for DVD Audio / SACD or 96 kHz / 24 bit 2-channel music will be used
(rare). Even if the intention is to use the DVD Player in this way, interpreting specs of different DVD
players, in order to determine which DVD Player is the best, is less than straightforward. Although some
specs may appear better than others, in reality they are often very similar, but the measurements used to
support spec claims may be taken with different tolerance levels, making some seem better than others.
Similary, the internal Dolby Digital decoder of the DVD Player should not be evaluated as it is preferable
to use the decoder within the Receiver / Preamp, which nearly always will offer better performance and
convenience.
Given that better audio performance is not a valid reason for choosing a DVD Player, the features to look
for are detailed below:
Video Performance
Although most DVD Players offer exceptional video performance (a great deal better than that offered by
VCRs or Cable TV), for the video aficionado, there may be slight differences between brands that make
one preferable over another. The only real way to assess color quality, picture detail and how dark blacks
are, is to ask for a demo in the showroom. Compare a number of DVD Players in order to get an accurate
idea of the difference between models.
Progressive Scan
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Nowadays, it is really a waste to buy a DVD Player that doesn’t offer Progressive Scan, especially as most
players now offer this capability and they are so much cheaper than they used to be. Even if your TV is not
already digital-ready (chances are it will be if you are a Home Theater enthusiast), any new TV you buy
will be, and it is important to have a Progressive Scan DVD in order to make use of the exceptionally high
picture that can be achieved with a HDTV. Progressive Scan DVD offers less flicker and higher quality
pictures regardless.
Usability
It is important that a DVD Player is easy to use (especially in the dark, as this is mostly when it is used!).
Of course, the remote control is the main mode of operation so it is important to check out the design and
layout of the remote (if the home theater receiver remote control will be used, or another “all in one”
remote control, it is that remote that should be analyzed, not the one that comes with the DVD Player, or
course). Backlighting on the remote control to be used is very useful for operation in the dark, of course.
Note that a good DVD Player will not only have an easy to use remote control, but will have an intuitive
screen display, making the DVD Player easy to use without the remote control also.
Sensitivity
Some DVD players are more sensitive than others to dirt and scratches on the surface of DVDs being
played, and to the changes in layers on the DVD. A good way to assess how sensitive players are is to take
a soiled DVD and play it on a number of different players in the showroom and compare the tracking
capabilities of each, watching for skipping or freezing, especially when changing layers. Also watch out
for “lip sync” problems caused by the same issue – whereby the voice does not match up with the lips
moving on the video (this can be very very annoying!). These issues are especially important if you tend to
rent DVDs regularly, as they will tend to have scratches, fingerprint smudges and other dirt on them.
Outputs
Outputs that are offered by different DVD Players include: Dolby Digital / DTS, Progressive Scan,
component video, composite video, optical and coaxial PCM digital audio, S-video, RF, 1080i video
output, stereo audio, HDMI. Dolby Digital / DTS is simply essential for any Home Theater enthusiast, in
order to provide high quality surround sound. Component video is highly-recommended, and is a threecable video connection between source components like DVD players and the newest generation TVs. It
offers substantially better video quality than composite video and S-Video. For more about which outputs
might be required, see 2.12.1.
Formats
Some of the formats supported by various DVD Players include: DVD, DVD-R/-RW, VCD, SVCD, CD,
CD-R / RW, MP3, JPEG, VHS, DVD-Audio, DVD+R / +RW, VCD, SVCD, WMA, JPEG, DivX and
MPEG-4 formats. If you record your own CDs either on a recording deck or on a computer, it is useful to
have a DVD Player that supports CD-R (recordable CD) / CD-RW (rewriteable CDs) formats. If you
download lots of music from the web (via Napster for example) or you use a portable MP3 player, it may
be useful to have a DVD Player that supports that format also. Some DVD players also support other
computer media file formats such as WMA (Windows Media Audio). Newer models may offer the ability
to play high quality audio format files such as DVD-Audio discs and / or Super Audio CDS (SACDs).
VCR Features
Some DVD Players provide features more commonly associated with VCR players, such as pause, play
from where you left off, rewind, fast forward etc. Some DVD Players “remember” bookmarks of where on
the DVD you were before you powered down also, more closely resembling VCR operations.
Programmable
This feature enables programming to be recorded in the future by entering the barcode associated with a
particular program (found in TV Guides etc.) into the DVD Player.
Photo Viewing Features
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Various DVD Players provide different features to enable the viewing of photos (usually JPEGs) and short
videos (usually MPEGs) from cameras, via memory sticks etc. Some of these even enable the user to
create photo albums with music playing in the background etc.
Multi-Disc Changer
If the DVD Player will be used to watch lots of DVDs or to listen to lots of CDs, it may be worth
considering buying a multi-disc changing DVD Player. This will not only eliminate the need for a CD
Player altogether, but will also enhance the movie viewing experience, providing more movie options each
time the player is used. Some models hold up to 400 discs at a time.
Combination Units
A DVD / VCR combination unit enables the owner to continue to view VCRs in their collection.
DVD Recording
Some DVD Players offer DVD recording features – some are write once, and some are rewritable.
HDTV Simulation
For those who own a HDTV, some DVD Players offer an “up-converted” High Definition digital video
output signal, which takes full advantage of a HDTV. Of course, this is only required until the battle
between the two High definition formats - Blu-Ray and HD-DVD - is won, and compatible DVD Players
are fully available.
3.3.9
Speakers Buying Guide
A speaker must convincingly reproduce a huge array of sounds – from the softest pluck of a guitar string to
the roar of thunder or an explosion on a movie soundtrack, and this sound must be conveyed accurately to
the listener, wherever the listener is positioned.
The basic makeup of a speaker has not changed much in many years, and consists of some drivers and a
crossover inside a speaker cabinet. The crossover circuit separates the audio signal out into various
different frequency bands and sends these bands to the drivers that are able to reproduce them
While the receiver, the speaker cabinet, drivers, crossover, and internal wiring all greatly affect how the
sound is received by the listener, the speaker itself is the crucial component involved.
Thus, selecting the correct speakers is an important part of building a Home Theater system.
Full-range speakers are recommended for the left and right front channels, so that they can carry the main
soundtrack and special effects.
Because the center channel speaker is used primarily for vocals (dialog) and effects that are centered on the
screen, it must be magnetically shielded to protect the TV and should not be so large as to overpower the
screen (nor so small as to under power it either, if you have a large screen).
Generally, smaller speakers are sufficient for the rear surround channels, conveying the three-dimensional
effects of the sound.
Of course, a subwoofer is required to carry the low frequency / bass information that give film soundtracks
much of their impact, by way of explosions, thunder etc.
It is a good idea to visit a Home Theater specialist shop to “audition” all speakers within the price range
being considered, ensuring that the audition includes playing a number of favorite recordings covering a
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wide range of the types of music and videos that will be played on the Home Theater system, including
movies containing explosions, dialog, and music as well as audio containing piano, drums, strings, vocals
(including spoken word), etc.
The following features of speakers should be considered before buying speakers:
Speaker Matching
It is so important to match speakers that many audiophiles insist on using the same manufacturer for all
speakers – and some even insist on using the same manufacturer for all components of their Home Theater
system for the same reason. Although this is not strictly necessary, it does ensure that all work well
together – however, in order that sound degradation does not occur (or worse still, damage does not occur)
it is vital that the recommended power of the speakers and the impedance of the speakers matches the
power output capacity and impedance of the amplifier / receiver.
Speaker Component Quality
The best sound is, of course, obtained from speakers that are made the best. If speakers are made well and
are supported by components of high quality - cabinets, drivers and crossovers - they will deliver the best
performance.
Speaker Size
Smaller speakers should be selected to operate in smaller rooms and larger speakers in larger rooms. Large
speakers in a small room serve only to overpower the listening space and give poor performance as a result.
Likewise in a large room, small speakers under-perform, and their sound gets lost in the space.
Bi-Wiring Speakers
It is possible to bi-wire speakers in order to get excellent performance. If this is intended it is important to
ensure that the speakers purchased have two sets of terminals allowing bi-wiring.
Frequency Bands
The number of frequency bands handled by a speaker is indicated by the term “2-way” or “3-way” in the
speaker description. Thus, a 2-way, full-range speaker has 2 drivers - a tweeter, handling upper frequencies
and a woofer, handling mid to low frequencies. A 3-way speaker might add a further woofer to handle
lower frequencies.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of a speaker indicates what portion of the range of human hearing (20 – 20,000 Hz)
a speaker can handle. Subwoofers, charged with reproducing low frequency / bass sounds, usually have a
frequency response starting at around 20 Hz – 30 Hz and going up to around 80 Hz. Other speakers may
not start as low as the subwoofer, relying upon the subwoofer to handle the low frequencies, but should be
capable of handling frequencies right up to the top of the human hearing range (20,000 Hz). Note that as
frequencies get lower, the size of signals increases, requiring larger drivers, or drivers with longer
excursions (the distance a speaker travels in and out) in order to reproduce them. Higher frequencies
require small drivers that can move very rapidly. Note that placement of speakers greatly affects frequency
response and so it is key to place speakers carefully.
Power Handling
The power specification of a speaker usually provides the maximum amplifier power the speaker can
handle; however, minimum power-handling information may also be provided. For example, a speaker
with power specification of 20-100 watts is well-suited to a 100 watt RMS (Root Mean Square – average
continuous power output an amplifier is capable of producing) receiver.
Speaker Sensitivity / Efficiency
The speaker sensitivity / efficiency rating indicates how efficiently the power sent to the speakers by the
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amplifier is used. For example, a speaker with a rating of 87 dB requires much more power to play as
loudly as a speaker with a rating of 91 dB.
Speaker Function
Some speakers are designed primarily for hi-fi listening, while others are made for watching movies. Also
speakers have particular functions to which they are suited. For example, full-range tower speakers are
unlikely to be suited to use on the rear surround channels any more than a pair of small, low-powered
speakers would be suited to being the main speakers in your hi-fi system.
The following is a guide to which functions different speakers are best suited to:
1. Floor-standing (Tower) speakers
Floor-standing (tower) speakers tend to be larger than other types of speakers, and often more expensive
but are the best at providing “big” sound that fills the whole room. They can produce a wide range of
sounds, right down to the deep low frequency bass sounds and they usually produce more volume per watt
of amplifier power. Slimline models are available and should be considered if tower speakers are required
in a smaller room. A few tower speakers have built-in powered subwoofers for recreating more realistic
and powerful music and movie sounds.
2. Bookshelf Speakers
Bookshelf speakers (usually 2-way) are a good alternative to tower speakers if space is very limited, or if
there are cost limitations. They tend to be smaller (and can be placed on bookshelves, hence the name) and
often offer superb performance for a smaller price, except that they tend not to reproduce low frequency
bass sounds as well as their tower counterparts, because of their size. This limitation can, however, be
remedied, by adding a powered subwoofer to the speaker system.
3. Subwoofer Speakers
Subwoofer speakers are dedicated solely to the reproduction of the lower level (bass) frequencies. It is
important to decide the power level required in the subwoofer being purchased – for a large room (or for
those who crave serious bass), a higher power level will be needed. Also, for a deeper low frequency bass
sound, a larger driver is preferable – for example, a big 12” or 15” woofer cone (or a multi-woofer
subwoofer).
For more on how to select a subwoofer speaker, see http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/SpMiSinjsonj/learningcenter/home/speakers_subwoofers.html
4. Subwoofer / Satellite Systems
Subwoofer / satellite combination systems offer great performance from a tiny package (some of these fit in
your hand!).
Satellite speakers are small enough to be placed almost anywhere – on the wall, ceiling, on stands or on
bookshelves – and, as a result, take up very little space, but because they are so small they are only able to
reproduce high frequency or mid frequency sounds.
The subwoofer is, of course, much larger than the satellite speakers. However, because low-frequency /
bass sound waves travel in all directions, it is possible to place the subwoofer somewhere less conspicuous
without sacrificing performance.
5. In-wall and In-ceiling Speakers
While traditionally used only in commercial applications, in-wall and in-ceiling speakers are now available
for use in the home. In-wall and in-ceiling speakers work in much the same way as regular speakers but are
mounted in a frame and set into the wall / ceiling, with no speaker cabinet – in fact, the wall itself becomes
the speaker cabinet. These speakers often include swiveling tweeters, making them very flexible, as it is
Page 59 of 112
possible to angle the speakers to aim sound in a particular direction. Although most in-wall speakers are
full-range, it is often desirable to add a powered subwoofer to the system in order to reinforce the low
frequency / bass sound. If installed correctly, these speakers can sound fantastic and they free up the floor
space that would otherwise be filled by speakers. However, installation is more complex than for other
speakers as the wires have to be run behind the walls, etc.
For more on selecting in-wall or in-ceiling speakers, see http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/SpMiSinjsonj/learningcenter/home/speakers_inwall.html
6. Outdoor Speakers
Outdoor speakers are weather-resistant, and can therefore be placed on porches / decks or on the outside
wall of a house. Be aware that the speaker must have plenty of power and a wide frequency response in
order to provide good sound in a large open space.
For more about selecting Outdoor Speakers see
http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/learningcenter/home/speakers_outdoor.html
Also see the following links for more advice on buying speakers for a Home Theater system.
Home Theater Speakers buying guide from AccessWave
http://www.accesswave.ca/~valuecanuck/HTSpeakerSystems.htm
Home Theater Subwoofer buying guide from AccessWave
http://www.accesswave.ca/~valuecanuck/HTSubwoofers.htm
3.3.10
Remote Controls Buying Guide
Although every component in a Home Theater typically comes with its own remote control, a Home
Theater remote control should provide the convenience of operating all the key functions of all components
of the Home Theater system without needing to get up and find the function on the relevant component, or
needing to work out which remote to use. Note that whichever remote is purchased, it is likely that some
functions will not be available using the remote, but most commonly-used functions should be accessible
using the remote.
Universal vs Unified Remotes
Universal remotes usually work with a wide variety of brands and models, whereas Unified remotes tend to
work with only one brand of equipment, and are often limited in the number of functions supported.
However, Unified Remotes tend to be less expensive than Universal Remotes.
Learning Remotes vs Code Remotes
These are the two types of Universal Remotes. Learning Remotes can be more flexible than Code Remotes
because Code Remotes are pre-programmed with a set of commands / functions for a number of brands and
models that cannot be changed, whereas Learning Remotes are programmed by the user by pointing the
remote at the device in question and providing each function with a code. While this programming process
can take a long time when the remote is first obtained, the flexibility is probably worth all the hard work, in
that the remote ends up programmed with the commands required, not the commands the manufacturer
predicted would be required. Of course, Learning Remotes are more expensive, more complex and larger
than Code Remotes as a result. When buying a Code Remote, it is important to ensure that the Remote
supports the brands / models required, as well as the functions required.
Ease of Use
It is important that a remote control is easy to use, particularly in the dark, so ensure that the placement of
buttons makes logical sense and is intuitive (or else look for a model with an intuitive graphic display).
There is nothing more annoying than having purchased an expensive remote control only to find that every
Page 60 of 112
time it is used, the user has to stand up to put the light on to work out how to use it! Backlit displays or
lighted buttons are useful on a remote control for this reason. LCD / touch sensitive displays are now a lot
cheaper than they used to be.
IR or RF
If the remote will be used from anywhere other than directly in front of the Home Theater system, it is
important that the remote is not Infra Red (IR) but is instead based upon radio frequency (RF) signals.
Battery Use
Many purchasers of remote controls ignore this factor to their cost. Some remote controls use batteries at
such a rate that it is almost inevitable that from time to time the remote will not be useable because it has
run out of juice.
3.3.11
Power Conditioner Buying Guide
Power conditioning can have a drastic effect on the performance of the audio components of a Home
Theater system. Power conditioners do not simply prevent surges in electricity from damaging your
system, they also “clean” the electricity entering the system, eliminating noise which can seriously affect
the sound quality of the audio output of a Home Theater system. Noise can take the form of ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), and a good power conditioner will
suppress both of these types of interference. Note that many do not realize that a power conditioner rarely
includes voltage regulation (preventing instability in the line voltage supplied to equipment) so if voltage
regulation is required, it is important to check that the power conditioner either offers voltage regulation or
that a voltage regulator is also added to the system.
When buying a power conditioner the main features to consider are:
Discrete Filter Sections
A good power conditioner separates out different types of component from one another – for example,
separating digital, video, low current and high current devices.
Spec Grade AC Outlets
These feature large internal copper contact blades which improve energy transfer.
Spike Protectors vs Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers are too slow to protect equipment from lighting strikes and other incidences of high
voltages, so it is advised that the power conditioner should have either AEVS (Automatic Extreme Voltage
Shutdown) capability or MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors, which vary their resistance to current flow based
upon the voltage input to them, so protecting the system against large voltages).
3.3.12
Seating Buying Guide
The key features to consider when buying seating for a Home Theater are:
Material
Which fabric is preferred is a personal preference – some prefer leather, some prefer suede. Material
affects appearance also, again a personal preference – some prefer wood finishes to utility surfaces while
others prefer a more practical, spill resistant plastic / PVC.
Back Height
The height of the back of chairs is again a personal preference. Some prefer shoulder-height, so that the
listening experience is unimpeded, whereas others like to rest their heads while watching movies and
require a head height chair back as a result.
Chair Style
Page 61 of 112
A wide variety of chair styles is available. For those with unlimited funds, a real luxurious movie theater
style chair with additional reclining features and perhaps massaging features may be preferred. For those
who are simply putting a Home Theater into their existing living room, a 3 seat sofa or loveseat may be all
that is required. A good style option for the music lover is a rocker, which can be rocked in time with the
music.
Extras
Extras offered by chair manufacturers include console arms for housing the remote control, collapsible
snack trays / tabletops, headrests, footrests, massagers, heated seating, cup-holders, etc. In addition, there
are a number of manufacturers who offer to “customize” seating, and will consider building just about any
extra feature into seating that can be imagined.
Arrangement / layout
Seating is available in a wide array of layouts including straight or curved rows. Again, for those with
unlimited funds, just about any layout is possible!
General
Remember that as far as seating is concerned, most options are possible – any color, any fabric, any style,
any extra features – the only real limitation is price. Other possibilities to consider when purchasing
seating for a Home Theater include considering refurbished movie theater seats (cheaper than buying new,
and possibly more authentic), stylized / customized seating (e.g. for a Home Theater decorated as a space
ship, seating might be silver with space age buttons!, for a 70s style Home Theater, seating might be
covered in psychedelic colored fabrics).
For more advice on buying Home Theater seating, see http://interiordec.about.com/od/hometheaterseats/
3.3.13
Furniture buying guide
Whichever system you decide is best, there are a few constants. Look for the following features in your
furniture system to ensure that your equipment is protected and the end result is one that you will want to
live with for a long time.
Strength
Make sure that your system is up to the demands that you are putting on it. While many portable electronics
seem to be getting smaller, that isn't necessarily true of today's AV components. Loaded 400 disc CD
changers and powerful amplifiers can be big and bulky. The largest CRT TVs can weigh upwards of 200
pounds. Make sure that your system is designed to accommodate the heaviest things you can put on it.
Ventilation
Your system not only needs to look cool - it's got to stay cool. Proper ventilation around and under
components will keep the temperature down and promote longer component life. Look for systems that will
allow adequate airflow and not “overcook” your components.
Flexibility
They say the only thing that is constant is change, and that is especially true in consumer electronics.
(Three years ago, did you know you'd want a TiVo?) Your system should be able to grow and adapt as the
requirements of your system change. Look for component furniture systems that can be added on to with
supplemental pieces. Features such as adjustable shelves will also allow you to adapt the system to meet
your needs now and in the future.
Easy Access
Nothing is worse than having your entire system configured and then trying to add a new DVD player.
Often, you'll have to rewire and reposition your entire Home Theater to work in the new addition or
replacement. Look for systems that provide easy access to components and connections. Features such as
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pullout shelves and open shelving can help take some of the pain out of this tiresome task. Most of the units
from BDI feature uniquely patented rear wheels that allow the unit to be rolled away from the wall - even
fully loaded - for complete access to cables and connections. This is a much better alternative to unloading
an entire Home Theater system into your living room to allow the entertainment center to be moved.
Cable Management
You may have the most beautiful Home Theater in the world, but it's only as good as its wire management.
Nothing looks worse than a gangly mess of component wires shoved behind a unit. Or worse, cables that
are pushed in all directions - making it necessary to have a degree in cartography to figure out what cable
goes to which component. The best furniture will take wire management into account, providing routing
holes, cable channels and even straps to keep your cables neat and tidy.
Style
Often people look for a rack for their system, and only when they get the unit home do they realize that this
is a piece of furniture that they will be looking at day in and day out for years to come. Pick a piece of
furniture that complements your personal style and the décor of the room. Utilitarian racks are a thing of
the past. These days, you can find Home Theater furniture to suit most any taste or room configuration.
The Home Theater today may come in second only to the kitchen as the hub of the home. It's one thing to
have the coolest components on the block, but they also need to be presented in a way that will accentuate
the home while protecting your investment. Fortunately, now you don't have to compromise on either
function or form. Well-designed Home Theater furniture is here to stay and that is good news for all of us.
Types of furniture to consider include:
TV stands
DLP stands
Projection TV stands
Speaker stands
Media Cabinets
Stereo Cabinets
All these types come in metal, wood or glass.
Cable Management Systems come built in to some of this furniture.
Cable Management System from Avdeco
3.3.14
Racks
High-end TV stands and A/V furniture equipment racks do much more than hold gear and look nice. They
improve performance with open designs that offer proper ventilation. Their convenient design makes the
most out of the space you have, while adjustable shelves let you customize a rack to fit your gear just right.
The proper way to use these racks is to install one component on each shelf, unless it's a double-width shelf
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that allows you to place components side-by-side. Whenever electronics are too close together – especially
when they are stacked – one component can pick up vibrations and magnetic fields from other components.
These can alter and distort audio and video signals. You're not getting 100 percent of the performance you
paid for unless each component is on its own shelf.
First, measure your gear to determine which size rack or TV stand you need. Next, consider the room setup. Sit down, and map everything out on paper. Where can you place the rack or stand in the room? What's
your budget for your furniture? Do you want a fancy rack, or just a basic model?
Once you've thought this over, give us a call. Our expert sales consultants sell hundreds of A/V furniture
components each year and can help you choose the furniture that's exactly right for you.
What to Look For:
Open Design
Open-design racks let air flow freely around your components. This helps keep your gear running cool,
optimizing performance and extending equipment life.
Adjustable Shelves
A/V components come in varying heights. So height-adjustable shelves are convenient for laying out your
gear exactly the way you want it.
Adjustable Floor Spikes
Cone point feet or floor spikes help "decouple" your rack or TV stand from room vibration, isolating your
gear from footsteps and other vibrations. Choose quality casters if you need to move your rack.
Cable Management Feature
Many racks have Cable Management features that keep cables out of sight and out of the way.
3.3.15
Cables Buying Guide
Buying Cables
Upgrade Cables
The inexpensive video cables that come with DVD players, VCRs, etc. can't do justice to the amazing
images these components can produce. To get the maximum video performance possible you must upgrade
these vital cables.
Connectors
While silver and copper are great conductors, they corrode quickly. Choose gold-plated connectors for
most applications. Clean connectors regularly and treat with a contact enhancer like Kontak or Caig
ProGold.
Cable Type
Your video performance will vary greatly depending on the type of output you use. Component video
cables produce the highest quality images, followed by S-Video, and then by composite video.
For DVD players use only the component video cable outputs to your TV or video switcher.
For VCRs use only the S-Video output. For Satellite Receivers use the S-Video output — unless your
receiver is HDTV-ready, then use the component video outputs. For cable TV, use the "F" composite
outputs rather than the RCA.
For a great set of Home Theater Buying Guides, see Buying guides
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/buyingguides/index.php
Page 64 of 112
3.4
Our Top Picks
A number of sources were used to come up with the top products in each category here. Some of the
sources are listed below:
Audioholics general reviews of Home Theater products
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/
Sound and Vision Mag : The List (The best gear to buy right now)
http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/article.asp?section_id=5&article_id=879&page_number=1
http://www.bizrate.com
http://reviews.cnet.com
http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com
3.4.1
TVs/Screens
Although generally, Plasma TVs appear to be the best HDTVs, we list here some in other categories also
(e.g. flat panel LCD).
Plasma TVs
Pioneer PDP-4350HD Plasma PDP TV
http://reviews.cnet.com/Pioneer_PDP_4350HD/4505-6482_7-31302883-2.html?tag=tab
Price range
Screen size
Aspect ratio
Resolution
HD Support
Display Scanning Formats
Progressive Scanning
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
Page 65 of 112
$3000-7000 (cheapest Pioneer Plasma)
43in
16:9
1024x768 (HDTV)
Yes
Native resolution of 1024 x768 but displays
everything up to 1028x768 (NB not true HD status)
Yes
Stereo
Well-designed, learner remote only works with
Pioneer Receivers
2 x RF input (F connector) - Rear, 1 x RF output (F
connector) - Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio input
(RCA phono x 3), 3 x Composite video/audio input
(RCA phono x 3) - Rear, 1 x S-Video input (4 pin
mini-DIN), 2 x S-Video input (4 pin mini-DIN) Rear, 1 x S-Video output (4 pin mini-DIN) - Rear, 1
x Component video input (RCA phono x 3), 2 x
Component video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear, 1
x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)), 1 x
SPDIF output (TOS Link) - Rear, 2 x IEEE 1394
(FireWire/i.LINK), 2 x HDMI - Rear
Feature
Picture
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Warning
Average Rating
****
***
*****
****
*
****
Pixel burning is a real possibility; doesn’t produce
great blacks
Panasonic TH-42PX25U
Panasonic TH-50PX50UPanasonic TH-42PX50U Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_TH-50PX50U/4505-6485_7-31349718.html
Price range
Screen size
Aspect ratio
Resolution
HD Support
Display Scanning Formats
Progressive Scanning
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
Page 66 of 112
$2499 - $3500
42 in / 50 in
Widescreen (16:9)
1028 x 768 pixels (HDTV)
HDTV
480 P, 625 P, 1080i
Y
Stereo, BBE® ViVA HD3D Sound
Info not available
Front inputs:Analog Audio L/R: 1, Composite: 1, SVideo: 1 Component: 2, HDMI: 1
Rear inputs: Composite: 2, Analog Audio L/R: 2, SVideo: 2
Rear outputs: Analog Audio L/R: 1, Composite: 1
Feature
Picture
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Warning
Average Rating
*****
****
****
****
*** (note, good deep blacks but see warning)
****
There are reported power supply issues (dc
restoration issues) and fluctuating black level issues
Pioneer Elite PRO-1000HD Plasma TV
Price range
Screen size
Aspect ratio
Resolution
HD Support
Display Scanning Formats
Progressive Scanning
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
$5000-$9000
50 in
16:9
1280 x 768
Y
Feature
Picture
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Average Rating
*****
N/A
****
***
Page 67 of 112
Y
Stereo
Standard
1 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Rear,
1 x VGA output (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) Rear, 1 x HD component video / RGB input (BNC x
5) - Rear, 1 x S-Video input (4 pin mini-DIN) Rear, 1 x Composite video input (BNC) - Rear, 1 x
Composite video output (BNC) - Rear, 1 x Audio
line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear, 2 x
Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) - Rear, 1 x Audio
line-out (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear, 2 x
Speakers output (One-touch x 2) - Rear, 2 x Remote
control (Mini-phone 3.5 mm) - Rear, 2 x System
components control bus (6 pin mini-DIN) - Rear, 1
x Serial (9 pin D-Sub) - Rear
Blacks
Overall
Warning
***
****
No tv tuner or speakers
http://reviews.cnet.com/Pioneer_Elite_PRO_1000HD/4505-6485_7-8443870.html?tag=pdtl-list
Panasonic TH-42PD50U Plasma TV
http://www.hometheatermag.com/directviewandplasmatvs/205panasonic/index.html
http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/panasonic-th42pd50u-review.html
Price range
Screen size
Aspect ratio
Resolution
HD Support
Display Scanning Formats
Progressive Scanning
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
Feature
Picture
Sound
Page 68 of 112
$1300-2400
42in
16:9
852 x 480 (EDTV)
Yes
480p (EDTV)
Yes
Surround sound
Included remote is not universal, and tv doesn’t
work well with universal remotes
HDMI-HDCP interface, analog audio rear, 2
composite video rear, 2 s-video rear, 2 audio input
for video rear, 2 audio input for composite video
rear, 2 component video input rear,2 component
video audio input rear, 1 audio output for composite
video, 1 composite video output rear
Average Rating
****
** (vocals overpowered by background noise)
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Warning
**
***
*****
****
Problems displaying whites reported
LG RU-42PX11 Plasma EDTV
http://www.hometheatermag.com/directviewandplasmatvs/205lg/
Price range
Screen size
Aspect ratio
Resolution
HD Support
Display Scanning Formats
Progressive Scanning
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
Feature
Picture
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Warning
Direct View TVs
Page 69 of 112
$3000 approx
42 inches
16:9
852 x 480 (EDTV)
Y
480p
Y
Virtual Surround, MTS Stereo
Universal - A bit cryptic to use with some weird
anacronyms, such as ARC, APC etc.
Inputs: Video: DVI (1), RGB (1), component video
(2), S-video (2), composite video (2), RF (1)
Audio: stereo analog (4), stereo analog mini-plug
(1) Outputs: Video: composite video (1)
Audio: stereo analog (1). Also RS232(1)
Average Rating
***
****
***
*****
*****
*****
Reported reliability problems, bulky and deep
Sony KD-34XBR960 Direct View CRT TV
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_KD_34XBR960/4505-6481_7-30787600.html?tag=topprods
Price range
Screen size
Aspect ratio
Resolution
HD Support
Display Scanning Formats
Progressive Scanning
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
$1597 - $1899
34in
16:9
1400 lines of horizontal resolution!
HDTV
1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i
Y
Stereo SRS TruSurround BBE
Universal but not compatible with all dvd players
2 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3) Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono
x 3), 3 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono
x 3) - Rear, 1 x HDMI /HDCP - Rear, 1 x S-Video
input (4 pin mini-DIN), 2 x S-Video input (4 pin
mini-DIN) - Rear, 1 x Control S - Rear, 1 x
Fixed/variable audio output (RCA phono x 2) Rear, 1 x Monitor output (RCA phono) - Rear, 2 x
RF input (F connector) - Rear
Feature
Picture
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Warning
Average Rating
*****
*****
***
*****
*****
*****
Reported reliability problems, bulky and deep
Samsung TXN2670WHF CRT TV
Page 70 of 112
http://reviews.cnet.com/Samsung_TXN2670WHF/4505-6481_7-21114218-2.html?tag=tab
Price range
Screen size
Aspect ratio
Resolution
$649 – very cheap!
26in
16:9
Horizontal lines 800
HD Support
Display Scanning Formats
Yes
1080i possible but doesn’t look great, as small
No 720p
Yes
Stereo virtual surround mode
Universal
1 x Headphones (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Side,
1 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) Side, 1 x S-Video input (4 pin mini-DIN) - Side, 3 x
Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) Rear, 2 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3)
- Rear, 1 x Monitor output (RCA phono) - Rear, 1 x
Fixed audio output (RCA phono x 2) - Rear, 1 x
Antenna (F connector) - Rear
Progressive Scanning
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
Feature
Picture
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Warning
Average Rating
****
**
* (mainly due to the remote poor design)
*
****
***
Bulky
Rear Projection / DLP TVs
JVC HD-61Z575 61 in HD-ILA Flat Screen Rear-Projection Display
JVC HD-52Z575 52 in HD-ILA
Page 71 of 112
http://reviews.cnet.com/4505-6484_7-30925116.html?part=ecoustics-cnet
Price range
Screen size
Aspect ratio
Resolution
HD Support
Display Scanning Formats
Progressive Scanning
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
$1500 – 3000
52 or 61 in
Widescreen 16:9
1280 x 720 pixels
HDTV
720 P, 480 P, 480 i
Yes
MTS Stereo with SAP
Universal
Composite(1 Front), S-Video(1 Front), RF(1),
Composite(3), Component(2), S-Video(2),
HDMI(1)
Feature
Picture
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Average Rating
*****
***
*****
***
*****
*****
Hitachi 50VS810 Rear Projection LCD TV
http://reviews.cnet.com/Hitachi_50VS810/4505-6484_7-30994111.html?tag=topprods
Price range
Screen size
Aspect ratio
Resolution
HD Support
Display Scanning Formats
Progressive Scanning
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
Page 72 of 112
$1899 – 2499
50in
16:9
1280x720
Yes
720p 1080i 480i
Stereo SRS 3D Sound BBE Loudness
Universal, well designed
2 x RF input (F connector) - Rear, 2 x HDMI - Rear,
2 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) Rear, 1 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono
x 3) - Side, 2 x S-Video input (4 pin mini-DIN) Rear, 1 x S-Video input (4 pin mini-DIN) - Side, 2 x
Component video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear, 1
x Composite video/audio output (RCA phono x 3) Rear, 1 x SPDIF output (TOS Link) - Rear, 1 x
Serial (9 pin D-Sub) - Rear, 1 x USB - Side, 1 x SVideo output (4 pin mini-DIN) - Rear, 2 x Audio
line-in (RCA phono x 2) - Rear
Feature
Picture
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Of note
Warning
Average Rating
*****
***
*****
*****
***
****
Slim for a rear projection tv, nice design
Screen door effect and some color issues (blotches)
reported
LCD Flat Panel TVs
Sharp LC-37D7U LCD TV
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sharp_LC_37D7U/4505-6482_7-31307299-2.html?tag=sub
Price range
$2467 – 3900 (expensive – plasma tvs of same size
are less)
Screen size
Aspect ratio
Resolution
HD Support
Display Scanning Formats
37in
16:9
1366 x 768
Yes
The LC-37D7U's native resolution of 1,366x768 is
enough to display full 720p but not every pixel of
1080i
Yes
Stereo, Virtual Dolby Surround
No detail
1 x HDMI, 1 x S-Video input (4 pin mini-DIN), 1 x
S-Video output (4 pin mini-DIN), 1 x Audio lineout (RCA phono x 2), 3 x Composite video/audio
input (RCA phono x 3), 1 x DVI-I (29 pin DVI), 2 x
HD component input (RCA phono x 3), 1 x
Headphones (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm), 1 x
SPDIF output (TOS Link), 1 x Serial (9 pin D-Sub),
2 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK), 3 x RF input, 1 x
Composite video output
Progressive Scanning
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
Feature
Picture
Page 73 of 112
Average Rating
*****
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Of note
Warning
**
*****
***** (v good for an lcd)
****
Reliability issues reported; issues with tv guide /
programming guides in some areas
Reviews of LCD TVs
http://reviews.cnet.com/Home_video/4521-6531_7-5021476-4.html?tag=subnav
3.4.2
Projectors
The big battle in the projector world is that between the LCD models and the DLP models, as other model
types are simply not as popular. Audioholics sums up this battle rather cynically as “screen door” versus
“rainbow effect”. Here we present those that we believe are the best projectors, including some LCD and
some DLP projectors.
To help you to determine which projector type is best suited to your needs, see the Audioholics guide:
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/specsformats/displays_LCD_DLP_plasma1.html
Infocus 7210 DLP Projector
http://reviews.cnet.com/InFocus_7210/4505-3180_7-31349715.html?tag=topprods
Price range
Resolution
Display Type
Aspect ratio
Size
HD Support
Image Brightness
Lamp life
Remote
Connectivity
$4000-$7000
1280x720
DLP
16:9
13.8 by 12.8 by 4.3 inches
Y
1100 ANSI Lumens
2000 hours
Standard, minor irritations with navigation
2 RCA, 1, 2 4 pin mini-DIN, 1 RCA, 1 M1-DA, 1
15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 9 pin D-Sub (DB-9)
Feature
Picture
Average Rating
*****
Page 74 of 112
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Of note
Warning
****
****
*****
****
Reports of high bulb replacement needs
Sony VPL HS20 LCD Projector
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_VPL_HS20/4505-3180_7-30631234-2.html?tag=sub
Price range
Resolution
Display Type
Aspect ratio
Size
HD Support
Image Brightness
Lamp life
Remote
Connectivity
$2500 - $3500
1386x788
LCD
16:9
13.63" x 5.88" x 14.63" (W x H x D)
Y
1400 ANSI lumens
3000 hours
Included, wireless
Inputs: Component RCA (Y,Pb,Pr) x 1, Composite
Video (Single RCA) x 1,S-Video (Mini DIN 4-pin
(Y/C)) x 1,Computer, Digital RGB (DVI (Digital
Visual Interface) 29-pin) x 1, Memory Stick x
1,USB Mouse x 1,Stereo Mini-Jack (3.5 mm) x 1
Outputs: Built-in Audio Built-In Speaker (2w x 2)
For Memory Stick® Media Only
Feature
Picture
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Of note
Warning
Average Rating
*****
****
****
***
****
Also see reviews at http://www.projectorcentral.com/sony_hs20.htm and
http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review1133_specs5674.html
Sharp XV-Z12000 DLP Projector
Page 75 of 112
http://www.projectorcentral.com/SharpVision-XV-Z12000U.htm
Price range
Resolution
Display Type
Aspect ratio
Size
HD Support
Image Brightness
Lamp life
Remote
Connectivity
$5500-$10000
1280x720 Pixels
DLP
16:9
7.0”h x 18.7”w x 16.0”d
Yes
900 ANSI lumens
2000 hours
Included
Inputs: Component/RGB x 2 (5 RCA), Video x 1
(RCA), S-Video x 1, DV-I/HDCP (Component and
Digital/Analog RGB, Wired Remote Control x 1
(3.5mm Mini Jack), RS-232C Serial Port x 1 (9-Pin
D-Sub), DC 12V Output x 1
Feature
Picture
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Of note
Warning
Average Rating
*****
****
*****
****
****
Bulbs are expensive
Optoma H31 DLP Projector
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/OptomaH31DLPProjectorReview1.php
Price range
Resolution
Display Type
Aspect ratio
Size
HD Support
Image Brightness
Lamp life
Page 76 of 112
$900-1500
854 x 480 1280 x 1024 (operating)
DLP
16:9
3.4”(h) x 10.7”(h) x 8.3” (d)
Yes
850 ANSI Lumens
3000 hours
Remote
Connectivity
Included, wireless
Feature
Picture
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Of note
Warning
Average Rating
*****
****
*****
*****
****
Very good for the price
DVI-I with HDCP, RCA component (YPbPr), Svideo, Composite video (RCA), two IR receivers,
AC power input, RS-232
Yamaha’s LPX-510 LCD Projector
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/YamahaLPX-510review2.php
Price range
Resolution
Display Type
Aspect ratio
Size
HD Support
Image Brightness
Lamp life
Remote
Connectivity
Feature
Picture
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Of note
Warning
Infocus Screenplay 4805 DLP Projector
Page 77 of 112
$3000-5500
1280 x 720
LCD
16:9
17 5/16” (W) x 5 3/8” (H) x 12 5/8” (D)
Y
1000 ANSI Lumens / 350 ANSI Lumens (two
modes)
1700 – 3000 hours (Depending upon wattage UHP)
Simple to use
RGBHV (2); HDMI, s-video, composite, D4 video
Average Rating
*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
A little noisy
http://www.projectorcentral.com/infocus_screenplay_4805.htm
Price range
Resolution
Display Type
Aspect ratio
Size
HD Support
Image Brightness
Lamp life
Remote
Connectivity
$725-1300
854 x 480
DLP
16:9
4.2”(h) x 9.8”(w) x 12.9”(d)
Y
750 ANSI Lumens
3000 hours (up to 4000 in low power mode)
Info not available
Inputs: 3 RCAs for HDTV, component progressive,
interlaced signals; one M1 port that takes DVI
(HDCP), HDMI (with adapter), RGB and
component HDTV; one S-video port; one composite
video jack. Stereo RCA audio inputs and a 12v
trigger for screen drop.
Feature
Picture
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Of note
Warning
Average Rating
*****
****
***
*****
****
Very good for the price – esp as lamp life is so good
No warranty / support if purchased from
unauthorized dealer. Noisy
Sony Cineza VPL-HS51 LCD Projector
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-HS51.htm
http://www.hometheatermag.com/frontprojectors/305sonyvpl/
Price range
Resolution
Display Type
Aspect ratio
Size
Page 78 of 112
$2000-4000
1280x720 Pixels
LCD
16:9
5.4(h) x 13.8(w) x 14.1(d)
HD Support
Image Brightness
Lamp life
Remote
Connectivity
Yes
1200 ANSI Lumens
2000-3000 hours
Included, backlit
Inputs: Video: HDMI (1), RGB (D-Sub 15) (1),
component video (1), S-video (1), composite video
(1) Audio: none
Outputs: Video: none Audio: none
Additional: 12v Trigger, USB, Ethernet
Feature
Picture
Ease of use
Digital connections
Blacks
Overall
Of note
Warning
Average Rating
*****
****
***
*****
****
More Projector reviews are available at
http://reviews.cnet.com/Home_video/4521-6531_7-5021476-5.html?tag=subnav
http://reviews.designtechnica.com/reviews_subcat-37.html
3.4.3
Receivers
Pioneer VSX-74TXVi A/V Receiver
(picture courtesy of SoundAndVisionMag.com)
Price range
Channels
Power
Page 79 of 112
$1700
7.1
140 watt
Certification
Multi-room
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
Of note
THX 2
3 zone multi-room capability
Full range of DTS and Dolby Surround options:
Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES, Dolby Pro Logic IIx,
DTS Neo:6, 12 proprietary DSP surround modes
including Headphone
Pre-programmed / learning remote and I / R control
for remote room. However remote is complex and
difficult to use in the dark.
2 HDMI inputs, 1 output; component output; svideo output; 2 Firewire inputs;
Great integration with the iPod; good XM satellite
radio; Great auto-setup routine
Warning
Yamaha RX-V757 A/V Receiver
http://reviews.cnet.com/Yamaha_RX_V757/4505-6466_7-31430015.html?tag=txt
The good: Seven 100-watt channels; XM satellite radio-ready; autosetup feature; extra front
Presence channels; two component-video inputs; upconverts composite and S-Video to
component; turntable input; A/B-speaker switching.
The bad: The improved autosetup feature still isn't as good as Pioneer's.
The bottom line: Yamaha's RX-V757 is an impressive mix of great sound, easy setup, abundant
connectivity, and XM satellite radio compatibility.
Yamaha RX-V757's built-in support for XM Radio
Price range
Channels
Power
Certification
Multi-room
Size
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
Page 80 of 112
$400-500
Of note
Warning
Feature
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Overall
Average Rating
Yamaha RX-V2400 A/V Receiver
Best Receiver, Under $1,000
Rotel RSX-1067 A/V Receiver
Best Receiver, Over $1,000
Denon AVR-2105 A/V receiver
Price $649
Onkyo TX-NR1000 A/V Receiver
Price range
Channels
Power
Certification
Multi-room
Size
Audio
Remote
Inputs/Outputs
Page 81 of 112
$3300-5000
7.1
1050 watt (total output)
THX
?
17.1”(w) x 18.9”(d) x 8.7” (h)
Built-in decoders Dolby Digital Surround EX ,
Dolby Pro Logic IIx , DTS-ES Discrete 6.1 , DTSES Matrix 6.1 , DTS Neo:6 , DTS 96/24 , THX
Surround EX decoder , Dolby Pro Logic II
Universal infrared, learning, programmable, backlit
etc. A bit complex for novices
1 x Headphones (Phone stereo 6.25 mm) - Front, 1 x
Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) Front, 1 x S-Video input (4 pin mini-DIN) - Front, 1
x SPDIF input (TOS Link) - Front, 6 x SPDIF input
(RCA phono) - Rear, 6 x SPDIF input (TOS Link) Rear, 2 x SPDIF output (TOS Link) - Rear, 4 x SVideo output (4 pin mini-DIN) - Rear, 6 x S-Video
input (4 pin mini-DIN) - Rear, 4 x Composite video
output (RCA phono x 3) - Rear, 6 x Composite
video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear, 5 x Audio lineout (RCA phono x 2) - Rear, 9 x Audio line-in
(RCA phono x 2) - Rear, 1 x Turntable audio input
(RCA phono x 2) - Rear, 2 x Component video
output (RCA phono x 3) - Rear, 4 x Component
video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear, 1 x 7.1
channel audio line-out (RCA phono x 8) - Rear, 2 x
7.1 channel audio line-in (RCA phono x 8) - Rear, 1
x Subwoofer output (RCA phono) - Rear, 2 x
SPDIF output (RCA phono) - Rear, 3 x HDMI Rear, 2 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK) - Rear, 2 x
Rear center speaker output (Banana/spade x 2) Rear, 1 x Center speaker output (Banana/spade x 2)
- Rear, 2 x Surround speakers output (Banana/spade
x 2) - Rear, 2 x Front speakers output
(Banana/spade x 2) - Rear, Remote control - Rear, 5
x Trigger - Rear, 1 x Network (RJ-45) - Rear
Of note
Warning
HDMI switching capability, conversion capabilities.
Hardware upgradeable
Large!
Feature
Sound
Ease of use
Digital connections
Overall
Average Rating
*****
***
*****
****
Pioneer VSX-1015TX
High end features, low price
Onkyo TX-SR503
High end features, low price
Receivers reviews
http://search.ecoustics.com/Editorial/Reviews/Surround-Receiver-or-Home-Receiver-or-AV-Receiver/
http://reviews.cnet.com/4521-6531_7-5021436-1.html?tag=dir.top
http://www.accesswave.ca/~valuecanuck/HTReceivers.htm
http://reviews.designtechnica.com/reviews_subcat-115.html&sortname=title&sortdir=DESC
3.4.4
DVD/VCR options
Best Source Component, Under $500:
V, Inc. Bravo D2 DVD Player
Best Source Component, Over $500:
Meridian G98DH DVD Transport
Reviews of dvd players
http://www.soundstageav.com/avreviews_dvd_players.html
http://search.ecoustics.com/Editorial/Reviews/DVD-Player/
http://reviews.cnet.com/4521-6531_7-5021437-3.html?tag=subnav
3.4.5
CD/MP3 options
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Home_Audio/CD_Players/CD_Player_Reviews/
Page 82 of 112
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Home_Audio/MP3_Players/
3.4.6
Speakers
Yamaha YSP-1 Sound Projector Speaker
http://shopper.cnet.com/Yamaha_YSP_1_Digital_Sound_Projector/4014-6467_931304901.html?rvwtp=4505-6467_9-31304901-2&tag=nav.rev&cip=1&orderby=90&sort
Yamaha YSP-1
http://www.yamaha.com/yec/YSP1/resources/Yamaha_YSP1_12pgs.pdf
Definitve Technology Mythos Four Speaker System
Best High-End Speaker System:
Krell Resolution 2 Speaker System
Best Midpriced Speaker System:
B&W LCR600S3 Speaker System
Best Entry-Level Speaker System:
Paradigm Cinema 70 v.2 Speaker System
Best Custom Product:
PSB CustomSound CHS 80 Speaker System
Reviews of speakers for Home Theater
http://reviews.cnet.com/4521-6531_7-5021436-3.html?tag=dir.top
http://www.soundstageav.com/avreviews_speakers2.html
Speaker measurements
http://www.soundstageav.com/speakermeasurements.html
Good budget speakers - Paradigm Cinema 110 Compact Theater, a complete 5.1-channel system for $799
USD. http://www.soundstageav.com/onhometheater.html
3.4.7
Seating
http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/home-theater-seats.html
3.4.8
Other Furniture
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/
3.4.9
Cabling
Reviews of power conditioners and cords
http://www.soundstageav.com/avreviews_speakers2.html
3.4.10
Other Accessories
Amplifiers http://www.soundstageav.com/amplifiermeasurements.html
Pre amplifiers http://www.soundstageav.com/preamplifiermeasurements.html
Earphones http://reviews.cnet.com/Headphones/4521-6531_7-5120625-1.html?tag=subnav
Page 83 of 112
3.4.11
Other Options
PC Entertainment Centers
Reviews at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/evaluation/products.mspx
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1858631,00.asp
Home Theater In A Box
Best Home-Theater-in-a-Box System:
KEF KIT100 Instant Theatre
Best Convergence Product:
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Wireless Music System
Best Onkyo product
Onkyo LS-V955 HTIB.
Reviews of home theaters in a box
http://reviews.cnet.com/4521-6531_7-5021436-4.html?tag=subnav
Reviews of Home Theater In A Box products
http://www.soundstageav.com/avreviews_complete_systems.html
3.4.12
Other Accessories
Power cleansing suppliers
http://www.monstercable.com/hookup_learning/csg/power/power.asp
3.5
Summary Comparison Tables
3.5.1
Receiver comparison chart
Receivers compared at http://www.accesswave.ca/~valuecanuck/HTReceivers.htm
Sony STRGeneral
Yamaha RX-V350 Panasonic SA-HE75K DE597
Manufacturer
Manufacturer's Information Page Manufacturer Link Manufacturer Link
Link
$
MSRP - USA
$
199.95 $
199.95 199.95
$
MSRP - Canada
$
349.00 $
399.95 299.99
1.50
Exchange Rate Used
1.75
2.00
Check Prices at:
ebay.com
ebay.ca
Check prices for "sister model"
ebay.com
ebay.ca
etronics
Channels
Kenwood VR-806
JVC RX-6
Manufacturer Link Manufactu
Link
$
250.00 $
219.95
?
?
#VALUE!
#VALUE
ebay.com
ebay.ca
etronics
ebay.com
ebay.ca
etronics
ebay.com
ebay.ca
etronics
ebay.com
ebay.ca
etronics
5.1
5.1
6.1
6.1
5.1
Stereo RMS Power (watts)
75
100
90
100
100
THD in Stereo
0.06%
0.90%
0.09%
0.70%
0.80%
100
90
100
100
Front Surround Power (watts x 3) 75
Page 84 of 112
Rear Surround Power (watts)
75
100
90
100
100
No
No
On-Screen Display
No
No
No
Multiple Zones/Sources
None
None
None
None
None
Remote Control
Multibrand A/V
Multibrand video
Unified A/V
Unified A/V
Multibran
No
No
No
No
No
No
Learning Remote
No
LCD Remote
No
No
No
Width (inches)
17 1/8
16 15/16
16 7/8
17 3/8
17 1/16
Height (inches)
6 3/8
6 5/16
6 3/16
5 11/16
5 13/16
15 1/16
12 7/8
13 1/4
17 1/8
?
19.5
Depth (inches)
15 3/8
Weight (pounds)
24
20.1
15.4
Parts Warranty
2 Years
1 Year
2 Years
2 Years
2 Years
Labor Warranty
2 Years
1 Year
2 Years
2 Years
2 Years
Surround Processing
THX Certification
Sony STRYamaha RX-V350 Panasonic SA-HE75K DE597
No
No
No
Dolby Pro Logic II
Yes
Kenwood VR-806
JVC RX-6
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital
Yes
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital EX
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
THX Surround EX
No
No
No
No
No
DTS
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
DTS ES
Yes
No
Yes
DTS Neo:6
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
Video Soundfields
14
4
11
9
7
Inputs & Outputs
Phono Input
Sony STRYamaha RX-V350 Panasonic SA-HE75K DE597
No
No
No
Audio-Video Inputs
4
Kenwood VR-806
JVC RX-6
No
No
4
3
3
2
None
None
Front A/V Inputs
None
RCA
None
Audio Inputs
2
2
2
3
3
S-Video Inputs
0
3
None
None
2
S-Video Outputs
0
None
None
None
1
2
2
Component Video Inputs
0
1
2
Component Video Outputs
0
None
1
1
1
Component Video Bandwidth
N/A
N/A
80MHz
50MHz
35MHz
Optical Digital Inputs
2
2
2
1
2
2
1
Coaxial Digital Inputs
1
1
1
Optical Digital Outputs
None
None
None
None
None
Coaxial Digital Outputs
None
None
None
None
None
Multi-channel Inputs
5.1
5.1
5.1
None
5.1
1
1
Subwoofer Outputs
1
1
1
Pre-amplifierOutputs
1
1
1
3
1
Main Speaker Output Pairs
2
1
2
1
1
Main Speaker Terminals
Posts
Clips
Posts A/Clips B Clips
Page 85 of 112
Clips
General
Manufacturer's Information Page
MSRP - USA
MSRP - Canada
Exchange Rate Used
Check Prices at:
Denon AVR-1905
Manufacturer Link
$
499.00
$
780.00
1.56
ebay.com
ebay.ca
Sony STR-DE997
Manufacturer Link
$
499.95
$
699.99
1.40
ebay.com
ebay.ca
etronics
Kenwood VR-7070 Onkyo TX-SR602
Manufacturer Link
$
500.00 $
500.00
?
?
#VALUE!
#VALUE!
ebay.com
ebay.com
ebay.ca
ebay.ca
etronics
Check "Sister model" Prices:
ebay.com
ebay.ca
etronics
7
Stereo RMS Power (watts)
75
THD in Stereo
0.08%
Front Surround Power (watts x 3) 75
Rear Surround Power (watts)
75
On-Screen Display
Yes
7
6
7
110
0.09%
110
110
Yes
100
0.09%
100
100
No
85
0.08%
85
85
Yes
Multiple Zones/Sources
2/2
2/2
1/2
2/2
Remote Control
Multibrand A/V
Multibrand A/V
Multibrand A/V
Multibrand A/V
Learning Remote
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
LCD Remote
No
Yes
Yes
No
Width (inches)
17 1/8
16 15/16
17 5/16
17 1/8
Height (inches)
5 13/16
6
6 5/16
6 7/8
Depth (inches)
16 7/16
15 1/4
16
17 5/8
Weight (pounds)
26.2
20.9
?
30
Parts Warranty
2 Years
2 Years
2 Years
2 Years
Labor Warranty
2 Years
Denon AVR-1905
2 Years
2 Years
2 Years
Kenwood VR-7070 Onkyo TX-SR602
Select
No
Amplified Channels
Surround Processing
THX Certification
No
Sony STR-DE997
No
Dolby Pro Logic II
IIx
Yes
Yes
IIx
Dolby Digital
---
Yes
Yes
Yes
Dolby Digital EX
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
THX Surround EX
No
No
Yes
No
DTS
---
Yes
Yes
Yes
DTS ES
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
DTS Neo:6
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Video Soundfields
--Denon AVR-1905
---
10
14
No
Sony STR-DE997
1
Kenwood VR-7070 Onkyo TX-SR602
1
No
4
5
5
Inputs & Outputs
Phono Input
Audio-Video Inputs
Page 86 of 112
5
Front A/V Inputs
RCA
RCA/S-Video
RCA/S-Video
RCA/S-Video
Audio Inputs
3
3
3
2
S-Video Inputs
3
4
5
5
S-Video Outputs
1
1
1
2
Component Video Inputs
3
1
100 MHz
2
1
3
2
10MHz
2
1
50MHz
4
Component Video Outputs
Component Video Bandwidth
Optical Digital Inputs
3
1
80MHz
4
Coaxial Digital Inputs
1
2
2
2
Optical Digital Outputs
1
1
1
1
Coaxial Digital Outputs
None
None
None
None
Multi-channel Inputs
5.1
5/7.1
5.1
5.1
Subwoofer Outputs
1
1
1
1
Pre-amplifierOutputs
--2
---
10
3
2
Posts
2
Posts A/Clips B
1
Posts
Main Speaker Output Pairs
Main Speaker Terminals
Posts
General
Kenwood VRS-N8100 Marantz SR6400
Manufacturer's Information Page
Manufacturer Link
MSRP - USA
$
700.00
$
MSRP - Canada
Exchange Rate Used
Check Prices at:
Yamaha RX-V1400 Harman Kardon AVR330 S
D
Manufacturer Link Manufacturer Link
M
Manufacturer
Link
$
749.99 $
1,099.99 ?
$
799.00
1,299.00
1.57
#VALUE!
Amplified Channels
6
6
1.63
ebay.com
ebay.ca
etronics
ebay.com
ebay.ca
etronics
7
Stereo RMS Power (watts)
100
100
THD in Stereo
Front Surround Power (watts x 3)
Rear Surround Power (watts)
0.70%
100
100
On-Screen Display
Check "sister model" prices at:
$
799.00
$
1,299.99
1.63
ebay.com
ebay.ca
etronics
$
$
1
e
e
7
7
110
65
1
0.08%
100
100
0.04%
110
110
0.07%
55
55
0
1
1
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Y
Multiple Zones/Sources
2/1
No
3/3
2/2
2
Remote Control
Multibrand A/V
Multibrand A/V
Multibrand A/V
Multibrand A/V
M
Learning Remote
No
Yes
Yes
No
Y
LCD Remote
No
Yes
Yes
No
Y
Page 87 of 112
Width (inches)
17 5/16
17 5/16
17 1/8
17.3
1
Height (inches)
3 1/8
6 7/16
6 3/4
6.6
6
Depth (inches)
15 1/16
16 9/16
17 1/16
15
1
26.5
34.2
30.6
2
Weight (pounds)
Parts Warranty
2 Years
?
2 Years
2 Years
5
Labor Warranty
2 Years
?
2 Years
2 Years
5
Surround Processing
Kenwood VRS-N8100 Marantz SR6400
THX Certification
No
No
Yamaha RX-V1400 Harman Kardon AVR330 S
D
Select
No
N
Dolby Pro Logic II
IIx
Yes
Yes
Yes
Y
Dolby Digital
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Y
Dolby Digital EX
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Y
THX Surround EX
No
No
Yes
No
N
DTS
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Y
DTS ES
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Y
DTS Neo:6
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Y
Video Soundfields
13
?
13
7
1
Inputs & Outputs
Kenwood VRS-N8100 Marantz SR6400
Phono Input
No
?
Yamaha RX-V1400 Harman Kardon AVR330 S
D
1
No
1
Audio-Video Inputs
6
5
6
5
5
Front A/V Inputs
RCA/S-Video
1
RCA/S-Video/Opt.
RCA/S-Vid/Opt/Coax
R
Audio Inputs
None
3
3
2
4
S-Video Inputs
3
5
6
5
4
S-Video Outputs
None
3
3
2
1
Component Video Inputs
2
2
2
2
2
Component Video Outputs
1
1
1
1
1
Component Video Bandwidth
?
?
60 MHz
50MHz
8
Optical Digital Inputs
3
3
4
3
4
Coaxial Digital Inputs
4
3
3
3
1
Optical Digital Outputs
None
1
2
1
1
Coaxial Digital Outputs
None
1
None
1
N
Multi-channel Inputs
None
6.1
5.1
7.1
5
Subwoofer Outputs
1
1
1
1
1
Pre-amplifierOutputs
3
7
12
8
5
Main Speaker Output Pairs
1
2
2
2
2
Main Speaker Terminals
Posts
Posts
Posts
Posts
P
Page 88 of 112
For more Receiver comparisons see http://www.accesswave.ca/~valuecanuck/HTReceivers.htm
3.5.2
DVD Comparison chart
FEATURES
Outputs/Inputs
Composite Video Outputs
S-Video Outputs
Component Video Outputs
VGA Video Outputs
DVI Video Outputs
Coaxial Digital Output
Optical Digital Output
XLR Digital Output
IEEE-1594 Output
Stereo Analog Outputs
5.1 Analog Outputs
Coaxial Digital Input
Optical Digital Input
RS-232
Features
# of discs
Dolby Digital Decoder
DTS Decoder
Dolby Digital Compatible
DTS Compatible
DVD-Audio
DVD-A Bass Man.
SACD
Multi-Channel SACD
SACD Bass Management
DVD-A/SACD Digital Out
Progressive Scan
3:2 Pulldown
"Chroma Bug" **
CD-R/RW
DVD-R (read-only)
DVD-RW (read-only)
DVD-RAM (read-only)
MP3 Playback
Video CD
Zoom
Video DAC
Audio DAC
HDCD Support
THX Ultra
PAL/NTSC Conversion
Page 89 of 112
1
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10-bit 10-bit 10-bit 12-bit 10-bit 12-bit 10-bit ?-bit 12-bit 12-bit 12-bit 12-bit
54MHz54MHz54MHz108MHz54MHz54MHz54MHz?MHz 108MHz108MHz108MHz216MHz
192/24 192/24 192/24 192/24 192/24 192/24 192/24 192/24192/24 192/24 192/24 192/24
.
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Regions Available
Manual Online
Secrets Shootout Score (%)
Dimensions (WxDxH)
Weight (lbs.)
Price
List Price ($)
Street Price ($)
AudioReview
Rating
# of Reviews
1
1
x
x
48
52
17x
17.1x
10 1/2x8.3x
2 3/8 3
4.7
4.19
1
1
x
x
67
53
16 1/2x16 3/4x
12 1/4x11 1/8x
2 3/16 4 1/8
5.25 9.25
1
.
73
17x
8x
2
4.84
1
.
55
17x
10.5x
1.75
?
1
?
82
16.9x
9.5x
2.2
2.5
1
x
70
16.9x
12.2x
2.6
5.5
1
x
63
16 1/4x
12 3/4x
2 9/16
7.1
1
x
83
17.1x
12.5x
4
10.2
1
x
90
17.1x
13.0x
5.2
17.6
1
x
92
17.1x
17.1x
5.5
27.7
79
60
179
160
249
180
1200
800
79
70
89
89
399
300
199
199
399
399
629
520
999
840
2000
1640
0
0
0.0
0
3.98
40
4.31;4.0 0
32;5
0
0
0
3.68
19
-
5.0
1
4.50
12
4.17
36
3.4
5
From http://www.prillaman.net/dvd_chart.html
Home Theater In A Box Comparison Chart
http://reviews.cnet.com/4540-6740_7-30469069-4.html?rid=30788085
http://www.yamaha.com/YEC/products/compare/HTIB_comp2.htm
4
4.1
Planning and Building Your Home Theater
Budgeting/Cost
There is no escaping it, it costs money to build a Home Theater system, especially a good one including
good surround sound, good display etc. However, with good budgeting it is possible to get the best value
for money when selecting components. The key is to be educated about the components being bought,
compare prices and models, and get advice and input from as many resources as possible.
Firstly, it is important to know which items you already have and therefore you do not need to buy. For
example, if you already have a DVD player, there is no need to buy a new one – and it can possibly double
up as the CD player in your system also, eliminating two items off of the list of things you must buy.
Once you know which items you need to buy, it is important to know which items it is ok to skimp on, and
which it is not. In order to determine this, it is important to know what is most important to you – high
quality sound or high quality picture, convenience or décor.
For example, spending a great deal on a DVD player rarely results in a great improvement in movieviewing experience, and yet spending a little more on cabling can vastly improve the quality of both sound
and viewing experiences, especially on the cabling between the input components and the receiver or
between the receiver and the speakers. Cheap cables result in interference and poor quality sound / picture
in systems that would otherwise offer high audio visual quality.
It is often worth spending extra money on the receiver and the speakers in a Home Theater system also, and
it is a good idea to ensure that the receiver is fully compatible with the speakers (ideally comes from the
same manufacturer) in order that the full capacity of the receiver is fully utilized.
The overall cost of a projector, including an installation mount or table, the screen, and cables can be very
high – between $5,000 and $10,000 for even a mid-range setup. Rather than buy a projector, buy a HDTV.
If you have your heart set on a HDTV, recognize that Plasma TVs are more expensive than rear projection
TVs, but rear projection TVs can be very good, although they cannot be hung on the wall of course. Also,
in many cases, LCD TV quality is almost as high as plasma for a much reduced price.
Page 90 of 112
However, it may be surprising to hear that if looking for corners to cut, it may not be worth the extra outlay
involved in buying a HDTV at all. Most televisions manufactured after the mid 1990’s are well capable of
displaying the increased lines per inch from a DVD player, so movies will still look a lot better than
standard TV (or VHS). It is a good idea, in this case, to determine whether or not your existing TV
supports Progressive Scanning – and if it does, to buy a DVD player with Progressive Scanning capabilities
in order to make the most of the TV picture.
Of course, some Home Theater enthusiasts will insist on the amazingly clear picture offered by HDTV sets
especially now that prices are coming down.
Definitely, a good way of reducing costs involved in buying a Home Theater is to avoid the maintenance
contracts or insurance contracts commonly offered by retailers. Enthusiastic sales people will try to
convince consumers that these contracts are essential but often the small print contains warnings that the
contracts do not cover some of the most likely scenarios, so even if you do require a contract, it is a good
idea to avoid impulsive purchases in this area and do some detailed research to ensure you are not wasting
money.
If on a tight budget, it may be a good idea not to buy all the speakers your Home Theater system will
require up front, as it can be expensive to buy 5 speakers or more at once – for example, buy the two front
speakers first, followed by the two rear speakers, and then when it is financially feasible, add the center
speaker. Of course, surround sound will not be possible until at least 5 speakers are installed, but this
arrangement may make it possible to build a higher quality system in the end. Some front speakers can
handle the ranges that subwoofers tend to handle, and it may be worth considering whether or not a
subwoofer is required at all – although for those who revel in hip hop music with a deep bass, or who
require solid low frequency explosions in their movies, this may not be a feasible option.
Rather than buy a CD player and a DVD player and a Video recorder, consider buying an all-in-one
system, preferably including a carousel DVD player, for convenience.
Another way of reducing the cost of components is to look out for refurbished components, often sold for a
nofraction of the original price on sites such as Ubid.com, Ebay.com or in electronics stores. Often, the
manufacturer’s original warranty is still offered for these models.
Recognize that a great receiver, coupled with a bargain DVD player can provide a great Home Theater
experience, so spending a little more on a receiver, and less on a DVD player is a very feasible option.
Never “save money” by not buying a surge protector. It is vital to have a surge protector to protect your
system from potential damage in this way. For some ideas on how to save money when buying cables,
without compromising quality, see
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/buyingguides/cablebudgetguidelines.php
A way of reducing the impact of the cost of a Home Theater (though not necessarily reducing the cost
itself) is to roll the cost of the Home Theater installation into the mortgage on a new home. Having a
builder build a state-of-the-art Home Theater into the new home may add 4% or 5% onto the average price
of a new home but paying it as part of the mortgage is often an easier way to manage the cost than putting
the cost onto a credit card.
A general guide to how much should be spent upon the different components of a Home Theater system is
as follows:

Spend up to 35-40% of your budget on speakers as these are the most important component in
your system in terms of sound quality.
Page 91 of 112

Spend about 25% of your budget on the receiver or amplifier / pre amplifier processor, as these are
key components in dictating the quality of sound and video as well as providing control over other
components. Ensure that the receiver or amplifier works well with the speakers it will be driving.

Spend around 20% of your budget on the TV or screen.

Spend up to 10% of your budget on “sources” (i.e. dvd player / cd player / VCR) in total.
Universal disc players or combo DVD / Video Players are ideal options in reducing the cost of
such sources.

Spend 5-10% of your budget on wires and cables as these are key to getting the best out of the
other components.

Spend any remaining budget on furnishings and extras.
Using the above budget guidelines, a low budget package might consist of a Home Theater In A Box
system with a 27 inch TV, with all cables and accessories for as low as around $1000.
For around $1500, it would be possible to buy a low budget separate components package, with a separate
surround sound receiver, DVD player and speakers instead of the Home Theater In A Box.
A mid-budget separate components package might consist of a fairly good flat screen LCD TV, mid-range
surround sound system with decent speakers and a decent receiver for around $3-4000.
A similar package but with a high-end screen (Plasma TV or a video projector) could cost between $5 and
$10,000.
Additional costs to all of the above would include construction costs and furnishing costs.
4.2
Planning the Home Theater
The two most important decisions to make when planning how to set up your Home Theater are 1) will the
Home Theater be placed in a dedicated room or will it be placed in an existing living room or other room
and 2) will the Home Theater be made up of separate components or an all in one Home Theater In A Box
system?
The easier decisions include deciding which components needed within the Home Theater system. Most
people have some idea whether or not they want to buy a HDTV (though they may need advice on whether
to go for a plasma or LCD TV, for example), a VCR, a DVD player, a CD player (or a combination unit
which serves as all three), a surround sound receiver, and how many speakers they require (though the
latter two depend upon whether or not they need 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 surround sound).
4.3
Installation
Assuming that the TV in the Home Theater system has many video input jacks (especially component
color), the DVD player should be connected directly to the TV. If not, the DVD player can be connected to
the receiver along with the satellite / cable box and the VCR. Then the receiver’s video output should be
connected to the TV.
If the TV and Audio Visual receiver accept S-Video connections, the DVD S-Video output should be
connected to the receiver in order to obtain better picture quality than a regular RCA-type cable. The
DVD player’s digital audio output should be connected to the receiver’s digital audio input using a Toslink
digital cable or a 75 Ohm RCA-type cable (coaxial connection) in order to obtain the best possible audio
quality.
Page 92 of 112
In order to ascertain which type of connector is needed, check the audio output jack on the back of the
DVD player and the receiver. Do not forget to adjust the audio settings to output audio through the digital
connection (rather than the analog RCA stereo jacks) using the DVD player setup menu.
Set up the speaker connectors (either 5 speakers for 5.1, 6 for 6.1 or 7 for 7.1) to the receiver – there will
always be at least one front left, one front right, one subwoofer channel and one back left and one back
right). Use zip cord (standard amplifier cord) for the speaker wires and try to minimize the length of the
cable as much as possible (as signal degrades as the cable gets longer). Ensure that the left and right
speakers’ cable lengths are identical in order to achieve balanced sound.
The subwoofer should be connected using the receiver’s subwoofer pre-out jack (RCA) and cable specially
designed for subwoofer use should be used.
4.4
Décor and Design
4.4.1
Design Phases
There are a number of phases that may be carried out when designing a Home Theater. Some of the phases
may be more or less necessary depending upon particular circumstances. These design phases are:








4.4.2
Define requirements
Assess Feasibility
Diagrams / Plans
Construction
Screen / TV Placement
Speaker Placement
Room Construction and Décor for Acoustics
Final measurements and testing
Define Requirements
Initially it is important to gather requirements such as:









What is the proposed minimum and maximum budget?
Is there a dedicated Home Theater room or is it shared for other purposes (e.g. meeting room or
living room)?
How many people need to be seated in the room? (and is this realistic?)
Will the Home Theater be used primarily to watch movies or to listen to music or both?
What aesthetics are desired within the room?
What performance (sound quality etc.) is required?
Is convenience, budget, performance or aesthetics the most important driver?
Is sound proofing important?
Do you have magazine pictures of layouts you like?
This information should be used to assess the feasibility of the Home Theater project, so that expectations
can be managed if necessary, and also in order to ascertain the priorities to be used when selecting
equipment and designing the Home Theater. Having it clearly defined before shopping begins makes it less
likely that bad purchasing decisions will be made later.
After budget available, the amount of space available is the second biggest factor determining the Home
Theater products bought by enthusiasts, and also the design of the Home Theater. It is important that your
system is not so big that it overpowers the small room or area in which it is housed, or conversely that it is
not so small that the room swamps it, and the sound and picture is lost in the room.
Page 93 of 112
For some advice on building a Home Theater system in a very small apartment, see Audioholics’ guide
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/avhardware/AudioSetupTips.php
When selecting where the Home Theater will be placed consider carefully which room it will be located in.
Do not automatically assume that a basement is the best place for a Home Theater (basements are prone to
flooding). But if the basement is the only option, it is not a good idea to run wires or cables along the floor,
and it is a good idea to avoid floor-standing speakers.
Because speaker placement is so key to good sound, the number of speakers purchased and types / sizes of
speakers purchased is often dictated to some degree by room size, also. Having a dedicated room for the
Home Theater makes it possible to set up components and speakers in the most optimal fashion to make
best use of the Home Theater. This may also make it more feasible to buy a projector and screen rather
than a TV, as well as proper theater seating and lighting. If a projector and screen is not in order, the space
available will dictate how big a screen is appropriate to the room or area (many Home Theater enthusiasts
believe the bigger the screen the better the Home Theater experience).
It should also be noted that the shape of the room and the materials within a room have a great effect on the
acoustics – hardwood floors, large windows, bays and coving can cause echoes and other unanticipated
effects.
4.4.3
Assess Feasibility
Once requirements are clearly defined, these can be conveyed to sales people, designers and installers so
that feasibility of the requirements can be assessed. It is a good idea at this point to run requirements by
more than one possible supplier in order to get a number of viewpoints on feasibility. If the project is
feasible, it is worth getting quotes and / or contracts for any design work and installation work required.
Such contracts should be read very carefully, as they are often binding and detail (almost) hidden
consequences for late payment and other possible scenarios. Ensure you get references for any contractor
used, and consider getting a lawyer to check over a contract, particularly one involving a great deal of
money.
4.4.4
Diagrams / Plans
If the Home Theater is being built from scratch or rebuilt, insist on some very clear diagrams / plans before
proceeding to ensure that requirements are clearly understood by both parties, and that dimensions are
accurate. Dimensions are critical, as they are key to bass sound reproduction and are not easily altered once
building has commenced, so pay attention to this.
It is important at this point to ensure that the design of space usage is correct for the room – for example,
that doors, windows and walkways are in the correct places, as well as the speaker, screen and seating, and
that these placements are not going to cause problems in everyday usage. Be aware that it may be
necessary to compromise on some aspects in order to maximize the Home Theater experience – for
example, it may make sense to have seating for fewer people, because otherwise some of the audience
could experience poor sound or experience pixilation on the screen (if they are too close to the screen).
Page 94 of 112
Be sure to ask the designer / installer to identify any issues with the plan and requirements and to discuss
them fully so that both parties are aware of the implications of any decisions (e.g. seating too close to the
walls or too close to the screen). Listen carefully to any issues and if there is anything you don’t
understand get clarification.
The concept plan makes clear which floor types and wall types will be used, how the ceiling will be
constructed, as well as where all the acoustical surface treatments will be placed - including absorption,
diffusion, and trapping treatments - within the room.
Note that the concept plan is the place to discuss possible cost-savings, as acoustical treatments have
different building costs associated with them, and there are many cost saving possibilities to designing
acoustical treatments, although it is important to ask about the consequences of cost savings in terms of
aesthetics and sound quality.
At this point, the designer can provide schematics to builders who can bid on the project. It is important
that the designer and builder work well together as builders may not have built rooms to acoustic
requirements before, so take this into account when considering bids.
4.4.5
4.4.5.1
Construction
Room Construction and Décor
If designing a Home Theater room yourself, from scratch (pre-construction), consider constructing the
room in order to optimize the Home Theater experience while making it as sound proof as possible.
It is important to remember that sound needs to be kept inside the listening area but kept out of other areas,
and that sound within the home travels in two main ways – through the air (air borne sound) or through
structures such as walls and ceilings (structure borne sound). Sound actually travels faster in dense
material than it travels through air, so it is important to take structure borne sound seriously.
Two things prevent sound transmitting – mass and space. Mass prevents the airborne sound from
transmitting, while space prevents the structure-borne sound from transmitting.
Page 95 of 112
One way to use mass to prevent sound transmission, for example, would be to use a strong material to build
the walls of the Home Theater room. Strengthen sheetrock (notorious for transmitting sound very easily!)
by screwing plywood to the studs before applying the sheetrock; this should keep most of the sound within the room.
Also, consider “staggered wall” construction to use “space” to improve sound isolation. This can reduce
sound transmission from room to room (or house to house), especially low frequency / bass sounds.
Staggered Wall construction uses two rows of wall studs instead of one, and offsets those in one row from
those in the other row, as shown in the illustration below. Bays in between are stuffed with insulation
(acoustical grade if affordable, otherwise fiberglass).
Remember that the walls may not be the only place where sound can be transmitted – the floors and
ceilings could also transmit sound, and insulation and construction of these should also take this into
account.
If designing a Home Theater post construction, insulation is still a possibility. It is even possible to strip
down the walls and re-sheetrock but this is time consuming and messy (though very effective).
It is probably more effective to instead control reflected sound by absorbing or diffusing (scattering) it – for
example, by creating uneven, non-parallel surfaces within the Home Theater room. This may take the form
of, for example, placing rugs, heavy carpeting, draperies, wall padding and furniture (including, of course,
loaded bookshelves) throughout the room. In particular, ensure that any glass is treated in order to break up
acoustic reflections (for example, put drapes / curtains in front of windows). This, of course, will serve to
reduce external light also, making it easier to see movies! It is also possible to treat the room’s trouble
spots with specially-designed products, such as foam or fiberglass moulds, that will change the way the
room responds to sound
Remember, however, that some reflected sound is necessary for music and speech to sound natural, so do
not overdo it.
Some easily-missed opportunities for improving sound include putting fabric over hard-surfaced coffee
tables (or even just a few magazines!), installing double-glazing windows (two panes of glass separated by
an air gap), installing doors that fit well and have no gaps above or below them, and removing framed art
from the room. Consider using “baffle boxes” to reduce the noise brought into the listening area via duct work also.
Some secrets of construction of sound-isolated rooms from the pros include:

Electrical boxes should be sealed enclosures and there should not be another box on the opposite
wall within the same joist
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
Never use recessed lighting in a high mass sound barrier (the holes compromise the sound
isolation)
For more on room design techniques, see
http://www.rivesaudio.com/files/top_10_secrets.pdf
Evaluate the severity of bass modes and other anomalies in your listening room using the CARA tool:
http://www.rivesaudio.com/CARAquick/CARAframe.html
For more on sound proofing techniques, see Audioholics tips on sound proofing:
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/RoomAcoustics-RivesAudio.html
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/roomacoustics/SoundIsolationNoise.php
4.4.5.2
Building
During the building phase, ensure that you don’t answer any of the questions the builders ask of you
without advice from the designer. Builders often have suggestions that they believe may improve the
construction or reduce costs, but it may be that the suggestions they have will cause problems with
acoustics or other elements of the Home Theater design.
Recognize that you are not the expert on construction or design (unless you are!) and leave it to the experts!
4.4.5.3
Screen / TV Placement
The ideal recommended size of screen (according to SMPTE – the Society of Motion Pictures and
Television Engineers) is a screen that occupies 30 degrees field of view for the audience in the horizontal
plane, and 15 degrees in the vertical plane, when the screen is in position. THX recommendations concur
with this, suggesting the angle of viewing should be between 26 and 36 degrees in the horizontal plane for
everyone in the audience.
Definitely, for a 1080p projector, the closest seat should have a viewing angle of no greater than 36 degrees
(for an 8ft wide screen, this works out to be a viewing distance of a little over 12 ft).
Note that a television is best viewed when raised to a height of 3 or 4 feet. In fact, in a bedroom, the most
natural viewing angle may be obtained by ceiling-mounting the television.
4.4.5.4
Seating Placement
Oftentimes, Home Theater enthusiasts want more seats than a room really should have. It is important to
be aware just how much this may compromise the sound quality for the rear row of seating. Ideally,
listeners should be at least 3.5 feet away from any adjacent wall, and a minimum of 5 feet from the TV /
screen (10 feet ideally – see below for more detail). Otherwise they will experience low frequency gain
above 40 Hz from being too close to the wall, due to boundary wall loading effects. Remember also that
people seated too close to the screen will often see pixilation on the screen, so this should also be avoided.
For larger HDTVs (42 inches plus), twice the screen width is the recommended distance from the screen at
which the audience should sit, and three times the screen width for a large (42 inches plus) standard TV.
The maximum recommended distance the audience should sit from the large HDTV screen is three to four
screen-widths and for large standard TVs is five screen-widths. For regular sized standard TVs (36 – 40
inches), 8-12 feet viewing distance is recommended.
If more than one row of seating will exist in a Home Theater, decisions will have been made during the
feasibility stage about how many seats there will be and how they will be placed. This will affect the
screen visibility from each seat – in order to obtain “every row vision” (where every row has an open view
Page 97 of 112
of the screen) it will probably be necessary to build “risers” (1 foot high steps that occur between rows of
seats) but this can be expensive and can result in a steeply-sloped seating profile. “Every other row vision”
can be employed instead, with seating staggered so that people can see the screen between the seats in front
of them, and this will be far cheaper. Angled, or curved, seating can prevent anyone in the audience having
to strain or crane their necks in order to get a good view also. The ideal line of sight when a human is
seated is around 15 degrees below a horizontal line drawn from the eyes when the head is upright, so if
money is no object, seating should be elevated slightly to allow for this comfortable line of view.
For more guidance on seating placement see http://www.cinemasource.com/articles/seating_guide.pdf
For more on the appropriate viewing distance required for screens see http://www.practical-home-theaterguide.com/Tv-viewing-distance.html
4.4.5.5
Speaker Placement
Placement is critical to obtaining the best sound quality from any speaker. For example, the tweeter
(smaller speaker) must be positioned at ear level (so a speaker stand may be required), while placing a
subwoofer too close to a rear wall, for example, may emphasize the bass, upset the neighbors and degrade
the stereo image.
In a perfect world, all speakers will be placed at least 3 to 4 ft away from any walls, ceilings or floors and
above the ear level of the audience, with the speaker sound aimed downwards, directly at the ears of the
audience, with nothing between the speaker and the ears of the audience (in fact, anything coming into
contact with the sound before and after it hits the audience’s ears in its cone of projection from the speakers
should be avoided as it will affect sound). It is important that speakers are at or above ear-level in order to
obtain clarity of sound and to show off speakers’ best acoustic capabilities.
Ideally, front speakers will all be placed 6-10 feet apart, at the same height and arranged in an arc so that
they are all the same distance from the audience – even if the speakers are placed in a cabinet or bookcase
(in which case the front speakers should be placed at ear height), the center speaker should be placed as
close as possible to the same height as the front speakers, below or above the tv / screen (above the tv is the
optimal placement according to experts). Ensure that, if placed in a cabinet or bookcase, the speakers are
as far forward as possible, so that sound does not bounce around within the cabinet.
The speakers would be placed at a third of the length of the room, with the audience seated at around two
thirds the length of the room. If this isn’t possible then place the speakers at one fifth the length of the
room and the audience at a multiple of one fifth the length of the room. Never make the distance from the
speaker to the wall behind it equal to the distance from the speaker to the wall beside it, as sound distortion
will result.
Rear speakers should be either the same height as, or higher than, the front speakers and they should be
placed at the same distance from the audience. The distance from the listener to the front speakers and the
distance from the listener to the rear speakers does not need to be the same, though, because of the
adjustable time delay incorporated into surround processors. Note that it is best if the surround (rear)
speakers do not point directly at the audience’s ears as this can be overpowering.
Usually, the subwoofer should be located in one of the front corners of the room. However, when placed in
a corner, it will activate both walls, causing low frequencies to travel through both walls if sound insulation
is not good in these walls, so either insulate the wall or ensure that the walls are walls not shared with a
neighbor. If this position is not ideal, experiment with placement one-third across the front wall, two-thirds
distance away from the offending corner. If the subwoofer sounds “boomy” from the audience position,
experiment with moving the subwoofer out of the front corner and slightly closer to the audience position,
but still to the front and to one side of the position.
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Do not forget to adjust the levels (reduce the gain) of the subwoofer accordingly. If the neighbors are upset,
t is a good idea to use a low frequency test generator to help in adjusting a subwoofer to give the best sound
while disturbing the fewest other people. If your receiver / pre-amplifier does not have its own, it is worth
considering using the one found on Avia’s Guide To Home Theater.
Start up the low frequency generator and turn the volume on your Home Theater to the desired listening
level. With the subwoofer playing the low frequency tone, if it is possible, visit the neighbor to observe the
level of the subwoofer. Adjust the gain level on the subwoofer (but not that on the receiver or preamplifier) until the neighbor is satisfied.
Note that it is likely that this will leave you with a less than satisfactory experience within your own room.
Consider purchasing a “buttkicker” from Audioholics, or similar, to give you the desired effect without
upsetting the neighbors.
Never place a subwoofer in a cabinet or bookcase, as other items in the cabinet or bookcase will be
disturbed by bass sounds, causing a distracting chattering.
If locating the center speaker at the front of the room, it is a good idea, as stated above, to locate it on top of
the TV / screen. If this is done, it is best to move the speaker forward so that its face is in line with the face
of the screen to prevent sound diffraction and tilt it downwards so that the sound hits the audience at ear
level. Ideally, it should be no higher than 2 to 3 feet higher than the front speakers, but should be either
immediately above or immediately below the screen, ideally (above is the best position).
Note that the center speaker is important because inability to hear dialogue is the most common speaker
problem. Ensure the center speaker is positioned directly at the audience and adjust the level higher if
necessary.
If the rear speakers have to be hung on the wall, some side effects may result – although some speakers are
specifically designed for this purpose and mitigate some of the side effects. If using dipole speakers (sound
emanates from the front and the rear of these speakers), they should be placed behind the audience at 20
degree angles to the audience ear-level which works out at around 5-6ft. Monopoles should also be placed
at around 6ft but can be placed further back if needed. The rear speakers should each always be placed at
equal distance from the audience.
When placing speakers, practical considerations also come into play – for example, do the speakers need to
be protected from pets or small children within the house? Is there a high possibility of earthquake in
which case floor-standing speakers might be preferable to reduce the risk of danger from falling objects?
Aesthetic concerns may affect speaker positioning too – in order to reduce the appearance of wires, it may
be necessary to position speakers in cabinets, for example.
Once an optimal position has been determined for each speaker, mark the position, and then experiment
with other positions, just to ensure the ideal position has been found. It is impossible to over-experiment
with such an important part of the Home Theater experience.
The following spreadsheet tool can be used to help determine where and how to place speakers in order to
use space optimally and gain optimal sound quality:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=42348
Another useful tool for acoustics prediction etc. is the following tool:
http://www.catt.se/CATT-Acoustic.htm
For more on speaker placement see Rives Audio’s Speaker Placement guides:
http://www.rivesaudio.com/files/spkr_plcmt.pdf
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Also see the Home Theater boot camp:
http://www.hometheatermag.com/bootcamp/28/index.html
4.4.6
Design Tools/Software
Some useful tools / software to help in designing a Home Theater are listed below.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=42348
Speaker placement spreadsheet
http://www.catt.se/CATT-Acoustic.htm
Software for acoustics prediction/auralization
http://www.rivesaudio.com/resources/listening_room/frame.html
Toolset for designing a listening room
http://www.carltonbale.com/ht/calculator/index.html
The spreadsheet contains calculations for screen size, screen brightness, recommended viewing distances
(based on THX, SMPTE, and visual acuity standards), projector throw distances, seat locations, back row
platform height calculation, and a few other goodies.
4.4.7
Listening Room Design Resources
For more information on how to design a room to optimize acoustics, see the following resources:
Ecoustics’ guide, “How to Design A Listening Room”
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/144661.html
And the Crutchfield Advisor guide to Speakers and Room Acoustics
http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-L69gMCi6T5A/learningcenter/home/speakers_roomacoustics.html
Audioholics articles on Room Acoustics:
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/RoomAcoustics.html
For more on room acoustics read:
The Master Handbook of Acoustics, Fourth Edition, by F. Alton Everest
The Complete Guide to High-End Audio, Third Edition, by Robert Harley
4.5
4.5.1
Home Theater Installation
Cable / Wire Management
The first rule of cable and wire management is KISS – Keep It Simple Stupid! Using fewer cables and
wires, and keeping the cables and wires you do use as short as possible, helps a great deal in keeping the
Home Theater area clean and tidy, and wires and cables as hidden as possible. Make wire runs as short as
possible in general, but ensure that the wires are long enough (especially if the rear panels are difficult to
access because of the way the components are shelved). Ensure there is sufficient wire to enable you to
pull the component forward. Never force a short wire to reach, as this can place a great amount of stress on
the connector and cause damage; instead buy a long cable (particularly true for optical cables and wires).
Exposed speaker cables are unsightly. Whenever possible, run speaker wires under the floor, or if you are
unable to run wires under the floor, at least pull the carpeting back a little and slip the wire under the carpet.
Page 100 of 112
If your speakers are mounted on the wall, avoid flat-topped staples (which can sever the wire’s insulation)
by running the wires through the inside of the wall by drilling a hole through the wall using an extra-long
drill bit (be sure you know where you are drilling has no electric wires behind it etc.), taping the wire end to
coat hanger that has been straightened out, and poking it through the hole. To run the wire up the wall,
create another hole above the end hole and pass a string with a small weight attached through the upper
hole down to the hole below, and attach the wire to the string and pull it up through the top hole.
To avoid interference into the signal, separate power cords from signal cords wherever possible, or at the
very least minimize contact between the two as much as you can. Avoid kinks in wires as much as
possible. Rather than allow wires to lay in loops, arrange them in a figure 8 or S shape to minimize
electromagnetic interference.
Of course, if the speakers are inside a cabinet, buy a cabinet with cable management features. Another
alternative is to attach wire to the floor or moldings using plastic insulated wire clips. Wherever possible,
bundle all wires that connect one component to another. It is possible to buy plastic tubing designed for
this purpose, although tying wires together with hook and loop ties or adhesive tape is just as effective
(though adhesive tape may be more difficult to remove when it comes to making changes). Label each end
of wires or cable bundles carefully (include function, source and destination information) so that it is easy
to identify wires at a later date.
If installing a cable jack, purchase shielded coaxial cable (it costs more than unshielded but has a metal
wrapping that improves reception).
Remember that cable splitters and connectors of various types are available at DIY stores.
For more on home wiring see
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/interconnects/HouseWiringBasics.php
4.5.2
Mounting Components
When mounting heavy components such as a TV or a VCR, it is important to attach brackets or wall plates
to wall studs. To locate studs, use an electronic stud finder, and ensure that you have found solid wood by
driving nails into the wall at the chosen point. Be sure to anchor carefully, by driving screws in to studs to
a depth of at least 1.5 inches (note that this does not include drywall or plaster). Be sure to follow
instructions carefully in mounting a plate or bracket (or both), and use a level to ensure that the positioning
is correct. Use safety belts around components to ensure they will not fall easily.
4.5.3
Mounting a TV
For those with a small apartment, or a small Home Theater area, there are mounts available for large flat
panel TVs which also include mounts for speakers (one either side, and one above the TV), and some also
include cable management features. These mounts are easily installed – a cleat attaches to the wall studs;
the mounting system is then lifted into place and hangs on the cleat. Removal is simple also – and filling in
the holes left by the mounting screws is all that is necessary to hide the evidence that a TV was ever in
place.
4.5.4
Installing a Speaker Jack
Position the two clamps on the speaker jack so that you can screw the cover plate into the threaded center
holes and clamp them firm. Solder the speaker wires to the terminals (or else strip some insulation from the
ends of the speaker wires and attach female crimp-connectors that will fit firmly onto the terminals in the
back of the jack). Attach the connectors to the back of the jack and attach the jack to the clamps with two
screws.
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4.5.5
Installing a Cable TV or Satellite TV set top box
For information on how best to install a Cable TV or Satellite TV set top box, see the Audioholics guide at
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/avhardware/CableSatelliteTVConnection.php
4.5.6
Installing a DVD Player
Only one component should handle bass management, so ideally, leave it to the receiver. In this
circumstance, turn off Bass Management on the DVD player, and set all speakers to large. Alternatively,
the DVD player can handle bass management in some situations. If the DVD player is handling bass
management, follow the specific instructions coming with the DVD Player.
Most DVD players have PCM set as the default audio output, but this setting should be changed to
Bitstream ini order to get Dolby Digital or DTS sent to the receiver.
Disable all filtering and effects the DVD Player might offer – noise reduction, filtering, DSPs etc. – and let
the receiver handle these instead. It may make sense to play with these settings later on, but by default the
receiver is usually the best place to handle these.
Assuming that your display is widescreen compatible (most modern TVs are), set up widescreen mode
(16:9), and disable zoom.
Use the best possible video output available on the TV to connect from the DVD Player – ideally, for video
outputs, Component outputs should be used, or else DVI / HDMI, for High Definition TV (one of these
must be used in order to get non-interlaced video signal to the TV). For audio, Toslink or coaxial digital
cable should be used to connect the receiver to the DVD player in order to decode Dolby Digital and DTS
movie soundtracks; optionally, the left and right analog audio output on the DVD player can also be
connected to the receiver. Don’t forget that if your DVD player is also a recorder (DVR), you will need
both input and output cables to be attached. Remember also to enable Progressive Scan for a Digital / HD
TV. For non-digital TV, S-Video is the best output to use.
Any other features such as brightness, filtering, black level etc. should be disabled on the DVD player
initially, as these features are best used on the TV / Display itself. However, if tweaking the TV / display
fails to produce a good picture, enable these features and try adjusting them at the DVD Player level.
4.5.7
Installing a VCR
Like the DVD player, the VCR requires audio and video connections – but because it is a recording device,
it also requires both input and output signals (although, note that if the outgoing audio and video outputs
from the receiver are not connected to the VCR, it is still possible to record using the VCR if the VCR is
connected to the cable tv outlet on the wall or directly to the satellite box).
Generally speaking the analog audio inputs and outputs of the VCR will be connected to the oppositely
labeled connections on the receiver, so that the jack labeled “Audio OUT” on the VCR should be connected
to the corresponding “Audio IN” on the receiver, and vice versa.
4.5.8
Installing a TV
The video out or monitor out connection on the back of the receiver should be connected to the video input
on the TV, using the appropriate connector (composite ideally for HDTV, or S-Video – remember that all
video connections in your system should ideally be of the same type). Connect the analog audio outputs
from the TV to the corresponding inputs on the receiver also.
4.5.9
Installing Speakers
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Usually, there will be either 5, 6 or 7 speakers plus a subwoofer in a Home Theater system – two front
speakers (left and right), a center channel, with either two, three or four surround / rear speakers depending
upon the surround sound format being used (5.1, 6.1 or 7.1), plus the subwoofer.
Wire each connector on the back of the receiver to the appropriate speaker, ensuring that the polarity of the
wires is consistent throughout. Usually, the subwoofer is attached using a single analog RCA connection
that is labeled appropriately on the back of the receiver. Ensure that this is the connection used, as this is
where the signal for the dedicated LFE (low frequency effects) channel for movie soundtracks is derived.
If installing in-wall speakers, it is a good idea to use a drywall saw to cut the hole rather than a utility knife.
Although a utility knife will make the cleanest cuts in drywall, it can be difficult for a non-expert to control,
whereas an electric rotary saw makes cutting drywall relatively easy and is relatively cheap ($10 at most
hardware stores). Remember that if there are any rough edges, the speaker's frame will cover them up
anyway.
4.5.10
Projector Installation
When ceiling-mounting a projector it is important to know the projector’s “throw ratio”. A projector's
throw ratio is the relationship between its distance from the screen and the width of the image it projects.
For example, if your projector will be ceiling-mounted ten feet away from your screen, the image it projects
will be larger than if your projector is mounted only five feet away. If your projector has a zoom lens,
determine exactly where you wish to mount the unit, and verify that the projector can meet your ideal
image size from that distance.
For information about how to connect a projector to other components in a Home Theater system, see
http://www.projectorpeople.com/downloads/ProjectorPeople-ConnectionGuide.pdf
4.5.11
Installing a Receiver
When setting up a receiver, first, set all speakers to small, so allowing the subwoofer to deal with the bass also, allow LFE (Low Frequency Effects) to drive the subwoofer.
Next, experiment with different crossover settings (don’t assume that the THX recommended 80 Hz is right
for all systems).
Set the dynamic range to 100% (night mode, dynamic compression set to off).
By default, it is also a good idea turn off all DSP modes, and only when ready to experiment further to
change this.
In order to determine whether or not the Dolby settings are saved for every selected input, set up the Dolby
Pro Logic II or IIx as is appropriate for the music played on the receiver, and then switch over to VCR and
see whether the settings have carried over (Pro Logic II presets and saved settings per input are convenient
features offered by some receivers). Enable automatic detention of Dolby Digital / DTS for digital audio
inputs. This will override any Pro Logic II or DSP setting selected. The receiver’s front panel should have
an indicator indicating which audio format is detected.
4.5.12
Home Automation Accessories Installation
X10 is a “protocol” (language) that enables compatible products to communicate with one another via the
existing electrical wiring in the home. Most X10 products are cheap, and because they use existing wiring
no rewiring is necessary.
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Installation is fairly simple – the transmitter device plugs in at one location in the home and the receiving
plugs in at another location in the same home.
For more information about installation of x10 compatible devices (such as light dimmers, drape
controllers, security features, phone systems, remote-control devices for Home Theater component control,
thermostats etc.) , see
http://www.smarthome.com/about_x10.html
4.5.13
Antennae Installation
When installing an antenna, it is important to point the antenna in the direction of the transmitting towers so
as to receive as strong a signal as is possible. The closer the antenna is to the tower, the stronger the signal
will be. Ideally there will be a clear line of sight between the tower and the antenna as obstacles will
weaken the signal or else obscure it altogether.
Large objects close by that do not block the signal, but are taller than the antenna, (e.g. mountains and
buildings), might cause “reflections” or “ghost signals”. These arrive at the tuner along with the original
signal and can confuse the receiver, so distorting the picture. Directing the antenna in precisely the correct
direction will help eliminate these reflected signals and provide more reliable Digital TV reception.
Larger antennae more easily reject reflected signals. They also have more “gain”, enabling the antenna to
obtain a stronger signal from more distant / weaker transmissions. Smaller antennae are less directional,
which means that, although they can pick up transmissions that come from different directions, they have
lower gain (the signals will not be as strong) and do not reject reflections as easily. An antenna
preamplifier can help boost the signal level, so long as it is possible to receive a reasonably clean signal in
the first place.
In an ideal world, all local stations would transmit from one location, and it would be possible to buy the
largest antenna affordable / practical. If, for cosmetic reasons, a smaller antenna must be used, use it with a
preamplifier. However, in reality, in some cases, even if close to the transmitters, signal reflections from
nearby objects will necessitate the use of a larger, more directional antenna. It may be possible to hide the
antenna in an attic if the roof is not made with materials that block the signal (metal sheeting or chicken
wire, for example). Wood, non-metallic clay, tile or asphalt shingle roofs will reduce the signal level about
20%, so unless there is signal to spare, a larger antenna may be required in the attic, possibly with a
preamplifier, than otherwise would be needed outdoors.
If local stations are located in different directions and are too far away for a small, multidirectional antenna
to pick up, or if they’re close by but there are too many reflections from nearby objects, there are two
possible options. Both options require a larger, more directional, higher-gain antenna. One option is to get a
rotor. This is a motor connected to the antenna mast that is controlled by a rotary switch in the living room.
Turning the switch causes the motor to rotate the antenna to point in the desired location. While this
solution is not ideal, it is relatively cheap and works fairly well.
Antennaweb.org is a website that provides the user with the compass directions for local stations to enable
accurate setting up of antennae. Using the website, it is possible to determine the distance to the local
transmitter based on the city the channel is transmitting from and the size of the antenna that the site
recommends.
4.5.14
Audio Calibration
For those with endless money to spend, it is worth considering professional audio calibration services
(locate a professional at http://www.homeacoustics.net), but for those with limited budget, there are cheap
audio calibration options available. The Avia Guide to Home Theater contains an audio calibration tool
(and there are others on the market also – see
http://www.homeacoustics.net/Locator/DealerHomepage/Tools.htm).
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For more on audio calibration, see
http://www.sencore.com/newsletter/Oct03/AudioCalpart1_files/AudioCalpart1.pdf
4.5.15
Trouble-shooting
If, after you install your Home Theater, you are experiencing a problem, such as interference, see the
following tips which can help you to identify the problem and eradicate it:
Check all RCA interconnects for same channel consistency, left, right stereo channels and center, sub and
surrounds for 5.1 input from your Universal DVD player. One bad link will throw speaker imaging off
Check all speaker wires’ polarity for consistency. For example, if the striped wire has been chosen for
negative for one speaker connection, make sure all are the same.
Check speaker positioning (see section above)
Ensure that the center channel speaker is video-shielded. The magnetic field if a speaker is not shielded
can cause picture distortion (or even potentially cause damage).
For more tips, see the following links:
From Audioholics - Ground loops – eliminating system hum and buzz
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/avhardware/groundloopcableTV.php
For more information about installing a Home Theater see the following links:
For some inspirational ideas about construction and installation of Home Theater, see the HomeTheater
Blog
http://www.hometheaterblog.com/hometheater/home_theater_construction/index.html
Home Theater Setup Guide
http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/setup/index.php
For general Home Theater Installation tips, see
http://www.practical-home-theater-guide.com/installing-a-home-theater.html
5
Making Good Use of Your Home Theater
This section aims to provide some innovative ideas for getting more out of your Home Theater system.
5.1
Downloading From The Web
Various websites now allow you to download video and music files that can be used within your home
theater, although there are many legal issues to take into account when downloading copyright material so
beware when using these sites. The ones that are relatively legal are listed first!
www.napster.com
www.itunes.com
www.mp3share.us
www.kazaa.com
www.morpheus.com
www.grokster.com
www.onlinemovieaccess.com
Page 105 of 112
www.247downloads.com
For more information on downloading music and video files see the following links:
http://www.home-movie-theater-guide.com/download-DVDs.html
Where to download dvds legally!
http://www.home-movie-theater-guide.com/DVD-movie-rental.html
Rent DVD movies
5.2
Renting DVDs
Various companies now offer the ability to order DVDs over the web and have them sent to an address free
of charge, many of them offering unlimited rentals for the top tier of fees (still pretty reasonable usually).
Another feature offered is the “playlist” feature, whereby the customer selects the DVDs they wish to view
into a playlist, and the company automatically sends the next one on the list as soon as the customer is
ready to receive the next movie. Returning movies is a simple case of placing the DVD in a postage-paid
envelope and putting it into the mailbox.
The two most familiar companies offering this service in the US are:
www.netflix.com
www.blockbuster.com
5.3
HD Programming Sources
The Digital TV (DTV) standard was set in 1996, and the US government then mandated that all 1600 plus
TV stations should move from analog to digital transmission. In order to facilitate the move, the FCC
provided an additional channel to all broadcast TV stations which is to be dedicated to digital transmission,
and mandated that the original channel must be given up once transition is complete (in the year 2006, or
when 85 per cent of all households are using the new channel, whichever is sooner).
In the US, the primary HD channel offerings come from Satellite TV operators Dish Network and
DirecTV, and Cable TV operators such as Comcast and Cox.
At the time of writing, Dish Network offers a wide range of HD channels in its “HD Pak Service”,
including Animania HD, Discovery HD Theater, ESPNHD, Equator HD, Gallery HD, HDNet, HDNet
Movies, HD News, Majestic HD, Monsters HD, Rave HD, Rush HD, TNT, Ultra HD and optional extras
HBO HDTV and Showtime HDTV. Plans for many more HD offerings are in place.
DIRECTV offers Discovery HD Theater, ESPN HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, TNT, Universal HD, as well
as some local programming and some sports events in HD, at the time of writing.
Programming providers, such as Showtime, HBO, Discovery, ESPN, HDnet, and all of the major networks
(ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, FOX, and WB) are dedicating more broadcast hours to HDTV.
To find out which Digital TV (DTV) broadcast stations are available in your area, see http://www.nab.org
For more on HD Programming Sources see
http://www.bestbuy.com/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat27000050025&type=category
And
The CEA HDTV Guide
http://www.ce.org/hdTVguide
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5.4
Record TV
There are a number of options for recording TV these days, including Tivo, cable company DVR and
recording TV to a PC with a Media Center TV Tuner card installed.
All options offer the ability to pause, rewind, playback and record TV programs, record a whole season of a
show in a single step, record more than one program at the same time, etc.
While Media Center PCs come with a TV Tuner card installed already (and such cards are cheap to buy –
from $80 to around 130 with prices falling all the time), and Tivo costs $200 (although mail-in rebates
make the initial layout a lot cheaper), and Tivo and Cable companies often charge around $10 per month
for DVR service, so the cheapest option is to use a PC for recording TV content.
Recording on a PC has the added advantage that it allows almost unlimited storage of recorded shows, and
bypasses the copyright protection schemes that prevent recording of some content when using services such
as Tivo To Go. Of course, having a DVR enabled PC also saves space if the PC has a flat panel screen –
rather than requiring a TV, recording device and a PC, the only thing required is a PC – which, if it is a
Media Center PC, often includes other Home Theater bonus features such as the ability to share music,
videos and photos and record DVDs and CDs. Be aware that TV Tuner cards often require Microsoft
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 in order to run, and some have further hardware requirements
also.
5.5
Improve Your TV’s Picture
In order to obtain the best picture a TV has to offer, it is essential, firstly, to use the correct cabling. For
HDTV, the best cabling to use is HDMI / DVI, the next best is Component (RGB), then comes S-Video
and finally, the worst type of cabling that can be used, Composite. Generally speaking, the larger the TV
and / or the longer the cable / wiring run, the more sensitive the picture will be to the quality of cable.
When a HDTV leaves the store, chances are the image settings will be those that best show off the TV in a
garish TV showroom environment, not the natural colors and image settings required for comfortable home
viewing, so spend some time adjusting to more realistic settings. In particular, turn down the brightness
and contrast, because a TV’s lifespan is drastically reduced by high contrast and brightness settings as the
plasma panel, tube or bulb that produces the TV’s light will wear out much more quickly.
5.6
Archive VHS to DVD
Use a VCR-DVD combo recorder to record VHS tapes to DVD format. Recording to DVD is useful for
keeping backups of tapes, as DVDs typically last longer than VHS tapes (DVDs can last 100+ years,
whereas VHS quality degrades noticeably after 5 years), are relatively cheap nowadays and are easier to
store.
5.7
Film Sanitizing
The Family Entertainment and Copyright Act is a bill recently approved by the US House of
Representatives, aimed at allowing companies to “sanitize” the content of DVDs to remove objectionable
content such as bad language, sex scenes, violence etc. Much controversy surrounds this process at this
time, with the Hollywood studios arguing that such sanitization destroys the artistic integrity of their work,
and claiming that the process is illegal. However, the process, offered by companies such as ClearPlay,
CleanFilms and Flicks Club, looks set to continue.
If you would like to view DVDs on your Home Theater that the whole family can watch it is worth
considering the offerings from these companies.
Page 107 of 112
5.8
Learn about Home Theater
??HERE!! Finish this off
List CNet Home Theater courses online
http://directory.help.com/classes/providers/cnet/homeentertainment/
Home Theater Design Workshop from CNet
http://home-theater-design.workshops.help.com/
6
6.1
Useful Resources
Books / DVDs
Home Theater for Dummies (Paperback)
by Danny Briere, Pat Hurley
Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems, 2005 Fourth Edition (Paperback)
by Mark Fleischmann
A Guide to Home Theater (DVD)
By Avia
The Master Handbook of Acoustics, Fourth Edition, by F. Alton Everest
Page 108 of 112
The Complete Guide to High-End Audio, Third Edition, by Robert Harley
6.2
Websites
Setup
http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/hometheater_default.asp
Home Theater setup info
Tutorials
http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/cat/-12884/rpem/ccd/lookLearnIndex.do
Tutorials on Home Theater from Circuit City
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/hdTV.htm
How HDTV works
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/hdTV1.htm
What is HDTV?
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/hdTV4.htm
How is HDTV different?
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/projection-TV.htm
How Projection TV works
http://www.home-movie-theater-guide.com/download-DVDs.html
Where to download dvds legally!
http://www.letsrenovate.com/plans/entertain.html
LetsRenovate Guide to Home Theater
http://www.primediahometech.com/dlpseeit/
DLP Guide
http://www.sonydigitaluniversity.com/campuses/campus.jsp?campusId=1102&mcid=ca003&sonysession=
4589597544275999560e2a6d6d8e
Various Courses on Home Theater topics from Sony
Articles etc.
http://www.homecinemachoice.com/
News, reviews and information for Home Cinema enthusiasts
http://www.hometheatermag.com/
Home Theater Magazine
http://www.widescreenreview.com/
Indepth reviews of Home Theater items
Page 109 of 112
http://www.Plasmaplanet.com
Plasma Planet
http://www.ecoustics.com
Everything HiFi Online (also much information about screens, projectors etc.)
http://www.projectorpeople.com/
Projector People – reviews and guides to projectors and Home Theater equipment
Glossaries
http://www.audiovideo101.com/dictionary/default.asp
Audio / visual dictionary from AudioVideo101
http://www.sweetwater.com/expert-center/glossary/
Music Technology Glossary
http://www.widescreenreview.com/eq_glossary.php
Technical glossary
Useful Sites
http://www.nab.org
DTV programming listings
http://www.home-movie-theater-guide.com/DVD-movie-rental.html
Rent DVD movies
6.3
Tools
Antenna Choice Tool
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx
Axiom Audio Home Theater Wizard for selecting speakers
http://www.axiomaudio.com/store.html?1069#
CATT-Acoustic acoustics prediction/auralization tool
http://www.catt.se/CATT-Acoustic.htm
DVD Player Buying Guide Tool from Target
http://sy.adiho.com/ASA/Controller?adi_hasScript=1&_AD_195R22=80&adi_scriptSID=DDA9C7EBDD
6726D7C9CBB00B016BDB37&sysid=88&appid=10423&que-FF5=abg
Home Theater Calculator
http://www.catt.se/CATT-Acoustic.htm
The spreadsheet contains calculations for screen size, screen brightness, recommended viewing distances
(based on THX, SMPTE, and visual acuity standards), projector throw distances, seat locations, back row
platform height calculation, and a few other goodies.
Home Theater System Buying Guide Tool from Target
http://sy.adiho.com/ASA/Controller?adi_hasScript=1&_AD_195R22=97&adi_scriptSID=8F58D46266223
04993FA6D233700FB0F&sysid=88&appid=10425&que-FF5=abg
Page 110 of 112
Home Theater Wizard - helps select home theater components based on a set of questions
http://www.axiomaudio.com
Icovia Home Theater Planner
http://www.icovia.com/hometheater.html
MP3 Buying Guide Tool from Target
http://sy.adiho.com/ASA/Controller?adi_hasScript=1&_AD_195R22=68&adi_scriptSID=3BC50DBFB92F
19CEA5E0871DD603E1C8&sysid=88&appid=10427&que-FF5=abg
Sony TV Advisor tool
http://www.advizia.com/v41/Advisor.asp?User=sonytelevision-ss&Rnd=254
Speaker Placement Spreadsheet Tool
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=42348
Toolset to help with designing a listening room
http://www.rivesaudio.com/resources/listening_room/frame.html
http://www.rivesaudio.com/CARAquick/CARAframe.html
TV Buying Guide Tool from Target
http://sy.adiho.com/ASA/Controller?adi_hasScript=1&_AD_195R22=107&adi_scriptSID=4EC230DC208
FCBBBA4A26C93FC4AAE62&sysid=88&appid=10430&que-FF5=abg
6.4
Papers
Calibration tips
http://www.sencore.com/newsletter/Oct03/AudioCalpart1_files/AudioCalpart1.pdf
Seating Guide
http://www.cinemasource.com/articles/seating_guide.pdf
Speaker Placement guide
http://www.rivesaudio.com/files/spkr_plcmt.pdf
Top 10 secrets to room set up and acoustics
http://www.rivesaudio.com/files/top_10_secrets.pdf
6.5
Useful Videos
Video about Hitachi 50VS810
http://reviews.cnet.com/Hitachi_50VS810/4535-6484_7-30994111.html?tag=tab
Video about Pioneer PDP-4350HD
http://reviews.cnet.com/Pioneer_PDP_4350HD/4535-6482_7-31302883.html?tag=tab
Video about Sony KD 34XBR 960
http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_KD_34XBR960/4535-6485_7-30787600.html?tag=coco
Video about Samsung TXN2670WHF
http://reviews.cnet.com/Samsung_TXN2670WHF/4535-6481_7-21114218.html?tag=tab
Video about JVC HD-61Z575
Page 111 of 112
http://reviews.cnet.com/4505-6484_7-30925116.html?part=ecoustics-cnet
Page 112 of 112