| Adding a home theater system to an existing | | | | subwoofer for powerful bass |
| media center can bring a whole new level of | | | | • Systems with 2 speakers use simulated |
| entertainment to the typical living room. Movies, | | | | surround sound. Those with 5 speakers provide |
| television and music come alive with surround | | | | Dolby 5.1 surround sound (with speakers for left, |
| sound, and the subtle nuances of soundtracks can | | | | right, center, left surround and right surround |
| be revealed by high quality audio technology. Not | | | | positions). Systems with 7 speakers come with |
| to mention a rumbling subwoofer. | | | | Dolby 7.1, adding left rear surround and right rear |
| In the past, home theater systems were | | | | surround |
| considered high-end and would cost upward of | | | | • Equalizers may be limited, but the more |
| $1000, not including the cost of installation. But a | | | | advanced provide better control over sound |
| new, more affordable option – home theater | | | | balance |
| in a box – now can provide an instant theater | | | | • Some systems come with basic A/V |
| experience for many an average viewer. | | | | capabilities |
| Home theater systems in a box (HTIB) are media | | | | • As far as watts, anything above 90 watts |
| components which expand the capabilities of an | | | | per channel should be sufficient |
| existing setup with television, cable box or | | | | Keep in Mind |
| satellite, VCR, etc. Most of them share some | | | | • Cost for a system starts at $100 and peaks |
| basic features, but after that, the options (and | | | | out at $3000 |
| price range) can vary widely. Here’s some | | | | • Only the more expensive HTIBs will support |
| important information to keep in mind as you | | | | high definition, so for a true theater experience |
| shop: | | | | invest in an HD-capable system |
| Features of Home Theater Systems | | | | • A web of wires can detract from the sleek |
| • Most come with an integrated DVD player, | | | | appearance of the theater components, not to |
| usually with a disc changer for multiple DVDs | | | | mention room décor. Consider wireless or |
| • Newer systems support Blu-Ray DVDs for | | | | virtual surround systems for cord-free fashion |
| the ultimate HD experience | | | | • Some systems do not provide controls on |
| • Intended for small or medium-sized rooms | | | | the front of the unit as well as the remote – |
| (for large rooms, consider full-featured, installable | | | | this can render a system useless if the remote is |
| home theater systems) | | | | lost or broken |
| • A radio tuner is standard, although some | | | | When shopping, keep flexibility and future-friendly |
| systems have inputs for satellite radio | | | | compatibility in mind. Make sure connectors are |
| • In addition to DVDs, most systems can play | | | | universal; otherwise proprietary connectors can |
| CDs, MP3s and image CDs | | | | make integration and expansion with mix and |
| • Speakers can come with long wires or be | | | | match components difficult. Be sure to select an |
| wireless | | | | HTIB with plenty of inputs for what you want to |
| • Typically come with 2, 5 or 7 speakers with | | | | hook up now – and might want to hook up in |
| recommendations for placement such as left, | | | | the future. |
| right, center, front, back, high and low, plus a | | | | |