Home theater in 6 easy pieces

By Mike Snider
USA Today

Here are factors to consider when shopping for a home theater system:

Budget. New-home buyers can spend up to $100,000 to install built-in systems before they move in, but you can get a significant entertainment upgrade for less than $1,000. Minimize initial costs by adding pieces gradually.

Space. A small room has less space for a TV and speakers, so consider a less-powerful system. It will still fill the room with top-quality sound and video.

Use. If you listen to music more than you watch movies, you might want to splurge on the receiver and speakers and perhaps a disc player that handles a new music format, either Super Audio CD or DVD-Audio. Those who prefer DVDs over broadcast TV might not want to invest in a high-dollar set-top HDTV receiver.

1. Television

A television is the visual heart of a home theater. The big decision here is whether you want to move to the newest digital TVs. Both

DirecTV and Dish Network satellite services, plus most local broadcasters and a growing number of cable systems, offer high-definition service, which is best viewed on a digital TV. HD video can look more than five times sharper than today's standard broadcasts.

Prices range from $600 for a 27-inch HD set to more than $10,000 for the ritziest flat-panel plasma and liquid crystal display models. In between are traditional rear-projection TVs that, although boxy and bulky, can deliver a 50-inch picture for less than $2,000. Most sets require a separate HD tuner box.

Less-expensive flat-panel digital displays, called EDTV, which start at $3,000, show HD in less than its full glory but still far better than standard TVs.

Buying tip: Look for a set with at least component video or RGB inputs and perhaps a DVI (digital video interface) connection.

2. Surround-sound speakers

Most audio-video gurus consider speakers the most important piece of the puzzle. You don't want to invest in an entire system, then cheap out here. But you can save by reflecting on your goals (small rooms need only small, lower-powered speakers and receivers, etc.).

Buying tip: If listening to music is a priority, you want front speakers that deliver full sound from your Metallica or Mariah Carey CDs. For movies, you want a center speaker that delivers the clearest dialogue. Listen to the speakers carefully in a comfortable, quiet showroom before buying.

3. Set-top TV tuner

You'll probably need one of these to watch HD cable, satellite or broadcast signals. A few sets include built-in tuners, but they won't help much if you're planning to use cable TV. Check with your cable system; in most markets, the system rents the box to subscribers. For HD signals from satellite TV and off the air, you'll probably need a set-top box for either DirecTV or Dish. These also require putting up a satellite dish and perhaps a rooftop antenna.

Buying tip: Check local retailers for earlier-generation set-top boxes from Panasonic and RCA. They will be bargain-priced, $300 or so.

4. Surround-sound receiver

Some TV sets have built-in speakers, but to get true surround sound and flexibility, you need an audio/video receiver. These can handle six or more speakers and add sound fields that simulate concert venues, movie theaters and sports events — even to nonsurround sound sources. High-end models have prices starting at more than $2,000.

5. DVD player

These have become commodities, and some DVD players cost less than VCRs. But there are features you may want to pay extra for. Better connections — component video and DVI — give you a better picture. Music fans may want a multidisc player or a DVD jukebox. Some may want to replace VCRs with a DVD recorder.

6. Other options

• Home theater in a box with DVD and receiver. If assembling a system from individual components seems like too much trouble, most major brands offer complete systems with DVD player and receiver, starting at less than $300. These typically have color-coded connections for easy setup. It may be just the thing to whet your A/V appetite but don't expect a Sensurround theatrical experience.
• Video games. Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo GameCube can hook up for high-quality video and surround sound. (The PS2 and Xbox also play DVDs.)
• High-definition recorders. If you invest in an HD set, you may want some way to time-shift shows. Options are limited; the easiest way is with high-definition D-VHS recorders, from Mitsubishi and JVC, starting at about $500.
• Super music players. All DVD players can play music CDs. But only newer models play new high-resolution music discs such as DVD-Audio and SACD. Some DVD players, starting at about $400, can play both.