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So Many Home Theater Decisions Where in the World (Wide-Web) do you start? Right here! Looking For Some Good Home Theater Advice? If you are looking for a new HDTV or home theater system for watching your favorite sporting events or the latest blockbuster DVD you've come to the right place in cyberspace. Or if you have recently purchased a new surround sound system or HDTV, herein you'll find info on how to integrate and install your new TV or audio-video components. All of the various aspects of bringing the big-screen experience to your own home are covered within this humble little web site. From the most basic of HDTV systems incorporated into a family room to custom home theaters you'll find time and money saving tips in the various topical sections of this site. Much of the advice here is geared for those beginning their Home Theater project. Perhaps you have seen the latest blockbuster DVD release on a friend's big screen HDTV and want to upgrade your TV but are unsure what format or type to get. 720p, 1080p, LCD, DLP, Plasma -- the terms can indeed be confusing. If you are among the "dazed and confused" relax and read on - HDTV selection, setup and installation tips are all here within this site. If you're needing one-on-one, personal consultation, component selection or room design help check out my economical home theater systems consultation services and I'll be glad to help you figure it all out and probably save you some time and even more importantly - money. Please allow me just a moment to introduce myself -- My name is Phil Taylor. I have over 28 years of extensive video, audio and television production experience. I've had an interest and passion for home theater systems for many years and I was among the early audio/visual enthusiasts who adapted the available A/V systems to create a theatre environment in our homes for viewing movies. At first we utilized film projectors (and movie selections were VERY limited) -- of 8mm and 16mm -- some more affluent enthusiasts even had 35mm gear -- then VHS (and beta) tape and LP-record-sized Laserdiscs as the various home entertainment components evolved into what we now call home theater system technology. It's a "whole new ballgame" nowadays as home cinema technology has advanced considerably. Modern home theater systems -- high definition Blu-ray DVD players, HD satellite TV systems, DLP LCD and plasma TVs, digital surround sound and the technology associated with the new home theater systems can be confusing or even overwhelming to many people. The purpose of this site is to help you make an informed decision when considering your home theater system components purchase. My first bit of advice is that you do not have to spend a small fortune to achieve the desired "WOW factor" (unless you really want to). A great home theater system that will impress your family and friends can be built or purchased that can fit even the most modest of budgets. All you really need for the basic home cinema experience is a DVD player, a good (preferably large) video display device and digital surround sound and you too can begin to enjoy movies at home even more than before. More system selection tips are in the section - home theater systems buyers' advice. In my opinion one of the best home theater systems is one which can be incorporated into a family or living room. My personal DLP projector, screen and digital 5.1 surround audio system is unobtrusive and goes fairly unnoticed. Unnoticed, that is, until it is time to really enjoy a DVD movie, or watch stunning HDTV programming complete with theater quality digital surround sound. If you have a larger budget you may want a dedicated room for your home cinema experience. Likewise dedicated home cinema rooms can range from a previously unused area in your basement to a new addition to your home - more information on casual versus dedicated can be found in the overall theater room design section. You can also explore the added little extras that will help complete your home theatre decor and make your home cinema viewing experience most enjoyable.

Section added on Whole-House Audio

Helpful tips to make your do-it-yourself home theater system installation a little bit easier are now online here at Home Theater Installation Tips.

Latest Developments in Home Theater Systems

Two new Blu-ray models from Panasonic
Panasonic has released their new 2009 model Blu-ray players. Building on the popularity of their '08 models - they have again outdone themselves. Take a look at the new 2009 Panasonic DMP-BD60 and BD80 Blu-ray players.

Latest take on the Plasma vs LCD debate
I've posted my latest views on Plasma TVs vs LCD TVs. A lot has happened over the last year or so to close the gap between the two cosmetically similar but technologically different types of HDTVs. Confused over those differences? Take a look here --
Plasma vs LCD HDTVs.

A Goofy Way to Hook Up a Home Theater System
Disney Pictures created a 2D animated short last year that was shown before the National Treasure Book of Secrets movie. It's hilarious and follows Goofy's antics while buying and wiring a new TV and sound system. Take a look and laugh at --
Goofy's Home Theater Cartoon.

Logitech Lowers the Boom on the Competition
Logitech has a new Squeezebox to wear on their chest. The all-in-one Squeezebox Boom digital music player offers crystal clear wireless networked audio with its integrated amp and speakers. 802.11g wireless connectivity works with or without a computer with your choice of stored music or online music services. Find more info here on the
Logitech Squeezbox Boom.

Logitech Universal Remotes for Cosmic Harmony
If you're in need of a universal remote to bring harmony to your home theater cosmos you need look no further than the Logitech Harmony line of remotes. They are the best overall performers hands-down. Replace your pile of remotes with one
Harmony Universal Remote Control.

Samsung 1080p TVs - Best LCD TV of the Year is VERY Impressive
The 2008 Samsung LCD TVs are the most crisp, vibrant and breathtaking TVs of the year or EVER for that matter. The surprisingly affordable TVs Feature deep, detailed blacks and incredibly vivid images. A new benchmark has been set for LCDs that rivals the best Plasmas panels. More on the Samsung LN46A650 and LN52650.

Samsung's 32" 720p LCD would be "Great in the Bedroom"
Lately I've received a lot of requests for recommendations for a TV for the bedroom. The Samsung LN32A450 LCD 720p HDTV is a smaller TV that would be a great choice for the bedroom, office or even smaller family rooms. The relatively economical price makes it one worth a serious look. Read more here Samsung LN32A450 LCD TV.

VUDU Offers HDX Full 1080p HD Movie Rental Service
The VUDU set-top-box movie rental service is now offering full 1080p 24fps HD movie downloads with its new HDX service. Here's info on the VUDU HD movie player.

LG Releases Blu-ray with Netflix Hybrid DVD Player
LG has released an innovative new hybrid DVD player. The LG BD300 combines a Blu-ray player with a Netflix streaming movie device. It's available for under $400 -- read on here at LG Blu-ray hybrid DVD and Netflix player.

Do you need a digital TV converter box?
NOTE - The changeover was delayed until June - a waste of time in my humble opinion.
There seems to be a bit of panic among some "under-educated" TV owners over the FCC mandated changeover of broadcast TV transmissions from analog to digital signals only. Fueled by "sweeps period" mentality and ratings-happy TV news stations with phrases such as "Your TV will be dead in 2009 details at 11" the panic was generally unwarranted. Chances are fairly good that you were already prepared for the analog to digital conversion that happened on June 12, 2009. You can read more on the changeover and how it may or may not have affected you here in this section --
Do you need a digital TV receiver?
BTW - I've also recently added a new comical look at the changeover hysteria so take a look if you're in need a chuckle.

Onkyo's new TX-SR606 - Full Featured Value
Onkyo continues it legacy of offering more value per dollar with its new AVR. If you are looking for high performance on a budget take a look at the Onkyo TX-SR606.

Onkyo Raises The Bar With Three New HTiBs
Onkyo has released a new line of Home Theater in a Box systems that are both powerful and stylish. The top unit, the HT-S5100, boasts 130w/ch of 7.1 with a 230w subwoofer. More on the new gems at New Onkyo Home Theater Systems.

The HD DVD vs. Blu-ray war is history
Late on 2-16-08 came a report from Reuters that Toshiba was planning on dropping out of the high definition disc race. And early on 2-19 Toshiba made it official with a press conference announcing they were conceding defeat to Sony's. Toshiba announced they are ceasing production of HD DVD optical drives and will be out of the HD disc biz by the end of March. If you already have an HD DVD player now is still a good time to stock up on movies and at a savings as existing inventory is liquidated.

Media Streaming with the Popcorn Hour A-100
Syabas Technology has a new media streaming device for the technically advanced user. Dubbed a "Networked Media Tank" the Popcorn Hour A-100 is a multi-format A/V storage streamer. Check here for more info on the Popcorn Hour A-100.

New Hybrid Dual Format HD Disc Player from LG
LG has released its newest second generation hybrid / dual format Blu-ray and HD DVD player. Prices should be dropping on hybrids now that HD DVD is done. Check here for more info on the LG BH200.

An Amazing Device from Yamaha
The Yamaha Digital Sound Projectors have been out for a while now and I recently had the opportunity to install a YSP-800 for a client here in OKC and to say I was impressed is an understatement. Virtual and authentic surround sound out of one sleek looking sound bar. Read more on the Yamaha YSP-800.
More New "Sound Bar" Home Theater Systems on the Market
Yamaha has introduced a new line of sound bar along with new entries from Sony, Samsung, Boston Acoustics and Polk Audio.
Check out the new units at Sound Bar Speaker Systems.

New Micro Theater from Philips
Philips won a bunch of Best of Innovation awards at CES 2008. You can read a bit about the most intriguing device amongst the award winners here with the slim available details on the Philips BTD710 Micro Theater.

Sony has been busy
Sony unveiled their new line of high definition televisions at CES 2008 and stunned reviewers with their "Z" designation model line of full HD LCD TVs.
Read more on the Sony KDL-40Z4100 and Sony KDL-46Z4100.

Sony's New HTPC
Sony also has announced their newest home entertainment computer and high definition media server. It's a very powerful Blu-ray equipped and very stylish box. Read more on the Sony VAIO Home Theater PC.

The above stories are the seeds of the aforementioned new blog-like section on Home Theater Systems News where I'll filter through the latest components, devices and trends for your perusal and offer my take on the home cinema scene for your amusement (and bemusement). It's just getting started so come back soon for new articles.

HDMI 1.3a is the latest HDMI version with increased bandwidth transmission capabilities. HD media is the target of the new format with the greater bandwidth enabling higher quality video and HD audio. HDMI 1.3 enabled A/V receivers are now shipping. One of the nicest ones I have seen is the Denon AVR-888 with great features such as upscaling of all analog signals to 1080p via HDMI which enables your existing SD media to be displayed with greater perceived quality. The AVR-888 utilizes an integrated Faroujda DCDi scaler to achieve admirable results from SD content. Check this link for prices well under $400 delivered - that's quite a bargain considering it originally listed for near $800. By the way if you are a bit confused as to the different versions of HDMI that are out there check this clarification in the HDMI section from the Home Theater FAQs pages.

There's a new solution for wireless speaker systems available from Best Buy. Their in-house RocketFish brand has debuted a Universal Wireless Rear Speaker Kit. It is an impressive little unit - you can read my impressions of the system in the section on Wireless Speakers. And if you are looking for a remote control extender for controlling components hidden in a closet or entertainment center check out the very impressive Next Generation Remote Control Extender. It's a very inexpensive and ingenious device that turns your remote into an RF remote - then its receiver re-transmits signals as IR to control your hidden components.

Be sure to check out my new and improved recommended products section where you will find the absolute best prices available on a hand-picked selection of some of the best HT components from a variety of the top manufacturers of home entertainment electronics. Home Theater Store

Speaking of recommendations -- I rarely promote playback media such as a particular movie or music DVD -- however I had the pleasure to discover the Pink Floyd PULSE DVD and it is absolutely phenomenal. I saw Pink Floyd in Dallas back in 1994 and it immediately became my most favorite, #1 rock concert of all time (and I have seen a LOT of the greats over the years) displacing the Who's "Who's Next" tour back in '73. The PULSE DVD captures the concert's incredible sound and lighting effects like no other DVD to date. Featuring the entire Dark Side of the Moon -- the performance is technically astounding. I could go on quite awhile about the show but for brevity's sake just check out the reviews and order it here at Amazon and add it to your DVD collection. It's visually and aurally stunning and highly recommended. :)

We are in the Fall season of our third year here at Home Theater Systems Advice. Sometimes it seems like five years and sometimes like just yesterday that I started this site out of a LOVE for home theater technology. Soon I will be starting a new section of "random related ramblings and rants" -- or somewhat of a daily blog-like series of postings on home theater related topics. I know -- there is already a blog linked in the nav bar -- but that is admittedly more of a "site log" than blog (due to the limitations of my server/host's publishing software which I use to publish this site). I'll change the name of that button and point the blog to the more-traditional postings in the new section. Stay tuned -- you may find it interesting and somewhat amusing... :) Also in the works in the very near future is an area where readers and home cinema enthusiasts can interact and share views, reviews and even images of their home theater projects.
UPDATE The new section where you can tell us about new equipment and recent home theater gear purchases is NOW LIVE. Here's your chance to brag a little and tell us about your new home theater equipment.
There are indeed some interesting things ahead as we forge into the 2008 Fall TV viewing season. Stick around as this "humble little web site" approaches its fourth year.

As the smoke from the HD DVD vs Blu-ray war clears from the battlefield along comes a newcomer in the form of a new format from NME dubbed the HD VMD. Read more about the latest and newest high definition 1080p disc format and its players' features here at HD VMD.

As mentioned above in the notes on HDMI versions - the NEW Home Theater Systems FAQ section is shaping up a bit and I've added more questions and answers here in the Home Theater FAQ section for your perusal. I've been compiling a collection of the most frequently asked questions over the past year and a half (plus) and am collating the Q&A's into a FAQ section. There you will find the latest answers incorporating the latest home theater technology.

For inquiries, comments or basic assistance Contact Me and I'll answer your basic questions. More specific aid is offered through my personal and custom consultation services.

Thanks for your interest,
Phil

Newly Added -- Check out the fun and crazy line of
home theater t-shirts, enthusiast apparel and cool stuff
in the HT Swag Shop.

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