Home Theater Stuff Guide

Consumer Guide Home Theater System Reviews
Want all the details about a home theater system? Check out Consumer Guide's home theater system reviews to compare features, performance and overall value on systems from Bose, Yamaha, Sony, Panasonic, JVC and more. Not sure what you should be looking for? Start by reading the Home Theater System Buying Guide, which explains the basics of surround sound, amplifiers, speakers and how to get the most boost for your buck.
Compare Prices on Home Theater Systems
If you're shopping for a home theater system, you're going to have lots of options, from basic $300 systems to high-end setups that cost thousands. But even the same product can cost more or less depending on the seller. To ensure you get the best price, compare prices online before you buy. We've stacked up shopping deals from retailers across the Web so you can easily compare prices on home theater systems.
How Home Theater Works
Often referred to as "home theater in a box," a home theater system includes an A/V receiver, surround sound speakers and sometimes a DVD player. All you need is a TV and some popcorn to start enjoying a theatrical experience right in your living room. But how can these small systems produce theater-quality sound, and what do you need to know to set one up in your home? Learn all about how home theater systems work.

More Great Home Theater Information




Spotlight Reviews

Home Theater Systems
Sony HT-SS2000 Photo
The Sony HT-SS2000 matches the style of their Blu-ray products while providing easy connection with HDMI. Read more in Conusmer Guide's review. ...

Sony HT-SS2000 Compare Prices
Stores Selling: 4
$335.00 - $400.00
Samsung HT-TX72 Photo
Samsung's HT-TX72 home theater system includes tower speakers, a 5 disc DVD changer, and several other features. Read more in Consumer Guide's review. ...

Samsung HT-TX72 Compare Prices
Stores Selling: 2
$340.00 - $399.00
Samsung HT-X50 Photo
The Samsung HT-X50 is a low cost 5.1 home theater system that includes a 5 disc DVD changer. Read further in the review at Consumer Guide...

Samsung HT-X50 Compare Prices
Stores Selling: 2
$279.00 - $280.00
See all 13 Expert Reviews

Compare Prices on Home Theater Systems

Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX267W Theater System with Wireless Speaker Kit Photo
DVD Player, 5 Speakers and Subwoofer, 143 Watts ...
Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX267W Theater System with Wireless Speaker Kit Compare Prices
Stores Selling: 1
$350.00 - $350.00
Onkyo HT-SR800 Theater System Photo
Receiver, 7 Speakers and Subwoofer, 130 Watts ...
Onkyo HT-SR800 Theater System Compare Prices
Stores Selling: 5
$320.00 - $499.00
Sony DAV-IS10 Theater System Photo
Receiver, 5 Speakers and Subwoofer, 50 Watt RMS ...
Sony DAV-IS10 Theater System Compare Prices
Stores Selling: 8
$573.00 - $800.00

See all 183 Products



Home Theater FAQ

The number before the decimal in a surround sound format refers to the number of main channels. In a 5.1 system, these are the front left, front right, center, rear left, and rear right. The "1" after the decimal stands for a single subwoofer channel. Learn more about surround sound formats.
The subwoofer handles the lowest-frequency sounds, such as the rumble of thunder or an earth-shaking explosion. Without these sounds, your movie- watching experience will seem much less immersive and realistic. Learn more about how speakers work.
Most home theater owners opt for a portable multimedia projector that uses LCD or DLP technology. These types of projectors, originally used for business presentations, have been adapted to turn home theater installation into a do-it-yourself, plug-and-play venture. Learn more about projection TVs.

Featured Video

How HDTV Works
High-definition television (HDTV) has revolutionized the quality of your TV picture. Learn how HDTV works in this video from HowStuffWorks.

How TV Works
CRT, projection, LCD and plasma are the four most popular kinds of TVs on the market today. See how televisions work in this HowStuffWorks video.

How Cable TV Works
Have you ever wondered how your cable TV gets to your house? Watch this video from HowStuffWorks to learn more about cable TV.



Shop for a Home Theater




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Playable Disk Types


Main Speakers Power Output


Surround Sound




Narrow Your Search


Price Range
Below $200 (35)
$200 - $340 (35)
$340 - $480 (35)
$480 - $750 (40)
Above $750 (38)

Brand
Sony (30)
Samsung (22)
Bose (14)
Onkyo (11)
Panasonic (14)

Playable Disk Types
DVD-VR (8)
DVD+VR (1)
DVD+R DL (19)
DVD-R DL (11)
BD-RE (2)

Main Speakers Power Output
At least 150 Watt (26)
At least 100 Watt (76)
At least 80 Watt (82)
At least 50 Watt (100)

Surround Sound
Dolby Digital® (101)
DTS® (89)
Dolby Pro Logic II (81)
Dolby Pro Logic (24)
DTS 96/24 (23)

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