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Important features Home theater in a box
The receivers in home-theater-in-a-box systems tend to be more basic than standalone models. They usually include both Dolby Digital and DTS decoders for handling the surround-sound track when playing a DVD. Controls should be easy to use. Look for a front panel with displays and controls grouped by function and labeled clearly. An onscreen display lets you control the receiver by the television screen.
Switched AC outlets let you plug in other components and turn on the whole system with one button. The receivers have about 20 or more presets you can use for AM and FM stations. Most receivers also offer a sleep timer, which turns them on or off at a preset time. Remote controls are most useful when they have clear labels and different-shaped, color-coded buttons grouped by function. A universal remote can control a number of devices.
An HDMI or component-video output on the receiver that can connect to the TV allows for the best picture quality if you choose to switch video signals through your receiver. You can also use an S-video output, which is a tad below a component connection but better than a composite-video or RF (antenna) connection.
Both let you pipe signals from an external DVD player, digital camcorder, or certain cable or satellite boxes through the system. Any player that you might want to connect will need the same digital-audio connections, either optical or coaxial, as those of the included receiver. And if you want to make occasional connections--perhaps for a camcorder or an MP3 player--you’ll find front-panel inputs handy.
DSP (for digital-signal processor) modes use digital circuitry to duplicate the sound quality of, say, a concert hall. Each mode represents a different listening environment. A bass-boost switch amplifies the deepest sounds.
A subwoofer may be powered or unpowered. Either type will do the job, but a powered subwoofer often provides more control over bass.
An integrated DVD player, available with some models, typically has fewer features than does a stand-alone DVD player. Features to expect are track programmability (more useful for playing CDs than DVDs), track repeat, and disc repeat. If you want more features, a stand-alone DVD player might be the wiser choice.
See our latest Ratings of home theaters in a box and related information (available to ).
The receivers in home-theater-in-a-box systems tend to be more basic than standalone models. They usually include both Dolby Digital and DTS decoders for handling the surround-sound track when playing a DVD. Controls should be easy to use. Look for a front panel with displays and controls grouped by function and labeled clearly. An onscreen display lets you control the receiver by the television screen.
Switched AC outlets let you plug in other components and turn on the whole system with one button. The receivers have about 20 or more presets you can use for AM and FM stations. Most receivers also offer a sleep timer, which turns them on or off at a preset time. Remote controls are most useful when they have clear labels and different-shaped, color-coded buttons grouped by function. A universal remote can control a number of devices.
An HDMI or component-video output on the receiver that can connect to the TV allows for the best picture quality if you choose to switch video signals through your receiver. You can also use an S-video output, which is a tad below a component connection but better than a composite-video or RF (antenna) connection.
Both let you pipe signals from an external DVD player, digital camcorder, or certain cable or satellite boxes through the system. Any player that you might want to connect will need the same digital-audio connections, either optical or coaxial, as those of the included receiver. And if you want to make occasional connections--perhaps for a camcorder or an MP3 player--you’ll find front-panel inputs handy.
DSP (for digital-signal processor) modes use digital circuitry to duplicate the sound quality of, say, a concert hall. Each mode represents a different listening environment. A bass-boost switch amplifies the deepest sounds.
A subwoofer may be powered or unpowered. Either type will do the job, but a powered subwoofer often provides more control over bass.
An integrated DVD player, available with some models, typically has fewer features than does a stand-alone DVD player. Features to expect are track programmability (more useful for playing CDs than DVDs), track repeat, and disc repeat. If you want more features, a stand-alone DVD player might be the wiser choice.
See our latest Ratings of home theaters in a box and related information (available to ).
