Features

These all-in-one systems aren't for everyone so make sure when you are selecting one that you get the Home Theater in a Box features that suit your needs. With any system, you can be assured of such basics as AM/FM tuners, Dolby Digital and DTS surround-sound support, and enough speakers for at least a 5.1 surround setup. Some systems now include an integrated XM satellite-radio tuner or a USB port for connecting an iPod or other portable music player so you can listen to your music through the sound system.

Receiver

The receivers in Home Theater in a Box systems tend to be more basic than standalone models. They usually include Dolby Digital and DTS decoders for handling the surround-sound track when playing a DVD. A few models offer newer Dolby and DTS surround formats that process 6.1 or 7.1 channels, which support an additional one or two rear-surround speakers, respectively. Those formats still aren't widely used in movies but could become more common in the future.

Controls

Look for a front panel with displays and controls grouped by function and labeled clearly. An onscreen display is handy for setting up and adjusting functions using the TV screen rather than a small display on the console. You're more likely to find this on models that have a DVD player integrated with the receiver. 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 from different brands.

Speakers

Home Theater in a Box surround-sound systems come with five to seven speakers--two front, one center, two to four surround speakers for the rear--that have been matched for sound, plus a subwoofer. The speakers are often smaller than component speakers; some systems use small satellite speakers for the front and rear. A number of systems have wireless surround speakers that eliminate the need to run cables from the receiver to the rear of the room; these generally communicate with the receiver by radio frequency. You will have to plug in the rear speakers, though, so they're not completely cordless. You get all the cables and wiring you need, usually color-coded or labeled for easy setup. Many systems now use proprietary speaker connections, so you can't add more speakers to the packaged system or use these speakers with other receivers. A subwoofer might be powered or not powered. Either type will do the job, but a powered subwoofer often provides more control over bass.

Connections

These are critical, because the receiver in a home theater system is often the hub of your home-entertainment setup. You might want to route video as well as audio signals through your receiver so you can easily switch among sources such as a VCR, cable or satellite box, and DVR. Consider which devices you'll want to channel through the home-theater unit and which you can hook up directly to the TV. Analog outputs can be used for connecting standard-definition TVs or standard DVD players. An HDMI or component-video output on the receiver lets you feed high-definition signals from a cable or satellite box or a Blu-ray player through the receiver to your TV. These will also provide the best picture quality from a standard DVD player.

With audio inputs, you'll need a digital-audio input for relaying undecoded digital audio from your DVD player, digital-cable box, or satellite receiver. Make sure the input on the home-theater system matches the output on the other device. Some of these units have an optical digital-audio output, while others have a coaxial digital-audio output. (An HDMI connection carries the audio along with video in one cable.)

Switched AC outlets let you plug in other components and turn on the whole system with one button. These are less common with Home Theater in a Box systems than on component receivers.

Other connections

iPod connectivity through a dock or a cable allows you to attach your iPod and perform functions like play, pause, and skip with the system remote. An MP3 mini-jack lets you plug in an MP3 player for listening to music. A USB port lets you connect a player, a memory card, or a flash drive, allowing you to listen to music or view digital photos.

Radio capabilities

Most receivers have about 20 or more presets that you can use for AM and FM stations. Satellite-ready models have a satellite-radio tuner, but require a subscription and a special antenna.

Audio and other features

Many systems have preset or custom equalizers (EQ) and/or bass/treble adjustments. 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. Most receivers also offer a sleep timer, which turns them off at a preset time.

DVD features

Most models have track programmability (more useful for playing CDs than DVDs), track repeat, and disc repeat.

See also:

DVD players

LCD TVs

Plasma TVs

Blu-ray & DVD players