Home theater systems

Home theater system selector

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What's behind our home theater system Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 72 models in home theater systems to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based mainly on sound quality and picture quality for models with video players; ease of use and versatility are also factored in. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Sound quality
Sound quality represents tonal accuracy and ability to reproduce fine sonic detail of the front speakers, subwoofer, center-channel speaker, and surround speakers. Sound quality judgments are made with the system optimized using its own auto speaker set-up function (if so equipped), and with its own tone controls and/or pre-set tone settings (if any) adjusted for most balanced sound.
HD picture quality
HD picture quality indicates trained panelists' evaluation of clarity and color accuracy of an high-definition progessive-scan (1080p) signal, such as that from a Blu-ray player. All signals were routed through a HDMI connection.
Upconverted film picture quality
Pre-recorded content can come originally from film or video equipment -- most movies are shot on film -- many prerecorded TV series, compilations, concert videos, and home recordings are captured with video equipment. This picture-quality test score indicates the detail, color accuracy, and freedom from motion artifacts of images from film-based content on standard DVDs. The output signal is set to upconvert the standard-definition content to 1080p (quasi-HD) resolution via an HDMI connection to a high-definition TV. For performance with video-based content on DVDs, see the Sound and Video Notes comments for the individual model.
480i film picture quality
Scores of this picture-quality test indicate the sharpness, detail, color accuracy, and degree of motion artifacts of images on regular TVs when the unit plays film-based standard DVDs (most movies) at standard definition (480i) resolution via the S-video connection if available, or the composite video connection. For 480i picture-quality test results for video-based standard DVDs (many prerecorded TV series compilations or concert videos, and home recordings) see the Sound and Video Notes comments for the individual model.
Ease of use
Ease of use indicates how easy it is to set up the system and use controls on front panel and remote.
Versatility
Versatility score is based on the presence or absence of useful features. The inputs and outputs shown are on the receiver. (Does not include outputs on the video player, if that is separate.)
Number of channels
Number of audio signal channels supplied by the system. An HTIB system usually has 5.1 channels (front left and right, center, surround left and right, and subwoofer--that's the .1) or 7.1 channels (same as 5.1 but adds rear surround left and right). Note that some systems will require additional amplifiers to drive some speakers (i.e. subwoofers and/or rear surround channels).
Number of speakers supplied
Number of speakers that come with the system. An HTIB system usually comes with 5.1 speakers (front pair, center, surround pair, and subwoofer--that's the .1), and some systems come with extra rear surround speaker pair for a 7.1 setup.

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Recommended home theater systems

Recommended home theater systems are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended home theater systems

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Buying separate home theater components can be time consuming and expensive, and connecting them can be a challenge. If you're looking for information about home theater systems, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ home theater system reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our home theater system buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and home theater system reviews to help you choose the best home theater system for your needs.

Ratings & recommended home theater systems

Home theater systems (51)

Recommended models are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices among models, weigh performance, features, price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.