Home theater system buying guide

Many home-theater systems include a progressive-scan DVD player or a Blu-ray player, and some newer models include a 3D-capable Blu-ray player. The player might either be built into the receiver or be a separate unit. Systems that integrate the disc player and the receiver in one box tend to offer a bit less functionality and fewer connections than those that have two separate components. Integrated units are somewhat simpler to set up, but they might not allow you to connect video devices other than a TV to the receiver.

Typical price for a system with a DVD player, $150 to $300; with Blu-ray player, $200 to $800 or more.

You can also buy a home-theater system that doesn't have a disc player. This gives you the option of using a player you already own, or simply buying one of your choice. You'll have to make another connection or two, but you might have more flexibility in setting up the system. Although an integrated device that uses a single remote control may be a bit simpler to use, a receiver and player with their own remotes may provide more comprehensive control over each device's operations and features.

Price: $150 to $1,500 for typical systems, and $2,000 or more for systems aimed at audiophiles.

If you have a small space or want a simple way to enhance your TV's sound without going to the trouble of assembling a full surround-sound system, you might be interested in sound bars. These are thin bars, sometimes about 40 inches long, that are hung on the wall or placed on a shelf above or below the TV. Most bars contain two to five speakers (some might have more) in a single enclosure, and some come with a separate subwoofer (often a wireless model). A few also have rear surround speakers. Some models now include a Blu-ray or DVD player built into the system. The advantage is that you can connect a sound bar directly to your TV, without using a receiver, and you'll have few wires to deal with. (And in the case of two-channel models or models that use wireless amplifiers for the rear surround speakers, none that must run from the front to the rear of the room.) Speaker arrangement or electronic techniques are used to emulate surround sound.

Price: $100 to $1,200.

HTIB surround-sound systems come with five to seven speakers and a subwoofer. All have been matched for sound, eliminating the need for you to do that. Some systems use small satellite speakers for the front and rear, though others might have floor-standing models for the front. A number of systems have surround speakers powered by wireless amplifiers 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 the wireless amplifier into a wall outlet and connect it to the rear speakers, though, so they're not completely cordless. Some subwoofers can also connect wirelessly, further reducing cable runs. The speakers included may use proprietary connections, so you can't add more speakers or use these speakers with other receivers. A subwoofer might be powered or not powered; powered models must be plugged into an electrical outlet. A powered subwoofer often provides more control over bass.

The receivers in HTIB systems tend to be more basic than standalone models. They usually include Dolby Digital and DTS decoders for handling surround-sound tracks when playing a DVD or Blu-ray disc. 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. Some may support the latest audio formats, Dolby TrueHD and DTD-HD Master Audio, which are used on some Blu-ray discs. Many of the newer HTIB systems are 3D enabled and can send signals from a 3D Blu-ray player to a 3D TV.

Most Blu-ray players now have an Internet feature, called BD-Live, that allows them to access "bonus" online content when playing some Blu-ray discs. In addition, many HTIB systems that incorporate a Blu-ray player also offer access to streaming movies or TV shows from services such as Amazon.com, Blockbuster.com, CinemaNow, Hulu.com, Netflix or Vudu; Internet radio stations such as Napster, Pandora or Slacker; and social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Some allow you to make Skype video calls when used with an optional webcam.

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 the receiver so you can easily switch among sources such as a DVD or Blu-ray player, video game console, cable or satellite box, and DVR. Consider which devices you'll want to channel through the home-theater unit and which you will hook up directly to the TV. Analog connections can be used with standard-definition TVs, standard DVD players, or VCRs. HDMI or component-video connections on the receiver let you feed high-definition signals from a cable or satellite box or a Blu-ray player through the receiver to your TV. HDMI inputs can also be used to connect standard DVD players, especially models that can upconvert standard DVD to quasi-HD resolutions.

Some newer HTIB systems include the latest version of HDMI (HDMI 1.4), which provides support for 3D video signals to be sent to a 3D TV, plus an audio return channel that lets a TV send audio back to the receiver without separate audio cables.

A digital-audio input can route undecoded digital audio from your disc 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. But increasingly, newer equipment, such as cable boxes or a Blu-ray player, send digital audio signals over the HDMI cable.

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

Look for a front panel with displays and controls grouped by function and labeled clearly. Check the display for readability. Some models let you set up and adjust functions using the TV screen rather than the small display on the console. You're more likely to find this on models that have a DVD or Blu-ray 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 backlit remote will be easier to use in a dark room. A universal remote can control a number of devices from different brands.

Some models with integrated Blu-ray players may include built-in Wi-Fi, or the ability to add it via an optional adapter. This will make connecting the system to your home network or Internet connection easier if a wired Ethernet jack isn't nearby. iPod connectivity through a dock or a cable allows you to attach your iPod, iPad or iPhone, and often control its functions with the system's remote control. An MP3 mini-jack lets you plug a portable music player into the system. A USB port lets you connect a player or a flash drive to hear music or view digital photos. An SD card slot allows you to insert photos or video for viewing directly on your TV. Bluetooth capability allows audio to be sent wirelessly to a home theater system from a Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone or portable media player, or from the system to Bluetooth-enabled speakers or headphones.

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 an optional special antenna. Some receivers might also have an HD radio tuner, so you can receive that free over-the-air service.

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 have a sleep timer, which turns them off at a preset time.

Bose, which is known for its audio products, has single-, 2.1-, and 5.1-channel systems in its product lineup. Those systems are offered with and without an internal DVD player. Bose products tend to be higher priced.

A midpriced quality brand that is known for its speakers and is now selling sound bars (a single bar speaker and subwoofer) to complement flat-screen TVs.

Coby is a value brand that is widely distributed at almost all consumer electronics retailers.

Denon is well known for its products in all categories of home-theater products, including 2.1- and 5.1-channel units. The 5.1 systems are usually not offered with a DVD or Blu-ray player included and now come with Boston Acoustics speakers and a Denon A/V receiver, while the 2.1 systems sometimes include a DVD/CD player. The products tend to be mid-to-high priced.

Funai might not be a household name, but it’s the brand behind other brands, mainly lower-priced labels such as Emerson, Magnavox, Sylvania, and Symphonic, which tend to be sold at mass-market stores such as Walmart.  Funai's P&F has manufactured Philips' midpriced brands since 2008.

Harman Kardon is well known for its categories of home-theater products, including 2.1- and 5.1-channel units, which both include a Blu-ray player.  The products tend to be high-priced.

Insignia is Best Buy’s electronics house brand, exclusively sold by the retailer. Insignia’s products are positioned as a value line offering a decent amount of features at a very modest price.

Well known for its audio products, JVC offers 1.0-channel surround-sound bars. The cost is considered low-to-high priced.

LG Electronics manufactures products under the LG and Zenith brands in the United States. Its products include 1.1 sound bar system, 5.1 and 5.2-channel home-theater systems with an internal Blu-ray or 3D Blu-ray player.  The cost is considered low-to-mid priced.

Onkyo products include 5.1- and 7.1-channel systems without an internal DVD or Blu-ray player, although all of those systems will support 3D pass-through video.  Prices start at the midrange and increase with additional features.

Panasonic manufactures 1.1-, 5.1-, and 7.1- channel systems that come with an internal disc player--in most cases, a Blu-ray player--and some with a 3D Blu-ray player and wireless connectivity. The products are competitively priced and widely available.

Philips licensed its North American business to Funai in 2008 and a new company for those top-tier products, P&F, was formed.  Its current products are manufactured by P&F and Philips branded.  Philips has products in all home-theater categories, including 1.1- and 5.1-channel systems, which include either a Blu-ray or 3D Blu-ray player.  Prices are low-to-mid range.

Polk Audio is a well-known speaker company that has a full line of surround-sound sound bars with and without subwoofers.  Its products are mid-to-high priced.

Alco Electronics, a large Chinese consumer-products company, acquired RCA’s name and product franchise for video products in 2007 and continues to introduce new products to this category in the value market.

Samsung carries all categories of home-theater systems, including 2.1- channel sound bars and 5.1- and 7.1- channel systems that include 3D Blu-ray players and wireless connectivity. Prices vary, ranging from low to high.

Sharp makes 2.1- and 5.1-channel audio systems incorporating sound-bar technology to complement its TV line with this midpriced product.

Sony makes consumer home-theater products in all categories--including a 1.1--with and without a 3D Blu-ray player that are virtual surround-sound sound-bar systems and 5.1- channel systems, including some with wireless connectivity. Sony products cover the market, from low to high, with models for every budget.

Leading LCD TV brand Vizio now offers 2.0-, 2.1-, and 5.1- wireless surround-sound sound-bar speaker systems that complement its TV line.

Yamaha sells products in all categories of home theater, including surround-sound sound bars , 5.1-, and 7.1- channel systems. Prices can be on the high side, but the line generally includes some midpriced models.

If you want true surround sound, buy a system with a full complement of speakers for multichannel sound. Keep in mind that most rear speakers require you to run wires from the receiver to the back of the room. Only models with surround speakers powered by wireless amplifiers don't. If you simply want to enhance your TV sound, a system with two front speakers and a subwoofer, or even a sound bar, might give you the improvement you're seeking.

If you already have a Blu-ray or DVD player, you might save money by buying a home-theater system without one. If you want a bundled disc player, we recommend a system with a Blu-ray player, which can play both high-def and standard discs and CDs, unless you have a standard-definition TV and no plans to buy an HDTV. If you think you might buy a 3D TV anytime soon, consider a system with a 3D-capable Blu-ray player, as prices have fallen significantly. Built-in Wi-Fi, or the ability to add it via an optional adapter, is convenient if a wired Ethernet jack isn't nearby.

Determine how much equipment you want to route through the receiver and be sure that it has enough of the appropriate inputs and outputs. If you want to make occasional connections--perhaps for a camcorder or an MP3 player--look for a receiver with front-panel inputs, especially if your TV doesn't have any.

Some manufacturers provide 12 months of coverage, while others offer 24.

Speakers are a critical component of any home-entertainment system, and their sound quality can make or break your listening experience. A passionate audiophile might spend well into five figures for speakers, but you don't have to pay a fortune for decent sound. Any money you spend for good speakers is an investment, because they generally last a long time and are less likely to become outmoded than other home-theater gear. You can start with a pair of speakers and add others--such as a center channel speaker, rear surrounds, or a subwoofer--as your need dictates and your budget allows.

Among the hundreds of speaker brands available, the major names are B&W, Bose, Boston Acoustics, Infinity, JBL, Klipsch, and Polk Audio. There are also lower-priced models from some well-regarded "audiophile" brands, such as Definitive Technology, Monitor, Paradigm, and PSB. Speakers are sold through mass merchandisers, audio/video stores, and "boutique" retailers. You can also buy speakers online, but shipping costs can be high--$100 or more--if the speakers are heavy.

Speakers are sold as pairs for traditional stereo setups, and singly or in sets of three to eight for equipping a home theater. In order to keep a system balanced, buy the front left and right speakers in pairs rather than individually. The center-channel speaker should be acoustically matched to the front speakers. Rear speakers should also sound similar to front speakers.

Each type of speaker serves a different purpose. The front speakers are used for stereo music playback; in a home-theater setup, they provide front left and right sounds. A center-channel speaker delivers dialog and is usually placed atop or beneath the TV in a home theater. Rear speakers, sometimes called surround speakers, deliver rear ambient effects such as crowd noise or special effects. A bass unit--colloquially known as a subwoofer--reproduces the lowest tones, such as bass instruments and action-movie explosions.

These are among the smaller speakers, but the largest of them can be 20 or so inches tall, too big for some shelves, despite their name. A pair can serve as the sole speakers in a stereo system or as the front or rear duo in a home theater. Small speakers like these have become better at handling bass without buzzing or distortion and are likely to satisfy many listeners. Any bass-handling limitations would be less of a concern in a multi-speaker system that uses a subwoofer to reproduce deep bass.

Price: $60 to more than $1,000 per pair.

Typically about 3 to 4 feet tall, these large speakers can also serve as the sole speakers in a stereo system or as the front pair in a home-theater system. Their big cabinets have the potential to do more justice to deep bass than smaller speakers--and some may contain built-in powered subwoofers--but they take up more space and might not be the best choice for aesthetic reasons.

Price: $150 to more than $1,000 per pair.

In a multichannel setup, the center-channel speaker is typically placed above or beneath the TV, as its job is to anchor sound to the onscreen action. Because it primarily handles dialog, its frequency range doesn't have to be as full as that of the front pair, but its sound should be similar, so that all three blend well. Many center-channel speakers use a horizontal design.

Price: $80 to more than $500.

Rear speakers in a multichannel setup carry ambient sounds, such as crowd noise, and directional effects, such as a car racing by or a plane flying past. Multichannel formats such as Dolby Digital, Digital Theater System (DTS), and the newer high-resolution lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master soundtracks found on many Blu-ray movies make fuller use of these speakers than earlier formats, so many models now have a wider frequency response. Rear speakers tend to be small and light (often 5 to 10 inches high and 3 to 6 pounds), so they can be wall-mounted or placed on a shelf.

Price: $50 to more than $500 per pair.

Meant as a standalone system or for use with other speakers, these so-called 2.1-channel sets combine two bookshelf or small satellite speakers for midrange and higher tones with a subwoofer for bass. Some may include a center-channel speaker, but no subwoofer.

Price: $100 to more than $800.

An easy route to a full surround-sound system, these matched sets typically have small bookshelf or satellite speakers for front and rear pairs (though some sets have floor-standing speakers for the front), a center-channel speaker, and a subwoofer. Six- or eight-piece sets take the guesswork, which can be daunting, out of matching speakers. They differ from a home-theater system in that you have to add a receiver.

Price: $300 to more than $1,000.

More correctly called bass units, they reproduce all the bass or low frequencies in the sound. In a stereo or multichannel setup, the bass unit might sit apart from the other speakers, in a location that delivers the most consistent bass or that's more convenient--even hidden out of sight. But you can't just stick a subwoofer anywhere. If you put one in a corner, for example, the unit might overemphasize some notes and make your system sound boomy. Most subwoofers are "active" or "powered," meaning that they have built-in amplification. Some are now wireless, so you don't have to run a cable to a receiver.

Price: $100 to more than $1,000.

Soundbars contain the left and right front speakers, and sometimes a center speaker, in one enclosure. Many are self-powered--meaning they have built-in amplification--and connect directly to a TV, cable/satellite box, or DVD player, so a receiver/amplifier isn't needed. Some come with a separate subwoofer, often wireless, and a few incorporate either a Blu-ray or standard DVD player. A few models include rear surround speakers that can connect to a wireless subwoofer or amplifier.

Most cost $200 and up, but you may find some lower-priced models.

Consider size
Speakers come in all shapes and sizes, so see how they'll fit in your room. Floorstanding speakers might overwhelm smaller spaces. Bookshelf speakers are often a better fit, though some are quite large. Make sure the model you choose will fit the shelf or niche you've earmarked for it, although most can also be placed on stands.

And don't worry that you're giving up quality for compactness. Many small speakers do a fine job, especially in the relatively modest environs of typical rooms. For maximum space saving, consider one of the new flat speaker systems designed to complement flat-panel TVs. They can be wall-mounted or placed on a stand. In-wall models have gotten better, and can virtually disappear in a room.

While more expensive speakers can sound better, not all do. We've found that many lower-priced speakers can deliver a very full, satisfying sound. Also, ads often tout two-way or three-way designs and the size of the cone inside a speaker, but you can't judge sound quality by those attributes.

Even speakers with similar scores can sound very different. One model might emphasize treble, while another de-emphasizes it. There's no substitute for hearing speakers, so bring a few CDs or a portable music player, such as an iPod, with familiar pieces of music to the store. Speakers will sound different at home because of your room size, shape, and furnishings, so see if the retailer will allow a home trial. If you're torn between two choices, buy the less expensive one. Stores might be more open to a return if you want to trade up to a more expensive set. And if you're ordering from an Internet retailer, check its return policies so that you can exchange the speakers if you're unhappy with the sound once they're set up in your home.

If you like to play music loudly, make sure that your receiver is rated to handle the impedance (generally from 4 to 8 ohms) of the front speaker pair. If the receiver has a higher impedance rating than the speakers, its amplifiers will have to work hard to drive the speakers when they are played at high volume, and the receiver will tend to overheat and shut down. Power range refers to the power-handling capability of a speaker, expressed in RMS (average power) and peak power (maximum surge power). Speakers placed near a picture-tube TV set should have magnetic shielding to avoid interfering with the picture (This is not an issue with LCD and plasma sets, or with rear projection DLP TVs.)