Control systems

Regrettably, every home theater system component you purchase (TV, DVD player, receiver, etc.) has to be controlled. Thus, you get a remote control with it. Thus, for a typical home theater setup, you’ll accumulate 4-5 remote controls. Too many.

All-in-one universal remote controls are very valuable commodities. Many are able to manage your entire home theater system. Most take some training and getting used to. Some control systems can be hard wired into your home to also control lighting and other functions.

There are too many models available to suggest a specific type or brand. I suggest you research what is available and find any reviews online that you can. For some odd reason human beings are very passionate about the remote control and they’re not shy in telling everyone what their favourite is.

Subwoofers

I love my subwoofer. I said it. I’ve always favoured bass, be it in music, in a movie, or during a football game. If you don’t understand, buy one and install it. If you currently own a subwoofer and don’t understand what I’m saying, try turning your subwoofer off and watching TV or movies without it for a week. You’ll soon get it.

Most surround speaker packages come with a powered subwoofer. If they don’t, a) either the system is cheap and useless and should be avoided, or b) it is a higher end speaker package for which consumers are able to choose from a selection of available subwoofers.

There is a full range of sound which most people do not know exists in the television show, sporting event, or movie that they are watching. See what you have been missing! Invest in a subwoofer!

Speakers

I frequently vent on the lack of attention consumers pay to the sound quality of their home theater setups. Although the surround sound, multi-channel receiver is one major determinant of sound quality, an equally important component is the speaker system connected to that receiver.
Multi speaker packages, including a powered subwoofer need not be ridiculously expensive to perform well. Major brands offer very affordable options. Certainly try to avoid unknown, obscure brands which will most definitely disappoint.
The positioning of the speakers within the room is very important. A top of the line speaker system positioned in the incorrect locations in a room will negate their benefit. The sitting position of the viewer must be determined and the speaker components must be keyed to that single position. Most speaker manufacturers include very detailed directions on optimal positioning for their equipment.

LCD TVs

Liquid crystal displays are quickly becoming the predominant technology in the consumer high definition television market. As I mention in my Plasma TV post, the argument rages on over which of the technologies, plasma or LCD, is superior.
As a personal choice, I believe the options and features in the LCD market are superior. Couple this with the horrendous maintenance and reliability issues confronting the plasma technology, and I will routinely recommend consumers pick up a LCD model over a plasma model any day.

Plasma TVs

Plasma television technology was primarily the focus of Panasonic which championed their leading stake in the market. Again, as in comparisons of surround sound technologies DTS and Dolby Digital, there are equally serious and passionate discussions and arguments regarding the pros and cons of plasma technology versus LCD technology.
We’ve all heard the rumors of how plasma televisions suffer from ‘burn-in’ when used for video gaming purposes. We may also know of a few people who have had it happen to them. What plasma does have on its side is greater representation of dark colors and richness in lower brightness images.

Panasonic and Sony

Five years ago I swore up and down that Panasonic offered the best value for the money for the general consumer in the home theater system market. Their product offerings across all components – DVD players, televisions, multi-channel receivers, speakers, etc. were all top performers in my view.

Times have changed. Panasonic has suffered in recent years due to their dedication to the plasma television market and the accompanying overwhelming consumer shift to the LCD television market. Today, there are better brand options available.

Like Panasonic, Sony historically has been a leader and popular favourite in the home theater consumer market. Still boasting a predominant market share in consumer electronics, Sony has gradually fallen back and joined the main pack. There are now equal quality offerings at comparable prices to the Sony brand.