How to Understand a Separate Component Home Theater

If you are assembling a home theater system using a collection of independent home theater-related components, the task may seem complicated.

Does buying an AVR or separate stereo components make more sense in 2011? As you might expect, the answer isn’t a simple one, but a little reflection can help budding audiophiles make the right choice.

Home Theater 101 - Learning The Basics of Home Theater Systems The idea is simple enough: A home theater provides a theater-like experience in your home. But what exactly does that entail? The quick answer is, there's no quick answer....

The Receiver - Learn the basics of home theater, from sound systems to TV screens. Review popular home theater systems and read our buying guide on home theater systems.
Tags: home theater, home theater systems, surround sound

This guide to home theater receivers explains how to go about choosing the best AV receiver for your room. In the process, we discuss AV receiver specs, 5.1 vs. 7.1 systems, and amplifier power.

Home theater is more than just an HDTV. Sound quality is half the equation. Formerly the domain of movie buffs and audiophiles, the electronics makers are now trying to meet the needs of customers who are not necessarily willing to spend loads of money and/or remodel the living room in the pursuit of the best home movie experience. Couch potatoes of all stripes now want movie-theater-quality audio from a simple, affordable, and easy package. SPECS SPECS SPECS Home theater system shoppers are inundated by specs. Some of these specs are relevant and some are grossly misrepresented to the point of becoming meaningless. Here is the breakdown on what to pay attention to and what to ignore. Watts 600 Watts! 1,000 Watts! 2,000 Watts! Watts are an excellent example of the pliable truth found in marketing. More watts do in fact …