Practical Home Theater Guide: Systems Reviews and Home Theater Design

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Updated: 5^th February 2010

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Today, home theater systems can do a remarkable job towards a great cinematic experience. It is all about an intermix effect brought together by the various system components:

the big screen TV,
home theater receiver, speaker placement,
home theater room setup, overall room decor...

Even what may appear as a simple sheet of stretched fabric - the projection screen - can do a lot to help support this cinematic effect.

Through the info published on Practical Home Theater Guide, we show you that it is all a question of selecting the appropriate gear to complement your room. It is also a matter of following the necessary implementation principles for a correct home theater setup.

It is not true that the bigger a big screen TV, the better. Nor is it true that you will have better home theater sound by pumping more power into that sub-woofer! Just follow through the various articles in Practical Home Theater Guide to discover more.

Website Objective

We hope that Practical Home Theater Guide will serve as a comprehensive reference source with easy-to-follow information covering all aspects of home theater.

Our aim is to help you achieve through your own home theater system that same magical experience we enjoy at movie theaters.

We are therefore presenting a series of informative articles and setup guides that discuss the various aspects of home theater.

Practical Home Theater Guide is broken down into various sections targeting specific areas of interest:

	CRT, Plasma and LCD direct view displays
	LCD and DLP Rear projection TVs
	Home Theater and Multimedia video projectors
	Video projector screens and projection screen paints
	Home theater receivers and wireless speaker systems
	Home theater calibration and setup discs
	Equipment protection
	...and much more.

Each of these sections include the relevant home theater guides that discuss in detail the respective design criteria, setup constraints, equipment selection, and overall equipment integration.

Related home theater system reviews are also included, while links to manufacturers' sites and major online suppliers are provided whenever possible.

We are also featuring an interesting series of Home Theater Design articles that takes a full 360^o approach to the subject, starting with the basics in design concept up to final implementation.

Topics covered include: initial planning issues such as budget and available space, room acoustics, lighting, shared versus dedicated home theater room, room decor, home theater seating, screen size and viewing distance, equipment and speaker placement, speaker wiring, etc.

On our part, we are committed to continue developing our website into a complete resource of free home theater guides and product reviews.

We encourage you to subscribe to our free e-zine 'Practical HT Guide Update' to remain abreast with the latest additions to our site.

To subscribe, simply fill in the form below:

Remember also to subscribe to our RSS news-feed for the latest news and updates at Practical Home Theater Guide. If you would like to know more what an RSS news-feed is, click here.

Please feel free to use the site Feedback Form to post in your comments, suggestions or queries.

Meanwhile, we hope that you will enjoy and profit from the articles and guidelines appearing in Practical Home Theater Guide.

In the news...

The latest home theater news and more

Practical Home Theater Guide
Website Index - Main Categories

Video/TV - Digital Television and Direct View Guides: CRT, LCD, and Plasma TV

Guide to Digital TV
Discover all you need to know about digital television - from converter boxes to DTV antennas - and see what you can to so that the latest and greatest change since the introduction of color TV would not make your analog TV set obsolete by February 2009.

Home Theater Entertainment: Direct-view Big Screen TVs
A complete guide to home theater big screen TV systems covering direct-view CRT, flat panel LCD TV, and high definition plasma televisions.

CRT TV Guide:
The latest low prices on flat-panel TVs seem to imply that the CRT TV days are over. But is it really so? CRT still offers unsurpassed picture quality, and the new slim type tubes offer even more…

The Complete LCD TV Guide:
LCD HDTVs are turning out sharper, bigger, better, and cheaper. Discover all you need to know about LCD TV sets in this series of articles on LCD televisions.

Plasma Television ...the primary choice in BIG screen TV
A Complete Guide to Plasma Television: Discover the basic operational principles, find out the pros and cons of plasma vs. LCD TV, and identify the features to look for when making a plasma TV purchase.

Flat-Panel TV Reviews: LCD and Plasma HDTVs

LCD TV Reviews:
A series of LCD TV Reviews covering some of the best LCD HDTVs - from expensive LED LCD TVs to affordable LCD televisions in the so-called 'value category'. In the process, we also take a look at a few cheap LCD TVs selling at under $1,000!

Plasma TV Reviews – discovering the best plasma televisions!
A series of plasma TV reviews covering some of the best yet most affordable plasma television sets.

Best HDTVs - A Flat-panel TV Roundup
Picking up the best LCDs, LED TVs, and plasma HDTVs

Video Projection Systems - Guides and Product Reviews: Rear projection TVs, Video Projectors and Projection Screens

Projection TV - the center of attraction in home entertainment
In search of BIG fun; look to the big screens of Projection TV. A complete guide to front and rear projection television systems, and DIY projection TV.

Front Projection: Business and Home Theater Video Projector Reviews
Multimedia video projectors can serve many purposes. Our video projector reviews can help you discover the best-selling business and home theater projectors available today from major brands.

Rear Projection TV Reviews
A selection of Rear Projection TV reviews covering major top-selling systems for home theater use.

DIY projection TV – Converting any TV into a 150” big screen Television
Imagine watching movies or your favorite sports in real life-size without spending a fortune! DIY projection TV can make all this a reality but …

Home Theater Screens – the Secret behind Great Image Projections
Home theater screens are usually the last to be considered when setting up a home cinema. Many would choose among the cheapest available projector screens. However, this is a BIG mistake...

Home Theater Audio: Multi-Channel Sound

Home Theater Surround Sound Formats
For many, the long list of terms and brand names associated with home theater surround sound - Dolby, DTS, THX, etc., as well as the availability of DVD-A, DualDiscs, and SACDs, is getting a bit too complicated.

Help is on the way! This home theater guide takes a detailed look at the different sound formats and certifications in use today in the home theater world.

Home Theater Cables: AV Interconnects and HDCP

Home Theater Cables: A Guide to AV Connectors and Speaker Wire
Do not underrate the importance of quality home theater cables. The build quality of AV connectors and speaker wire will impact system performance. Read here to discover more.

HDCP - An Introductory Guide to the most debated Digital Content Protection
Discover what HDCP is all about, why it impacts your HDTV viewing, and how it works. Is there an alternative to noncompliant HDTV devices - what about HDCP strippers?

Home Theater Guides: HT Design, AV Racks and System Set-up

Towards a Successful Home Theater Design: A series of articles to get started
Fire your system, drop a new DVD, and dim the lights… Instantly, you are immersed into a totally different world. A correct home theater design is crucial for this kind of experience. Discover more here.

Getting the best out of your system: Home Theater Setup DVDs
Home Theater setup DVDs can help you get the best out of your system without calling a professional. Read here to discover how these calibration discs can come in handy during equipment setup.

A Guide to Audio Video Equipment Racks
AV Rack enclosures come in all shapes and sizes, and are great to help you keep your gear well organized and safe - essential for long-term trouble-free operation.

But there is more to equipment racks than a storage space for your system components. More in this informative home theater guide.

Home Theater Room Decor: Home Theater Pictures and Movie Posters

Home Theater Pictures - Visitor's Gallery
A collection of Home Theater Pictures to help you discover what others have done to build their home theater masterpiece.

Movie Posters - a great way to relive the magic of your favorite movies!
Movie posters can help recreate the magic of the movie theater in the home. Learn more about the fascinating world of movie pictures, poster sizes, poster books, poster light boxes, etc., in this Movie Poster Guide.

Wireless Home Theater: Headphones, Speakers & Media Players

A Practical Guide to Wireless Headphones and Dolby Headphone technology
Ever told to turn it down? Wireless headphones may be a solution. However, you need to combine the flexibility of a wireless headset with Dolby Headphone technology to enjoy a great sound experience.

Wireless Home Theater – A buying guide to Wireless Speakers Systems
Wireless speakers offer greater flexibility especially when in-wall wiring is not an option. This wireless speakers buying guide should help you identify the best solution for your needs.

PC - Home Entertainment integration through Wireless Media Players
Are you ready to expand your wireless networking from a simple home-office to a fully integrated wireless home entertainment system? Today’s wireless media players make all this easily achievable.

Home Theater Books, Magazines and Electronics Catalogs

Home Theater Magazines (and books) - Reviews and Suggestions
Grab one or two ‘solid’ home theater magazines and a few ‘good’ home theater books, and you are on a sure way to avoid costly mistakes when planning a home theater or making a purchase.

Free Electronics Catalogs
Now you can get some of the best Electronics Catalogs from major companies covering top electronic gadgets and home theater gear, free of charge. More info here.

Power Protection: Line Conditioners and Surge Suppressors

Power Protection in the Home Theater - Power Line Conditioners
A guide to power protection in the home theater: Power line conditioners, surge protectors, and AC regenerators surely represent an effective insurance policy for your home theater gear, but not only…

Satellite Television - Installation Guides & 'Free' Sat TV Offers

A comprehensive online guide to Digital Satellite TV
With its exceptional picture and sound quality, digital satellite TV is delivering entertainment to millions in the USA - it is surely a great choice to complement your home theater…

FREE Satellite TV Offers from DirecTV and DISH – Where is the catch?
The fierce competition between DirecTV and DISH Network has translated itself into a number of free satellite TV offers for the end customer – offers worth a couple of hundred dollars, but…

Useful Links

Home Theater Resource Directory
A selection of home theater guides and informative articles from specialized top-rated home theater sites, with links to related web resources.

Useful Links - Home Theater
Lots more info at Practical-home-theater-guide.com: Recommended Home Theater links sorted by category.

More Links
Additional resources: Useful websites worth visiting.

Online Store & Price Search

The Practical-Home-Theater-Guide.com Home Theater Store
The Home Theater Store with the movie 'magic' in mind - covering books, home theater magazines, audio video cables, DVDs, videos and music CDs, home theater receivers and TVs, etc.

Price Search
Do not just buy it... Best Price Search It! We have partnered with one of the major price comparison search engines to help you identify the best deals and save money when shopping online.

About ME

About Me!
Revealing whose behind www.practical-home-theater-guide.com and how I built this site.

Website Information

About this Website Content
Explaining the type and nature of the content you may expect to find on our website.

Practical Home Theater Guide 'Terms-of-Use'
Practical Home Theater Guide terms of use and website disclaimer policy.

Practical Home Theater Guide 'Privacy Policy'
Your privacy is important to us as it is to YOU; we will never divulge any information to anyone. Read here for details.

Practical Home Theater Guide Blog
The Practical Home Theater Guide Blog provides instant updates about anything appearing on practical-home-theater-guide.com. Click here to subscribe.

Feedback Form
Submitting your queries, remarks, suggestions, etc. is easy; just use Practical Home Theater Guide Feedback Form!

Editor's Note: Most product links - images and or text - appearing on this website are affiliate links. When you click on these links and complete your purchase at the respective online seller, we get a small commission that goes to help us maintain this site.

However, rest assured that we remain committed to provide unbiased information. Opinions expressed in our articles represent our sole and informed view based on our knowledge of the subject.

Discussions

...and submissions!

Are you in the market for a new HDTV?
After the CES, many end up in the dilemma of whether to buy now to enjoy a great bargain or wait till the latest and greatest 2010 HDTVs are out on store shelves.

Join our discussion here.

Samsung vs. Panasonic:
Which is better - Samsung B860 or Panasonic V10?
Join our discussion here.

Samsung LED TVs vs. Samsung LCD TVs Samsung LEDs are among the most awaited but how do they compare with Samsung LCDs?

Join our discussion here.

Submit your home theater to our Picture Gallery. It is fun, easy, and free!

Professional Home Theater Designers and Installer - read here!

Submit your site to be featured on Practical Home Theater Guide; details here.

Satellite vs. Cable TV Share your experience; it will surely be of value to many others.

Samsung A950 vs. Sony XBR8: Which is better? Submit your views here.

New / Updated Content:

More information @ Practical Home Theater Guide

Panasonic Plasma TVs: Are these having a problem with their black levels?
Some Panasonic users have reported that the black level performance of their plasmas have all of a sudden deteriorated. Are Panasonic having a problem with their much acclaimed deep blacks?

Home Theater Screens -
Home theater screens are usually the last thing to be considered. Many would even opt for the cheapest available projector screen. But this is a BIG mistake... Discover all you need to know in this updated series of guides to selecting front projection screens.

Buying a new HDTV - Buy now or wait till later?
Should you wait for 2010 HDTVs or buy now to enjoy the present reduced pricing on 2009 sets? We discuss this hotly debated issue to help you make a better choice.

Best HDTVs Roundup:
Picking up the best plasma and LCD TVs for 2009

Samsung B8500 LED TV Series Detailed Product Evaluation

Samsung Series 6 LCD TVs: Full product guide covering B610, B630, B640, and B650 LCD HDTVs

Sony Bravia KDL-V5100 120Hz 1080p HDTVs - full product review

Sony Bravia KDL-XBR9 240Hz 1080p HDTVs with internet-enabled content and DLNA support - full product review

2009 LG LCD TVs:
Covering LG LH30, LH50, LH55, and LG LED TV series LH90

LG Plasma TVs:
Full 2009 product guide and detailed review of LG high-end PS80 plasma TV series

Samsung B860 vs. Panasonic V10 plasma TV
We review the Samsung Series 8 and Panasonic V10 to confront the two for the 'Best Plasma TV' title for 2009.

Samsung 2009 Plasma TV Lineup
Complete guide to Samsung plasma lineup, followed by a detailed review of Samsung Series 6 plasma HDTVs.

Cheap Plasma TV Reviews - 2009 Update:
Sub $1,000 name-brand plasma TVs within the 42-inch and 50-inch category.

Panasonic 2009 Plasma TV Lineup
Complete product guide to the full Panasonic Viera plasma lineup, with detailed Panasonic plasma TV reviews covering the 7X1 Series, entry-level S1 HDTVs, and the G10 THX 1080p Plasma TVs.

Taking your gear for a SPIN... AVRAK AV Racks
AVRAK are mainly renowned for their high-quality rotating AV equipment racks. But there is more to AVRAK than a spin...

Samsung B8000 LED TVs vs. B750 LCD TVs
Which is Better?
Having reviewed both the new Samsung LEDs and Samsung B750 LCDs, it is only natural that we discuss LED vs. LCD.

Samsung 2009 LCD TVs: The B750 Series
Samsung Series 7 240Hz LCDs have all that it takes to become the best-selling LCDs for 2009.

2009 Samsung LED TVs: The Complete Lineup
Full evaluation of the B6000, B7000, and B8000 Series - analyzing features and performance issues.

Home Theater Guides

Recommended Technical Guides

Image Sticking in LCD TVs
This is one of the least known phenomena associated with the use of TFT LCD panels, yet image retention is not just an issue with plasma TVs...

LCD Response Time - Is faster always better?
Is it possible to compare LCD TV response times between different brands? What about 120Hz LCD TVs - are they really better at eliminating motion blur?

TV Viewing Distance
A big screen TV for your home theater? Do not fall into the trap of buying a too large TV!

Contrast Ratio - Playing with Numbers!
To what extent high contrast ratios affect the performance of a home theater projector or a video display device?

Equipment Racks:
There is more to equipment racks than a storage space for your system components. More in this home theater guide.

Dolby vs. DTS - Which delivers better sound?
We discuss the differences between these surround sound formats to help you understand why this Dolby vs. DTS controversy prevails.

Plasma vs. LCD TV
A detailed 360 degrees comparative guide to choosing between a plasma television and an LCD HDTV.

Feel the Shake!
Bass Shakers, Buttkickers... Add the sensation of tactile sound and discover a whole new world in home entertainment.

The HDMI Cable Guide
To many, HDMI is still an unfamiliar term. This easy-to follow home theater guide explains all you need to know about HDMI.

Satellite Dish Installation Guide
We show you how to select your dish, choose the best location, install, and even fine tune your satellite antenna for best satellite TV reception.

Guide to Digital TV
A complete guide to Digital Television - DTV converters, TV antennas, and DTV transition.

Poster Light Boxes:
Movie Posters help bring about the Hollywood magic in the home. But the fascinating world of movie pictures is more than just a beautiful poster hanging on the wall. But for that unique finishing touch, you need a poster light box.

Miscellaneous Guides:

Buying Online Guides

A Buyer's Guide to Shopping Online
Shopping online is cheaper, but is it safe? Discover how to manage the risks while still enjoying big savings.

Buying Refurbished Electronics
A way to a cheap HDTV is to opt for a refurbished product. However, to make the most out of your purchase, you first need to understand what refurbished products are.

HT Books and Magazines