The iPad has clearly become the pet touchpad for many in the home theater and control world. About half of the home or home theaters we’ve profiled in the past 6 months have had an iPad or iPhone integrated in some way. That would lead some people to believe that iOS devices rule the A/V world. Android fans would beg to differ.

So what can an Android tablet or smart phone do for your home theater? It can adjust the volume of your receiver, turn up the lights, switch channels, manage your DVR and help you find music. Basically, nearly anything an iPad can do, an Android can do as well…well, usually.

Earlier this week EH posted a review of the Samsung Galaxy 10.1 Android tablet. In that review, I emphasized the home theater and control opportunities for Android users, but given the space available, I didn’t go into great detail.

So in order to give a clearer picture of what Android buyers can expect when they start browsing the app market, I’ve rounded up 14 apps for home theater or automation. This is not a complete list, but covers most of the popular electronics brands and a few you may not have heard of. If you have a favorite that’s not included, please leave a note, and I’ll add it in. Please note, these apps were found in the Android market, but not all are optimized for every version of Android, particularly the newer Honeycomb version. Most of the app descriptions were summarized from the Android market.

See slideshow of home theater apps for Android.

Grant Clauser - Technology and Web Editor, Electronic House

Grant Clauser has been covering home electronics for more than 10 years with editorial roles in several consumer and trade magazines. He's done ISF-level damage to hundreds of reviewed products and has had audio training from Home Acoustics Alliance and Sencore. He's also the author of the book The Trouble with Rivers. Follow him on Twitter @geclauser.