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A home theater can be in a separate room and set up like a theater, or it can be in a more casual environment like a family room, kitchen, bedroom, patio or home office. System design and installation by Tri-Phase Technologies, Carmel, IN Photo by Benji Haecker.
How much is all of this going to cost?
That’s up to you. But figure on spending at least a few thousand dollars on an HDTV of some kind, a surround-sound speaker system, an audio/video receiver and a DVD player. It’s difficult to obtain a good system with a new HDTV for less than $3,000 to $5,000. More advanced home theater systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
I have no idea how to hook this stuff up. Can I hire someone to do it?
Sure. We recommend hiring a custom electronics installer. You can find advice on hiring the right person in via our Installer Directory.
All this just to watch a few movies and TV with some extra thump?
You could look at it that way. We’re not trying to sell you a home theater system. But there are plenty of great educational and culturally significant shows now available in HDTV, and without an HDTV, you won’t get the full effect. You’ll also appreciate your favorite movies much more on a good audio/video system. And chances are, so will your spouse, friends and kids.
I don’t think my spouse will go for it.
This is a big purchase, so it should be a mutual decision. Sit him or her down, and explain what you’d like to do. If there are doubts, bring your significant other to a home theater demonstration at a custom electronics dealer, and try to bring along a favorite DVD of his or hers to play. You may have to compromise some to get what you want, but in the end, you’ll both be happy, and you and yours won’t have to go on Dr. Phil.
Is this all I need to know?
That’s up to you. There’s plenty of information about home theater on this web site. We keep it simple, so don’t be intimidated. And the knowledge we share here will make you a better and wiser shopper.
For more information on home theater equipment, check out Keeping Pace with TV Refresh Rates - The New Numbers, Speaker Q&A and Affordable A/V Upgrades.
$3,000-5,000 for a good system? Come on. I put together a very solid system for under 2000
400 bucks for a InFocus In72 projector (not HD, but does a killer job with HD content) I could have upgraded to a HD projector for another 400 bucks.
40 bucks for a 82.5 inch screen, frame, and paint for the frame (DIY)
300 bucks for a solid Harmon Kardon reciever (you could get by with a decent Sony or Pioneer for under 200)
700 for speakers (you could get a decent setup for 300-400)
40 bucks for a dvd player.
Throw in 50 for all of the cables and wiring (if you buy Monster stuff you are wasting your money)
For around 1,500 you can get a system that will be good enough for the majority of the casual home theater users.
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This is a question. Does anyone out there know if the Sony® Home Theater System with DVD Player and Flush Speakers in a 2007 Beaver Contessa should have a subwoofer? Our dealer says No - I looked up Sony Home Theater System, and they include a subwoofer. Any info would be appreciated! Thanks!