Q. I want to upgrade my A/V system but can’t do it all at once. Which components and/or speakers should I start with and why? - Brian, Hamden, CT

A. There are many factors in upgrading an A/V system. A lot depends on how long ago your current equipment was purchased. So let’s take a look at each aspect of a typical A/V system. The video display; Plasma, LCD, DLP, etc… this needs to be HD. 720p, 1080i or 1080p depends on your budget, but this is a staple to any system. Next we want to take a look at speakers, which I personally believe to be the most important part of the system. It’s easy to get lost in a picture, but the surround sound is what makes you feel like you are actually there. If your existing system has good sounding speakers, then I wouldn’t upgrade. If not, the center speaker is generally thought to be the most important speaker of the system since it handles 75%-80% of all audio when in a digital surround format like DTS or Dolby Digital. But keep in mind that if you change this, the rest of the speakers may sound completely different than the center. I am a big believer in purchasing all the speakers from the same manufacturer and series. This will insure that the tonal quality stays the same.

Following the display and speakers, I’d upgrade the A/V receiver. You want to get a quality receiver that is capable of all the latest digital audio formats, Dolby TruHD, THX surround and the like. Make sure it has HDMI 1.3 inputs, so that it can handle all the video switching as well. I suggest you count how many devices you own that have HDMI, and make sure you have a couple spare HDMI inputs for future expansion. A good quality receiver will last for awhile, especially if it has the ability to be updated over the internet. I would then upgrade to an HD DVR. This allows you to record your favorite shows in HD, where available of course, and watch, pause, and skip commercials. There are some models that you can link to your PC and schedule recordings from the office and play the music that is on your computer. You may also want to purchase a Blu-Ray DVD player.

There are also a few pieces that some people don’t think to get. A universal remote control is an excellent upgrade, freeing you from needing 5 remotes just to watch the news. Certain models allow you to make the system “RF.” This means that you won’t need to aim the remote when you are using it. An item I would highly recommend is a power conditioner. This product not only protects your investment, but also helps from RF noise on the power lines. If you have ever seen scrolling lines or “ghost” images in the picture, this may be the cause. It is also very important to purchase protection for your TV or projector. I don’t know how many times I have gone to an existing install and seen the single most expensive piece of equipment unprotected from lighting or spikes.

About the Author:
Graig Stephens - Executive Partner, Visually Sound

Visually Sound is a dynamic group of professionals who incorporate the most up-to-date audio, video, lighting, communications, and automation equipment into both new and existing residential and commercial construction. With over a decade of professional experience, we have been faced with many challenges and have always exceeded our client's expectations, in quality, ingenuity, and timeliness. Graig Stephens can be reached at graig@visually-sound.com