Slideshows

With the right affordable system, nearly everyone can turn off their home's lights right at their bedside or remotely control the illumination in another room.

The gift ideas in this section won't be found in the bargain aisle, but they will keep your bills in check.

Acoustic Research Home Decor can transform a home theater system into classic-looking family room elements.

When speakers should be heard and not seen.

Floorstanding loudspeakers are meant to be seen and heard. And they remain the best option if sound quality is your primary concern.

Learn how to put boom in your room with specs and pics on 47 different subwoofers.

Rich images, reliability, and decreasing prices could make LED a TV contender.

DLO’s all-in-one way to connect your iPod to your home TV and stereo

We round-up the latest rear-projection and front-projection DLPs.

A great home theater requires a comfortable seat. Learn how to pick the perfect furniture for your media room.

What’s new for video displays in 2007? Here are the trends worth watching.

The Vidabox Lux can play both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs. See how it works in this slideshow.

Use our plasma display slideshow to find the perfect flat-screen TV.

This slideshow will present some different microdisplay technologies including DLP, 3LCD LCoS and SXRD.

One day at the largest consumer electronics show in the world is enough to leave you dazed and confused. Here's one man's journey through CES.

Some snapshots from the CES show floor.

At CES 2007, a number of companies introduced new ways of downloading and streaming media feeds to and from a variety of devices.

At CES 2007, Verizon showed off the latest generation of its touchscreen Internet phone.

It's hard to imagine life without remote controls, but it's been a long strange path to the modern incarnation we know, and love, today.

Frustrated with high cost, low quality HDTV? Here's how a simple antenna can lead you to the land of free HD.

A cool component is a happy component. These venting tips will keep your home theater at peak performance.

There are several ways to get your music fix - from simple PC streaming, to Internet-based services, to full-fledged storage systems.

Sporting 7.1 sound and near real graphics, hi-def gaming has finally arrived. But to get the most from the latest titles you'll need the right equipment.

These hidden speakers get your sound in the house or yard without upsetting the spouse.

If "big" is your thing, forget those LCDs and plasmas. Here's why you should try a projector and big screen.

Our infatuation with big screens can be traced back to the tube magnifiers of the 50s. Here's a look at the evolution of the big TV.

We guarantee these movie scenes will send a jolt through your surround sound system.

The receiver is an integral part of any home entertainment system. Here's a look at what specs matter most.

Residential security cameras have become a popular home accessory. Use this guide to match a camera and system to your security needs.

Known as “shakers,” “movers” or to be more technical, tactile sound transducers, these devices can resemble a speaker (albeit without a cabinet).

All-in-one systems can be a convenient home theater purchase. But are you really getting quality components?

Gone are the traditional cones and magnets. Rather, these exotic speakers use an ultra thin diaphragm and good dose of power to deliver their sound.

Eight soon-to-be-released region A Blu-ray players.

Want to build a home entertainment system around your TV? Here's what you can get on a $1,000 budget.

What exactly are "organic light-emitting diodes", who's making them, and what challenges does this new technology face?

We asked experts at Stewart Filmscreen and Screen Research how you can find the best projection screen for your home theater.

Not sure if your TV is properly calibrated? These movies scenes are a great gauge of just how good - or bad - your picture is.

TV manufacturers are finally embracing the Internet with a renewed vigor. But can they successfully merge the Web's vast content with our big screens?

Dual-view screens, 3D capabilities, absolute blacks and even lasers and are just a few of the technologies coming soon to a flatscreen near you.

There are several criteria the smart shopper should know when shopping for the "perfect" camcorder. Next to budget, the most important choices will be the recording format and options.

Home theaters aren't just about big screens and speakers, you also need the right light to make the experience jive. Here are a few tips from professional lighting designer, Tom Dearborn.

Owning every DVD ever made doesn't mean much when they're in the other room. The right media server can solve that problem by moving your movies, music, and even photos to any room in your home.

Nothing is more exciting that some last minute shopping. Here are a few suggestions to keep you out of the dog house.

Unquestionably the hardest working and most ignored component, video upscalers play a big role in your home theater.

Next-gen technologies are making it a cinch to fine-tune and even auto-calibrate your home theater components for optimal playback.

IPTV has become the digital television alternative. But can it compete with cable or satellite TV?

These gadgets are sure to make your day-to-day tasks a whole lot easier.

Wireless home networks have a come long way. If you don't have one in your home Eric Deming of Linksys has a few tips to remedy that.

Choosing the right television service can be daunting. From picture quality to price, content to connectivity, we line 'em up and give you pros and cons to each.

Motion blur has long been the Achilles Heel of LCD TVs. A new refresh rate hopes to mend that wound and offer better processing potential.

With so many choices and functions, let's take a moment to review the many cables to be found in your a/v setup.

Aperion Audio speaker engineer Ken Humphreys provides a quick glance at what's inside your speakers.

An exclusive club to be sure, the category of "uber speaker" contains more options than on might think, assuming you have a spare $100k or so to spend.

Digitized media and distributed A/V are gaining traction, fast. Where this trend will take us, and which media server technology will dominate are the big questions.

Better refresh rates, smarter hdmi, sleeker components and lots of variety are what (hopefully) awaits us in 2008.

PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 or Wii? Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons for each system.

Which chip? What about room size? How much should I spend? All these projector questions and more are answered by experts.

Are you leaning Blu-ray or HD DVD in this brewing format war? These ten points might just help you make up your mind.

Have yet to pick a side in the Blu-ray/HD DVD format war? Here are ten reasons why you should go with HD DVD.

Rip, store, play! More than just a networked hard drive, today's media servers are able to serve media of all flavors, anywhere.

Several new products and services offer the security and serenity of knowing what's happening in your home when you're not there.

Deemed this year's perfect holiday gift, digital frames come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and feature sets. We run down what to look for and what to avoid while filling your stocking.

A centralized system allows you to stream video to every TV in your home, while cutting down on the clutter.

Looking for a good deal on a projector? Take some quick advice from two industry insiders and avoid some common buying mistakes.

While harkening to an era past, today's tabletop radios have evolved into very capable compact A/V systems.

Bigger has always been better when discussing TVs. But now "thin" is definitely in. Here's a look at the slimmest models.

Like televisions, flatscreen mounts come in many shapes and flavors. Here are a few tips to choosing (and installing) the right one for your set.

Football fans love to purchase new TVs for the Super Bowl. Here are some displays that might steal the spotlight from the big game.

It may not be the sexiest part of your home entertainment system, but it could be the most important. Two experts explain why.

Fearful of that nest behind your home entertainment system? Here's a rundown of all those wires, cables and connectors.

Newer high-end iPod docks aren’t cheap, but do allow you to get serious about sound without sacrificing convenience.

Samsung and Mitsubishi are leading the charge as manufactuers roll out three-dimensional television. And it could be a boon for the DLP market.

Although often associated with stretching a picture, the term 'anamorphic' has more to do with squeezing an image to fit your screen.

What you now need to know when you go shopping for a TV. Frames-per-second and 60 Hertz or 120 Hertz, but what do they mean?

Home theaters aren't just about big screens and speakers...comfy seats and ample storage are also a must.

A salute to the weirdest and wackiest products we've seen in recent months.

How can a device bought six months ago remain on the cutting edge? Believe it or not, manufacturers are lending a helping hand.

From magnetic floors to spry alarm clocks, we look at six products defined by good thinking.

What do you want (or better yet, what do you need) in your home entertainment system?

Lighting control systems aren't just an amenity for the rich. Lightolier’s Gary Meshberg explains why the average consumer should light up.

While not truly "high-def", Hybrid Digital (HD) radio offers less interference, fewer dropouts, and better sound than it's terrestrial AM/FM cousins.

Hitachi calls it FULL HD. Sony, Samsung, Pioneer and Sharp use FULL HD 1080p. Names aside, we've got the details to make it work for you.

From bulbs to timers, new products and systems promise significant energy savings on your electric bill.

Believe it or not, cranking up the volume on your headphones isn't the answer to drowning out ambient noise.

Whether it's with a 70-inch microdisplay, or a 103-inch plasma, you can have that movie theater feel in your home. Here's a look at the biggest TVs around.

A variety of new products can send your digital media anywhere. We take a look at the major offerings.

Has shopping for a TV left your head spinning? Joel Silver, president of the Imaging Science Foundation, reveals his ten tips for buying a television.

Cutting through the confusion about the digital audio/video connector.

Should you splurge on a two-way remote control? Depends on whether you enjoy the aggravation of repeatedly pressing buttons without seeing results.

Audio, video and lighting turn bland yards into entertainment havens.

We take a look at the audio, video and entertainment tools included in Microsoft's new operating system.

1080p resolution is making inroads in a variety of categories, including high-definition DVD players, gaming consoles and televisions.

A 1950s house with slab concrete flooring and a flat roof offers a major A/V retrofit challenge.

In this slideshow, we take a look at some of the Blu-ray, HD DVD and 1080p products coming down the pike.

A new generation of robots wants to clean your house and mow your lawn.

A new genration of easy-to-use security systems afford homeowners a new level of comfort, convenience and peace of mind

Given how affordable technology has become, it's completely doable for most moms and dads to gear up their kids' rooms with some really cool technology.

Size, shape and structure are just a few of the considerations when choosing an area to build your theater.

Your living room isn't an electronics store. Learn how to integrate home theater equipment into your decor.

Every home deserves an ample amount of wiring to handle computers, music systems, video systems and security.

Outdoor entertaining is in, so make sure your patio, deck and other exterior spaces are ready for company.

TVs, music systems, computers and other electronic fixtures have started creeping into kitchens, giving friends and family even more reason to love them.

The well-appointed bar in this rec room is a point of control and entertainment.

A home office can become a great entertainment destination.

Make the lights in your favorite rooms look and act their best by putting a control system in charge.

An entertainment system can promote relaxation in your master suite.

In many households, the bathroom is about the only place where you can find a bit of privacy. So why not make the room as cozy and inviting as the rest of the house?

Yes, you can even have a home theater outside.

Imagine adjusting your home's security system, thermostats and lights while you're lounging by the pool at your favorite resort. It's possible with an Internet-enabled home control system.

Get the most out of your home's most popular room with lighting and entertainment control systems.

10 homes, each with a different home theater challenge.

Vaulting architecture is great for aesthetics but bad for acoustics. Use these tips to make home theater work with high ceilings.

Industry pros reveal their tips for running A/V wire in challenging spots and preexisting rooms.

Hard surfaces can kill home theater acoustics. Use these tips to minimize the distortion.

Adding home theater to a small space requires clever solutions and compromise.

Adding home theater to a large room requires careful planning and powerful equipment.

Learn how to squeeze a home theater experience into a small room.

Windows wreak havoc on home theater lighting and acoustics. Use these tips to minimize interference.

Motivated by his desire for perfect big screen entertainment, Jerrod Shook handled all aspects of his basement remodel.

No matter what's playing, whether it's 2-channel music or 7.1-channel soundtracks, this home theater sounds great!

One install company raised the roof -- and the standard -- for upper-level home theater setups.

Matt Standing didn’t need a huge space or bank account to pull off big home theater.

This "Pirates of the Caribbean"-themed theater has plenty of booty for A/V geeks to gaze upon.

This homeowner doesn’t need cutting-edge equipment to enjoy the benefits of great home theater.

With 1,400 square feet to work with, Bud Ketterl was able to add his dream theater -- as well as a few special features.

This home theater uses the best of today’s technology to pay homage to the classic days of cinema.

This Nantucket home theater has a 155-inch 2.35:1 screen, plus a stage so the kids can put on performances.

Steve Cale’s biometric door lock and sound isolation scheme ensures his homemade theater only provides authorized entertainment.

This second home is packed with enough technology to keep guests entertained through those endless summer nights -- and beyond.

A removable column conceals hidden access to mechanical and storage areas behind this beautiful home theater.

With the click of button this room rotates a full 180 degrees - from intimate conversations to big screen entertainment.

After watching a big screen all day, this homeowner didn’t want his day job to ruin the home entertainment experience.

Darren Wander recruited his Dad to help create his childhood dream of the ultimate home theater.

Software guru Jason Klinke uses a computer and 2.35:1 screen to make real movie magic.

This Utah homeowner uses a unique Web-connected solar system to become energy independent.

This mad scientist theater pays homage to all that is sci-fi.

Moving their beloved home theater from Nashville to Tampa included a new floorplan, new challenges, and, best of all, new technology.

From stuffed animals to subwoofers, with children grown, this family updates a forgotten playroom into a well-used home theater.

The villainous cyborg and a slew of other sci-fi movie characters are right at home in this DIY home theater.

With 12 audio zones and access points including touch panels, Xbox 360's, TVs, and even an Ultra-Mobile PC, this home features the best of Windows Media Center.

Packed with plasmas, media servers, surround sound and multi-room audio, this Grand Prix garage was built for more than just cars.

The owners of this classic 1865 brownstone add a few modern conveniences, and a lot of technology to their "new" home.

This "simple" room doesn't sport an 80-inch plasma nor 7.1 surround, but that doesn't keep it from tapping into the home's audio/video servers.

An unfinished basement is transformed into a superwide CinemaScope home theater with an attached kitchen, pool hall and more.

A tech-savvy couple marries existing A/V equipment with new systems for an economical entertainment upgrade.

This Pensacola show condo features multiple entertainment systems, a water wall behind the bar, a bathroom "on fire", and a host of high-tech pyrotechnics.

A rocker at heart, our Ultimate Home Theater Sweepstakes winner is cranking up music and seeing TV in a whole different light.

Zoned music, user-friendly lighting control, automated fireplace igniters, one-button away-mode shutdown, and a mountain of other home control features make this getaway as much fun as the slopes.

Push that red-alert button, step through the motion-activated air-lock doors and be transported to this spectacular home theater, bar and lounge.

Scott Vonhof has a lot to sound off about, but it’s his self-built speakers that make us listen up.

Wayne Hanson has a small space to fill -- and went with the gusto of 2:35 screen setup.

A cathedral ceiling, mahogany woodwork, and hand-painted Parisian street scenes makes this home theater feel like home... a very nice home.

22 touchpanels, capacious media servers, and some very simple software allow this family to maintain complete control over their modern island paradise.

When the curtain opens, so does the kitchen area in this multipurpose basement theater.

Mountains of hidden technology add convenience to this airy Hawaiian retreat.

Home theaters come in all shapes, sizes, and price tags. Here are three examples that show just how far your money will go.

This 6,000-square foot basement handles audio, video and live entertainment with ease.

Take a look at the Home of the Year photos that made our jaws drop.

A Colorado home combines log cabin charm with some of the finest home technologies available. Think Grizzly Adams meets Donald Trump.

By utilizing the latest IP technologies this homeowner has ensured his home will remain cutting edge for a long, long time.

A homeowner transforms a boring basement into a high-tech rec room and bar. And he does it himself for $10,500.

A Carribean themed home entertainment system is had for $15,000.

Featuring a 28-foot-tall arch, an outdoor kitchen and a 54-inch LCD TV, the owners of this outdoor entertainment space wanted it to be accessible to all.

A creative home owner turns his flooded basement into a high-end theater, library, rec room, and guest room – complete with Murphy bed.

An extensive lighting system brings Hollywood glory back to Charlie Chaplin's former home.

When sunlight from windows and a skylight threatened their theater experience, these NC homeowners turned to creative motorized shades.