• Covers basic audio and video concepts, and shows how they relate to computer-based multimedia
• Contains reviews and recommendations of hardware and software that make the home theater person computer (HTPC) work
• Includes photos, descriptions, and explanations of difficult procedures and concepts to make creating your own HTPC easier

Use Your PC to Build an Incredible Home Theater System is meant for those home theater enthusiasts with some working knowledge of personal computers (PCs) who want to create the ultimate home theater experience. A Home Theater Personal Computer (HTPC) is basically an ordinary PC used in conjunction with a high-definition-capable television, monitor, or video projector, and a sound system. The book is laid out chronologically and follows the authors' activities as they assemble two HTPC systems, starting with a detailed background of video and audio technologies to help readers understand what the HTPC can do.

It includes three Picture Preference presets (standard, sports, movie) as well as a Memory Mode that allows you to customize your own settings and save them. The icon-based TV and DVD menu system offers simple operation by using picture symbols of key menu functions instead of plain text. Other features include an ergonomic, glow-key remote control, tri-lingual on-screen displays, and V-chip parental control.

The Tray Lock feature allows a disc to be loaded into the tray and secured with an on-screen code. It's great for ensuring that a retail demonstration disc remains in the player, as well as to keep children from removing music and movie titles.

This TV set features a standard 181-channel tuner, front AV inputs, and a digital coaxial audio output to connect the player to your multi-channel audio/video receiver for enjoyment of surround sound content. Here's a rundown of all the video and audio connections:

• Composite A/V: 1 (front)
• RF: 1 (rear)
• Digital audio out: 1 coaxial (rear)
• Headphone: 1 (front)

What's in the Box
TV/DVD combo, remote control (with batteries), printed operating instructions
Price=$199.99
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:39 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/toshiba.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/toshiba.html
Panasonic SC-PT753 Home Theater System, 900 Watt, with 5-DVD Changer and Wireless Rear Speaker
Price=$499.95
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:39 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/panasonic-5.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/panasonic-5.html
This multimedia projector is built to travel, and priced to move! Whether used at home, in a conference room, for educational or entertainment applications, the 6.8 pound X2 has the power and portability you need. Lamp: 200W SHP/3000 Hours. Aspect Ratios: 4 x 3 standard; 16 x 9 wide. Contrast ratio: 2000 x 1. Display: DLP by Texas Instruments. Image size (diagonal): 2.7 ft to greater than 21.6 ft. Video compatibility: NTSC, PAL, SECAM, DVI, HDTV (1080i, 720p, & 480p). Projection distances: 5 feet to 32.3 feet. Zoom ratio: 1.2 - 1. Throw Ratio: 1.89 to 2.27 - 1 (D/W), 1.51 to 1.82 - 1 (D/D). Dimensions: 4.2H x 9.8W x 12.9L . Inputs: Computer (M1-DA), S-Video 4-pin mini DIN, Composite RCA, & Stereo RCA Audio. Outputs: Monitor (VESA) & 3.5mm Audio (headphone). Includes wireless remote & cables. 1 year projector warranty, 90 day accessory warranty, and 90 day lamp warranty.
Price=$699.99
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:40 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/infocus.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/infocus.html
2-way system features a heavy-duty 2" titanium horn driver and cast-frame 15" woofer basket. 500W/1000W power handling.
Price=$-0.01
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:40 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/home-2.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/home-2.html
PHILIPSPhilips MCD708-37 Micro Home Theater System with DVD and iPod ConnectivityModel: mcd708 (R)Condition: Reconditioned Description:Hi end component styled micro home theater Plays DVD/CD/Mp3/WMA, ,Picture CDs 100 watts Dobly Digital Sound Progressive scan and DivX Real rosewood speakersDVD Micro Theater Shelf System A high quality component system flaunts a stylish and stunning design. With DVD playability, you can now feast your senses on perfect sound.Includes Component System with Two speakers, Remote control with (2)AAA batteries, User manual.* 12-bit/108MHz video DAC12-bit Video DAC is a superior Digital-to-Analogue-Converter that preserves every detail of the authentic picture quality. It shows subtle shades and smoother graduation of colors, resulting in a more vibrant and natural picture. The limitation of the usual 10-bit DAC become in particular apparent while using large screens and projectors.* Progressive ScanProgressive Scan doubles the vertical resolution of the image resulting in a noticeably sharper picture. Instead of sending a field comprising the odd lines to the screen first, followed by the field with the even lines, both fields are written at one time. A full image is created instantaneously, using the maximum resolution. At such a speed, your eye perceives a sharper picture with no line structure.MSRP: $399.99
Price=$249.99
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:44 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/philips-3.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/philips-3.html
Tripp Lite HT706TV Home/Business Theater Surge Suppressor provides high-performance protection--1080 joules--stopping damaging surges and filtering disruptive line noise so components perform at their peak! You can see and hear the difference: sharper, crisper video; deeper, fuller audio and longer component life spans. Perfect for small home/business theater installations: high-definition TVs, satellite and A/V receivers, DVD/CD players and more. 7 outlets (with transformer spacing) and 1-line coaxial protection safeguard an entire home/business theater system. $50,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance coverage (USA & Canada only). Includes two diagnostic LEDs, 6 ft. cord with a right-angle plug and 6 ft. coaxial cable. 1 set of Type F surge-protected coaxial connectors (with included 6 ft. coaxial cable) safeguard components on cable, satellite or antenna line 6 foot long cord with right-angle NEMA 5-15P plug provides convenient location anywhere within a home/business theater system 2 diagnostic LEDs alert user to protection and grounding status Keyhole slots provide convenient wall or cabinet mounting Illuminated master switch provides one-touch power control over all components. Integrated circuit breaker protects against dangerous system overload High-impact plastic housing (black) stands up to the most demanding environments UL and CSA listed TrippLite Lifetime product warranty
Price=$34.99
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:45 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/tripp.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/tripp.html
Create a stunning home theater atmosphere with the HT-DDW990 component home theater system with Digital Cinema Sound(TM) technology. Through the power of Digital Signal Processing (DSP), this advanced system recreates the effects that were intended to be heard in movie theaters. And with 5 channels pumping 140 watts each and a booming 200W subwoofer, you will feel like you're part of the action. Effortlessly integrate your compatible HDMI capable television with the handy HDMI pass-through feature and enjoy the beauty of uncompressed 1080i video. AM/FM Tuner 2 Optical / 1 Coax Input (A/V Receiver) 7 Audio inputs , 2 outputs 7 Video inputs, 2 outputs Digital media port 5 Satellite Speakers + 8 Active Sub Dimensions - 10 5/8 x 13 1/16 x 14 15/16 (270 x 331 x 380mm)
Price=$399.99
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:45 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/sony-ht-8.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/sony-ht-8.html

Price=$1237.07
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:45 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/jvc-2.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/jvc-2.html
Surround speakers don't amount to much without a quality receiver, and this JVC 7.1-channel model plays the role perfectly. Equipped with a full complement of surround decoders, including Dolby Digital EX, DTS (ES, Neo:6, and 96/24), and Dolby Pro Logic (II and IIx)--the receiver breathes life into home theater audio, delivering spectacularly crisp, explosive sound for both movies and music. The decoded formats are complemented by JVC's digital audio processor (DAP), which creates dynamic audio soundstages that mimic the acoustics of the most popular live venues. Among the multichannel and two-channel DAP selections are Theater, Hall, Dance Club, Live Club, and Pavilion.

Internally, the receiver is equipped with a hybrid feedback digital amplifier (version III) and a DSP digital equalizer. The amp runs at 770 watts of total power (110 watts x 7 in surround mode, 110 watts x 2 in stereo mode), which should satisfy all but the largest listening environments. To create an even wider sound field, the receiver offers a virtual surround back function that simulates the effect of a rear surround speaker even if you don't own one. And if you're not quite ready to upgrade to full surround but want to keep your options open, you can employ the receiver's 3D Phonic virtual surround function, which simulates the dynamic realism of full surround sound through your system's pair of stereo speakers.

Busy listeners will appreciate the RX-D212B's AV Compu Link function, which facilitates simple one-touch coordination between your JVC audio and video components. Simply pop a DVD into your JVC DVD player and the RX-D212B automatically activates the receiver and TV while switching them to the proper modes. Meanwhile, people who live in large households will delight in the 3-D Headphone feature, which creates an out-of-the-box surround effect through any ordinary pair of stereo headphones (not included). The receiver even lets you stream audio directly from your computer using its USB PC link, which works with both PCs and Macs.

In addition to including a digital AM/FM tuner, the RX-D212B also accommodates both XM and Sirius satellite radio. The XM option is a bit more pocketbook-friendly, as all you need is a separately sold antenna and subscription and you're ready to go. Once you subscribe to XM, you can view all the XM channel and artist information on the RX-D212B's built-in display. By contrast, you'll need a Sirius tuner and subscription to enjoy the full array of Sirius channels, but the RX-D212B eases the transition by including a Sirius input that interacts with the unit's remote control. The Sirius input also makes it easy to scan for channels or access station information.

Components connect to the unit through its comprehensive series of inputs and outputs, including two digital audio inputs (one optical, one coaxial), four analog audio inputs, and two analog audio outputs. The RX-D212B also acts as an audio/video switcher, with up-conversion from composite to S-video or S-video to component signals. The A/V jacks include two component video inputs and one output, three S-video inputs and three outputs, and three composite inputs and three outputs.

The RX-D212B measures 17.19 by 3.62 by 14.19 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a two-year warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
Receiver, remote control, AM and FM antennas, user's manual.
Price=$299.95
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:46 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/jvc-rx.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/jvc-rx.html
The concept of home-theater is very enticing. Sony has aligned this sound system to be compatible with their popular Bravia widescreen TV line. Yet, it will still deliver fine performance with most other HDTV sets on the market. As a leader in products with HDMI connectivity, Sony has created BRAVIA Theater Sync to go beyond simple audio and video transmission. When combined with a select number of BRAVIA Televisions and other Sony audio and video products, in addition to audio and video transmission, control functions will be transmitted via the HDMI cable. With ?One Touch Play,? operations that took several steps have been reduced to one. Press the PLAY button on the remote, watch the audio and/or the video component(s) turn on with the BRAVIA and switch to correct input. This model also includes an iPod dock for playthrough. HDMI - Reads the data on a standard DVD at 480P and maximizes the video resolution to best fit your HDMI compatible TV at up to 720p or 1080i XM Connect-and-Play Ready A World of digital radio is at your fingertips. Connect the optional Connect-and-Play antenna, sign up for XM service (subscription rate required) and enjoy the variety of digital radio with superior sound quality Digital Media Port (DMP) offers compatibility with various accessories which will include a PC Client device, Bluetooth receiver and Audio Docking Stations compatible with Network Walkman(R) and iPod products. Sony's DIGITAL MEDIA PORT grants access, provides control and integrates your portable music into a traditional home theater system iPod is not included
Price=$499.99
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:47 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/sony-dav-12.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/sony-dav-12.html
300-Watt 5.1 Channel DVD Home Theater System
Price=$119.95
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:47 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/300-watt.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/300-watt.html
Whether you've just purchased your first surround sound system or you've been fiddling with A/V wires since you were 13, Sound & Vision Home Theater Tune-Up is an easy-to-follow tutorial for connecting today's complex digital and analog equipment. The DVD features an articulate couple exchanging barbs as they lead viewers through 80 minutes of instruction on everything from loudspeaker phase checks to video calibration. Scriptwriter- producer Rob Sabin does a superb job targeting novice consumers with non-techy dialogue. The disc incorporates excellent audio test signals, along with an impressive demonstration for adjusting subwoofer crossover settings. The TV calibration section (with supplied blue color filter) enables viewers to easily adjust contrast, brightness, sharpness, and color levels. Extras include six Dolby Digital sound demos, a DTS surround music sample, and a THX theater trailer. Although home theater aficionados may find the couple's banter fatiguing, the audio/video tests should leave a favorable impression. --Eric K. Gill
Price=$19.98
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:48 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/sound-2.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/sound-2.html
Your widescreen HDTV experience is only a fraction of what epitomizes the home-theater experience. Panasonic SC-PT750 Home Theater System delivers that 5.1 channel surround sound you've been hearing somuch about. It also adds a 5-Disc DVD and CD Changer player. Got an iPod player? There's a dock for that too! With a wireless rear speaker, you can place the speaker wherever you like without the clutter of cables. You can also expand your music listening into three additional rooms with the SH-FX85 wireless multi-room speaker kit (sold separately).
To give you the astonishingly high image quality of today's HD technology, the 1080p upconversion function converts standard definition (720 x 480 pixels) images from DVDs to high definition (1920 x 1080 pixels). That means you'll get the most out of your HDMI compatible HDTV, with sharp and exceptionally detailed high-resolution images. And unlike ordinary video up-converters that produce images with thicker edges and decreased sharpness, the HD Enhancer keeps edges crisp and clear, for outstanding detail.
Enhance your home theater system with an incredible combination of Panasonic sound technology and 1000 watts of power. Super Surround puts you in the action with lifelike sound from every angle, and a Four-Step Subwoofer Level Control puts you in command, with rich sound effects you can hear and feel.
Panasonic home theater systems are great for watching movies, but that's only where the fun begins. They also come equipped to deliver exceptional sound quality from portable audio players and other new music sources. So go ahead and listen to your favorite music on your iPod by adding the included Universal Dock for iPod, or tune into your favorite XM stations (requires subscription and optional XM home antenna).
It's never been easier to use both Dolby Pro Logic II and Super Surround ? functions that create a multi-channel sound effect from disc medi
Price=$399.99
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:49 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/panasonic-6.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/panasonic-6.html
Transform your room into a 360-degree space planetarium filled with stars and constellations. Turns any room into a 360-degree space planetarium. Projects dozens of stars and constellations onto ceilings and walls. Includes CD with exciting audio tour of the night sky. Handheld Meteor Maker device adds streaking meteors on command;Includes free Discovery Channel space DVD; 2-month manufacturer's warranty; With lights, sounds and fascinating facts, it's just like being in a real planetarium; at home!
Price=$29.95
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:49 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/discovery.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/discovery.html

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Theater Systems will help you understand the ins and outs of everything from analyzing your current system to installing your new components. Coverage includes DVD players, 25"+ televisions, laserdisc players, projection TVs, Hi-Fi stereo VCRs, surround sound processors, amps, receivers, subwoofers and home-theater-in-a-box packages. This valuable guide also discusses connections, remote control, installation and lighting. Hook-up diagrams and feature descriptions are also included!

Connect most MP3 players, thumbdrives and digital cameras through the front USB jack and enjoy your music or photos from the home theatre system. The Dolby Digital decoder creates a home theatre experience with up to 5.1 channels of wide band frequency response. The five main discrete channels have a 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response. The component video output provides optimal video quality for viewing DVDs on compatible HDTVs.

Tech Talk
Component video (also called Y/Pb/Pr) features a three-jack video input, which provides separate connections for luminance (Y), blue color difference (PB) and red color difference (PR). This results in increased bandwidth for color information, resulting in a more accurate picture with clearer color reproduction and less bleeding than you would get with S-Video or composite (RCA yellow video plug) connections. You will need a separate RCA left/right audio cable for sound.

What's in the Box
HITB package includes receiver/amplifier with 5-disc DVD/CD changer, one center channel speaker, four satellite speakers (two front, two rear), speaker connectors, one subwoofer, composite A/V cable, AM antenna, remote control (with batteries), printed operating instructions
Price=$119.00
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:56 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/rca-2.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/rca-2.html
Tripp Lite HT706TSAT Home/Business Theater Surge Suppressor provides high-performance protection--1680 joules--stopping damaging surges and filtering disruptive line noise so components perform at their peak! You can see and hear the difference: sharper, crisper video; deeper, fuller audio and longer component life spans. Perfect for small home/business theater installations: high-definition TVs, satellite and A/V receivers, DVD/CD players, home-theater and more. 7 outlets (with transformer spacing), 2-line coaxial protection and 1-line tel/modem protection safeguard an entire home/business theater system. $100,000 Ultimate Lifetime Insurance coverage (USA and Canada only). Includes two diagnostic LEDs, 6 ft. cord with a right-angle plug, 6 ft. coaxial cable and 6 ft. phone cord. 2 sets of surge-protected Type F coaxial connectors (with included 6 ft. coaxial cable) safeguard components on cable, satellite or antenna line 1 set of surge-protected tel/modem connectors (with included 6 ft. phone cord) safeguard personal video recorders (PVRs) on a single dial-up line 6 ft. cord with right-angle NEMA 5-15P plug provides convenient location anywhere within a home/business theater system 2 diagnostic LEDs alert user to protection and grounding status Keyhole slots provide convenient wall or cabinet mounting Illuminated master switch provides one-touch power control over all components. Integrated circuit breaker protects against dangerous system overload High-impact plastic housing (black) stands up to the most demanding environments UL and CSA listed TrippLite Lifetime product warranty
Price=$26.68
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:57 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/tripp-2.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/tripp-2.html
The Sony DAV-FX900 Wireless 5.1ch DVD Dream(TM) System is a stylish and powerful Home Theatre System that reproduces amazing digital sound. Its wireless front-to-rear speaker system delivers 5.1 Channel Dolby Digital and DTS Surround Sound with spectacular clarity and remarkable audio precision. Equipped with a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), the DAV-FX900 upscales video to spectacular 1080i resolution, replacing up to three component video cables. Setting up the DVD Dream(TM) System is easy with Sony's unique Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC) system, automatically optimizing the sound field to match the listening environment. With your XM Connect&Play Antenna, you can enjoy commercial-free talk, sports, news and music with the exceptional digital sound quality that only Sony can deliver. The new DAV-FX900 Wireless DVD Dream(TM) System combines offers everything you need to experience the best in digital-quality picture and sound in the comfort of your home. Station Presets - 20 FM, 10 AM Power Save Mode Power Requirements - 120V AC, 60Hz Power Consumption - 160W Power Consumption at Standby - Less than 0.3W Formats - DVD, SACD, CD, Video CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+DL, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, JPEG&MP3 Playback Speaker Terminal (Front, Centre, Surround, Subwoofer) Front - (FTC 0.7% THD) 84W x 2, (RMS 10% THD) 143W x 2 Centre - (FTC 0.7% THD) 84W, (RMS) 143W Surround - (FTC 0.7% THD) 84W x 2, (RMS) 143W x 2 Subwoofer - (FTC 0.7% THD) 81W x 2, (RMS) 285W Total (FTC 0.7% THD) - 1000W (up to 1280W) 1 Coaxial, 2 Analog, 1 Optical Audio Line-in 1 Mini Front Audio Input 2 Composite, 1 Component Video Signal in 1 Composite, 1 S-Video, 1 Component, 1 HDMI Video Signal out 3.5mm Headphone Jack External FM Antenna (75 ohm) Power Output Front - (FTC 0.7% THD) 84W x 2, (RMS 10% THD) 140W x 2 D/A Converter - (Audio) 48kHz/24-bit, (Video) 108MHz/12-bit Recei
Price=$899.99
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:58 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/sony-dav-13.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/sony-dav-13.html
SHERWOOD VR670C Hollywood-at-Home(TM) Virtual Home Theater System (Console Only) Plays DVD, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-R/RW, MP3, VCD, SVCD, JPEG and Kodak(R) Picture CD(R) ; DTS(R), Dolby(R) Digital, Dolby(R) Virtual Speaker and Dolby(R) Headphone ; 25W x 2 at 0.5% THD (6ohm) ; 2 audio inputs and 2 audio outputs; 1 subwoofer pre-output ; Optical digital output; AM/FM tuner; Unified remote; Console only Hollywood-at-Home(TM) Virtual Home Theater System (Console Only)
Price=$350.96
Buy ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:45:58 -0600 http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/home-3.html http://www.besthometheaterprices.com/detail/home-theater-systems/home-3.html