| When people talk about a home theater system, | | | | television or a projection system with a |
| they are talking about many different aspects | | | | movie screen to project the image on. The |
| of the home's entertainment system, including | | | | audio system is usually provided by a |
| the video and the audio system you are using. | | | | hi-fidelity surround sound system.In the |
| In most cases, people only concentrate on | | | | past, a television, VCR, and a set of |
| the video aspect of the home theater, not | | | | speakers were the only form of home theater |
| realizing that the audio part is just as | | | | system available for people. Today, the |
| important as the video.Beginning in the | | | | technology has advanced to the point that it |
| 1990s, video inputs were added to stereo | | | | is no longer necessary to go to a movie house |
| receivers and amplifiers. Today, almost all | | | | to enjoy a theater-quality movie |
| companies that produce entertainment systems | | | | experience.CostThe cost of these products |
| make combination audio/video equipment for | | | | depends on which products you wish to use in |
| home theater listening and viewing.To have an | | | | your home theater. A large, widescreen, |
| entertainment system that is considered a | | | | hi-definition television can cost around |
| "home theater," you need to have a | | | | $2,500, and the sound system can cost |
| large-screen television connected to a hi-fi | | | | approximately $500 to $800, depending on the |
| sound system. Most homes with home theaters | | | | quality of sound and the brand you intend to |
| use a large-screen projection system rather | | | | purchase. The cost of these systems will |
| than a television set.Types of Products | | | | also vary among different department stores. |
| AvailableThe purpose of having a home theater | | | | It will be your responsibility to find the |
| system is to reproduce cinema-quality picture | | | | good brands at the lowest prices. Do not |
| and sound in your home. The video aspect is | | | | just look into one store, shop around in |
| usually a large-screen, high-definition | | | | other stores. |