| So you have questions about connecting a Home | | | | speakers. |
| Theater System to your Big Screen TV. There are | | | | A low cost "Home Theater In A Box" ($200 - $500) is |
| lots of good questions that may be floating around in | | | | required in this configuration. You'll can get a Dolby 5.1 |
| your head: | | | | Surround Sound amplifier, five speakers and a |
| What type of audio system is needed? What system | | | | subwoofer from manufacturers like Sony and |
| will provide the best sound? Can I use my old stereo? | | | | Panasonic. |
| What connecting cords are required? How much will it | | | | This setup will give you full digital HDTV picture and |
| cost? | | | | sound; you'll enjoy a brilliant image and crystal clear |
| We're going to offer you three levels of Home | | | | audio. You'll need a separate HDMI cord for each |
| Theater System performance: Beginner, Good and | | | | peripheral. |
| Pro. If you're on a tight budget, start off on the | | | | - Pro Home Theater System ($1500 - Up*) - |
| Beginner level, but please don't settle for that. A | | | | Now we're ready for a Top Of The Line audio |
| Beginner system doesn't deliver the full sound quality | | | | system delivering movie quality sound! Hook up the |
| your TV is capable of producing. | | | | following: a Big Screen TV, quality HDMI cords, digital |
| Gradually add pieces until you move your system up | | | | cable, a HDTV DVD player, a TiVo, a Dolby 7.1 |
| to Good or Pro level. A Good system gives you the | | | | Surround Sound amplifier and speakers, theater |
| minimum audio quality needed for High Definition TV | | | | seating, a popcorn maker, professional soundproofing |
| broadcasts. | | | | and motorized window blinds. |
| A Pro level system gives you bragging rights for your | | | | Hire a cute usher for your home theater and you're |
| whole neighborhood! | | | | good to go! |
| - Beginner Home Theater System ($300 - $500*) | | | | A premier Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound Home Theater |
| Hook together the following equipment: a Big Screen | | | | System can run $800 to $1,500, and some cost much |
| TV, quality Component and HDMI cords, digital cable, | | | | more. What you'll get is eight channels of crystal-clear, |
| your current VCR, your current DVD player and your | | | | pumping sound from seven speakers and a |
| home stereo. You'll need component cords for the | | | | subwoofer, with sound coming from in front of, on both |
| VCR and DVD; your cable company should provide a | | | | sides and behind the viewers. |
| HDMI connection for the cable box. | | | | * The estimated prices above do not include the cost |
| (If you're not familiar with some of the terms used | | | | of a Big Screen TV. |
| above - component, HDMI, digital - Google the "123 | | | | These three Home Theater setups range from bare |
| Guide To Plasma TV.com") | | | | bones to luxurious. Pick the one that you can afford |
| Using your existing components will keep the cost | | | | and feel comfortable with. Over time, you can upgrade |
| down, but will not give you the full Dolby sound your | | | | to a better system with more bells and whistles. |
| TV is capable of. The stereo sound beats the audio | | | | Please don't settle for the Beginner system; it doesn't |
| that comes out of most televisions, but don't settle for | | | | produce the sound that your system (and you) |
| this. | | | | deserve. With a little perseverance and planning you |
| - Good Home Theater System ($800 - $1000*) - | | | | and your family will enjoy booming movie sound tracks |
| Assemble the following equipment: a Big Screen TV, | | | | and digital broadcasts for many years to come! |
| quality HDMI cords, digital cable, a HDTV DVD player, a | | | | It's as easy as 123! |
| TiVo and a Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound amplifier and | | | | |