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AnchorDesk

Sylvia Carr
Get a home-theater system--for under a grand

Sylvia Carr
Senior Editor, AnchorDesk
Friday, June 27, 2003
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The advent of the affordable home theater is a remarkable thing. Did you ever think you could get digital video and booming sound for well under a grand?

Though you can always build a home theater on your own, purchasing each component separately, you might want to consider an all-in-one system--aka a "home theater in a box" or HTIB--instead. The main benefits: HTIBs are cheap and, because you don't have to assess each component individually, they keep the buying process simple.

What do you get? These packages usually include a DVD player, receiver, and speaker system. All you need is a display, and you're ready to go.

And talk about cheap: The systems below, which scored well with our reviewers for providing a great looking and sounding home-theater experience, sell for between $250 and $700.

If you're interested in buying each component separately, or just want to learn more about home-theater technology, my colleague Pat Houston recently wrote a series of columns about how to buy a home-theater display, sound system, and DVD player. I recommend them if you want some good background before you go shopping.

If you already know you want to go with a HTIB, here are four our reviewers recommend.

Panasonic SC-DT300
This system wins our Editors' Choice award for providing top-notch sound quality--best for small to medium-sized rooms--in a sleek, chrome package. The major complaints had to do with ease of use: The receiver's display is too small to be informative, and the remote's buttons are too tiny to find in the dark.
Read Review | Check Latest Prices

JVC TH-A9
Want itty-bitty speakers? This kit might be the one for you. Our reviewers were impressed with the high-quality sound coming from JVC's tiny satellite speakers and subwoofer. Drawbacks include a lack of connectivity options--it doesn't, for example, provide any digital audio connections, so you can't use it to play your MP3s.
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Pioneer HTP-720DV
If you're planning on placing your home theater in a large room, this system will fill it with sound. The 6.1-channel receiver is the real star here, with a feature set that our reviewers say rivals the high-end models of a couple years ago. It has plenty of connectivity options, and the video is top-notch. What's not to like? The speakers could be prettier.
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Panasonic SC-HT95
The least expensive of the bunch, this kit gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It offers above-par sound quality, a particularly easy-to-use remote, and a five-disc DVD player that works with a wide array of media, including DVD-Rs, CD-Rs, CDs, and MP3 CDs. The downside: The bulky speakers won't appeal to the style-conscious.
Read Review | Check Latest Prices

Do you have any home-theater buying advice? What price would you pay for an all-in-one system? TalkBack to me!

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