Smart Home Lifestyle

February 24, 2007

These home theater components boost system without breaking bank

Comparing home theater components is like comparing Bentleys to Volkswagens, they all get the job done, but it’s their performance that makes all the difference.

When it comes to electronics, not everyone can afford the “sports car model.” Here are some practical picks, with the quality of a hot rod but the price tag of a mini-van.

This ain’t no boob tube

A great TV is the ticket to a home theater that shines and Sony’s 50” SXRD takes the driver’s seat.

The SXRD has the highest resolution and is a quality unit at a reasonable price. It accepts a 1080p input, and the technology that Sony uses provides a better picture, especially when it comes to black levels.

“With a Sony it’s a win-win,” said Adam Eberhardt, Senior System Design Consultant, Comtec. “With this product, Sony’s regained the lead that it lost when it stopped making Trinitron in the early 90’s.”

The SXRD starts at just under $3000.

Home theater hub

The best insurance for the best home theater sound is a surround sound receiver. And the Pioneer 516 7.1 surround sound receiver is the perfect pick, costing just under $200.

“The 516 adds the best sound quality anywhere near its price point,” said Frank Goldfarb, System Design Consultant, Comtec. “In fact, it has the same amplifier modules as some of Pioneer’s more expensive receivers.”

The Pioneer 516 has 7 100 watt/channel amplifiers, which are responsible for powering the speakers. It also automatically sets the proper sound levels between each of the five speakers and subwoofer via the included microphone, so set up is a snap.

Any drawbacks? The 516 lacks HDMI switching. This means that the highest quality cables it can use is component, not HDMI. So, is that a huge problem? Goldfarb says that most people would be hard-pressed to see a difference between component and HDMI.

No more stereo

Definitive Technology speakers don’t need a test drive- these are a sure buy. And it’s the great sound quality for their size that sets the Pro Monitor 1000 5.1 series apart.

“They are small, aesthetically pleasing and have a high acceptance ‘wife factor’,” said Goldfarb. “They have high-output and high-sensitivity so they work well with virtually any commercially available surround sound receiver.”

The Pro Monitor 1000 speakers offer great tone and great dynamics. So, what’s the best part? They can play very loudly for their size.

Pro Monitor 1000 series runs $1500.

One touch control

Logitech’s Harmony 1000 Universal remote puts your system in cruise control. With the touch of a button, you can play a DVD, listen to music, or do anything your system is capable of.

“I bought one for my home because I used to get a frustrated phone call from my wife who didn’t know which button to push to listen to music because my system was so complicated,” said Eberhardt. “Since I bought the remote I’ve never gotten another call.”

And set up is easy, just plug it into your computer and tell it what devices you have and how they’re set up. Then, as you’re using it, if a command doesn’t work as planned, it has extensive help features to help get you back on track.”

Logitech’s Harmony 1000 costs just under $500.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec