Top Home Theater Products Priced at 199.00 or Less
by Robert Silva
Many consumers have the impression that home theater is complicated and expensive. Although you won't find that 42-inch Plasma Television or LCD flat panel television for $199, there are a lot of surprisingly good home theater-related components priced at $199 or less. Check out my current favorites in the low-priced/high value Home Theater Components.
The TX-SR304 delivers what it promises, both in terms of home theater and music reproduction. The TX-SR304 also offers features that are practical for the user. Although not offering the extensive connectivity, features, and more complex audio/video processing of higher-end units, the TX-SR304 offers essentials for today's entry-level user: Excellent sound quality, HD-compatible component video switching for use with HDTVs, and an easy-to-use remote control.
The Yamaha HTR-6030, despite its suggested price of $229, can easily be found at retailers for $199 or less. This receiver offers very practical audio features including, a powerful 5.1 channel amplifier, Dolby Digital, DTS, Neural, and XM-HD surround sound processing options, XM Satellite Radio capability, and front panel mini-jack for connection of digital audio players. The SCENE function allows for preset or customized listening and viewing modes. This receiver is an excellent value in an entry-level Receiver. If you are planning to purchase a basic home theater receiver, with useful features, power, and performance that you normally find on mid-priced units, the HTR-6030 can fill the bill.
The OPPO DV970HD is a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing". This DVD player delivers great video and audio. HDMI connectivity and upscaling enables the DV970HD to deliver an excellent picture on an HDTV. Other features, such as DVD-Audio Discs, SACDs, and Divx playback add great audio and video flexibility. If you are looking for a new DVD player, to use with a flat panel HDTV and surround sound system, you should check out the 970. For less than $200 it performs as well as some more expensive units.
If you are looking for more "thump" for the dollar, but don't want a subwoofer that takes up a lot of floor space, then check out the YST-FSW100. Although not as tight and low as higher-end/higher-priced powered subwoofers, the FSW100 none-the-less delivers a pleasing low frequency response that is great for a basic home theater audio setup in a modest-sized room. Features include: 30-200HZ frequency response, 130W (dynamic power) 75 watts (continous power) output, 6.5-inch Woofer cone, and a very slim 6-inch deep cabinet. The price: $99.99!
The JBL Venue Series Monitor loudspeaker is a compact powerhouse. With a 5-inch woofer, 3/4-inch titanium tweeter, a continuous power handling capability of 60 watts (240 watts peak), and frequency response of 68Hz to 24KHZ, the Venue Series Monitor delivers great sound for a compact speaker. The Venue Series Monitor is equally at home in both a two-channel stereo configuration or as part of a surround sound home theater system (either as main, center, or surround speakers - or all three) with the addition of a subwoofer. Check out the JBL Venue Series Monitor - less than $199 a pair.
The Sima VS-HD31 HDMI
Switcher is a very useful product for owners of HDTVs that have only one HDMI input connection. With all the new source components coming on board with HDMI connections (DVD players, DVD recorders, Blu-ray players, HD-DVD players, and Satellite and Cable Boxes) one HDMI input provided on most HDTVs is definitely not enough. With the VS-HD31, you can expand your single HDMI input into three. The VS-HD31 is 1080p and HDMI audio compatible, offers signal boosting for long cable runs, and also has a credit card-size wireless remote. This is definitely a useful and affordable accessory for your HDTV.
Is your CD collection crowding your bookcases? If so, check out this 300-CD Megachanger from Sony. In addition to storing your entire CD collection, this player is also compatible with CD-R/RW and Text Discs. There is even a PS/2 Keyboard connection to enable you to connect a PC-keyboard to assist in organizing and cataloging your collection. Of course, the CDs sound great too.
The Shure E3c mini-stereo earphones are a great alternative to traditional large bulky studio-type headphones, providing audio performance rivaling its larger cousins. In fact, with their light weight and compact design, you may forget that you are listening to earphones at all. Just think of the E3c as a great set of loudspeakers that just happen to fit in your ears.
The Panasonic DMR-EZ17 is a great entry-level new generation DVD recorder that includes an ATSC Tuner. This allows the reception and recording of over-the-air digital TV signals, which will replace the current analog signals on February 17, 2009. In addition to an ATSC tuner, the DMR-EZ17 also includes other great features, such as compatibility with most DVD recording formats, a DV input for recording from digital camcorders, and progressive scan component video outputs. Another bonus, is Panasonic's enhance playback quality on discs recorded using the four hour LP mode. When comparing the LP mode playback on Panasonic DVD recorders and most other brands, you can tell the difference. For more details, check out the DMR-EZ17 User Manual.
The SLV-D380P DVD Player/VCR combo has a full complement of AV inputs/outputs for its 4 Head HiFi VCR section, as well as composite, component (with progressive scan), S-Video, and digital audio outputs for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound on the DVD side. This unit can also play back most DVD and CD disc formats. On the VCR side, this unit is a 4-Head HiFi Stereo unit with high speed rewiind. Here is a very affordable, practical, unit suited for a basic home theater. NOTE: This unit does not have a built-in tuner. In order to record television programs, the SLV-D380P must be connected to an external Cable, Satellite, or Over-the-Air Set-top Box. Lastly, SLV-D380P is a DVD Player/VCR combo - the DVD side does not record.
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