Home theater - Buying home theater systems: Buying components for home theater systems requires research and comparison shopping

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Buying home theater systems

Before you buy the components for your home theater system it's best to do a little research and comparison shopping. Rather than sticking strictly with big box retailers, check out the specialty home theater shops and audio/video stores. Although you may pay more, you'll have a better chance to get expert opinions and advice.

Check out reputable online dealers as well. Just stick with sites you can trust. Also remember that many manufacturers will only honor the warranty if you purchased the home theater components from an authorized dealer. Here's a look at the components I purchased when assembling my basement home theater:

Home Theater Projector

Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080P projector: Although I had been considering both a Sony 1080P projector, and a 72" Sony HDTV, after much research I ended up purchasing the Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080P Home Theater Projector. After seeing a friend's home theater complete with a 720P front projector, I decided that it was the way to go. I went with the Epson over the Sony because it had comparable image quality for considerably less.

Home theater screen

102" Carada Criterion screen: After measuring the amount of wall space I had available, and calculating about how far the primary seating positions would be away from the home theater screen, I decided that a 102 Inch Diagonal Criterion Series Projection Screen in a 1.78 to 1 aspect ratio (16x9) was the way to go. I decided to go with a brilliant white screen with a gain of 1.4 for that extra bit of punch, with a minimal decrease in viewing angle. It is also a thicker, more opaque gauge of vinyl than the Classic Cinema White screen.

Home theater receiver

Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH receiver: I have always been happy with Pioneer home theater receivers (this is my third), and I had always wanted a Pioneer Elite receiver. Although I was considering home theater receivers by Sony, Onkyo, Denon, and others, I ended up going with the Pioneer Elite VSX-92TXH home theater receiver.

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