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Plasma TV Screens and the Modern Home Theater

Plasma TV Screens

New plasma TV screens are so realistic in detail and resolution that you may feel like you're at the movies. Of course, you pay for such luxury. One such plasma television by Runco, the PlasmaWall PL-42 cx, costs about $16,000. For the big movie screen feel, consumers can buy a front projection package; that is, a ceiling-mounted projector that flashes the image on a large screen. By doing so, you can project a much bigger image than a big TV can, and viewers really feel like they are at the movies. But big screens aren't necessary. Consumers with modest budgets can use just about any decent television. Many home theater experts, however, argue that you should have at least a 32-inch screen to get started in putting together your home theater. A word of caution: Stay away from screens that are less than 25 inches in diameter. Otherwise, a souped-up audio system may overpower a weaker video component of your home theater.

Audio Awareness

Woofers and speakers - The centerpiece of the home theater is the so-called 5.1 surround-sound audio system. Typically, there are five speakers and a subwoofer to create a sound that envelops you. You'll need a center channel speaker; a receiver with Dolby Digital, THX, or DTS processors; and a subwoofer to project big bass tones. You can also have a separate pre- amp processor that creates crisper sounds, some home theater buffs argue. Once you buy the audio system, you'll need to place the speakers just so. Most designers recommend that two speakers be situated to the right and left of the viewing area, two in the center of the room, and one in the rear. (The subwoofer is meant to pick up the deepest tones of the audio. The tweeter, a high-frequency speaker, caters to the highest tones.) You can buy the speakers in a package or separately. Depending on the speaker and brand, high-end speakers can easily cost anywhere from $300 to $1,500 each. Once in place, you can use your audio system for movies or just to listen to music, says Bradford. Since most DVD players allow CDs to be played on them, many consumers aren't (purchasing) separate audio systems.

Video Components and Receivers

DVDs, video players, and PVRs DVD players are the preferred units for home theater experts and novices alike. Many DVD players are geared for home theaters and come with a formidable price tag: anywhere from $900 to $2,500. But the price is worth it because these units can easily be connected to the five surround-sound speakers. "Some DVD players have the five-channel output for the sound. A lot of high-end audio people like this, because the audio is so clear," Bradford says. A higher-quality picture is another reason to opt for a DVD player. VCR (or analog) units pale by comparison, she adds. If you'd rather stick with your old VCR, make sure it has hi-fi (high fidelity) and MTS (multichannel TV sound) circuitry capabilities. You'll need both to connect to a Dolby surround signal that runs off of video tapes and TV broadcasts. If your VCR does not have these capabilities, run out and get one that does. Finally, a personal video recorder (PVR) is being called a revolutionary addition to the home theater. Among other things, you can record two television programs at once. If you're watching live television, you can skip backwards to watch something you've missed, among other things. Receiver: Tying it all together A multichannel receiver is an all-in-one power source for your home theater. (It routes the audio and video into one receiver.) Say you're showing the movie Jurassic Park. The movie's audio is routed by the receiver to all five surround-sound speakers. If you're watching the movie via satellite, a cable broadcast, or your DVD player, it ties all the audio and video together to create your home theater experience.

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