BUYING A HOME THEATER

 

Home theater equipment and prices

You want to install a home theater system? Right, let's first of all set some expectations. Don’t go salivating over a 42" plasma and a nice Harmon Kardon home theater system, and then be disappointed with an unreasonable price. Yet a quick stroll through any consumer electronics store could lead you to believe that you can get an entry level whole home theater in a box for just $299.

So what does it cost to get into a home theater system?

Since you are probably working within a budget, here are some ideas about what you can expect to buy for different budget ranges:

$0 to $500: Definitely the entry-level package for home theater, a system in this range basically uses your existing TV (or includes an inexpensive model in the 27" range) and an entry level all-in-one home theater system package.

$500 to $2,000: By spending a little more, you can go up a range in several home theater components. Even rear-projection starts around $1,200 for a 40-52" model TV. There are many options for better surround sound home theater systems.

Wireless home theater systems

$2,000 to $5,000: Creating serious options for a decent home theater system. Low cost plasma screens are under $3,000, and midrange all-in-one systems are in the $2,000 area. High definition, rear-projection TVs can be had for a bit more than $1,500.

$5,000 to $10,000: Expand by adding more throughout the house with multizone capabilities, whole-home audio, and universal remote control. High-definition HDTV units fall into this budget range. Good home theater seats start around $350.

$10,000+: The sky's the limit with the next generation of home theater with HDTV capability. Get extra amplification and controls in the system. Above $20,00 you are into high-end, audiophile home theater, integration with home automation systems, consultants, the works. Home theater room design: