What You Need for a Home Theater

Choose your TV Direct view (CRT) - largest selection, least expensive, excellent video quality, limited screen sizes, bulky LCD - thin, light, wall-mountable, excellent picture quality, limited sizes, images fade at some angles, high price Plasma - thin, wall-mountable, heavier than LCD, larger screens, high contrast, high price Rear projection (CRT-based) - lower price, wider screen, plenty of options, bulky and heavy Rear projection (LCD/DLP-based) - thin, light, high resolution, larger screens, images fade at some angles Entertainment center - designed to accommodate a specific TV, space for DVD, VCR, HiFi, and/or laser disc players and a receiver

Design your sound system

• Front speakers - handle special effects and music; freestanding, wall-mounted, bookshelf, or satellite; should be voice-matched so sound moves smoothly
• Center-channel speakers - anchor sound and action, deliver dialogue and 50% of soundtrack
• Surround-sound speakers - wall/ceiling-mounted or freestanding; must perform at same level as front speakers for smooth transfer of sound
• Subwoofers - optional except with satellite speakers; deliver larger-than-life bass from Dolby Digital and DTS soundtracks

Chairs and loungers

• Home theater loungers - space-saving; wall-huggers; recline by pushback, inside lever, outside lever, or electric reclining mechanisms; bass shaker options; full lumbar support; available in microfibers, weaves, leathers and choice of colors; single loungers or build a row of lounger seating
• Movie theater seating - single pole-mounted seats, lumbar support, comfortable, sturdy and rocking, choice of colors

Home theater accessories

• Classic popcorn popper - the look and smell of a real movie theater: adds a concession stand to your home theater; 3- to 5-minute popping cycles, capable of popping over 100 oz. per hour
• Poster cases and marquees - add the glamor of Hollywood or the authentic look of a movie theater to your home theater and protect treasured movie posters; rear-illuminated cases lock and have on/off switches and "Now Showing" and "Coming Soon" banners