Gadgets Blog » Home Theaters

Sony DAVHDX576WF Home Theater System: $376.75

For a great basic home theater system that won’t break the bank, the Sony DAV-HDX576WF BRAVIA Theatre System is a great choice.  With S-AIR receiver/speaker system, multi-room listening is made easy.  This system includes an iPod Cradle (TDM-iP10) and an integrated 5 disc DVD/CD changer with the capability to upscale your DVDs to a full 1080p output using the HDMI connection when combined with a BRAVIA Theatre Sync-ready TV.

Adjustable standing floor speakers add stylish function and the included S-AIR wireless surround receiver/speaker system eliminates messy wires and provides simple sound capability for the rear surround speakers or multi-room music streaming.  One person can watch a movie in one room, while another listens to music via the additional wireless speaker in another room.  Sony’s auto calibration technology makes it easy to set up and start enjoying your home theater.

More specs: 1000W RMS, surround sound, built in Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, DTS decoder, progressive scan, S-master digital amplifier, equalizer has bass boost function (dynamic bass on RM) portable audio enhancer, universal remote control, optical digital input, coaxial digital input, headphone jack, digital tuner technology, AM/FM tuner with 10 AM presets 20 FM station presets.

Buy it at Crutchfield.com get Free Shipping on most orders over $249 (no code required), or take $20 off your order of $100 or more (use code 3A825 - Exp: 05/31/09).

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more cheap home theater systems.

Sources: Crutchfield, Vann’s, Amazon

So you’ve got your new flat screen TV and are anxiously awaiting the moment when you can sit on the couch, pop in a favorite Blu-ray disc, and immerse yourself in the home theater experience.  Hopefully you’ve remembered to purchase a TV stand and your new flat screen isn’t still in its box on the floor mocking you from across the room.  No? That’s okay.  We’ve got your back. Here’s a few guidelines for your search:

Size — Obvious, right?  You want to look at how big your TV is and get a stand that’s appropriate.  Something within a few inches of the TV size is probably sufficient. If you choose a larger stand, then there’s room for accessories, home décor, speakers, etc.  If you choose a smaller stand, the TV will hold its own as the room’s focal point.  Check the weight of your TV and make sure the stand can support it.  There’s little worse than propping your new flat screen on a makeshift cardboard box TV stand and then watching it tumble forward because that was a dumb idea… no matter how temporary it was supposed to be when you just barely moved in and had no furniture but blew a wad of cash on a flat screen because it was a killer deal.  (Not that we’ve done that…)

Color — Probably the easiest consideration.  This stand will be a focal fixture in the room, and as part of the furniture it should complement the look.  Light wood, dark wood, black finish, metal, glass… there’s a lot to choose from so look around your room, evaluate your options and shop around.

Style — I have to say, I was never a big fan of the huge TV/entertainment centers that took up an entire wall.  I think they may have had their time as far as home furnishings go, but their bulk seemed to dwarf whatever room they were in.  Personally, I’m a fan of cleaner lines, minimal design and open space, but this is your TV stand so decide what options you want.  You gotta look at it, right?  Cabinets have the added bonus of storage space and nooks can provide display places for room accents like books and flower vases and Xbox accessories.  Corner styles can maximize an awkward space and swivel styles can be adjusted (swiveled) for multiple angle viewing enjoyment.  You could also go with a flat screen TV mount, which takes a lot of these considerations on color and style out of the game and really maximizes space.

Features — I really wouldn’t recommend getting a stand with wheels for your flat screen.  Man, that just tenses me up thinking about the multitude of things that could go wrong pushing it from room to room.  Don’t do it.  In fact, stands are specifically made wider for flat screens.  But things like cabinet and drawer space, adjustable shelves, glass doors, hardwood, veneer, metal, glass, etc., are things to look at when making your decision.  You may want to place your Blu-ray or gaming system underneath or nearby so the shelf spacing, arrangement and cable access are definitely things to look at.

Shop — Just about anywhere; online, furniture stores, electronics stores, and places like your local Ikea, Wal-Mart and Target will have a selection.  Like everything else, prices will vary so look at your budget. It will all be worth it once you get to sit down and enjoy your new love.

Here is a great option for up to a 42” plasma TV:

Bello Metallic Silver Stand for Plasmas: $178.75

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more flat screen TV stands.

God must be a man.

Who else would instill in mankind the ability to build such great creations.

No, I’m not talking about the Great Wall of China or Taj Mahal. I’m talking about the All Star Tailgating Trailer!

This thing is a tailgater’s dream. It has everything you need for a great party in a parking lot before any big game. And who cares if the thing costs a ridiculous amount of cash. It comes with a 60″ LCD TV! Well worth it in my opinion. Who needs to go into the stadium when you can get a better view and picture from the parking lot.

Check out what this baby comes crammed with:

• BBQ/Grill
• Two-burner stove.
• One-burner stove.
• Refrigerator/freezer.
• Beer tap.
• Soft drink taps
• Kegerator.
• 160 quart ice chest.
• 2,800-watt power generator.
• Three TVs, one the 60″ projection model.
• Surround sound.
• Gaming system.
• Satellite recorder.
• Satellite receiver.

I can barely contain myself. It’s like a survival kit on wheels.

Oh yeah, you’re probably wondering how much this costs: $19,995.

Just splurge. No one said Little Annie needed to become a doctor.

Source: Gizmodo via All Star Tailgating

I realize that this looks like the printer they happily destroy in the movie Office Space but don’t let it’s humble appearance fool you, this bad boy is sweeeet with a capital S.

What you are witnessing is the ITC One from the chaps at SE2 labs!

ITC One integrates a variety of the best components out there, including high-definition DVD players, audio components, video components, gaming systems, control devices, cooling systems and more. And the system is even available with displays, speakers and other peripherals for the most complete home entertainment setup available today.

ITC One helps simplify everything you want in a system down to a single, sleek, stylish and compact box. And then, once you have it built, all you need to do is plug it in and start enjoying your custom home theater experience.

What’s Included:

All the following components are included in your custom ITC One:

Yes, you read right, the unit cost $25,000 dollars! How badly do you want everything you love in one spot?  

To read more or purchase the ITC One at SE2 Labs, click here.  

Don’t front! You know you loved it just as much as I did when that flying muskrat came gunning for your head the first time you watched Caption Eo at Disneyland! I must say I miss the days when Michael Jackson was a solid shade of caramel, had a real nose and could be trusted around children. Plus in all honesty, Captain Eo was one of my favorite attractions at Disneyland, it was a reprieve from the California summer heat and it was very entertaining to boot.

Anyhow I remember stealing my 3D specs only to find they gave me a raging headache when I would stare at my regular television set! But there I sat, hoping and praying that Cheetara from the Thundercats would run right off the screen and into my world.Well 3D technology has come a long way since the days of Captain Eo …

Unlike most 3D displays, HoloVizio uses voxels instead of traditional pixels. Meaning “anyone standing around the monitor will actually see an object from a different perspective, with no need for goggles or other stereoscopic tricks.”

Check out the video:

YouTube - Watch Groundbreaking 3D Home Display

By the way no your not going deaf, there is no sound. But I chose the video that displays the 3D images the clearest. Pretty nifty stuff.

Knock of even more savings off your purchase when you shop at the Philips Direct Store.

By using the coupon code HOLIDAYDIRECT, you can instantly take 10% off any item in the store. From HDTVs to MP3 players and home theater systems, everything is eligible for the discount.

But this offer doesn’t last much longer, so hurry. The coupon expires December 6th.

Click here to go to the Philips Direct Store.

She will be mine. Oh yes, she will be mine.

This multi-media bed that is. This thing is everything a slacker needs to sit in bed and just put on the big game or whatever you happen to stumble upon.

Check out what this thing comes with:

• A retractable 32-inch Sony Bravia HDTV in its footboard
• A five-disc DVD/CD changer
• An iPod docking station
• Five-speaker surround sound
• A subwoofer underneath
• A computer-controlled massage mattress

What’s the price tag on this baby you ask? Just a modest $35,000.

Junior doesn’t need his college fund nearly as much as you need R&R so go ahead and splurge.

Source: Engadget via Crave.

If you’re into saving space and want something different for your living room, then maybe you should check out this little nifty idea from Italian designer Matteo Ragni.

This Fly Shelf with Integrated Projection Screen is a great space saver, and if you have a good place for a projector set up, then you can have your own personal theater. Set this up alongside similar shelves, retract the screen, and people will never know you have a 66″ TV hiding in there.

Source: Gizmodo, The Red Ferret, Livit

If you thought the DeLorean making a comeback was cool, then you have to check this out.

Hammacher Schlemmer has come out with the R2-D2 home theater system. Yes, you read that right. The life size R2-D2 from Star Wars projecting your movies from his radar eye.

The little droid can shoot out movies, TV shows, images and video games straight onto a screen at a resolution of 1024 x 768 and can project up to 16 1/2 feet away.

In addition, one of his mechanical arms houses a DVD/CD player that can be blasted out from its two built-in speakers. And also this R2 has a docking station that can connect to most iPods, including video iPods.

But all great things come with a price, with this little droid running for $2,7995.99.

If you do pick up one of these, you can get really creative.

For instance, you can take him out into your garage, dressed in last year’s Luke Skywalker halloween costume to give him a little tune-up. Act like you’re repairing it when all of a sudden, BAM! Princess Lea pops up on your screen saying “help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.”

Make sure you hit it or something every few seconds so you get the repeat effect.

Source: Hammacher Schlemmer

A summer barbecue isn’t complete without a little bit of music, so check out the deals that Circuit City is having on home speakers.

Right now and for a limited time, Circuit City is allowing you to take 30% off select home speakers at their online store.

For instance, check out this Polk home theater speaker system for only $399.

To see what other deals Circuit City is having, click here.