Home Cinema System Buying Guide

Here are some useful hints and tips to consider when choosing a home cinema system.

How to Choose the Best Home Cinema System

Combining the excitement and viewing experience of the cinema with the comfort of your own living room, home cinema systems have become incredibly popular in recent years - and thanks to technological innovations, the prices and quality are better than ever!

Home cinema systems typically consist of a DVD player/recorder and a set of surround sound speakers. Some models of home cinema system include just the speakers, so you can either buy a DVD player/recorder separately or use them with your existing DVD player/recorder.

You can use your home cinema with your existing television, or for the ultimate home cinema experience, buy a large LCD or plasma television to go with it.

There are two main types of home cinema system - active and passive. An active home cinema system has the sound amplifier built into the speaker system, whereas passive home systems have an amplifier in the DVD player.

Lower priced models of home cinema system cut down on components to save space and costs, while higher priced models have a better range of functions and improved sound quality, so you may want to consider paying that little bit more for a better quality, more versatile home cinema system.

Choosing Home Cinema System Sound Options

One of the main selling points of home cinema systems is the sound quality, and most home cinema systems have five speakers, a subwoofer and usually Dolby Surround Sound for superb sound. Front speakers are placed either side of the television screen, with a centre speaker placed directly above or below. Rear speakers are placed behind the viewing area, preferably mounted on the wall, while a subwoofer is placed anywhere on the floor with space between it and the wall.

This speaker arrangement transforms the conventional viewing experience into a fantastic cinematic one. You'll hear the helicopters in action films as if they are flying overhead or the hooves of galloping horses approaching from a distance getting closer to you. This speaker arrangement is also capable of building on subtler audio, such as acoustic music performances and wildlife documentaries.

Always look out for home cinema systems with quality sound playback, such as Dolby Surround Sound, DTS, Dolby Digital and Dolby ProLogic 2.

Features to Look For When You Buy a Home Cinema System

Home cinema systems are ideal for watching movies with great sound and picture quality, but they come with a range of features that are great for a number of different types of home entertainment.

Key features to look out for when choosing a home cinema system include:

Play formats - The DVD player/recorder can usually play and record on to different formats including: DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, MPG CD, JPG CD and SVCD. These formats make your set-up more versatile as a home entertainment system, for playing music, viewing photographs and recording television programmes. Check to make sure that the DVD player can play the formats that you're likely to use before buying a home cinema system.
Radio tuner - Transforms your home cinema system into a home hi-fi. A built-in radio tuner can include FM and AM frequencies, as well as a radio station LCD display for conveniently finding your favourite stations.
Speaker output/amplifier power - Measured in watts, the higher the speaker or amplifier output, the more powerful and dynamic the sound will be.
Memory card slot/USB port - These connections enable memory cards and USB devices, such as iPods, to be connected to the home cinema system for viewing photographs and movies, and listening to music. The more connections your home cinema system has, the more versatile it will be.

Do I Need to Buy an Extended Home Cinema System Warranty?

A warranty ensures repairs or replacements under certain conditions and is essential when buying a home cinema system. Most home cinema systems will come with a reasonable warranty, but you can pay a little extra to extend it.

It's a good idea to set a limit on the amount of money you are prepared to spend on your home cinema system, and not to pay more for features you won't need. Compare prices between online retailers and look for special offers and discounts - you could get a better model of home cinema system than your budget would normally allow.