Home Theater Guide - The Home Theater in a Box

If you're interested in putting together a home theater system for yourself but don't have the time or interest to research and purchase all the separate components, a "home theater in a box" system may be ideal for you. Packages typically include a DVD player or DVD/VCR combination, speakers, receiver, and subwoofer. However, the contents of packages made by different manufacturers may vary, so it helps to know in general what type of system you're looking for.

Examples of home theater in a box systems include the Panasonic SC-HT730, the Yamaha YHT-760, the Sony DAV-FX100W Wireless Surround Home Theater System, and the Pioneer HTZ-940DV Home Theater-In-A-Box System. Other manufacturers of home theaters in a box include Kenwood, Denon, and Onkyo, among others.

The Panasonic model comes with a slim five-disc changer that accepts DVDs and CDs in addition to DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, CD-RW, CD-R, MP3, WMA, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, and HDCD formats. A Dolby Digital/DTS AV receiver, subwoofer, and speakers are also included. The Yamaha model includes a five-piece speaker system, 5.1 channel Dolby Digital A/V receiver that supports XM Satellite Radio, and a powered subwoofer.

The Sony model features a five-disc DVD changer with an integrated AM/FM receiver, five speakers, and a subwoofer. The system delivers 143 watts of power per channel with a 285-watt subwoofer for a total of 1,000 watts. The wireless rear speaker system lets you cut down on wires and cords without compromising sound quality. Finally, the Pioneer model offers five flat panel speakers with subwoofer, tuner, and Progressive Scan DVD player.