what should i look for or consider when buying a HOME THEATER SYSTEM?

Question

i think i'll use it to watch movie more.

Answer 1

Hi James.There are so many things to consider,you could write a novel about home theater ! So i guess i better start at the beginning with : what is you budget ?Are you mainly a music listener or a movie watcher? If you listen to more music,but like to watch an occasional movie,then you might want to consider building a high performance stereo system.If you have no real interest in the video aspect,then a surround sound system is probably not for you.

If you mainly watch movies instead of listening to music this is what you should consider.
A surround sound system can be fit into any given space,but how it is implemented is the key to quality sound.In assembling an A/V system it is important to follow the basic rules of high fidelity sound reproduction which are :All the links in the chain (Source,Preamplifier-Processor,Power Amplifier(s) Speakers) are equally important .Audio and Video reproduction are damage control jobs.

In any audio system the signal is passed down a chain.Sound travels from the Source components (DVD or CD Players,VCR, Satellite etc.) to the Preamplifier Surround Processor.,to the Power Amplifiers and then to the Speakers.The base rule is the signal can never be improved within the chain once it has started.It can only be maintained or degraded.Therefore audio and video reproduction is a damage control job. If we don't get quality information from the Source ,The Preamp/Processor, Power Amps,and Speakers cannot improve the signall.The Preamp and Power Amps just make a bigger copy of the signal, which the Speakers reprduce.No equipment can improve the signal given to it .What is generated from the Source component will be reproduced ,but not improved,in the chain.The goal is to change the signal as little as possible.Some people believe that by using better or more expensive Speakers will improve the sound due to a bad signal in the electronics. But speakers cant do that so a newer or better pair will only give you a different sound which they perceive as an improvement in the sound but that can't happen until the component is fixed or replaced to give a better signal to the Speakers.
If you want a system for movies,then the second question to ask is what is the size of your listening space.The size and layout of your room will determine the type and size of equipment that is best for you.Movie sound is primarily music and voice.The musical score sets the tone and mood of the movie.The emotional involvement ,suspense,tension and excitement of the movie are all a direct result of the movie's sound track.When you are deciding on a system ,be sure to listen to various movie sound tracks and special effects. But ,always use music to make your final evaluation of the system.This is where real differences in equipment become obvious.

Sorry i took so long but it is the only way i know to explain properly to the best of my knowledge how a home theater works.

Ok .So what is your budget ?
Are you mainly a music listener or are you a movie buff ?

Answer 2

When you say system you meant a home theatre in a box? Or did you mean the real thing...

1) Video Processing: Does the system gives you a good quality video.

2) Audio: Surround sound? 5.1? 6.1? 7.1? 9.1?
Does it play cd, mp3. SACD?

3) How many WATTS per channel does it provide to each speakers.

4) What type of connections does the receiver have? Component video, svideo, composite, HDMI, digital audio, analog audio, USB, XLR, Binding post?

5) What do you want in your home theater? Do you want a good quality system but not too expensive? Do you want the best? Do you want the latest greatest? Think...do you really need the HDMI? Personally I would consider buying an AV receiver with a HDMI switching capability.

Answer 3

The best speakers possible. At every level of quality of the whole system, the speakers will have the greatest effect on the sound. You may even want to start out in stereo, getting the best overall system with the best stereo speakers you can, then add to it later. If you have to start off cheaply, then still buy a good brand of speakers that you can relegate to rear channel speakers later when you have more money for better front speakers. Also, don't skimp on the center channel, it is wise to keep in mind that this one will be doing most of the dialog.