Creating An Affordable Home Theater System

Home Theater Sytstem You love the idea of bringing the movie experience home. The idea of a home theater system produces images that may include a fancy TV, monster-sized speakers that produce great surround sound, a DVD player and maybe even an upscale room specifically designed for you home theater needs. Then reality sets in, finances bombard you, and your home theater idea gets put on hold. But it doesn't have to! These days, anyone who wants to can create a great home theater without going broke.

First, you may already own at least half of the things needed for your home theater. Odds are you already have at least a TV and DVD player. If your TV works well and you're comfortable with your DVD player, you're half way there. Now all you need to is a receiver and good speakers. Chances are that you already have your stereo receiver and speakers connected to your CD or cassette player.

Try connecting your TV to the receiver and start understanding what it's like to enjoy the show as it plays through your stereo speakers. You're already getting a feel for a home theater with out spending much money. If you're trying to work with what you have, but aren't quite sure of the technical side of things, try contacting an audio/video specialist. You may only need a few upgrades to your current devices and spending money on good advice and expertise will most likely save you lots of money in the end.

If you don't want to make do with what you have and are ready to make upgrades, shop around. There are great deals on TVs, DVD players, surround sound receivers, and speakers during store sales and promotions. Since this is your first home theater system, know that you don't have to spend a lot to get everything you need. Check online at major electronic stores because some products are cheaper if purchased online. But don't shop solely on price. You do not want to sacrifice decent quality to save few bucks. For example, the idea of cheap speakers may sound like music to your ears, but get them home and your movie experience is horrible because the quality is bad.

Maybe shopping around for separate pieces is too much for you. If you want to get just about everything you need in one stop, you might try a home theater in a box, as we discussed in the last chapter. These types of kits usually come with speakers, a surround sound receiver, DVD/CD player and maybe a VCR or DVD recorder. To get the closest thing to the top-notch home theater experience, all you have to add is a 42" TV. Again, you could use your current TV, but to really start to duplicate the theater experience, a bigger screen is the way to go.

Basically, creating a great home theater system really can be easy and affordable. If you purchase a 42" TV and a theater in a box, or a series of relatively inexpensive separate components, costs may only amount to about $2000 total. If you already own a 42"TV, you can cut your costs and only spend about $500. Buying everything separately doesn't have to cost a fortune, if you shop wisely.

Purchasing a 42" TV, DVD player, surround sound receiver, and speakers will cost you between $1800-$2000. Not bad for a complete home theater system. Admittedly, your system will not rival the high-end home theaters enjoyed by true audiophiles and the technologically obsessed, but it may still be enough to satisfy your specific needs.
Once you know what's out there and how to find bargains, a fabulous home theater system can become a reality. Doing your homework, catching sales, and even contacting an audio/video specialist are all great ways to get the most for your money.

The most important thing is finding out what things are most important to you and what fits your needs. If you still feel like splurging and purchasing more expensive pieces, you may buy them piece-by-piece. No one said you had to buy everything at one time! The important thing is getting exactly what you want and paying no more than you must.

Eric Love is The Home Theater Guy and he writes daily about all aspects of home theater | home theater systems. Click here to find out more about Custom Home Theater.