You're probably working on a budget for your HDTV purchases. You may want more than just the TV - what about audio and video sources, for starters? Here are the various kinds of HDTVs and all the gadgets you can add to them. The options under each device type go from least expensive to priciest:
- Video displays (your actual TV)
• 26- to 40-inch direct-view tube HDTV
• Up to 65+-inch CRT-based rear-projection TV
• Up to 65+-inch microprojector rear-projection TV
• Up to 120+-inch front projection TV
• 32- to 60+-inch plasma-screen TV
- Audio sources
• Tape-cassette player
• CD player/recorder
• Turntable
• AM/FM tuner
- Video sources
• DVD player
• VHS/S-VHS VCR
• D-VHS Digital VCR
• Digital video recorder (DVR)
• Satellite system
• High-definition camcorder
- Computer/gaming
• Gaming console
• Home Theater PC
- A/V systems
• All-in-one systems
• A/V receiver
• Controller/decoder
• Power amplifier
- Speakers
• Center, left, right, and surround speakers
• Rear surround-sound speakers
• Subwoofer speakers
Of course, you don't need all the gear in the preceding list. You may be content with just a fabulous HDTV. Or, you may be moving into a new house and want to put in a lot of these fun toys. Your choice.
The following list gives you a sense of what you may expect to get if you're outfitting an entire room's worth of gear, ranging from the bare minimum to an out-of-this-world set up (and price!):
- Entry level: For a relatively small amount of money, you should be able to buy a CRT (tube TV) HDTV. You have a few choices here - you can spend most of your money and get a relatively big (32-inch) HDTV, or you can go with a smaller one (26-inch or 27-inch) and add in an inexpensive "home theater in a box" system with DVD player and surround sound.
- Adding a bit of glitz: If you spend a bit more, you can begin to move up to bigger HDTVs. You can pick up a nice widescreen 34-inch CRT HDTV; or for a bit more, you can start getting into CRT-based rear-projection HDTVs. You can also begin to add fancier home-theater audio solutions, with larger speakers and more amplifier power.
- Getting fancy: If you have the money to spend, you can start getting into 42-inch or 50-inch microprojector rear projection TVs, like DLP HDTVs. You may even consider really big microprojector systems (60-inch or even 70-inch), and you can get into front projection systems with HUGE pictures. You can also find a few small (42-inch) plasma TVs. On the audio side, you can begin to consider high-end receivers and speakers.
- Breaking the bank: By using your life savings (just kidding - no, really, don't use your life savings!), you can build a truly top-of-the line HDTV home theater, with a front projector, the biggest microprojector rear-projection systems, an LCD flat-panel TV, or a big (50-inch or above) plasma TV. The sky is truly the limit, if you have the money to spend: Imagine high-end "separates" audio equipment, the biggest and best plasma TVs or front projectors, and all the trimmings (including home-theater seating, specialized remote-control systems, even motorized drapes and "movie theater" popcorn machines").
Go to Web sites like PriceGrabber.com to get a sense of what the HDTV goodies you want cost. Also shop around, both online and at local electronics stores, to find the best deals.
In deciding how much to spend overall, consider how often you use your home entertainment system, whether it brings family and friends together, and if you may use it in your business relationships.
