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Home theater
"Home theater" encompasses more products than ever. But that means there are plenty of options, whether you're buying for Dad's big TV room, a cramped college dorm, or a new starter apartment. From all-in-one home theater systems and network digital entertainment devices to affordable iPod speakers, you'll have both the paterfamilias and the budding scholar on your gift list covered.
Editors' top pick
The bottom line: While Sony has cut a few corners to get its entry-level PlayStation 3 below $400, it's still a great game console and Blu-ray player for the money--so long as you can live without backward compatibility for PS2 games.
The bottom line: The Slingbox A/V is the best way to stream your home TV programming to an increasingly wide variety of broadband-connected computers and smart phones.
The bottom line: The iPod-friendly Griffin Evolve is the first wireless speaker system that delivers a truly cable-free experience.
The bottom line: With its excellent iPod-like remote, the Logitech Squeezebox Duet is an ideal way to stream the full range of digital music--including files on your computer's hard drive, premium subscription music services, and free Internet radio--to your living room stereo system.
The bottom line: While it's not compatible with your cable company's interactive and video-on-demand services, the TiVo HD's excellent onscreen interface and long list of network and Internet features puts it in a class above the generic high-def DVRs offered by most cable providers.
The bottom line: While it's missing an RF option, Logitech's Harmony One is one of the best--if not the best--universal remote we've ever tested.
The bottom line: With its enhanced iTunes video offerings, PC-free operation, and a lower price tag, the updated Apple TV is a compelling Internet-enabled entertainment device for the living room.
The bottom line: With a five-disc changer, wireless rear speakers, and an integrated iPod dock, the Panasonic SC-PT760 offers a solid value for anyone looking for an affordable all-in-one home theater solution.
The bottom line: With the iH9, iHome Audio continues to improve its popular iPod clock radio while keeping it relatively affordable.
The bottom line: The transportable Zvox Mini one-box speaker system delivers room-filling sound from any source--for just $200.
The bottom line: The Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 surround speakers pack a mighty wallop for their small size, but the system needs some extra care during setup to sound its best.
The bottom line: Despite their tiny size, the speakers of the Mirage Nanosat 5.1 System offered positively huge sound on CDs and DVDs, with only a few minor shortcomings.
The bottom line: This five-piece home-theater speaker package offers shockingly good sound for a mere $199.
Thanks,
The CNET TV Team
