Tags: amplifier, surround sound

Home cinema systems: Are kits or components right for you?

Whether you want to buy a home theatre in a box or go the components route, you'll need to decide which way is best for you right from the start.

The Pioneer BDP-120 Blu-ray player boasts fine video and audio capabilities, but its frustrating operational quirks make this player an also-ran.

NAD C 717 Micro DVD Receiver

If you're after a super compact system that'll primarily provide great music and movies second, the NAD C 717 does just that.
Panasonic SA-BX500

The Panasonic SA-BX500 sounds OK but is too hard to recommend because of too many limitations for its asking price. The wireless surround pack works well, but just adds expense to an under-featured receiver.
Yamaha YSP-3000

If you can look past its limited video capabilities, the Yamaha YSP-3000 is an otherwise recommendable single-speaker solution for home theater buyers who don't want a traditional 5.1 channel surround system.
Denon DHT-FS3

While it's a bit lean on features, Denon's compact DHT-FS3 home theatre system delivers big, room-filling sound.
Pioneer BDP-51FD

In many ways, the new Pioneer BDP-51FD is more of a no-frills performance-centric home theater kit than most of its peers in the market.
Sony DAV-F500

If you own a Bravia and movies are your main criteria, the Sony DAV-F500 makes a lot of sense. Its video upscaling produces quality images, but music lovers will be disappointed.
Altec Lansing PT8051

Its immense speakers suggest great audio quality, but it's all the little things that the PT8051 lacks that made it lose our favour.
Philips SoundBar HTS8100

The Philips SoundBar HTS8100 is good value for money, and able to deliver powerful movie soundtracks and excellent video quality via the HDMI output.

Pioneer unleashes Susano

Named after Susano-oh, the Japanese god of storms and sea, Pioneer's AU$9,999 surround sound amp is its latest flagship.
Best receivers under $1500

AV receivers are the central hub of any home theatre system, and so we look at the best receivers available for under AU$1500.
CES 2008: world's biggest tech show preview

The annual International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world's largest, and in the leadup to our exclusive CNET.com.au coverage here's what to expect from CES 2008.
Surround Sound Gaming: Connect your PS2, Xbox or Gamecube to a home theatre

Get the most out of your games by hooking up your PlayStation 2, Xbox or GameCube to a surround sound system.

iLuv serves up new budget PC speaker system

iLuv has trotted out the iSP200, a 2.1-channel PC speaker system for laptops and desktops.
Yamaha releases schmick hi-fi gear; receiver

Yamaha is attempting to re-enter the field of hi-fi -- a phrase the company itself created -- with the release of three new flagship products.
CES 2007: Philips' home theatre in a speaker

We heard about Philips' 1.1 virtual surround system, the HTS8100 SoundBar, before CES 2007, but now that we've got the final specs, we're even more eager to give it a whirl.
New Audi R8 kitted out with 12 Bang & Olufsen surround sound speakers

In what sounds like the ultimate boy's toy, the new Audi R8 sports car boasts 12 -- yes, 12 -- loudspeakers.

How to make your music sound better

From noise-cancelling headphones to software tweaks, we show you how to get the most out of your music -- and highlight some must-have products for tune lovers.
Headphone Buying Guide

Headphones come in all shapes and sizes, spanning the gamut from small and sporty to large and professional. Junking the set supplied with your MP3 player is also the easiest way to improve its sound quality. We step you through the ins and outs, as well as the technical mumbo jumbo.
How to set-up your home theatre speakers

You don't have to be an electrician or an acoustics expert to get great surround sound from your home theatre system. Just follow the steps in this tutorial to set-up your home theatre speakers for optimum sound.
Is virtual surround worth it?

Is virtual surround worth it?

Get (laptop) smart before you buy

Win the numbers game and get the laptop that's perfect your needs as well as your budget!
Microsoft Windows® 7. Your PC, simplified.

Windows® 7 has been designed to be more reliable, more responsive, and to make the things you do every day easier.
Whereis® maps

If you’d like to get to know more of Australia, and do it safely, then check out Whereis® maps.