Tags: buy, electronics, plasma, tv

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.

You know you want a flat TV, but you may not know whether a plasma or an LCD is best for you. We examine what you should consider before buying.

Sony Bravia KDL40ZX1

The Sony Bravia KDL40ZX1 is a beautiful looking television, and while picture quality is generally good it's restrained by a first-gen wireless technology.
Fujitsu P50XHA58EB

The Fujitsu P50XHA58EB is a decent plasma screen but it has been eclipsed both in terms of price and performance by younger upstarts.
Toshiba 47WL66

Huge screen with a stylish design but lacking in picture quality.
Harman Kardon HS 100

The Harman Kardon HS 100's elegant good looks and sweet musicality may be enough for some buyers, but the pricey system lacks the oomph for convincing home-theatre duty.
InFocus ScreenPlay 777

If you have to have the best in home cinema, then a 3-chip projector is as good as it gets.
Yamaha YSP-1 Digital Sound Projector

While not audiophile-grade, the YSP-1 produces realistic surround sound without all the wires.

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.
HD TV World

We take you through the process of choosing, buying and making the most of, a high-definition television.
The more pixels, the merrier?

The number of pixels on a television panel, or its native resolution, determines the amount of detail you'll see on screen. So, it's worth paying more for higher resolutions... or is it?

OLED TV makers look to shift out of neutral

Samsung and LG say they intend to increase production of bigger TVs using the new technology, though that is still years away.
Freeview misunderstanding quashed, but SBS still wants new standard

The network needs MPEG-4 technology — a more efficient method for compressing digital TV signals than the MPEG-2 technology currently in use — to expand beyond its current two digital channels.
Pioneer to outsource plasma, sell LCDs

Pioneer will stop making plasma display panels in an effort to turn around its money-losing business, the Japanese electronics maker has said.
Teaching plasma to follow LCD's lead

The energy-hog televisions are losing ground to their cheaper counterparts. But developers hope that will change with improved technologies.

How to get the best deal on a new TV

If you're looking to buy a new television, there are a lot of things to consider. Thankfully, you don't have to do it alone, as CNET Australia is here to help.
CNET monitor buying guide

Confused by the choice in monitors these days? We separate the muck from the magic.
Tips on buying a digital TV

CNET.com.au steps you through the process of buying a digital TV.
Surround sound buying guide

If you're feeling surrounded by questions instead of ambient sound, you've come to the right place. We have suggestions on how to shop for everything surround, from receivers to speakers to full home-theatre systems.

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.