Tags: cinema, home, lcd, rear

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.

CNET Australia has turned five years old, and so we look at some of the big events and technologies in this time, and what's on the horizon.

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.
Sony RHTG800

The Sony RHTG800 is an unusual take on the HTIB, but it looks good and works well. However, the sound quality isn't the best and the price is high.
JVC DLA-HD1

JVC's DLA-HD1 is a ground-breaking projector that beams out images with extremely natural colours and black levels. That said, it's not quite as sharp or as bright as some of its cheaper rivals.
Mitsubishi HC5000

Mitsubish's HC5000 isn't the prettiest projector on the block, but the images it delivers certainly are.
Sony STRDA5200ES

With its groundbreaking graphical user interface, three HDMI inputs, and excellent sound, the Sony STR-DA5200ES is outstanding and innovative A/V receiver, with only a handful of frustrations -- including some video upconversion issues -- spoiling the party.
Epson Dreamio EMP-TW700

Epson's latest home theatre projector is a fine example of what can be done with an enhanced LCD engine and dual-iris optics.
Sony Handycam HDR-HC3E

Sony brings HD recording to the rest of us with its latest Handycam, the HDR-HC3E.
Epson EMP-TWD1

The EMP-TWD1 offers an elegant all-in-one solution for your home cinema needs, as long as you only want to project DVDs.

LG gives a damn about Scarlet

LG spends a lot of money on the launch party for its new viral advertising campaign, but will the TVs themselves stack up?
Try it at the Sydney Home Show

It's not just tiles and taps at this year's Sydney Home Show - technology takes a front row seat, with displays from some major brands giving consumers the chance to have hands on tests of all the latest gear.
Digital Life: Square pegs for round holes

How do you set up a home entertainment system in odd shaped rooms?
Digital Life: The other half of the equation

As you're drooling over the latest sexy plasma or LCD TV, don't forget that you'll need surround sound audio to get a full home cinema experience.

Tips on buying a digital TV

CNET.com.au steps you through the process of buying a digital TV.
CNET.com.au's quick guide to aspect ratio

We'll take you step by step through the common aspect-ratio problems -- and their solutions -- on both standard and wide-screen televisions.

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Microsoft Windows® 7. Your PC, simplified.

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