Tags: cinema, home, lcd, speakers

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 Sharp LC40LE700X is an LED-backlit television that comes in at a very reasonable price, and features great sound and decent picture quality.

BenQ Joybee GP1

The BenQ Joybee GP1 is a small and impressive LED pico-projector, but you'll pay handsomely for the "wow" factor.
Sharp LC42D77X

The Sharp LC42D77X is a great TV let down by poor sound. But if you have a sound system already then the set's belting image quality makes it worth considering.
Pioneer BDP-LX71

The Pioneer LX71 is a great Blu-ray player, despite a slow loading speed for interactive discs and the high price.
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.
Panasonic VIERA TX-32LXD80A

The Panasonic VIERA TX-32LXD80A is a strong performer for the price in terms of picture quality, but it's let down slightly by its lacklustre sound.
Sony Bravia KDL32V4000

The Sony Bravia KDL32V4000 offers excellent detail, colour and contrast but despite its 1080p resolution the set's high price and motion issues let it down.
Samsung HT-TX500T

The Samsung HT-TX500T delivers sound and image quality as expected from a mid-range home theatre package.
Beo5

Bang & Olufsen puts its unique design mark on a universal remote and (for a fee) does all the programming for you.

Format wars: the tech that should have won

Did you love Laserdisc? Were you bonkers over Betamax? Do you cry yourself to sleep because BeOS never hit the big time? Fret no more -- superdork Captain Tech is here to travel back in time and save the format losers that should have triumphed.

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?
CEDIA 2007: Highlights from the A/V expo

Thousands of custom designers, installers and home theatre enthusiasts flocked to the Gold Coast last week for the CEDIA trade show, an expo showcasing the latest in home electronics and A/V systems.
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?

CNET.com.au's quick guide to buying a home theatre projector

Our quick guide helps you identify the key features that matter most when shopping for a projector.
Tips on buying a digital TV

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

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.