Tags: cinema, 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.

Sanyo PLV-Z3000

Sanyo's affordable 1080p front projector has its share of flaws, but still represents respectable value in its category.
Toshiba 46XV500A

The Toshiba 46XV500A 46-inch LCD is the company's best yet, but it's got a lot of competition from TVs with more sophisticated performance and features.
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.
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 TH-42PZ800A

If sport or movies are your aim then plasma is still the king, and the Panasonic TH-42PZ800A offers a great picture for a great price.
Sony Bravia KDL-32D3100

If you are in the market for a high quality television but have limited space, the Sony Bravia KDL-32D3100 will certainly fit the bill nicely.
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.

Which 42" Plasma is right for you?

Everybody wants one, and 42 inch plasma TVs are the hottest size in flat panel sets. But before you jump on the plasma bandwagon, which model offers the best TV experience?

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.

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.