When people talk about a home theater system, they are talking about many different aspects of the home's entertainment system, including the video and the audio system you are using. In most cases, people only concentrate on the video aspect of the home theater, not realizing that the audio part is just as important as the video.

Beginning in the 1990s, video inputs were added to stereo receivers and amplifiers. Today, almost all companies that produce entertainment systems make combination audio/video equipment for home theater listening and viewing.

To have an entertainment system that is considered a "home theater," you need to have a large-screen television connected to a hi-fi sound system. Most homes with home theaters use a large-screen projection system rather than a television set.

Types of Products Available

The purpose of having a home theater system is to reproduce cinema-quality picture and sound in your home. The video aspect is usually a large-screen, high-definition television or a projection system with a movie screen to project the image on. The audio system is usually provided by a hi-fidelity surround sound system.

In the past, a television, VCR, and a set of speakers were the only form of home theater system available for people. Today, the technology has advanced to the point that it is no longer necessary to go to a movie house to enjoy a theater-quality movie experience.

Cost

The cost of these products depends on which products you wish to use in your home theater. A large, widescreen, hi-definition television can cost around $2,500, and the sound system can cost approximately $500 to $800, depending on the quality of sound and the brand you intend to purchase. The cost of these systems will also vary among different department stores. It will be your responsibility to find the good brands at the lowest prices. Do not just look into one store, shop around in other stores.