Abazoo UK: Consumer Advice
Home Cinema Systems: Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Samsung, Sony
ABOUT HOME CINEMA SYSTEMS
Home cinema systems are designed to provide something close to the audio visual experience of a cinema within your living room. They are intended to be used with flat screen TVs, which may be LCD or Plasma; the screens are normally sold separately.
The key function of a home cinema system is to produce surround sound of very high quality. This produces sound from all directions, as in a modern cinema. Some systems provide wireless rear speakers, avoiding the need for wires to trail across the room.
Home cinema systems incorporate DVD players; these may be simple players, or sophisticated DVD recorders with hard disks, capable of storing more than 250 hours of television.
CONSUMER ADVICE ON HOME CINEMA SYSTEMS
Richer Sounds publishes an excellent set of more than twenty Tip Sheets giving buying advice, including tip sheets on home cinema systems, and on home cinema separates versus all-in-one systems.
John Lewis publishes a good guide to buying DVD players, explaining scanning methods, formats, and features such as pause, time slip, and simultaneous record and playback. DVD players form part of home cinema systems.
Which? publishes product test reports, relevant to home cinema systems, on DVD players, LCD TVs, plasma TVs, and TV projectors. The reports include a free features guide, and the following subscriber-only content: best buys; frequently asked questions about televisions; and product comparisons. Which? offers a 30-day online free trial.
LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF HOME CINEMA SYSTEMS
Panasonic. Panasonic is a leading manufacturer of home cinema systems. Its website divides these into three groups: complete systems, components, and LCD projectors. The website allows you to select up to four products and compare their features on a combined page.
Philips. There is a section of the Philips UK website for home cinema systems. These include systems that provide instant replay, and enable you to watch a TV programme while it is still being recorded. Philips systems offer wireless rear speakers, to avoid wiring having to cross the room.
Pioneer. Pioneer UK has a section of its website on home cinema systems. There is an online Product Wizard which helps you choose a home cinema system, by posing a series of questions such as 'Do you want to play DivX files?' and 'Do you want automatic optimization of the surround sound in your living room?'
Samsung. The Samsung website has a section on home cinema systems. Some of these include a karaoke function.
Sony is a well regarded manufacturer consumer electronics. Its UK website has a section dealing with home cinema systems. These include all-in-one home cinema kits, and individual components which can be combined to create custom home cinema systems.
LEADING ONLINE RETAILERS OF HOME CINEMA SYSTEMS
John Lewis is a well trusted firm selling through its department stores and online. Its website has a section on home cinema systems. These include systems with Dolby Virtual Speaker room-modelling, and highly realistic surround sound from just two speakers. John Lewis provides a free second year service guarantee on digital cameras, and free standard delivery for orders over £100.
Richer Sounds is an expert company selling audio, hi fi and TV systems online and via 43 stores across the UK. The Richer Sounds website has a section on home cinema systems. At the heart of these systems is an AV receiver, which splits the sound signal into 5.1 or 6.1 digital channel. Richer Sounds offers one-box home cinema systems (bought as a package) or custom systems made up from separates.
Empire Direct is a leading online supplier of electrical equipment, which claims to offer goods at prices up to 30% less than those charged by high street stores. Its website has a section on home cinema systems. These aim to bring the full cinema sound experience to your living room. Orders for home cinema systems are normally processed and delivered within three working days.
PRICE COMPARISONS FOR HOME CINEMA SYSTEMS
The following websites supply UK price comparisons for home cinema systems: Dealtime UK; Kelkoo UK; Price Runner UK. Ciao UK provides price comparisons for digital cameras together with user reviews.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO HOME CINEMA SYSTEMS
Wikipedia article on home cinema systems.
Epinions. User reviews on home cinema systems from the US-based Epinions website.
How Stuff Works. Article at the How Stuff Works website on how home theatre works, including illustrations.
Vogel Home Cinema Tips. Website giving advice on choosing the best layout for a home cinema system within your room.
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