Any time of year is a great time to buy a gift for Dad, especially when it comes to adding to his home theater system. Check out some of my suggestions.
1. Panasonic DMP-BD30 Blu-ray Disc Player
The DMP-BD30 plays Blu-ray discs at full 720p, 1080i, or 1080p resolution via its HDMI output. This player is also playback compatible with standard DVDs and most recordable DVD formats, as well as being able to playback standard music CDs and CD-Rs/RWs. Standard DVDs are upscaled via the HDMI output. This player also outputs Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD in bitstream form via HDMI which allows audio decoding by home theater receivers equipped with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD decoders. The DMP-BD30 also incorporates Blu-ray Profile 1.1 capability, which allows access to improved interactive features available on many newer Blu-ray Disc releases. If you are shopping for a Blu-ray Player, this one may have the most to offer for the price.
2. OPPO Digital DV-983H Upscaling DVD Player with Anchor Bay VRS Processing
The OPPO DV-983H is a power house of a DVD player. HDMI connectivity and 720p/1080i/1080p upscaling using Anchor Bay VRS technology enables the DV983H to deliver an excellent picture on an HDTV. In addition, other features, such as SACD and DVD-Audio playback, as well as a rear mounted USB port for importing images and sound from flash drives, add great audio and video flexibility. If you are looking for a new DVD player to use with that new flat panel HDTV and surround sound system, make sure you check this one out. The OPPO DV-983H takes DVD player performance to the highest level. For a more detailed look at the DV-983H, check out my Short and Full Reviews, as well as my supplementary Photo Profile.3. Onkyo TX-SR605 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
With the TX-SR605, Onkyo has incorporated high-end features in a reasonably priced home theater receiver, such as HDMI 1.3 video and audio capabilities, Internal decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, Faroudja DCDi video processing, incorporation of both XM and Sirius satellite radio, and iPOD connection compatibility. If the TX-SR605 delivers what Onkyo promises, the bar would certainly be raised in terms of features and performance per dollar, and would certainly meet the needs of most mainstream home theater consumers. If you are planning to purchase a mid-range home theater receiver, the Onkyo TX-SR605 certainly deserves your attention.4. Samsung LN-T4665F 46-Inch LCD Television
The Samsung LN-T4665F has some impressive specs, including a large 46-inch screen, 1080p input and processing, 15,000 dynamic contrast ratio, and an 8ms response time. However, it is real world performance that counts; this television delivers a great image with good color and contrast. The LN-T4665F also includes NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, which allows recpection of analog, HDTV, and unscrambled digital and high definition cable signals. Another practical feature is the placement of the 3 HDMI input connections, 2 of which are mounted on the rear panel and one that is side panel mounted. If you don't have a home theater audio system, the LN-T4665 offers SRS TruSurround audio processing. Another practical feature is a built-in swivel stand.5. Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote Control
Home theater has certainly given us more and better options for enjoying home entertainment. However, it has also given us the clutter of remote controls. Many of us have a half-dozen, or more, remotes on the coffee table. The quest for a remote control that can do it all is the true "Holy Grail" of home theater. There are many "universal remotes" that can than replace some of the functions of your remote control collection, but the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote Control can just about do it all and is not any larger than most single component remotes. For more details, check out my Product Review and supplementary Photo Profile.6. Panasonic TH-42PZ85U 42-inch 1080p Plasma Television
The 42-inch Panasoic TH-42PZ85U plasma television delivers great image quality at a very reasonable price. This set features full 1920x1080 (1080p) native pixel resolution, which is rare for a 42-inch Plasma. Also, this set has an impressive 30,000:1 native contrast ratio. Inputs are not a problem with the TH-42PZ85U as there are plenty, including, HDMI, HD-Component, and VGA. Also, this set has both ATSC and QAM tuners for receiving high definition HDTV broadcast and unscrambled cable programs, and an SD card slot for digital photo playback. One great thing about the TH-42PZ85U's 42-inch screen size is that you don't need a large room to enjoy full 1080p high definition. The set is great for Blu-ray Disc or Upscaling DVD players.7. Onkyo HT-S990THX Home Theater System
If Dad has been hinting about getting a home theater system, this one would would be a great choice. The Onkyo HT-S990, priced at $899, has power to spare with its 110 WPC amplifiers and 230-watt powered subwoofer, which will easily fill a living or family room with great sound. This system also has several surround sound modes, as well as THX-Certified audio processing and loudspeakers. THX certification insures consistent performance and that everything is electronically and acoustically matched. This system also includes XM Satellite Radio connectivity. For more details, check out my Product Profile.8. Axiom EP400 Epicenter 8-Inch Front Firing Powered Subwoofer
The AXIOM EP400 Epicenter is a powerful subwoofer despite is small size. This 8-Inch Subwoofer delivers power, clarity, tightness, and undistorted deep bass response for both movies and music. This subwoofer also offers several controls that allow the user to tweak performance parameters to specific room environments and listening tastes. My impression of the EP400 is extremely postive, making this subwoofer a real winner, especially for those looking for a high-performance subwoofer in a smaller room. For a close-up look and explanation of the features of the EP400, check out my Photo Gallery.9. Panasonic DMR-EZ17 DVD Recorder with ATSC Tuner
The Panasonic DMR-EZ17 is a great entry-level new generation DVD recorder that includes an ATSC Tuner. This allows the reception and recording of over-the-air digital TV signals, which will replace the current analog signals on February 17, 2009. In addition to an ATSC tuner, the DMR-EZ17 also includes other great features, such as compatibility with most DVD recording formats, a DV input for recording from digital camcorders, and progressive scan component video outputs. Another bonus, is Panasonic's enhance playback quality on discs recorded using the four hour LP mode. When comparing the LP mode playback on Panasonic DVD recorders and most other brands, you can tell the difference. For more details, check out the DMR-EZ17 User Manual.10. Optoma HD65 Compact DLP Video Projector
Optoma has a large stable of very good video projectors, but the HD65 is certainly unique. Although it is extremely compact (10.2in x 2.9in x 7.4in and weighing in at about 4 lbs) don't let its small size and light weight fool you. Under the hood is a single chip DLP projector that puts out 1,600 lumens (via 180 watt lamp), 4,000:1 contrast ratio (full on/full off), and has 720p native pixel resolution. In addition, the HD65 has a very practical Super-Wide setting optimizes viewing for 2.35 aspect ratio films without the need for a special add-on lens. At a $1,000 price, this is a great video projector value. For a more detailed look at the features and functions of the HD65, you can download the User Manual.