Engadget's Holiday Gift Guide: Home theater setups
By Richard Lawler 
posted December 23rd 2009 5:11PM
posted December 23rd 2009 5:11PM
Welcome to the Engadget Holiday Gift Guide! The team here is well aware of the heartbreaking difficulties of the seasonal shopping experience, and we want to help you sort through the trash and come up with the treasures this year. Below is today's bevy of hand curated picks, and you can head back to the Gift Guide hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season.
Congratulations, you've reached the end of your holiday list and have only one person left -- unfortunately, they're the one that never leaves the living room. With eyes constantly glues to the screen, a simple sweater or even the finest Williams-Sonoma has to offer just won't cut it. Luckily, we're here to help, especially if that poor soul is limited to some old school XGA projector, juggling multiple remotes or still waiting to make the jump to Blu-ray. Dig in after the break and see what will distract them from the HDTVs unnatural light long enough to say thanks.
Insignia NS-WBRDVD - Missing out on the Black Friday deals doesn't mean you can't find a Blu-ray player that qualifies as a "stocking stuffer." At just $119 right now for a deck that brings WiFi, BD-Live and of course, Netflix Watch Instantly in one slim package, the only real question is whether to get one for yourself too. Trust us, they'll stop looking for a more highly regarded brand name once the movies start streaming.
$119 - Buy from Best Buy
Logitech Harmony PlayStation 3 IR adapter - Good news, your Secret Santa draw is all 3D Blu-ray ready with their PlayStation 3. Bad news, they're still navigating disc menus with the SixAxis controller, while their high end remote is left useless without Bluetooth compatibility. You can be the hero and bring Harmony back with this adapter, it reads the IR commands from the remote and converts them for the PS3. When they're watching Avatar in 3D and don't have to remember which control does what, they'll thank you.
From $54 - Shop for Logitech Harmony Adapter
Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray - Shopping for the home theater nut that likes to brag about their high end equipment and how much they paid, but doesn't actually have a clue how to make sure they get the most from it? Just $25 can significantly improve their A/V experience if you slip the Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray disc under the tree. It's got the high quality imagery, test patterns and explanations to walk anyone through adjusting every piece of equipment to perform at its best, and they deserve nothing less.
$25 - Buy from Amazon
Samsung HT-BD3252 HTIB - For a maximum bang for your buck upgrade, we introduce Samsung's HT-BD3252. With a blu-ray player featuring Netflix Watch Instantly, Pandora and Blockbuster streaming at its core and additional bonuses like auto calibration and support for the highest quality audio codecs, it's hard to find a single box that will turn around your family's entertainment experience as quickly. Plus, it's got an iPod dock. You know you need that.
$599 - Buy from Amazon
LG BD390 Blu-ray player - Just need a Blu-ray player to complete Santa's list? LG's BD390 is the speedy, network connected box you've been looking for. You won't be stuck waiting for movies to load, whether they're from the disc or over Netflix with its 802.11n WiFi and 1GB of built-in memory, plus access to high quality 1080p flicks from VUDU. If you're trying to figure out which player to go with this holiday season, this is it.
From $250 - Shop for LG BD390 Blu-ray player
Optoma HD20 - Why limit your TV size to something measured in inches? With the proper setting, a projector can give a much bigger image with great quality, and you'll be hard pressed to find many that will do 1080p for less cash out of pocket than the Optoma HD20. This DLP PJ has a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, 4,000 hour bulb and 1,700 ANSI lumens of brightness. Slide one of these in your den and we can guarantee it's the go to spot for movies, games or regular old TV.
From $945 - Shop for Optoma HD20 projector
Harmony 1100 - For the ultimate in remote control technology, slip them the Logitech Harmony 1100 remote. Sure the price may seem steep at first, but at this level, it's not merely an input device, but also a lifestyle choice. Plus, even if no one can figure out how to change the channel (until all the custom images and layouts are adjusted as you see fit, of course) , you can always impress them with how much it costs.
From $319 - Shop for Harmony 1100 Universal remote control
Niveus Zone HTPC - While some may prefer the DIY route, the more hands off home theater owner will be more than happy to accept this HTPC, imbued with much of what Niveus has developed for its designer custom install-aimed units, in a box that will easily find its way under a TV without professional assistance. Now shipping with Windows 7, it's packing a Blu-ray drive and set for remote friendly movie browsing, plus there's a suite of accessories if you need to add CableCard or anything else just to get everything going at first. Spending less on a HTPC is certainly possible, but finding a more complete setup out of the box? That could be tricky. We'll take the easy way out this time.
Starting at $1,499 - Buy from Niveus
Onkyo TX-NR5007 - Sure they have a nice receiver already, but Onkyo's TX-NR5007 brings the latest and greatest features available to bear. Whether its the DLNA, Pandora and Rhapsody streaming support, eight HDMI inputs or HQV Reon video processing, we're sure there's some box checked that will have the old audio equipment tossed in the trash and this hefty unit hooked up before you can finish caroling.
From $1,832 - Shop for Onkyo TX-NR5007 receiver
Sony VPL-VW85 - If only the best, within reason (there's always JVC's $175k 4K unit if one is feeling particularly generous) will do, then Sony's VPL-VW85 will bring the height of the company's impressive SXRD display technology to your living room. Ring up a custom installer and move the shelves, with 120,000:1 dynamic contrast ration and 800 ANSI lumens, plus 120Hz Motionflow image processing, you'll never even miss the overpriced popcorn, Icees and Jujubes from the local moviehouse.
From $5,941 - Shop for Sony VPL-VW85 projector
Stocking stuffer
Insignia NS-WBRDVD - Missing out on the Black Friday deals doesn't mean you can't find a Blu-ray player that qualifies as a "stocking stuffer." At just $119 right now for a deck that brings WiFi, BD-Live and of course, Netflix Watch Instantly in one slim package, the only real question is whether to get one for yourself too. Trust us, they'll stop looking for a more highly regarded brand name once the movies start streaming.
$119 - Buy from Best Buy
Logitech Harmony PlayStation 3 IR adapter - Good news, your Secret Santa draw is all 3D Blu-ray ready with their PlayStation 3. Bad news, they're still navigating disc menus with the SixAxis controller, while their high end remote is left useless without Bluetooth compatibility. You can be the hero and bring Harmony back with this adapter, it reads the IR commands from the remote and converts them for the PS3. When they're watching Avatar in 3D and don't have to remember which control does what, they'll thank you.
From $54 - Shop for Logitech Harmony Adapter
Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray - Shopping for the home theater nut that likes to brag about their high end equipment and how much they paid, but doesn't actually have a clue how to make sure they get the most from it? Just $25 can significantly improve their A/V experience if you slip the Spears & Munsil High Definition Benchmark Blu-ray disc under the tree. It's got the high quality imagery, test patterns and explanations to walk anyone through adjusting every piece of equipment to perform at its best, and they deserve nothing less.
$25 - Buy from Amazon
Oh, you shouldn't have
Samsung HT-BD3252 HTIB - For a maximum bang for your buck upgrade, we introduce Samsung's HT-BD3252. With a blu-ray player featuring Netflix Watch Instantly, Pandora and Blockbuster streaming at its core and additional bonuses like auto calibration and support for the highest quality audio codecs, it's hard to find a single box that will turn around your family's entertainment experience as quickly. Plus, it's got an iPod dock. You know you need that.
$599 - Buy from Amazon
From $250 - Shop for LG BD390 Blu-ray player
Optoma HD20 - Why limit your TV size to something measured in inches? With the proper setting, a projector can give a much bigger image with great quality, and you'll be hard pressed to find many that will do 1080p for less cash out of pocket than the Optoma HD20. This DLP PJ has a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, 4,000 hour bulb and 1,700 ANSI lumens of brightness. Slide one of these in your den and we can guarantee it's the go to spot for movies, games or regular old TV.
From $945 - Shop for Optoma HD20 projector
We can't afford the rent now, can we?
Harmony 1100 - For the ultimate in remote control technology, slip them the Logitech Harmony 1100 remote. Sure the price may seem steep at first, but at this level, it's not merely an input device, but also a lifestyle choice. Plus, even if no one can figure out how to change the channel (until all the custom images and layouts are adjusted as you see fit, of course) , you can always impress them with how much it costs.
From $319 - Shop for Harmony 1100 Universal remote control
Niveus Zone HTPC - While some may prefer the DIY route, the more hands off home theater owner will be more than happy to accept this HTPC, imbued with much of what Niveus has developed for its designer custom install-aimed units, in a box that will easily find its way under a TV without professional assistance. Now shipping with Windows 7, it's packing a Blu-ray drive and set for remote friendly movie browsing, plus there's a suite of accessories if you need to add CableCard or anything else just to get everything going at first. Spending less on a HTPC is certainly possible, but finding a more complete setup out of the box? That could be tricky. We'll take the easy way out this time.
Starting at $1,499 - Buy from Niveus
Onkyo TX-NR5007 - Sure they have a nice receiver already, but Onkyo's TX-NR5007 brings the latest and greatest features available to bear. Whether its the DLNA, Pandora and Rhapsody streaming support, eight HDMI inputs or HQV Reon video processing, we're sure there's some box checked that will have the old audio equipment tossed in the trash and this hefty unit hooked up before you can finish caroling.
From $1,832 - Shop for Onkyo TX-NR5007 receiver
Sony VPL-VW85 - If only the best, within reason (there's always JVC's $175k 4K unit if one is feeling particularly generous) will do, then Sony's VPL-VW85 will bring the height of the company's impressive SXRD display technology to your living room. Ring up a custom installer and move the shelves, with 120,000:1 dynamic contrast ration and 800 ANSI lumens, plus 120Hz Motionflow image processing, you'll never even miss the overpriced popcorn, Icees and Jujubes from the local moviehouse.
From $5,941 - Shop for Sony VPL-VW85 projector
Surely it's a little late for a Christmas shopping guide now, especially when it's stuff that costs thousands of dollars. : /
@SarnGate
Agreed. For this to be useful it would be nice if the guides were completed at least the week before Christmas, not two days before. Maybe some advanced planning for next year? It's still a great guide though, maybe I'll use my holiday money to upgrade to a new setup...
@SarnGate
Here in the Great White North, we have Boxing Day.(Dec 26th), our answer to your Black Fridays.
Nice gift guide, but you need more info on speakers... that is a hot subject of all home theater discussions.
@Electromodo
Agreed, I was hoping for more on home audio...
first to blurst
btw, ps3 is the best BD ever
Cool, a gift guide at 5:11pm Wednesday when Christmas is that Friday.
@Sweet Dude Haha if you're a German you received it at 11:11pm and you hand the gifts over the 24th not the 25th.. You're basically screwed when you were waiting for that category xD
I've been polite up to this point, but you guys are fucking delusional if you think people are using these to buy gifts at this point. Or at least put the intended year to avoid confusion.
@Martin C
I still havnt done my Christmas shopping (well for other people anyway) but..
.. is this guide for Christmas 2010?
Ohh i hate you guys so much! This is too late!
Nah JK, it IS too late to haver any effect on the female population but probably is useful to... 99.9% of the male population yet to go christmas shopping?
I think you should've put in a little about custom HTPC, coz Im sure a large portion of engadget readers would follow it too :P
Ive got that projector in my cinema room
5.1 and 7.1 systems are gimmicky and ignore that most people live in apartments. In fact, there should be an APARTMENT mode on receivers so that dialog is audible without risking antagonizing the neighbors at every surprising action sequence.
Projectors are lame. Get a big TV.. forget bulbs.
I guess Onkyo spent the bucks to be referenced; I'll take my stupid-shiny pioneer elite receiver over nearly anything else.
Touch screen harmony remotes are annoying. In fact, the harmony 1 series could use soft menus, but have hard buttons next to them. A remote that constantly requires I properly interface my finger for it to be pressed accurately? Lame. Also, they are slow at updating which all products they have native programming for.. and I have as of YET found an accurate way to program my Home Media Gallery... and there's no page up/down for iPod -- which, I presume is because apple hasn't "invented" it yet.
@TrumanHW
Onkyo recievers have a dynamic volume mode that does exactly this. I have one, and purchased it specifically for this feature. I can hear every spoken work in 7.2 surround sound with the volume set to 20 out of 100. (with a max of 130 going to each speaker).
Also, there's an "All Channel Stereo" mode that makes all the left and right channels center left and center right. And for very old films that don't even have stereo, there's all chanel mono. Great for old black and white films with tons of dialogue and very quiet scenes.
@Xenoterranos
Interesting. Which model do you use.. whats the feature precisely called? How many HDMI ports does it have? Sirius? XM? iPod adapter? Connect to home media devices? Hows the contrast ratio on the TV when in the receivers output mode; i.e., is it gray and washed out? Or is it nearly black with white lettering, etc.. Sound quality? Switching quality? Work well with harmony remote?
Thanks
let me know when i can get a 100"+ screen for less then 1k
@TrumanHW
"Projectors are lame. Get a big TV.. forget bulbs."
Beg to differ. I actually own the HD20 and it is amazing. After watching on the Optoma everyday, I see 52 inch TVs and wonder how people do it. It is so cramped.
@TrumanHW
TX-SR607
Good Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers/onkyo-tx-sr607-black/4505-6466_7-33553470.html
It's got Sirius, but I don't use it. There's also a universal port that supports an optional iPod dock.
When going over HDMI, picture is identical to what's on the TV. Analog tends to look a smidge fuzzier. Not a lot, but enough to notice that there is a very small difference.
(I think the dynamic option is called "Audyssey Dynamic EQ2" or something. Not too sure.
Sound quality is amazing. I'm using Klipsch ProMedia Ultras that I don't use on my computer anymore.
People seriously pay upwards of a hundred dollars for stocking stuffers?
What has the world come to?
Only Humans Are Not Heroes
http://www.tekheroes.net
I really like the Onkyo receiver! Too much though for my budget.
Im currently looking at the Onkyo HTRC160...
Mac mini with Logitech remote!
I would just like to point out that the Niveus HTPC is just an AOpen MP45-BDR which starts at ~$450 bare bones. You don't have to spend a ton of money to get the same package.
@Rothgar
A barebones AOpen will run that much, but once you factor in RAM, CPU, Hard drive and Windows License the price jumps significantly. Factor in the support you get from Niveus, the exclusive software only available on Niveus hardware and the hassle and headaches saved by having something that is dialed in and supported so you can simply use the system instead of constantly maintaining it...the $1499 price is a lot more attractive. You could build one yourself for about $1100 or so but time is money to people who would prefer something they can just use instead of make a science project out of. We did run a black Friday promo on the ZONE for $1199 but that promo expired. I work for Niveus by the way
@SanFranSoxFan04 I can't see a WMC movie and weather plugin + support being worth ~$400 especially when there are decent free plugins and tons of free support out there. My machine spec'd out to the same as your "zone" only cost me $650 (2gb ram, 160gb hard drive, 2.6 Ghz Core 2 Duo) total, that means I could build one of the same spec'd machines and still save $850 to buy a TV for the same price of your machine. Unless you want to send me a review unit so I could try it for myself it would still take a lot more to convince me.
All I want is something that will play streaming internet tv like Hulu, and let me watch Amazon Unboxed and Netflix... why is this so impossible to find for under 150 dollars!? (sure I could hook in my laptop, and I do, but then I can't use my laptop while I watch the show!)
Has anyone found a solution?
Get a Sony TV, then u can use control Blu-Ray's on the PS3 slim using the TV remote itself. Thanks to Bravia Sync. Atleast u'll save some cash not bothering about the Harmony.
Yeah but you'd be supporting sony, the people that hate you and rootkit your box for giggles and views you as meaningless slaves.
Why is it called a holiday gift guide? Shouldn't it be simply called a Christmas gift guide? :-\