Review of Audiovox Home Theater Systems.

Audiovox Home Theater Systems . Audiovox is one of the leaders in lower priced portable DVD player units. So it is only fitting that they also provide affordable options for complete home theater packages.

I have already reviewed Audiovox portable DVD players . Many of the portable models double well as home theater DVD units with the same functionalities. What Audiovox home theater systems offer as a complete package are of the same level of price, quality and performance as their portable DVD player units. They are value-priced, efficient and functional.

There are currently only a handful of Audiovox home theater systems currently available at any one distributor at any one time. I can give my ratings and picks for what I currently see on the market, but make note that this availability may change at any time. Amazon.com certainly has the greatest range of Audiovox home theater systems. Click to see all Audiovox home theater systems.

There are a few issues to consider for the Audiovox complete system you buy. Ensure it has both Dolby Digital and DTS decoding capabilities. At the minimum, accept only Dolby Digital function if the unit you are considering doesn't have DTS. Also make sure the unit has sufficient power in terms of watts per channel. Unfortunately, since Audiovox offers lower priced units, they also are forced to skimp on certain important features, such as audio capabilities and power handling.

Also be sure the connectivity of the unit is sufficient. Digital audio outputs, through either coaxial or optical cables, are something that you should insist on. Also, S-video inputs/outputs for video connectivity is almost necessary.

To pick one of the available Audiovox systems currently available (as of todays review date) I would have to go with the Audiovox VD1400HT 200-Watt DVD/VCR Combo Home Theater System. Not my ideal choice. I will have to wait until Audiovox's new models are available before giving a ringing endorsement to any one unit. For the time being I can recommend the Audiovox VD1400HT for a few reasons.

It has a hybrid DVD/VCR player which I am not very enthusiastic about. See my DVD and VCR player section to see my views on combo DVD and VCR players. A few positive features it incorporates are Dolby Digital decoding, MP3 playing ability, and a full 5 speaker surround system with an additional subwoofer. A few negatives are its obvious lack of power at only 40 watts per channel, probably only enough for a small living room, and its omission of DTS audio decoding.

In all, I can weakly recommend the Audiovox VD1400HT if only because there are no better Audiovox home theater systems currently available. You do have a few choices however. You can choose another low-end home theater system package beside Audiovox. You can wait until Audiovox releases their newer models due out very soon. Or, you can move up a bit to a mid-level home theater system package in a slightly higher price range. I guarantee it will be well worth the investment, especially in the long run.