Home Theater System Rating.

Features and options are static as opposed to purchasing individual components and having greater choice, but incompatibilties and possible connection difficulties are avoided.

My home theater system rating and reviews are based almost solely on sound performance. I will address ranges of function for some systems when important capabilities are glaringly absent in certain packages. Click to see all Home Theater Packages currently available.

My low-end pick - The Sony HTD-C800DP DVD DreamT System. From a trusted name comes a system that can be trusted to please and gets the mention in my home theater system rating. The heart of the system is a 5-Disc DVD/CD Changer Receiver, with 6 coordinated speakers. Power handling is provided by a 5 channel digital amplifier (80W x 5 + 100W for Subwoofer). It can decode both Dolby Digital and DTS signals, has an S-video output (w/ cable) and digital audio optical output. This system will provide a full functioning capable home theater experience. It is adequate for most people looking to enter the home theater field and don't wish to break the bank.

My mid-level pick - The Panasonic SC-HT425D DVD Home Theater Sound System. Panasonic is my preferred brand and it is rewarded with my mid-level pick in the home theater system rating section. This Panasonic package will allow you to enter the home theater field with a BIG bang. Simply add TV and go! Power handling is 100 watts per channel sent out to 5 channels with 5 satellite speakers (speakers include wall-mounting holes and nuts). A 100 watt powered subwoofer fills in the low bass necessary to any home theater system. The DVD player is a 5-disc model with progressive scan capabilities (needed for the highest definition playback). It can play DVD Audio, DVD Video, CD, CD-R, and CD-RW formats as well as CD-RW with recorded MP3 files. The receiver can also decode Dolby Digital and DTS signals. Everything you need and want for your home theater experience!

My high-end pick - The Onkyo HT-S667DVCB Home Entertainment DVD Player/Receiver/Speakers System. This top pick in the home theater system rating provides the power and refinement of the great Onkyo brand allowing you to leap into the home theater field. Hook up your big screen TV and go! I like this system because it will bring any living room up to the current standard in one complete package. At 100 watts per channel to 5 channels and a 150 watt powered subwoofer, you are experiencing everything DVD movies have to offer. The DVD player is a 6 CD and/or DVD changer which also plays CDR, CDRW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and MP3 CDs. The receiver allows Dolby Digital and DTS decoding. A great pick at an affordable price which won't leave you wanting for more.

All in all, choosing a home theater package is made easy when you stick to the known, repected brands such as Sony, Panasonic, Onkyo and Pioneer, and read these home theater system ratings. For those of you looking to own the best-on-the-block take a look at systems available from Bose, Harmon Kardon and Onkyo. They are some of the leaders in high performance audio systems. Expect to pay more for their systems though.

For most, a home theater package is the route to take. Follow my advice and you will avoid disappointment. The home theater system rating section will be updated frequently to reflect changing models and availability so check back often!