Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems

Do you hesitate to go into the home theater dept at Sears or Best Buy because you don't speak or understand the "techno jargon" of home theater gear? Are you afraid to buy home theater equipment because maybe you'll discover later that it was something you didn't really need because you didn't KNOW what the heck you were buying in the first place? If you answered "YES" to one or both of these questions, then you NEED this book! I really like it because the author does a superb job of helping novices understand the complex world of home theater equipment. However, he also provides experienced consumers with more insight into all of the latest developments in the Hi-Def entertainment world such as: How Blu-Ray players interface with new & older AV receivers; Exactly what's the diff between HDMI 1.0, 1.2, 1.3 and why you need to know; What really separates one HDTV different from another, etc., etc. While I've owned a fairly complex home theater system for several years now, and read just about every magazine article I can regarding the subject, I still found this book to be very helpful. So, go ahead and order it today.., you'll be glad you did the next time you go into the home theater dept. at your favorite electronics retailer.

This book contains a wealth of valuable and useful information and "demystifies" the subject of home theater with clear, concise explanations. It is an excellent resource, exceptionally well-written and extremely comprehensive, and as the book's title indicates, it offers a great deal of practical, real-world advice. The author clearly knows the subject matter thoroughly. I recommend this book highly to both novices and experienced home theater enthusiasts.

This 2005 edition by industry guru Mark Fleischmann is the gold standard of home theater guides. It's got it all--from sound basics to advanced calibration, aspect ratio to the zen of Ohm settings. The new section on digital audio servers is thorough, specific and totally up-to-date. Technology is a moving target but Fleischmann's got tremendous aim. It's also a compulsively readable book; how many home theater guides will have you laughing out loud?

Fleischmann's book is ideal for anyone who wants to cut through the clutter of most books on the subject. Experienced high-end audio and home theater fans will certainly pick up a few new pointers on how to make the best use of their systems, but those who are relatively new to the game will walk away with plenty of information to make informed buying and set-up decisions without having to sift through pages of jargon and hyperbole.

Practical Home Theater cuts through the rat's nest of cables, vocabulary and acronyms to clearly present the essentials of home theater. If you're seeking a single book -- packed with details -- that lays it out simply and coherently, look no further.