Top 10 Gadgets to Buy With Your New HDTV

April 27, 2008 – 2:52 pm, posted by Shannon

Now that you have brought your HDTV at home, it is time to start accessorizing it with some cool gadgets! Here is a look at the top 10 list of gadgets that will help make your HDTV viewing experience even more enjoyable.

#1: Speakers

HDTVs are increasingly coming equipped with higher quality speakers. Still, if you want to enjoy the full home movie theater experience, you will want to pick up so surround sound speakers. Generally, this means getting five speakers and one subwoofer to help bring the theater experience to your home.

The five speakers and one subwoofer creates a system based on the Dolby Digital 5.1 technology. This provides you with six “channels” of audio, with each leading to a separate speaker. Dialogue will go to one of your three front speakers, while ambient sounds will go to the two rear speakers and low-frequency sounds will go to the subwoofer. It is best to stick with 8-ohm units, while the wattage you need will depend upon the size of your room and how loud you want the speakers to be.

#2: DVD Player

If you are still using a VCR, it is time to upgrade to a DVD player. If your budget allows, you should move all the way to a Blu-Ray player, as Blu-Ray has certainly beaten out HD-DVDs in the formatting wars. A Blu-Ray player will provide you with improved audio and video. Regardless of the type of player you get, make certain to get one with component video or S-video outputs rather than composite.

#3: HDTV Antenna

Using an off air TV antenna you can watch HDTV broadcasts without paying a monthly fee. Over-the-air high def video signal is not compressed as much as the one delivered by cable TV providers. With an antenna you get the best possible HDTV experience of amazing quality.

#4: Receiver

The receiver helps all of the sounds in your system know where to go. By decoding signals from inputs, such as your DVD player, the receiver is able to route the sound to the proper output. When pocking out a receiver, it is best to pick one that handle Dolby Digital Surround EX or Digital Theater System ES.

#5: Amplifier

Most receivers come with a pre-amp to help equalize your audio signal and a power amp to give the signal a boost. Nonetheless, you might want to purchase a separate amplifier. This way, you can upgrade each of your speakers and fine tune your sound.

#6: Remote

Sure, your HDTV will come with a remote, but purchasing a universal remote will help you control all of your devices with just one remote. These remotes need to be programmed and are relatively inexpensive. If you are prepared to spend a little more, you can purchase a learning remote that is able to acquire functions from your other remotes. Or, you can go all out and purchase a voice-activated remote that controls your lights and other devices beyond your television and accessories.

#7: Wires

It may not sound very fun, but getting the right wires will really help improve the quality of your television images. When it comes to video cables, it is best to select those that are rated at 75 ohms. 99.99% oxygen-free copper cable is your best option for speaker wire. Flat speaker wire is a good option because it is flexible and discrete, which means you can easily turn it around corners and eve paint over it.

#8: Gaming Console

Playing video games is even better on an HDTV. If you haven’t already purchased a PS3 or Xbox 360, now is the time. The graphics produced by these gaming consoles are simply amazing (depending upon the game, of course).

#9: Home Theater Cabinets or Shelves

There are all kinds of cool home theater cabinets and shelving units available for HDTVs. Whether you are looking for something simple or something large and intricate, there are plenty cabinets to choose from. Even better, you can get a cabinet with spaces specifically for wiring and for improving the overall quality of sound and image.

#10: Home Theater Seats

Home theater sets are specifically made to help you enjoy your television viewing experience. Not only are these seats comfortable, many also come with built in drink holders and some even have speakers. Connect your chair to your receiver and take your movie watching experience to a whole new level!