Home Theater Systems

[peeps]

I'm looking to buy a home theather system for someone as a present. Not knowing much about them, I have no idea where to start. I want a decent one that doesn't cost that much since I don't have much to spend. There are going to be a couple of different componets that need to be able to get hooked to it like the set top cable box and PS3. I've also saw that you can get ones that have wifi and hook up an iPod/iPad, which look like good features to have. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated since I don't really know what I should be looking for. Thanks.

[hockey]

I suggest searching through Amazon.com. You don't have to buy from Amazon, just use the reviews for suggestions and ideas.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...rank_authority

Above sorted by customer reviews.

I have two home theatre systems. One room has is a 7.2 channel Yamaha Receiver with a Panasonic Viera Plasma TV, Apple TV, PS3, Wii and a dock for iPods. I have a Klipsch surround sound speakers and sub woofer. I love everything about this set up except our Panasonic Viera Plasma TV did get the 10 blinking red light of death last week (got it fixed) but still suckish.

In the den (set up for gaming) we have another Panasonic Viera but with an Onkyo 7.2 receiver, Sony speakers and sub, PS3, Xbox 360, Optical DVI for watching our computers on the TV's.

I prefer the Klipsch surround sound to the Sony's but both set up are awesome.

I would stay away from the home theater in a box set ups if you can. They always seem to have an inferior component that can be avoided by buying the products separately. Don't worry about mixing up the brands.... I think it's best to do that based on your individual needs. Also, I find Bose to be ridiculously over-rated for the price especially.

You don't need a lot of power for great sound. Take the room measurements into consideration. You don't want to bounce pictures off the walls or piss off the neighbors.

You should think about the future of TV viewing as well. Many are 3D ready and have a Smart TV function for internet access (netflix, amazon prime, Facebook alerts, etc) also having enough HDMI's in the receiver as well as a DVI connection as you'll be needing these in the future. The other side of this coin is to get a bargain system set up now thinking that TV's will be a thing of the past as computers take over our viewing needs with built in projectors, etc. so save your cash.

Good luck.