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Table of Contents
(see chapter 12 for free chapter preview)
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| PART A |
INTRODUCTION |
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Chapter 1
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Introduction
How to use this eBook
How this eBook is organized
Technology & Pricing
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Chapter 2
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Home Theater Basics
Defining Home Theater
The Basic components
The Home Theater room
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| PART B |
HOME THEATER VIDEO |
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Chapter 3
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Choosing a Video Display
Video Basics
Understanding High Definition TV
HDTV Standards
Video Connections
Video Processors
Video Processor Types
Manufacturers and links
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Chapter 4
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Direct View TV's
Tube type TV's
Regular TV
Flat screen TV
High Definition TV
Features to look for
Why buy a "direct view" tube TV?
Plasma displays
The Plasma advantage
Features to look for in Plasma TV's
Manufacturers and links
Why buy a Plasma TV?
LCD TV's
The LCD advantage
LCD Technology
Manufacturers and links
Comparison of LCD to Plasma
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Chapter 5
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Rear Projection TV's
CRT Rear Projection TV's
Understanding CRT Rear Projection
Things you should know about RP TV's
Features to look for
Why buy an HDTV Rear Projection TV?
LCD Rear Projection TV's
Understanding RP LCD Displays
Manufacturers of LCD RP TV's
Features to look for
Why buy an LCD Rear Projection TV?
DLP Rear Projection TV's
Understanding Rear Projection DLP TV's.
Manufacturers of DLP RP TV's
Features to look for
Why buy a Rear Projection DLP TV?
Links for DLP RP TV's
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Chapter 6
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Front Projection Video
CRT Projectors
Understanding the technology
Some things you should know
Manufacturers and links
Features to look for
Why choose a CRT projector?
LCD Projectors
Understanding the technology
Manufacturers and links
Features to look for
Why choose an LCD projector?
DLP Projectors
Understanding the technology
Similarities to LCD projection
Advantages of DLP projectors
Manufacturers and links
Features to look for
Why choose a DLP projector?
D-ILA Projectors
Understanding the Technology
Links to web sites
Features to look for
Why choose a DLA projector?
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Chapter 7
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Video Sources
Video signal comparison
Broadcast TV (off air)
Cable TV
Reasons to avoid a "cable box"
Cable TV "leakage"
Satellite TV
Advantages and Disadvantages
SAT TV Costs
Installation issues
HDTV satellite reception
Features to look for in a SAT receiver
Special Satellite Receivers
DVD Players
The DVD advantage
DVD technology
Video compression
Progressive scan DVD players
Features to look for
Manufacturers and links
Summary of Video sources
Choosing Cable or Satellite
Is it time to buy HDTV?
DVD players
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Chapter 8
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Video Recorders
DVD Recorders
Features to look for
Manufacturers and links
Video Tape Recorders
VHS Recorders
Features to look for
Manufacturers and links
SVHS Recorders
Features to look for
Manufacturers and links
D-VHS Recorders
Features to look for
Manufacturers and links
Things you should know about D-VHS
Digital Video Recorders (DVR)
Features to look for
Manufacturers and links
Summary of Video Recorders
Video recorder options
Do you need a DVR?
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| PART C |
HOME THEATER AUDIO |
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Chapter 9
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Understanding Surround Sound
Dolby Pro-Logic
Dolby Pro-Logic II
Dolby Digital 5.1
DTS Sound
6.1 and 7.1 Sound
THX Sound
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Chapter 10
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Amplifiers, A/V Receivers, & CD Players
Separate Components or A/V Receiver?
A/V Receivers
Levels of Quality
5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 channels?
How much power do you need?
Inputs and Outputs
Multi-room receiver
Remote control and ease of use
THX certified Receivers
Features to look for
Manufacturers and links
CD Players and Recorders
Features to look for
Manufacturers and links
Digital Audio Servers
Features to look for
Manufacturers and links
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Chapter 11
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Speakers
Surround Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS
6.1 and 7.1 channel sound
Speaker Placement
Front Center
Left & Right Front
Left & Right Surround
Back Surround
Powered Sub-woofer
How to choose speakers
Features to look for
Powered Sub-woofer
Manufacturers and links
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Chapter 12
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Remote Control Systems
How many remotes does it take?
Multi-brand remotes
Learning remotes
2 way remotes
HAVi control systems
Crestron control systems
Remote control link
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PART D
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THE HOME THEATER ROOM |
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Chapter 13
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Living Room Home Theater
High & Low Impact theater designs
A/V Furniture Systems
Built-in A/V Wall
Screen Size and Viewing Distance
Speaker Placement
Lighting and Acoustics
Lighting
Acoustics
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Chapter 14
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Dedicated Home Theater
Room Size and Location
The Overall Design Concept
Researching Designs
Seating
The Screen Wall
Front Projection Screens
Projector Location and Image Size
Equipment Location
Floors, Ceiling, and Walls
Flooring
Ceiling
Walls
Lighting
Getting Help
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| PART E |
COSTS AND SHOPPING |
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Chapter 15
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How to Shop and Find the Best Prices
Finding the Best Prices
Product Reviews
Internet Merchants
Large Retailers
A/V Specialty Stores
Custom Installers
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Legal
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Legal Information
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