Affordable Home Theater

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		Affordable Home Theater
		Why Digital Satellite Deserves Special Treatment
		Audio Cables Maximize The Home-Theatre Experience
		Home Theater Speaker Hook-Up: Doing It Right
		How Interference Gets Into Your System, How To Stop It
		Monster Connections, making the complex less confusing
		Monster's POD Cleans Up Your Cable Clutter
		Getting The Best Performance From RCA Connectors
		Your Best S-Video Connection Can Be Your Longest Connection
		Tips For a Great Picture
		Choosing Between S Video, Composite or RF For the Job.
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Connections Tips by Noel Lee

These articles are an excellent read for Home AV enthusiasts who want to take their system to the next level. Written by the Head Monster - Noel Lee.
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Affordable Home Theater

By Noel Lee

Being in the cable business for over twenty years has given me the opportunity to see the ultimate in audio and video systems. It took me a long time to gain this experience, so what does a person do who is just starting out? Did you know that the world of home theater might already be in your home? Virtually every recent movie you rent and most satellite, cable TV or network broadcast programs you watch are ready and waiting to fill your living room with surround sound - that is, if you have the means to take advantage of it. So what does it take to build a home theater? Read on and I'll show you how to dip your toe into the waters of home theater before you get completely wet.

Here are a few tips to guide you along the way:
Home Theater Cable Tips
For those just starting their home theater:

For TV to VCR hookup, use one video and two audio cables, all with RCA connectors, for the best picture and sound. Do NOT use the coaxial cable that uses the screw-on or slip-on "F" connector that came with your VCR

To reduce him and buzz that can leak into all the audio components in a system, use shielded, twisted cable construction cables, not coaxial, to connect the audio outputs from your various components to your receiver.

Replace small gauge speaker wire (like zip cord) with the best quality, highest technology speaker cable you can afford. It will make a substantial and audible difference in your system, especially as you upgrade audio components.

Put a combination surge suppressor/power conditioner like Monster's HTS 2000 PowerCenter between your AC outlet and your components. The HTS 2000 filters out a tremendous amount of the sound and picture-robbing electronic noise that routinely comes through AC outlets. It also protects delicate electronic components from damage by power surges.

For more advanced home theaterphiles:

Choose color-coded home theater-specific speaker cables to simplify the hook-up of all your speakers.

Use lengths of video cable six feet or shorter for maximum picture quality. If you need more distance between video components and your receiver, make sure you're using high quality double shielded cable like the Monster Video 3 cable.

Choose cables with 24k gold-plated connectors for maximum signal transfer, corrosion resistance and reliability.

Just about anyone can begin a home theatre system using components that are already in the home. This affordable home theatre can then blossom into a home theaterphile's dream. So jump right in, the water's fine. And it doesn't have to cost you your life's savings either. Happy viewing!