You know Blu-ray is becoming mainstream when it starts showing up in all-in-one systems like Samsung’s HT-BD3252. Blu-ray players in all-in-one systems is nothing new but we haven’t seen one this capable before in a home theater in a box. The new system will feature TrueHD and DTS-HD decoding with a mic for auto calibration. The player will also have the same internet services found on its stand alone players such as Pandora and Netflicks. Last but not least it will also have the ubiquitous iPod dock for your listening pleasure. The new system should be out next month sometime and set you back a cool $800. Not bad considering what you are getting with the system. Verizon May...

Today at CES Cisco came right out and said their objective is to become "... the web platform of record for media companies." I know, it needs a little more Zazz, but hey, they're relatively new at consumer level products. So, in English, Cisco is there for you. These five words Cisco will swear to you: Cisco is there for you.Lame attempts at hair-band ballad lyrics crossed with press conference marketing hype aside, here's what Cisco wants to do, and what they've made available to us RIGHT NOW.Two devices, one platform The Linksys Media Hub is your one access point for music, video, and photos. Even if you're out of town or at work, you can harness the power of the net and "remote in."...

Ever dreamed of turning your living room into your favorite geek fantasy? I'm talking life-sized Slave Leia dolls, Jabba's throne room, pigs with axes, and a certain bounty hunter with the last name of Fett. Alas, sometimes that's all one can do is dream; the more practical home theater connoisseur will opt for standard fare: A huge TV, surround sound, a couple leather couches, maybe a mini bar...you get my drift.Others have a more vivid imagination and budgets to match, and WebUrbanist's "Steve" posted an interesting compilation of the 13 Geekiest Home Entertainment Centers. Featuring, among others, a 20k Leagues Under the Sea-themed home theater, a Star Trek bridge, and even a...

There is quite an array of home theater speakers available to the consumer. Everything from a whole surround sound package for less than $100 to speakers that costs thousands each. It can be quite a daunting task to determine what will best fit one’s needs. The first thing one should consider is their budget. It all starts with how much you can afford, or rather how much you are willing to afford. Just because you can afford the most expensive system doesn’t mean you should. PlacementConsider the space where you will place your speakers. For true surround sound applications, you will need a minimum of 5 speakers. 3 will be placed in front of the listening position, while the...

Built-in DVD playerFor the ultimate in ease of use and convenience, many Home Theaters in a Box come bundled with a DVD player. Most of the time, the DVD player is built in with the main amplifier unit. This makes setting the system up easier as there are fewer cables to connect and eliminates the possibility of hooking it up wrong. There are some disadvantages, however, of the built in DVD player. It is not possible to replace just the DVD player if it should fail prematurely. It usually is possible to connect an external DVD player in this case.Without DVD playerFor those who want to use their own DVD player, it is possible to buy some systems without one included. Most home theater...