In addition to TVs and video game consoles (both covered in their own sections of this gift guide), there are plenty of home theater gifts to choose from this season. We've included a broad array of home video and audio products, starting with wallet-friendly price tags and moving up to more luxurious fare. Whether you're looking for a high-def DVR, a cutting-edge network media player, or even a modestly priced all-in-one home theater system, there are plenty of great options for anyone who wants to give the gift of better music, movie, or TV enjoyment to a friend or loved one.
Editors' top pick
The bottom line: An evolutionary upgrade of past Slingbox models, the Slingbox Solo remains an excellent way to stream your home TV programming to an increasingly wide variety of broadband-connected computers and smart phones.
Price:
$178.00 - $188.99
The bottom line: The Onkyo TX-SR606 offers tons of functionality for the price, but subpar video processing and improved competition means it's less of a standout receiver than last year's version.
Price:
$449.99
The bottom line: With its excellent iPod-like remote, the Logitech Squeezebox Duet is an ideal way to stream the full range of digital music--including files on your computer's hard drive, premium subscription music services, and free Internet radio--to your living room stereo system.
Price:
$355.00 - $401.23
The bottom line: The one-two punch of Amazon and Netflix makes the Roku Player an enticing choice for anyone looking for a simple, convenient, and affordable alternative to cable or satellite TV.
Price:
$99.99
The bottom line: The Panasonic DMP-BD35 represents the best value in standalone Blu-ray players, with excellent image quality, a comprehensive feature set, and a price that's significantly lower than the PS3.
Price:
$469.99
The bottom line: The Logitech Squeezebox Boom is the best all-in-one tabletop Wi-Fi radio we've seen to date.
Price:
$254.22 - $304.27
The bottom line: With its enhanced iTunes video offerings, PC-free operation, and a lower price tag, the updated Apple TV is a compelling Internet-enabled entertainment device for the living room.
Price:
$224.00 - $249.99
The bottom line: With a five-disc changer, wireless rear speakers, and an integrated iPod dock, the Panasonic SC-PT760 offers a solid value for anyone looking for an affordable all-in-one home theater solution.
Price:
$495.95
The bottom line: While it's missing an RF option, Logitech's Harmony One is one of the best--if not the best--universal remote we've ever tested.
Price:
$189.01 - $249.99
The bottom line: Despite a few drawbacks, the combination of a stunning high-resolution screen, long battery life, and impressive design make the Sony DVP-FX820 a winning portable DVD player.
Price:
$158.88 - $166.59
The bottom line: Sony's HT-CT100 soundbar/subwoofer audio system is a phenomenal value that sounds great with movies and music.
Price:
$246.99 - $299.99
The bottom line: The TiVo HD XL charges a hefty premium for its spacious recording capacity and THX certification, but most users will be content sticking to the all-but-identical standard TiVo HD DVR.
Price:
$499.00 - $599.99
The bottom line: The Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50 raises the bar for soundbar speakers' design and sound quality.
Price:
$824.25
The bottom line: Anchored by its minitower speakers, the Aperion Intimus 4T Hybrid SD is an exceptional surround speaker system that ably combines good looks and superior sound.
Price:
$1,569.00
