Overview

How can an average person navigate the maze of audio/video technologies in a home theater system? Turn to Mark Fleischmann's Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems. The 20th anniversary edition has been thoroughly revised and updated for 2022. The ultimate answer book for beginners and intermediate-level readers, it tells you everything you need to know when shopping for video and surround sound gear including how to read a spec sheet, how to separate fact from hype, and how to get good value for your money. It weighs the pros and cons of 4K and 8K Ultra HDTV and display technologies such as LED-backlit LCD, quantum-dot, OLED, and projection systems. Other video topics include HDR picture-quality improvements, the HDR format war, refresh rates, smart TV, and the new HDMI 2.1 interface. The book dispels the confusion surrounding audio technologies from the new height-enhanced Dolby Atmos and DTS: X to older Dolby, DTS, THX, and Audyssey surround technologies. The book covers all formats under the sun including Blu-ray and DVD, DVRs, streaming from a multitude of devices, and wireless connectivity. And it explores often ignored topics such as buying a DTV antenna, power-line accessories, and cables. A richly detailed connections chapter tells how to hook up every component. By knowledgably guiding readers through the briar patch of video and audio, Practical Home Theater has become the standard reference work for home theater buffs. This edition is dated 2022 and will be sold between October 2021 and October 2022. Readers are warned to buy only the latest edition. Future annual editions will continue to track changes in home theater technology.

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9781932732245

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Reviews

If you've been looking to have all your home theater questions answered in one place, this book will do it. -Brian C. Fenton, Sound & Vision Practical Home Theater ... succeeds as both a primer on existing technology and a preview of emerging technology like digital television.... For less than the cost of a DVD, it'll remove the power of intimidation from your home theater. -Kevin Hunt, The Hartford Courant Seasoned journalist Mark Fleischmann ... loves the subject and glories in its highest possibilities. But he also knows mere mortals are not tech experts and can't afford to spend more for their TV set than their car. -Jonathan Takiff, Philadelphia Daily News ... A sweeping guide.... Affords much useful information in an accessible tone. Just as any shopper would need to do, he breaks down home theater into the manageable topics of television, surround sound, picture and sound sources, accessories and connections. -Lawrence B. Johnson, The Detroit News/USA Today His somewhat avuncular tone ... will appeal to those who are completely raw to the inputs and outputs of home theatre but appreciate the advantage of some intelligence. If nothing else, you may get to show up the mass-market retailer peddling home theatre, or perhaps hold your own against the specialist retailer. -Paul Best, The Age (Australia) Mark is well qualified to write about this subject.... An excellent primer for consumers, retailers and manufacturers.... It's both enjoyable and educational at the same time. -Steve Smith, This Week In Consumer Electronics If you're interested in building a home theater you'd be doing yourself a favor by checking out [this] book. -Grant Clauser, E-Gear

"""If you've been looking to have all your home theater questions answered in one place, this book will do it."" -Brian C. Fenton, Sound & Vision ""Practical Home Theater ... succeeds as both a primer on existing technology and a preview of emerging technology like digital television.... For less than the cost of a DVD, it'll remove the power of intimidation from your home theater."" -Kevin Hunt, The Hartford Courant ""Seasoned journalist Mark Fleischmann ... loves the subject and glories in its highest possibilities. But he also knows mere mortals are not tech experts and can't afford to spend more for their TV set than their car."" -Jonathan Takiff, Philadelphia Daily News "" ... A sweeping guide.... Affords much useful information in an accessible tone. Just as any shopper would need to do, he breaks down home theater into the manageable topics of television, surround sound, picture and sound sources, accessories and connections."" -Lawrence B. Johnson, The Detroit News/USA Today ""His somewhat avuncular tone ... will appeal to those who are completely raw to the inputs and outputs of home theatre but appreciate the advantage of some intelligence. If nothing else, you may get to show up the mass-market retailer peddling home theatre, or perhaps hold your own against the specialist retailer."" -Paul Best, The Age (Australia) ""Mark is well qualified to write about this subject.... An excellent primer for consumers, retailers and manufacturers.... It's both enjoyable and educational at the same time."" -Steve Smith, This Week In Consumer Electronics ""If you're interested in building a home theater you'd be doing yourself a favor by checking out [this] book."" -Grant Clauser, E-Gear"

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