" This episode of individual brought to you by dolby. High definition entertainment. And godaddy and their promo code vigil three get a domain hosting blogging and email purchased 690 by the year. Get your piece of the Internet at godaddy.com."

" Hello welcome to. In digital -- I will wait now until it and today we're here at dolby labs to get the real deal on how to build the best home theater --"

" And we really picked a super cool place to come and learn these are the guys in this very building who developed dolby five point one dolby digital -- six point one dolby seven point one basically coherent in -- theater it was being awarded here it's really cool idea isn't that a very exciting day for me."

" where are we going to start."

" Well -- so did display some would argue it is the centerpiece of your home entertaining experience. So I went and found out what you should look for when you buy your next TV."

" I'm -- cat dolby technology evangelist and he's given the buying. Which. So complicated that's a it's not so bad but now let's break it out -- so what it's -- where Colby's your room which is beautiful 100000 range project it was not my --"

" Actually front projector is really agree option for folks. But for protector I mean this is really a projector projects an image up on a screen or on wall in the nice white wall projectors because they really delivered that cinematic experience they do have a couple limitations that one -- to action is light controls. Meaning when you watch that that project one that dark. Of windows due date you need to make you big heavy curtains. -- Nude picture that that the real cinematic feel. But there are -- limitations in terms connection. Like the most common. Lower rear projected -- That the abstract flat panels and in rear projections of related to categories of TV's most of course CR TTV's. Still there at retail lot of people swear -- Because the contrast. Just because they can actually do true -- here he's actually. And a lot of ways produce steel. Lot of folks consider. -- become the physical side but -- did -- their client at the limit to how physically in making an air. No I guess it with you huge size. Project -- project out. You know a rear projection if you want to get up front projection that you just can't quite goes there because of you or you'll screen on the wall actually rear projection is a great option as rear projection T. -- it you don't like control room you can just watch out rear projection day with the windows open standards so. I really recommend rear projection for people that one size but they don't the limitations. And of course when. My flat flat what I. That's right wants a flat panel TV people walking up to flat -- You've -- and you're -- that if so reading something else. It. Lately a much. But you'll just because the technology. Involved I would like to say yes to no matter what technology. You subscribe. As scenery really want to go to the store you want look at the -- If you're gonna find different TVs using technology will. I would say bring an idea. When your favorite movies a million times you know really well and get them to play absolutely they're at retail on. A -- like the look. If you don't like the look of it -- continued to do like the look of it that's that's if you -- the best judgment he needs to user to. Resolution resolution at its eyes in that resolution so obvious. So exactly can't -- like you said the first thing. That you're gonna wanted to -- you buy TV -- rear projections -- for -- anything -- want to make sure you get the right size. Watching the size of years later one -- okay how far away from -- it. And closer to the to that picture you are the more resolution you're gonna wanna have in that image you speculation. It's getting very far away from possible resolution as. Probably less important. Is -- your eyes resolve all those dot. But for me for instance I -- it relatively close. -- projected image. Resolution is very very important. So there's separately. But I think what you should watch sources. Well today you know a lot of folks what he's you know 1080. Is what I want it yet but you know I went and -- creepy because a lot of content and yet. You know when it comes to content have to realize that there is more more action coming in he. If you art interest next generation dvd like HDDVD Blu-ray or of the game consoles Xbox-360 PlayStation 3. All of these different devices support and so if you are sitting clothes that display your eyes are able to -- resolve the actual resolution you should know that. You know devices today and tomorrow will support the format if you truly one of the future. 1080. And actually pay you -- ignore it. It's about a lot has come to analyze it it really -- I mean it's amazing to see prices TV's today. You know I think I've seen a lot of very affordable he is really if you look at that most affordable flat panels out there most -- projectors. Those are 720. And performance. I think most people out there other going to guess that point displayed might be you know maybe a little bit vomiting go to an aggregate all gonna be happy with. It's not on. Labels 10000 they'll want. What I. All of them well high contrast ratio the better contrast and contrast is such an important aspect of the image. It is. Basically the thing that allows you to look dark movies and CD -- in the shadows and allowed to get very veered right images on the screen. And essentially really is a picture very life like look. Makes it look more like. Colors another aspect want to make sure it he has very accurate color. Essentially what the color contrast such that when you look at TV it looks like a window out into the world that's really high definition TVs are capable. If you'd done it should really look like you're just staring at us. Out of reality right there it. Is. -- for me when the cameras and things like act colors. -- there's so much about the art. Color I think that's a great -- because. Really a lot of people spent a lot of time resolution size maybe the technology but really is color contrast that rings the realism and impact image. Those two factors are just so critical talk to any professional that in the video or picture industry -- tally. Those two things are just so critical value perceived image and and then when you store check out you should probably justice. -- are really. -- Well I think what you need to do when you go to retailing cute if you can get your car your movie you've brought -- to retail and actually gave up on screen here don't want to you're gonna want us to chew yourself. As close as possible you're actually gonna be sitting all of going to be nine for a screen stay away from the screen understand what it's cracked just get as close that you. Also oftentimes the settings at retail or optimal. He wanted to go into those TVs are basically except those settings to what you think is the most accurate so the brightness -- turned way up. Right this -- War close to. Home. -- it possible that you're not gonna give exact replica just want to get as close as you can't play it that you might find out of you might find TV units. Doesn't have great contrast actually does but does it going in the menu and -- for a minute -- A lot of good information thank you very much all right after you've got movies. Do we have a screening starting here at times though probably of the report."

" So it's really complicated by displayed in it we -- top resolutions -- need any EIL with numbers we mention any of that and it's still complicated."

" Yeah. -- stuff can be so intimidating to consumers because nowadays -- DLP. And an LCD and elemental he and and rear projection or front projection when you have to use terminology that used to be secret code for UV owners and and an audio file -- This is -- that is really filtered down to the consumer level and people really need to go into buying these things off with a lot of knowledge on their side and hopefully we will accomplish that for you today it will be able to -- to the right direction so that when you going to talk to a salesperson you'll be informed enough. That there are gonna take advantage of you and sell you something you don't necessarily mean."

" Yes he is going to be to do your research before. It expects -- your -- you know -- room of the room sat up and indeed look online password news and check out for yourself yeah but."

" The biggest mistake you look so -- the war you know can't you podcasts that you like every time yeah like yeah I -- Yeah exactly so it's so easy gates is back to get caught up in in nothing's more powerful than one consumer."

" Yeah Narnia and so let's talk about how we. It's our home theatre and yes that's going to be an idea to check that."

" A case we -- talked about -- Now let's talk about audio expert to want to talk. First about all the technologies because when you go into -- store you see all the little extra labels on all the different devices you know that -- acts. The dolby digital what -- is and what it might need but for the cortex."

" Analogy in any AV receiver or home theater box is gonna be dolby digital a and that is the industry de facto standard for five point one. One channel or multi channel audio. On -- Digital's the stand standard for dvd video it's the standard for a TSE high definition broadcast at. Here in North America. It's the de facto standard for high definition cable and satellite and and it's also the de facto standard for game audience if you're an Xbox-360. Or PlayStation 3 goes only use dolby digital for multi channel audio as well you mentioned TH I like what else when -- went looking for big question well actually -- is not so much an audio technology is it is sort of the standard is -- procedure. I'm thinking that let the good housekeeping seal of approval when you see that TH X market means that answer it's been certified them for exactly -- You'll also see other technologies in AV receivers one of my favorite is actually dolby headphone which is in a few select receivers. What that does is it allows you to be able to plug any set of standard headphone into the receiver. And you'll be able to get five point one channel surround in the headphones so this is great if you have kids -- you don't want to bother people -- night. You could basically turn off your speakers throwing your headphones and get the same exact experience."

" So Bennett or another component and discuss his receivers because I didn't Knoll a ton about receivers going it is now tell me why it's so. And important -- its focal point."

" We receivers really something you want to invest in because you want to make sure your receiver has enough switching to connect all of your different components. Especially if have a lot high definition component you're gonna wanna look for things like H do you mind -- component video switching. On your just gonna want to make sure you can connect everything all at once and receive traffic if the traffic control it's really the brain and your entire senate -- A lot of these receivers also do video processing they dual -- video scaling and things like this to make sure that every component actually matches the native resolution of your display. And also of course -- they often function is amplifiers well. So the better -- you have the more watts of power you have to powered speakers the less distortion you'll have the clears. The higher eBay and just crank it up right. Now this -- quick. Here. Why what -- line is for the next generation connector for high definition. It's a single cable it's all digital -- it does video and audio all in one little cable. So if you think about it in the days of component video analog ought multi channel audio. You had to have maybe even five wires five point one will make it six wires just for the audio alone and another three for the for the high definition video. We're talking no wires HDMI can do all of that in one single wire it to digital connections that analog so I definitely recommend HD -- make sure you have it on your receiver make sure you haven't you next generation devices that's where this industry."

" So we -- receiver now let's cut up speakers. It seems like dot is where you should spend some money because the technology is evolving as quickly. As an animal rights in one like best speakers -- museums -- on your."

" That's right I always tell people in terms of bang for your buck. A worst your speakers are great place to spend some money because speaker technology is relatively. Static. You know the basic technology behind speakers -- has been missing now for decades. So if you buy a nice set of speakers today you can kind of expect those figures to last 510 maybe twenty years."

" So it is -- just in terms of."

" Amortizing your money over time we'll right now exactly. About financial analyst I would tell you that. -- great place to spend money."

" Packet outside. As easy. As it's. And huge big ones."

" This difference. It does but it depends on how you're gonna set up your system first and foremost thing you need to consider is what kind of room you. You would have room. It it where you're gonna be setting up your system to support anything besides the small little speakers if not yep absolutely go by -- and get real absolutely."

" You know small speakers are are fine in today's day and age because these five point one systems have some --"

" So your receiver remembered what -- the brain center entire set up your receiver will be set up in such a way to you can tell payless and I have a bunch of small speakers. The basic he would send those speakers actually sent it to the subwoofer instead. So just in terms of experience with the a small speakers -- of large speakers around you'd perceptible or sexually this."

" Now let's talk about five point one verse six point 1% point one. Again all these things that account because you've been talk about five point one but he's been evolving towards hired her."

" industry standard again today is five point one vast majority of your games here movies. Even if you're into multi channel music it's all gonna be five point one. But moving forward industry both the game industry in the movie industry is really looking towards seven point one what does that mean. What five point when your three speakers across the front left center right into the back left around and writes. What seven point one. Does it actually adds two more speakers and acts of war across the back that -- sales. And you'd just be placed more accurately in the."

" Do you need seven point one needs one but again it must have the best possible. I mean why that's why quietly back. Out and we'll actually if you look at the future of course is going."

" It with the new digital cinema standards -- actually digital cinema behind them and in the room. It has over sixteen speakers and you can actually takes out in the all around you up -- the ceiling. -- it's."

" Is gonna come to them well I don't know at -- warrant that was hot and I. I would -- as. Sixteen point one -- and -- And yes we do all the sand box because it has speakers and just about any possible location you -- put speakers and allows our engineers to custom design the room just on the line."

" For any kind of audio format they might be. That's five point one group can be instantly configured on its they're actually doing digital cinema work in August 16 note so this box is just a place where we can go in just creates villains ever heard help help so stay ahead of liquor. And develop new technology for new application buildings it is our leg."

" So on now let's talk about your your given us -- Allowed just one it. Go out -- store and I found. It's simple."

" And -- Home theater. Rise as viable -- absolutely for if you're not quite sure what to do a great goes home theater box what that is it's just basically all the components you need your speakers or wires your receiver. All together in one single box generally comes with a sheet of instructions that tell you how to set the system. Because everything's all integrated made to work again you have to worried maybe you bought the -- being worked together. All of it will work perfectly again it's a great option especially first."

" And that base price for -- box. I mean I actually saw home theatre box at Wal-Mart."

" Well under a hundred dollars if you can we if you can believe it -- he's instances come down quite. How much sandy hundred dollars were. -- you know hundred. But nonetheless it was a five point which consistently they've been -- to immediately. I believe better not believe so you know. The march of technology moves on I mean you can spend as little as a hundred dollars or even actually less than -- hundred dollars. As much and it up to as much money -- not act now we talked about tech."

" Let's talk about things that. Help will happen next week. -- right."

" Right well I got it when the most important things about how home theater and that's is the room itself. Out this set up a lot of people don't realize that things like carpet. War drapes in your winds and he sort of material can keeps count for bouncing around the room actually improve the sound of your system true then it's been bouncing -- and it'll sound like an -- a bunch of Greenberg group which I mean it might be nice for some things but you generally want to get the the room -- didn't. And that way you're hearing the sound coming from your speakers and that's being reflected all across all. I do recommend big couches on injuries from the windows help a lot I hardwood floor for a long time a lot of problems with bouncing off the floor -- carpet them -- this -- and -- That people actually integrates out of our next great. That's a great way to actually -- and low cost way actually approve this the east. And in any thing you. Absolutely will we have a few new technologies. And market. We have especially new technologies. Work dolby true HD and this is -- do multi channel audio format specifically for -- It supports what we call lossless. Meaning you are hearing exactly what record in Hollywood when he created. It sounds like you've never heard before true. For nations so keep Alfred will be true HD. Next generation -- its release them."

" I have to conventions to. There's -- session number one is after spending an entire day here dolby labs. Listening to various types of -- Beach towns that are available to us. I hate my home theater system. It totally sucks and -- and until about ninety minutes ago. I thought that he Ajax was a competing technology. To it'll be digital I did not know until I spent some time rather good -- That THX is a certification. Based upon dolby digital. So important that I admit to the world how totally lame I am. Because that's the only way there."

" Well I have to say that I actually knew a lot earlier I told you about six now. So yeah need to be actually on review products think it's not -- I had no idea what it says it."

" I wouldn't have none -- wetlands and last year. Because I actually worked refute it but but the court not. As well so if so I'm like yeah. Scream and they did yeah she does just that yeah. So now that we have this knowledge we know how to shop for television we know how to shop for good audio system so now. Our contest a competition. A battle to the fire engine. Dolby. It each of us 5000 dollars it. And we were each set off -- to spend that 5000 dollars home theater system."

" And yet that includes (%expletive) they ended taxes all the things that the consumer would absolutely cables yeah everything and an audio and video oh yeah exactly -- I get -- as well everything for 5000. More difficult thing. We all agreed."

" That we would strike the spec out a fifteen by fifteen room and thought that was about average. And I believe you are going for that right I was up for sound check out."

" So you wondering what I spend 5000. Dollars -- It's all right here on this very doesn't look like that much but let me take you step by step through my thought process. In the what my home theaters. Like so initially for me I don't want a lot of clutter -- room. I don't want there to be you know -- big television. Everybody's looking and actually not personally. So from me. The whole system was not. Audience. So instead start with the speaker which you normally think about actually the start that receiver. Every person I talked it was a real big fan is -- and so willing to denim wrap and that the that it was I would move them speak now. Speakers I know -- so I went on the CNET dot com was researching that all the sudden it came up with this appear in you know speakers. Manufacture. -- went -- website so impressed with its own Pratt talent to lay out broad sense but those also. I have some questions about the warranty because it's it came with like. Ten your warranty. So I mean I -- paying more else want to know this system with subwoofer some chatting with his plan online it was brilliant. If I was informed that it was that Alec was in real time sometime -- act its like you put something in Italy I missed it this -- this is like right -- So the golden Lovett and and not to mention it ships. And -- it -- I mean. This is just -- would area and makes you feel like the big winner and then moving on Friday after I had the sound kind of sad that. I was -- and let's -- picture and I knew that is -- go into projectors and you out of this -- on this and this real reasonably priced or their -- HD compatible with though. Not only Steve but -- compatible. And it looks pretty anything like galactic isn't it in line with big box you know it's like -- constantly slick and -- and -- And then to mount. This beautiful. Projector. You of course have the right amount projector mount and I just need to point out that this is the PMS theories. And then when it came to this green I mean what I'm gonna project you know the visuals on well. Because I get one big behemoth. You know television and I -- want to use my -- is and I'm thinking. I just say -- with an electric screen drops down from the -- They've really done that and that it was all about dvd. So with dvd Mary -- you go. What does this for or even though the games this and that's hasn't -- not big gamer but my little Brothers are and -- paying -- to the -- might put just. If it was I had this like eighty. Screen. Eight inch screen at night thinking is right so projector. Meetings Pakistan dvd player. And not just any old dvd player this is eight. It's not mention house -- the universal remote so you can have up to fourteen. Devices that upon this thing when you're -- them so I've Graham. I'm pretty impressive and."

" I think I'm really surprised when the projector. What was your philosophy in this."

" It set up a so. I -- to people that knew I did not know initially when I was with the school. On because I'm not as a student is probably YouTube. However I went to people that are really in the know so well from from. I toxic -- people that sent. You'll get him released solid display it Pico projectors. And condemned the rest of human and -- sentences in your sound systems loss. Snapped I was so happy I found that actually found that on my own. On hyperion audio is just. It's phenomenal their website is -- past mr. grant I am I am then. And and the packages they were putting it. T you know I mean I'm I'm sat still and also just. Having a design it like it more clean present at static in -- I didn't want a lot lighter and of the fact that. -- come into a room that he isn't a focal point -- swipe -- electric screen. And then -- yet clear ground. I was written and."

" TRU was really focus that was so and you needed. You did display with."

" I want it I want this earlier on good display that was large and me feel like we're being in ballots. -- Eat an inch screen. 82 -- period they screw you and said I have -- Cape Town this --"

" Like US Natalie yeah. So I just go what's your favorite game you're gonna plan on Xbox-360 that you got that's kinda you know service center for things that -- that I'm sure with all of the time he's been gaming she clearly. Picked out something -- rise."

" I am not gamer. But why not. Go report sent -- that allows you to not only play you know HD dvds but also -- Why not evil whole family -- it's from he wasn't about the game mean as bad as it was about making you know people back com into my. My area."

" Really really happy it had wasn't about like arriving in the judges."

" And it. I can Pakistan because it's a competition. Well look I think it's a great system. That we've been together to Google's us. And now I'm a little nervous that I have to."

" Go. I I had a very different philosophy from Jessica when I put mine together and here's what I ended up."

" Everybody."

" Has to choose where they're going to begin building their home theater system because you're pulling a lot of different components together."

" I chose to start with my television."

" This size of 46 inch sharp. -- aquos it's got a beautiful picture and tons of inputs are really like the way that that Sharpe works and and I thought this was a really great place to start and build out from. So it about 2300 dollars plus shipping. Half of my budget was invested -- to my television I think that's a perfectly reasonable way to invest that much money because of television is really the centerpiece of your entire experience anyway having settled on my television it was time to build out my system."

" And my design philosophy -- was to stay away from the HD dvd Blu-ray format wars and try to incorporate a couple of open source projects and I'm real excited about. To that end. I went for a myth TV PBR."

" This is really cool MythTV is a free open source project. That runs on Linux and its -- the -- just like TiVo and replay TV without any of the DRM restrictions and without any of the closed source problems that you can run into. Where you think you're paying for a feature in and three months after you subscribe free here the company decides oh we're taking it away from you."

" You only problem with MythTV is that it requires a little bit of technical know how to put together."

" No I love technology -- occasionally intimidated by it so there's a company called monolith media. They build MythTV boxes for you you go to their website you decide. What kind of -- TV system you want. Place your order they put the entire thing together for you and they -- you."

" This box sometimes you wanna watch a movie that you haven't taken off of cable or satellite and in that case your PBR really isn't gonna get the job done you sort of need to have a dvd player."

" I did not get involved in the HD dvd and Blu-ray dvd format wars I think this is gonna be going on for a very long time you're gonna run into problems with studios refusing to license for one format or another I think a lot of people are gonna end up spending a lot of money and they're gonna get screwed. And I am certainly not gonna buy an HD dvd player and the Blu-ray dvd player and just be part of the problem. I -- the entire opposite direction and found myself a dvd player that will use open source formats to play movies."

" This young behind dvd player will play DivX it'll play it acts did it'll play and pay go plan paid for it plays pretty much every format that you could ever get offline."

" So you go to the Internet archive and you get what those cool old Cold War propaganda films like you really wanna watch mr. bungled."

" You just take the file burn it straight to a CD-ROM stick it into this dvd player and you're good to go no converting know -- that then hey no nightmares for you cry and prayed the -- of technology. And."

" And and make a lot of promises that you're never gonna keep if they'll just let this one thing work this one time. It also would say -- carousel dvd players so it'll hold five dvds at a time that was really not a factor for me I don't particularly care about it. But I guess if you're gonna watch an entire season of the series to be kind of cool to just -- all dvds in -- we have lots of pretty pictures to look at but we also want to -- sounds as well."

" And unfortunately this is where I had to compromise I didn't have the extra 157800. Dollars that I really needed to get a great amp and a bunch of really good speakers but I was able to get a very decent sound system that I know audio files are gonna make fun of but I'm not an audio -- so why don't care."

" This is an -- seven point one channel THX certified system it all comes in one box it's got the receiver it's got the amplifier it's got all of the speakers but I -- speaker wire."

" To wire everything together and well."

" Back to where it comes. This is like seventy pounds. 500 feet of oxygen from marine audio file under again -- speaker wire. What's really ridiculous about this other than how heavy it is is this she huge pool of water was less expensive. Then in -- quality wire at Hathaway I don't know how I managed to do this but. --"

" Back in Neil hand held electronics case you would always get screwed buying batteries at the store one of the ways that you get screwed when your put together home theater system is if you buy the cables in the store however."

" When assembling this system I kind of place online called mono priced dot com."

" They won't put your cables together for you the same way that a monolith puts together you're MythTV system. You go to the website you tell them how long you wanton and what kind of cable you want."

" And they put it together for you and ship it to you."

" Well that is my home theater system brought to you by me maybe year old Palo go away. Back to me in the studio."

" Our anchorman. What was your. It's it's funny that you said that that you thought that on and we're gonna -- you know like more -- because."

" Hunters have all this experience tech TV and really going to just know this stuff intrinsically from all the shows you've pasted over the years so I thought all right on the present an alternative to that approach I'm just gonna go to frugal."

" Amazon go to Circuit City I'm gonna -- it is an easy forums and I'm just going to research online I didn't go and end stores -- I didn't talk to any people. And I came up with a system that I thought was going to be really expand double instead of getting involved in the HDDVD Blu-ray format wars I want for dvd player that can play DivX that can play -- so you can go to some -- like Internet archive. Burn yourself. Even a scene you promise them anything off like."

" The problems or archive or anything cool like that and just watch it right out of the box I chose the myth TV."

" Because I really believe in the open source movement I really believe in open source software I think it's a great idea. I wanted to see if it's really going to work -- this is a great way to test it. In a very real world scenario if so that."

" My real world it -- unsurprisingly the computer because computers you know but I guess -- links page so it's a bit more stable and all that stuff but right. -- computers like a law bars power is happening and -- and."

" It just uses -- I would never do it says it fuels weren't on intellectually to -- together and make it work and so I haven't. But I totally get where you. Can see you again. How each says reflects totally different lifestyles. Different deathly different perspective it's like that and well there's one thing that none higher than pleased with. I happen."

" Compromise on its yet I was it was hard staying within that 5000 dollar budget seems like so much money is money left over -- I'm gonna bite gains and it's gonna come hooker. I was like other -- that and like I just I barely had enough just to get cables mobile."

" And it will it was really hard I'm happy to do it again. Jump cut terabyte I have to say I -- that it will probably kill me when it comes features. So for my I thousand dollars that check out what I got and though I did not copy will. At any level -- that."

" From my 5000 dollars I focus on two things first of all the display second the receiver. Now for the that's why I wanted 1080. It is how the lower limit so decides is really important now I'm a plasma -- the heart like a black levels better and everything but for the price you just can't find a plasma for under 5000 dollars so. I went with this this is a -- Apple's LTV PB 52 inches it looks great actually I'm actually quite happy with the purchase. A little concerned at the beginning but once I thought I'd really like it next was a receiver. The receiver for me the most working with each in my connections. The shot back with you had two connections with the receiver idea for total and that's really important to get future proof yourself. So many things are going each in my -- you want to have as many connections as possible so that was my focus but he came with a lot advantages first mother's upscaling built in so I can take your regular standard definition signal pumped up to 1080 I. It's really worked well with the display. And to have a lot of cool features to personally get this microphone here you could be in the position will be watching your movies. And you'll automatically just all the speakers in the room to make it perfect for that room and -- cable for your iPod connected into the receiver control it all through the receiver that's pretty cool. Next I needed signal something to watch on this display of course that's signal had to be 1080. Blu-ray or HD dvd now HDDVD the original one they came out that's really affordable now. With only ten ATI and the US want to expensive so I wrote the original Blu-ray. Which was 1080. But of course I couldn't afford that either really. So I went with the Samsung refurbished unit now there's a firmware update to make a lot better now get through a lot of bugs in their original release but. The problem with these -- in the is there's a huge dent that's pop. Now I thought on top of this figure out it's just referred to come that way. That's -- I'm really hoping for but. It seems to work okay not too concerned and finally I want a -- flat -- play along the online format. Like X bitter debate remember individuals available next -- So I think the -- did you hear it plays it off for the dvd by says media slots up front and the USB ports he uses. I'll get that thumb drive with the -- watch and watch it on this display. Turns -- they also played -- audio and SE CE disks as well to get five point one music experience to at this point I'm running -- like pat got 300 bucks -- and I haven't even bought speakers so I've looked and looked and looked pretty blah I went -- system couldn't find it. That's came across CDs on deals 300 baht seven point one. What a great deal -- at 230 watt subwoofer -- 130 watts per speaker and my receiver without a 140 per speaker so Haley turns out that. Quite closely match. So that's how I spent my fight grant and I know willing Jessica will be really jealous of my PP two inches. So how did you come to this system."

" To put together yet I'd I would for the TV -- yeah I got hooked on that and yet you obviously I got I got hooked on the particularly TV I couldn't back away from it. So that's going to ran into problems right away I really had no money leopard instead speakers. You know I can't. Yeah yeah nothing to actually power. Capability wife I was so concerned about what you got that done in house site I would find anything knighthood."

" To add capability if you write nice TV decent but -- that -- show on this thing and you could hear it."

" Although a couple issues so I really it was a struggle it -- box is a lot harder and I hot and act."

" I thought how to buy how to stop and you can't but it was it was really a learning experience I think."

" actually makes it embodies one of the lessons we're hoping to apart today right it you have to be willing to compromise. And and maybe step away from something. Yeah I guess I started out -- be realistic I started out with the exact TV that you finished."

" And I ended up taking that was smaller because it allowed to say 1200 dollars. Yeah and I thought you know that's like -- fifth in my budget I can get in and hire additional component. Yeah that data."

" With that okay that's the key is that that you can aren't you guys you keep you have nothing to put into it though and I've really got stuck it. But otherwise you know it that he knew it straight and had a great big beautiful television."

" I see that and on and on but -- those are citizens and the land actually take our access to some experts the folks over idea teeny digital life. Television. And."

" Welcome back to deal that the idea Patrick Norton and I'm Robert away we're that is the story -- oh wait we saw the video of the system but. We curse on the show why. And give us five grand regular shopping web whose name acts whose platinum Amax it's squeaking after this little the bottle of shopping just kind of went on -- lives is -- with -- front projector and screen and not --"

" Going to -- with going to be it would heal its commitment it is it is and hopefully enough light there's where it. Oh yeah. -- around at the open source of apartment he's got the cables which is what did you like this 700 dollar on your system with two dollar cable's cables can help. Cable I hope you. To -- the cables -- oxygen well. Area I don't know what that means but why -- no oxygen. But actually -- Don't miss much goes to my content the way I want it. I have it is an expert system and wellness. And definitely not to practice counties did you know basically the Obama on the Obama on these players so it's going to be like. I could feel like -- there's -- Children I've used yours out I wait for the format wars to die down I won't get something -- news today. I have at Fox News it's not rocket and -- like god is a lethal on it due -- lousy data alone. So relative downward -- it so there. -- And any relatives. One I think. I wondered if it. The dead on system hasn't tempting features that being one of the that he made the commitment. You know to droplet. Out. There that's true that's true he obviously feels Blu-ray is the format of choice. I'm agnostic about the whole thing there there is no clear cut winner in this war despite what -- camp made me push forward. And technically. The two identical to really. Differentiate I mean literally from Kodak's audio support every girl -- so what it's really. I don't want to have to think about what -- and -- have to buy in order to watch the movie why -- like what I want either player that plays both. -- and it happened to players and I can't really -- particular things so. It be tough to pick one -- be tough tough although the BDD 1000 I review that it at the solid solid dvd player and a greatest support is there -- so you know. That's a good for that we'll -- you like it upscaling dvd player along with the Blu-ray dvd player. Or HDDVD I -- I don't in HD dvd or Blu-ray player upscaled dvd pretty there is -- Although they -- of the X in the DivX support. It just reading my stuff it earned the regular dvd implant that's that's another unnecessary hassle that you avoid the opera digital. That's the that's tough call. You're gonna if you're if you're gonna have one of these this forcefully -- what the earth. Don't have netbook yet. Now from project. I have to say I would want the hardware and test -- list -- Hollywood. Just for that front projector have that screen and the flexibility that offers and I I I mean it's just like have a nice if it. When you can see projector sitting side by side with that -- a widescreen. It's been flat display. That's hyper and that's really really I think yeah I think that that's really their life. Heinz 52 inch LCD is. Stunner node out. Although -- 46 inch -- of similar model would be one can actually it in my apartment so. On the stick which -- list to -- what the project. Reducing they could just be -- you know -- curtains made. You -- Norton and I'm Robert heron."

" How did you do that."

" You ask for X. I just. And yeah you can -- and you can exactly. Is threatening to get there quicker. It's assembled well where you are going and and you."

" A can't go the local gas station that out of my home theater that's."

" Appointment and hey you gradually -- I need you to win the praise from those guys I."

" Unaffiliated so -- and Robert like our way -- your partner criticism -- and so I'd just like I just won an Oscar. Yeah -- really like to hear from them. Is what if they can take from each system the things we had and put together their own what it would be and how much it would cost really."

" You know to see exactly what it is -- to understand how difficult it is to stay within five dollar it was. Yes that's difficult there was no George Steinbrenner luxury tax overspending don't have the Google that particular show was really it was tough stuff."

" And now you know what the experts think now it's time for you -- to tell us what you think who think the winner ran for us he. Yes well you going to want to go online. And you're gonna but and here's the best part when you vote you also use up till we met one person sentenced -- three systems three winners."

" Yet just go to revision3.com -- digital or digital on my dot com to take this same place. And they'll give you the instructions on how to enter and votes more importantly. --"

" Yes vote and will. You will be as -- that entered to win the system that you vote force and this is exciting for yet what's gonna happen and it's X get an exciting few guys as well there's one important copy dot and that is really sad news but this is only open."

" Two residents of the United States."

" The customs fees and the statement taxes and shipping costs is is going to bankrupt us and the next eleven shows would just be like some paper clips kind of just didn't make up and down and definitely -- I shoe box like you know you can just -- YouTube. You can still votes. If you are not in the United States just will not eligible to win the contest and please do you vote whether it. United States or not. As long as you're voting for me."

" let her off when things are sponsored godaddy dot I think at. That huge thank you Google me."

" Diet today like symmetric absolutely yeah. They were there aren't -- just fantastic today we learned so. Mind."

" happily lots of it and I would announce the winners out on this yes. Which our next episode. You're giving you issues multi yeah. So have it so watch out for that itself by together if you one."

" And don't forget to go to a digital online and vote for your favorite system. Thanks for watching thanks for downloading --"

" For the latest news tips and information about home and technology -- a list don't be to find that podcast dolby -- to build your own home theater to check out Adobe's buyer's guide with all the information we talked about it out."

" Intel here."

" This episode of individual brought to you by dolby. High definition entertainment. And godaddy and their promo code vigil three get a domain hosting blogging and email purchased 690 by the year. Get your piece of the Internet at godaddy.com."

" Hello welcome to. In digital -- I will wait now until it and today we're here at dolby labs to get the real deal on how to build the best home theater --"

" And we really picked a super cool place to come and learn these are the guys in this very building who developed dolby five point one dolby digital -- six point one dolby seven point one basically coherent in -- theater it was being awarded here it's really cool idea isn't that a very exciting day for me."

" where are we going to start."

" Well -- so did display some would argue it is the centerpiece of your home entertaining experience. So I went and found out what you should look for when you buy your next TV."

" I'm -- cat dolby technology evangelist and he's given the buying. Which. So complicated that's a it's not so bad but now let's break it out -- so what it's -- where Colby's your room which is beautiful 100000 range project it was not my --"

" Actually front projector is really agree option for folks. But for protector I mean this is really a projector projects an image up on a screen or on wall in the nice white wall projectors because they really delivered that cinematic experience they do have a couple limitations that one -- to action is light controls. Meaning when you watch that that project one that dark. Of windows due date you need to make you big heavy curtains. -- Nude picture that that the real cinematic feel. But there are -- limitations in terms connection. Like the most common. Lower rear projected -- That the abstract flat panels and in rear projections of related to categories of TV's most of course CR TTV's. Still there at retail lot of people swear -- Because the contrast. Just because they can actually do true -- here he's actually. And a lot of ways produce steel. Lot of folks consider. -- become the physical side but -- did -- their client at the limit to how physically in making an air. No I guess it with you huge size. Project -- project out. You know a rear projection if you want to get up front projection that you just can't quite goes there because of you or you'll screen on the wall actually rear projection is a great option as rear projection T. -- it you don't like control room you can just watch out rear projection day with the windows open standards so. I really recommend rear projection for people that one size but they don't the limitations. And of course when. My flat flat what I. That's right wants a flat panel TV people walking up to flat -- You've -- and you're -- that if so reading something else. It. Lately a much. But you'll just because the technology. Involved I would like to say yes to no matter what technology. You subscribe. As scenery really want to go to the store you want look at the -- If you're gonna find different TVs using technology will. I would say bring an idea. When your favorite movies a million times you know really well and get them to play absolutely they're at retail on. A -- like the look. If you don't like the look of it -- continued to do like the look of it that's that's if you -- the best judgment he needs to user to. Resolution resolution at its eyes in that resolution so obvious. So exactly can't -- like you said the first thing. That you're gonna wanted to -- you buy TV -- rear projections -- for -- anything -- want to make sure you get the right size. Watching the size of years later one -- okay how far away from -- it. And closer to the to that picture you are the more resolution you're gonna wanna have in that image you speculation. It's getting very far away from possible resolution as. Probably less important. Is -- your eyes resolve all those dot. But for me for instance I -- it relatively close. -- projected image. Resolution is very very important. So there's separately. But I think what you should watch sources. Well today you know a lot of folks what he's you know 1080. Is what I want it yet but you know I went and -- creepy because a lot of content and yet. You know when it comes to content have to realize that there is more more action coming in he. If you art interest next generation dvd like HDDVD Blu-ray or of the game consoles Xbox-360 PlayStation 3. All of these different devices support and so if you are sitting clothes that display your eyes are able to -- resolve the actual resolution you should know that. You know devices today and tomorrow will support the format if you truly one of the future. 1080. And actually pay you -- ignore it. It's about a lot has come to analyze it it really -- I mean it's amazing to see prices TV's today. You know I think I've seen a lot of very affordable he is really if you look at that most affordable flat panels out there most -- projectors. Those are 720. And performance. I think most people out there other going to guess that point displayed might be you know maybe a little bit vomiting go to an aggregate all gonna be happy with. It's not on. Labels 10000 they'll want. What I. All of them well high contrast ratio the better contrast and contrast is such an important aspect of the image. It is. Basically the thing that allows you to look dark movies and CD -- in the shadows and allowed to get very veered right images on the screen. And essentially really is a picture very life like look. Makes it look more like. Colors another aspect want to make sure it he has very accurate color. Essentially what the color contrast such that when you look at TV it looks like a window out into the world that's really high definition TVs are capable. If you'd done it should really look like you're just staring at us. Out of reality right there it. Is. -- for me when the cameras and things like act colors. -- there's so much about the art. Color I think that's a great -- because. Really a lot of people spent a lot of time resolution size maybe the technology but really is color contrast that rings the realism and impact image. Those two factors are just so critical talk to any professional that in the video or picture industry -- tally. Those two things are just so critical value perceived image and and then when you store check out you should probably justice. -- are really. -- Well I think what you need to do when you go to retailing cute if you can get your car your movie you've brought -- to retail and actually gave up on screen here don't want to you're gonna want us to chew yourself. As close as possible you're actually gonna be sitting all of going to be nine for a screen stay away from the screen understand what it's cracked just get as close that you. Also oftentimes the settings at retail or optimal. He wanted to go into those TVs are basically except those settings to what you think is the most accurate so the brightness -- turned way up. Right this -- War close to. Home. -- it possible that you're not gonna give exact replica just want to get as close as you can't play it that you might find out of you might find TV units. Doesn't have great contrast actually does but does it going in the menu and -- for a minute -- A lot of good information thank you very much all right after you've got movies. Do we have a screening starting here at times though probably of the report."

" So it's really complicated by displayed in it we -- top resolutions -- need any EIL with numbers we mention any of that and it's still complicated."

" Yeah. -- stuff can be so intimidating to consumers because nowadays -- DLP. And an LCD and elemental he and and rear projection or front projection when you have to use terminology that used to be secret code for UV owners and and an audio file -- This is -- that is really filtered down to the consumer level and people really need to go into buying these things off with a lot of knowledge on their side and hopefully we will accomplish that for you today it will be able to -- to the right direction so that when you going to talk to a salesperson you'll be informed enough. That there are gonna take advantage of you and sell you something you don't necessarily mean."

" Yes he is going to be to do your research before. It expects -- your -- you know -- room of the room sat up and indeed look online password news and check out for yourself yeah but."

" The biggest mistake you look so -- the war you know can't you podcasts that you like every time yeah like yeah I -- Yeah exactly so it's so easy gates is back to get caught up in in nothing's more powerful than one consumer."

" Yeah Narnia and so let's talk about how we. It's our home theatre and yes that's going to be an idea to check that."

" A case we -- talked about -- Now let's talk about audio expert to want to talk. First about all the technologies because when you go into -- store you see all the little extra labels on all the different devices you know that -- acts. The dolby digital what -- is and what it might need but for the cortex."

" Analogy in any AV receiver or home theater box is gonna be dolby digital a and that is the industry de facto standard for five point one. One channel or multi channel audio. On -- Digital's the stand standard for dvd video it's the standard for a TSE high definition broadcast at. Here in North America. It's the de facto standard for high definition cable and satellite and and it's also the de facto standard for game audience if you're an Xbox-360. Or PlayStation 3 goes only use dolby digital for multi channel audio as well you mentioned TH I like what else when -- went looking for big question well actually -- is not so much an audio technology is it is sort of the standard is -- procedure. I'm thinking that let the good housekeeping seal of approval when you see that TH X market means that answer it's been certified them for exactly -- You'll also see other technologies in AV receivers one of my favorite is actually dolby headphone which is in a few select receivers. What that does is it allows you to be able to plug any set of standard headphone into the receiver. And you'll be able to get five point one channel surround in the headphones so this is great if you have kids -- you don't want to bother people -- night. You could basically turn off your speakers throwing your headphones and get the same exact experience."

" So Bennett or another component and discuss his receivers because I didn't Knoll a ton about receivers going it is now tell me why it's so. And important -- its focal point."

" We receivers really something you want to invest in because you want to make sure your receiver has enough switching to connect all of your different components. Especially if have a lot high definition component you're gonna wanna look for things like H do you mind -- component video switching. On your just gonna want to make sure you can connect everything all at once and receive traffic if the traffic control it's really the brain and your entire senate -- A lot of these receivers also do video processing they dual -- video scaling and things like this to make sure that every component actually matches the native resolution of your display. And also of course -- they often function is amplifiers well. So the better -- you have the more watts of power you have to powered speakers the less distortion you'll have the clears. The higher eBay and just crank it up right. Now this -- quick. Here. Why what -- line is for the next generation connector for high definition. It's a single cable it's all digital -- it does video and audio all in one little cable. So if you think about it in the days of component video analog ought multi channel audio. You had to have maybe even five wires five point one will make it six wires just for the audio alone and another three for the for the high definition video. We're talking no wires HDMI can do all of that in one single wire it to digital connections that analog so I definitely recommend HD -- make sure you have it on your receiver make sure you haven't you next generation devices that's where this industry."

" So we -- receiver now let's cut up speakers. It seems like dot is where you should spend some money because the technology is evolving as quickly. As an animal rights in one like best speakers -- museums -- on your."

" That's right I always tell people in terms of bang for your buck. A worst your speakers are great place to spend some money because speaker technology is relatively. Static. You know the basic technology behind speakers -- has been missing now for decades. So if you buy a nice set of speakers today you can kind of expect those figures to last 510 maybe twenty years."

" So it is -- just in terms of."

" Amortizing your money over time we'll right now exactly. About financial analyst I would tell you that. -- great place to spend money."

" Packet outside. As easy. As it's. And huge big ones."

" This difference. It does but it depends on how you're gonna set up your system first and foremost thing you need to consider is what kind of room you. You would have room. It it where you're gonna be setting up your system to support anything besides the small little speakers if not yep absolutely go by -- and get real absolutely."

" You know small speakers are are fine in today's day and age because these five point one systems have some --"

" So your receiver remembered what -- the brain center entire set up your receiver will be set up in such a way to you can tell payless and I have a bunch of small speakers. The basic he would send those speakers actually sent it to the subwoofer instead. So just in terms of experience with the a small speakers -- of large speakers around you'd perceptible or sexually this."

" Now let's talk about five point one verse six point 1% point one. Again all these things that account because you've been talk about five point one but he's been evolving towards hired her."

" industry standard again today is five point one vast majority of your games here movies. Even if you're into multi channel music it's all gonna be five point one. But moving forward industry both the game industry in the movie industry is really looking towards seven point one what does that mean. What five point when your three speakers across the front left center right into the back left around and writes. What seven point one. Does it actually adds two more speakers and acts of war across the back that -- sales. And you'd just be placed more accurately in the."

" Do you need seven point one needs one but again it must have the best possible. I mean why that's why quietly back. Out and we'll actually if you look at the future of course is going."

" It with the new digital cinema standards -- actually digital cinema behind them and in the room. It has over sixteen speakers and you can actually takes out in the all around you up -- the ceiling. -- it's."

" Is gonna come to them well I don't know at -- warrant that was hot and I. I would -- as. Sixteen point one -- and -- And yes we do all the sand box because it has speakers and just about any possible location you -- put speakers and allows our engineers to custom design the room just on the line."

" For any kind of audio format they might be. That's five point one group can be instantly configured on its they're actually doing digital cinema work in August 16 note so this box is just a place where we can go in just creates villains ever heard help help so stay ahead of liquor. And develop new technology for new application buildings it is our leg."

" So on now let's talk about your your given us -- Allowed just one it. Go out -- store and I found. It's simple."

" And -- Home theater. Rise as viable -- absolutely for if you're not quite sure what to do a great goes home theater box what that is it's just basically all the components you need your speakers or wires your receiver. All together in one single box generally comes with a sheet of instructions that tell you how to set the system. Because everything's all integrated made to work again you have to worried maybe you bought the -- being worked together. All of it will work perfectly again it's a great option especially first."

" And that base price for -- box. I mean I actually saw home theatre box at Wal-Mart."

" Well under a hundred dollars if you can we if you can believe it -- he's instances come down quite. How much sandy hundred dollars were. -- you know hundred. But nonetheless it was a five point which consistently they've been -- to immediately. I believe better not believe so you know. The march of technology moves on I mean you can spend as little as a hundred dollars or even actually less than -- hundred dollars. As much and it up to as much money -- not act now we talked about tech."

" Let's talk about things that. Help will happen next week. -- right."

" Right well I got it when the most important things about how home theater and that's is the room itself. Out this set up a lot of people don't realize that things like carpet. War drapes in your winds and he sort of material can keeps count for bouncing around the room actually improve the sound of your system true then it's been bouncing -- and it'll sound like an -- a bunch of Greenberg group which I mean it might be nice for some things but you generally want to get the the room -- didn't. And that way you're hearing the sound coming from your speakers and that's being reflected all across all. I do recommend big couches on injuries from the windows help a lot I hardwood floor for a long time a lot of problems with bouncing off the floor -- carpet them -- this -- and -- That people actually integrates out of our next great. That's a great way to actually -- and low cost way actually approve this the east. And in any thing you. Absolutely will we have a few new technologies. And market. We have especially new technologies. Work dolby true HD and this is -- do multi channel audio format specifically for -- It supports what we call lossless. Meaning you are hearing exactly what record in Hollywood when he created. It sounds like you've never heard before true. For nations so keep Alfred will be true HD. Next generation -- its release them."

" I have to conventions to. There's -- session number one is after spending an entire day here dolby labs. Listening to various types of -- Beach towns that are available to us. I hate my home theater system. It totally sucks and -- and until about ninety minutes ago. I thought that he Ajax was a competing technology. To it'll be digital I did not know until I spent some time rather good -- That THX is a certification. Based upon dolby digital. So important that I admit to the world how totally lame I am. Because that's the only way there."

" Well I have to say that I actually knew a lot earlier I told you about six now. So yeah need to be actually on review products think it's not -- I had no idea what it says it."

" I wouldn't have none -- wetlands and last year. Because I actually worked refute it but but the court not. As well so if so I'm like yeah. Scream and they did yeah she does just that yeah. So now that we have this knowledge we know how to shop for television we know how to shop for good audio system so now. Our contest a competition. A battle to the fire engine. Dolby. It each of us 5000 dollars it. And we were each set off -- to spend that 5000 dollars home theater system."

" And yet that includes (%expletive) they ended taxes all the things that the consumer would absolutely cables yeah everything and an audio and video oh yeah exactly -- I get -- as well everything for 5000. More difficult thing. We all agreed."

" That we would strike the spec out a fifteen by fifteen room and thought that was about average. And I believe you are going for that right I was up for sound check out."

" So you wondering what I spend 5000. Dollars -- It's all right here on this very doesn't look like that much but let me take you step by step through my thought process. In the what my home theaters. Like so initially for me I don't want a lot of clutter -- room. I don't want there to be you know -- big television. Everybody's looking and actually not personally. So from me. The whole system was not. Audience. So instead start with the speaker which you normally think about actually the start that receiver. Every person I talked it was a real big fan is -- and so willing to denim wrap and that the that it was I would move them speak now. Speakers I know -- so I went on the CNET dot com was researching that all the sudden it came up with this appear in you know speakers. Manufacture. -- went -- website so impressed with its own Pratt talent to lay out broad sense but those also. I have some questions about the warranty because it's it came with like. Ten your warranty. So I mean I -- paying more else want to know this system with subwoofer some chatting with his plan online it was brilliant. If I was informed that it was that Alec was in real time sometime -- act its like you put something in Italy I missed it this -- this is like right -- So the golden Lovett and and not to mention it ships. And -- it -- I mean. This is just -- would area and makes you feel like the big winner and then moving on Friday after I had the sound kind of sad that. I was -- and let's -- picture and I knew that is -- go into projectors and you out of this -- on this and this real reasonably priced or their -- HD compatible with though. Not only Steve but -- compatible. And it looks pretty anything like galactic isn't it in line with big box you know it's like -- constantly slick and -- and -- And then to mount. This beautiful. Projector. You of course have the right amount projector mount and I just need to point out that this is the PMS theories. And then when it came to this green I mean what I'm gonna project you know the visuals on well. Because I get one big behemoth. You know television and I -- want to use my -- is and I'm thinking. I just say -- with an electric screen drops down from the -- They've really done that and that it was all about dvd. So with dvd Mary -- you go. What does this for or even though the games this and that's hasn't -- not big gamer but my little Brothers are and -- paying -- to the -- might put just. If it was I had this like eighty. Screen. Eight inch screen at night thinking is right so projector. Meetings Pakistan dvd player. And not just any old dvd player this is eight. It's not mention house -- the universal remote so you can have up to fourteen. Devices that upon this thing when you're -- them so I've Graham. I'm pretty impressive and."

" I think I'm really surprised when the projector. What was your philosophy in this."

" It set up a so. I -- to people that knew I did not know initially when I was with the school. On because I'm not as a student is probably YouTube. However I went to people that are really in the know so well from from. I toxic -- people that sent. You'll get him released solid display it Pico projectors. And condemned the rest of human and -- sentences in your sound systems loss. Snapped I was so happy I found that actually found that on my own. On hyperion audio is just. It's phenomenal their website is -- past mr. grant I am I am then. And and the packages they were putting it. T you know I mean I'm I'm sat still and also just. Having a design it like it more clean present at static in -- I didn't want a lot lighter and of the fact that. -- come into a room that he isn't a focal point -- swipe -- electric screen. And then -- yet clear ground. I was written and."

" TRU was really focus that was so and you needed. You did display with."

" I want it I want this earlier on good display that was large and me feel like we're being in ballots. -- Eat an inch screen. 82 -- period they screw you and said I have -- Cape Town this --"

" Like US Natalie yeah. So I just go what's your favorite game you're gonna plan on Xbox-360 that you got that's kinda you know service center for things that -- that I'm sure with all of the time he's been gaming she clearly. Picked out something -- rise."

" I am not gamer. But why not. Go report sent -- that allows you to not only play you know HD dvds but also -- Why not evil whole family -- it's from he wasn't about the game mean as bad as it was about making you know people back com into my. My area."

" Really really happy it had wasn't about like arriving in the judges."

" And it. I can Pakistan because it's a competition. Well look I think it's a great system. That we've been together to Google's us. And now I'm a little nervous that I have to."

" Go. I I had a very different philosophy from Jessica when I put mine together and here's what I ended up."

" Everybody."

" Has to choose where they're going to begin building their home theater system because you're pulling a lot of different components together."

" I chose to start with my television."

" This size of 46 inch sharp. -- aquos it's got a beautiful picture and tons of inputs are really like the way that that Sharpe works and and I thought this was a really great place to start and build out from. So it about 2300 dollars plus shipping. Half of my budget was invested -- to my television I think that's a perfectly reasonable way to invest that much money because of television is really the centerpiece of your entire experience anyway having settled on my television it was time to build out my system."

" And my design philosophy -- was to stay away from the HD dvd Blu-ray format wars and try to incorporate a couple of open source projects and I'm real excited about. To that end. I went for a myth TV PBR."

" This is really cool MythTV is a free open source project. That runs on Linux and its -- the -- just like TiVo and replay TV without any of the DRM restrictions and without any of the closed source problems that you can run into. Where you think you're paying for a feature in and three months after you subscribe free here the company decides oh we're taking it away from you."

" You only problem with MythTV is that it requires a little bit of technical know how to put together."

" No I love technology -- occasionally intimidated by it so there's a company called monolith media. They build MythTV boxes for you you go to their website you decide. What kind of -- TV system you want. Place your order they put the entire thing together for you and they -- you."

" This box sometimes you wanna watch a movie that you haven't taken off of cable or satellite and in that case your PBR really isn't gonna get the job done you sort of need to have a dvd player."

" I did not get involved in the HD dvd and Blu-ray dvd format wars I think this is gonna be going on for a very long time you're gonna run into problems with studios refusing to license for one format or another I think a lot of people are gonna end up spending a lot of money and they're gonna get screwed. And I am certainly not gonna buy an HD dvd player and the Blu-ray dvd player and just be part of the problem. I -- the entire opposite direction and found myself a dvd player that will use open source formats to play movies."

" This young behind dvd player will play DivX it'll play it acts did it'll play and pay go plan paid for it plays pretty much every format that you could ever get offline."

" So you go to the Internet archive and you get what those cool old Cold War propaganda films like you really wanna watch mr. bungled."

" You just take the file burn it straight to a CD-ROM stick it into this dvd player and you're good to go no converting know -- that then hey no nightmares for you cry and prayed the -- of technology. And."

" And and make a lot of promises that you're never gonna keep if they'll just let this one thing work this one time. It also would say -- carousel dvd players so it'll hold five dvds at a time that was really not a factor for me I don't particularly care about it. But I guess if you're gonna watch an entire season of the series to be kind of cool to just -- all dvds in -- we have lots of pretty pictures to look at but we also want to -- sounds as well."

" And unfortunately this is where I had to compromise I didn't have the extra 157800. Dollars that I really needed to get a great amp and a bunch of really good speakers but I was able to get a very decent sound system that I know audio files are gonna make fun of but I'm not an audio -- so why don't care."

" This is an -- seven point one channel THX certified system it all comes in one box it's got the receiver it's got the amplifier it's got all of the speakers but I -- speaker wire."

" To wire everything together and well."

" Back to where it comes. This is like seventy pounds. 500 feet of oxygen from marine audio file under again -- speaker wire. What's really ridiculous about this other than how heavy it is is this she huge pool of water was less expensive. Then in -- quality wire at Hathaway I don't know how I managed to do this but. --"

" Back in Neil hand held electronics case you would always get screwed buying batteries at the store one of the ways that you get screwed when your put together home theater system is if you buy the cables in the store however."

" When assembling this system I kind of place online called mono priced dot com."

" They won't put your cables together for you the same way that a monolith puts together you're MythTV system. You go to the website you tell them how long you wanton and what kind of cable you want."

" And they put it together for you and ship it to you."

" Well that is my home theater system brought to you by me maybe year old Palo go away. Back to me in the studio."

" Our anchorman. What was your. It's it's funny that you said that that you thought that on and we're gonna -- you know like more -- because."

" Hunters have all this experience tech TV and really going to just know this stuff intrinsically from all the shows you've pasted over the years so I thought all right on the present an alternative to that approach I'm just gonna go to frugal."

" Amazon go to Circuit City I'm gonna -- it is an easy forums and I'm just going to research online I didn't go and end stores -- I didn't talk to any people. And I came up with a system that I thought was going to be really expand double instead of getting involved in the HDDVD Blu-ray format wars I want for dvd player that can play DivX that can play -- so you can go to some -- like Internet archive. Burn yourself. Even a scene you promise them anything off like."

" The problems or archive or anything cool like that and just watch it right out of the box I chose the myth TV."

" Because I really believe in the open source movement I really believe in open source software I think it's a great idea. I wanted to see if it's really going to work -- this is a great way to test it. In a very real world scenario if so that."

" My real world it -- unsurprisingly the computer because computers you know but I guess -- links page so it's a bit more stable and all that stuff but right. -- computers like a law bars power is happening and -- and."

" It just uses -- I would never do it says it fuels weren't on intellectually to -- together and make it work and so I haven't. But I totally get where you. Can see you again. How each says reflects totally different lifestyles. Different deathly different perspective it's like that and well there's one thing that none higher than pleased with. I happen."

" Compromise on its yet I was it was hard staying within that 5000 dollar budget seems like so much money is money left over -- I'm gonna bite gains and it's gonna come hooker. I was like other -- that and like I just I barely had enough just to get cables mobile."

" And it will it was really hard I'm happy to do it again. Jump cut terabyte I have to say I -- that it will probably kill me when it comes features. So for my I thousand dollars that check out what I got and though I did not copy will. At any level -- that."

" From my 5000 dollars I focus on two things first of all the display second the receiver. Now for the that's why I wanted 1080. It is how the lower limit so decides is really important now I'm a plasma -- the heart like a black levels better and everything but for the price you just can't find a plasma for under 5000 dollars so. I went with this this is a -- Apple's LTV PB 52 inches it looks great actually I'm actually quite happy with the purchase. A little concerned at the beginning but once I thought I'd really like it next was a receiver. The receiver for me the most working with each in my connections. The shot back with you had two connections with the receiver idea for total and that's really important to get future proof yourself. So many things are going each in my -- you want to have as many connections as possible so that was my focus but he came with a lot advantages first mother's upscaling built in so I can take your regular standard definition signal pumped up to 1080 I. It's really worked well with the display. And to have a lot of cool features to personally get this microphone here you could be in the position will be watching your movies. And you'll automatically just all the speakers in the room to make it perfect for that room and -- cable for your iPod connected into the receiver control it all through the receiver that's pretty cool. Next I needed signal something to watch on this display of course that's signal had to be 1080. Blu-ray or HD dvd now HDDVD the original one they came out that's really affordable now. With only ten ATI and the US want to expensive so I wrote the original Blu-ray. Which was 1080. But of course I couldn't afford that either really. So I went with the Samsung refurbished unit now there's a firmware update to make a lot better now get through a lot of bugs in their original release but. The problem with these -- in the is there's a huge dent that's pop. Now I thought on top of this figure out it's just referred to come that way. That's -- I'm really hoping for but. It seems to work okay not too concerned and finally I want a -- flat -- play along the online format. Like X bitter debate remember individuals available next -- So I think the -- did you hear it plays it off for the dvd by says media slots up front and the USB ports he uses. I'll get that thumb drive with the -- watch and watch it on this display. Turns -- they also played -- audio and SE CE disks as well to get five point one music experience to at this point I'm running -- like pat got 300 bucks -- and I haven't even bought speakers so I've looked and looked and looked pretty blah I went -- system couldn't find it. That's came across CDs on deals 300 baht seven point one. What a great deal -- at 230 watt subwoofer -- 130 watts per speaker and my receiver without a 140 per speaker so Haley turns out that. Quite closely match. So that's how I spent my fight grant and I know willing Jessica will be really jealous of my PP two inches. So how did you come to this system."

" To put together yet I'd I would for the TV -- yeah I got hooked on that and yet you obviously I got I got hooked on the particularly TV I couldn't back away from it. So that's going to ran into problems right away I really had no money leopard instead speakers. You know I can't. Yeah yeah nothing to actually power. Capability wife I was so concerned about what you got that done in house site I would find anything knighthood."

" To add capability if you write nice TV decent but -- that -- show on this thing and you could hear it."

" Although a couple issues so I really it was a struggle it -- box is a lot harder and I hot and act."

" I thought how to buy how to stop and you can't but it was it was really a learning experience I think."

" actually makes it embodies one of the lessons we're hoping to apart today right it you have to be willing to compromise. And and maybe step away from something. Yeah I guess I started out -- be realistic I started out with the exact TV that you finished."

" And I ended up taking that was smaller because it allowed to say 1200 dollars. Yeah and I thought you know that's like -- fifth in my budget I can get in and hire additional component. Yeah that data."

" With that okay that's the key is that that you can aren't you guys you keep you have nothing to put into it though and I've really got stuck it. But otherwise you know it that he knew it straight and had a great big beautiful television."

" I see that and on and on but -- those are citizens and the land actually take our access to some experts the folks over idea teeny digital life. Television. And."

" Welcome back to deal that the idea Patrick Norton and I'm Robert away we're that is the story -- oh wait we saw the video of the system but. We curse on the show why. And give us five grand regular shopping web whose name acts whose platinum Amax it's squeaking after this little the bottle of shopping just kind of went on -- lives is -- with -- front projector and screen and not --"

" Going to -- with going to be it would heal its commitment it is it is and hopefully enough light there's where it. Oh yeah. -- around at the open source of apartment he's got the cables which is what did you like this 700 dollar on your system with two dollar cable's cables can help. Cable I hope you. To -- the cables -- oxygen well. Area I don't know what that means but why -- no oxygen. But actually -- Don't miss much goes to my content the way I want it. I have it is an expert system and wellness. And definitely not to practice counties did you know basically the Obama on the Obama on these players so it's going to be like. I could feel like -- there's -- Children I've used yours out I wait for the format wars to die down I won't get something -- news today. I have at Fox News it's not rocket and -- like god is a lethal on it due -- lousy data alone. So relative downward -- it so there. -- And any relatives. One I think. I wondered if it. The dead on system hasn't tempting features that being one of the that he made the commitment. You know to droplet. Out. There that's true that's true he obviously feels Blu-ray is the format of choice. I'm agnostic about the whole thing there there is no clear cut winner in this war despite what -- camp made me push forward. And technically. The two identical to really. Differentiate I mean literally from Kodak's audio support every girl -- so what it's really. I don't want to have to think about what -- and -- have to buy in order to watch the movie why -- like what I want either player that plays both. -- and it happened to players and I can't really -- particular things so. It be tough to pick one -- be tough tough although the BDD 1000 I review that it at the solid solid dvd player and a greatest support is there -- so you know. That's a good for that we'll -- you like it upscaling dvd player along with the Blu-ray dvd player. Or HDDVD I -- I don't in HD dvd or Blu-ray player upscaled dvd pretty there is -- Although they -- of the X in the DivX support. It just reading my stuff it earned the regular dvd implant that's that's another unnecessary hassle that you avoid the opera digital. That's the that's tough call. You're gonna if you're if you're gonna have one of these this forcefully -- what the earth. Don't have netbook yet. Now from project. I have to say I would want the hardware and test -- list -- Hollywood. Just for that front projector have that screen and the flexibility that offers and I I I mean it's just like have a nice if it. When you can see projector sitting side by side with that -- a widescreen. It's been flat display. That's hyper and that's really really I think yeah I think that that's really their life. Heinz 52 inch LCD is. Stunner node out. Although -- 46 inch -- of similar model would be one can actually it in my apartment so. On the stick which -- list to -- what the project. Reducing they could just be -- you know -- curtains made. You -- Norton and I'm Robert heron."

" How did you do that."

" You ask for X. I just. And yeah you can -- and you can exactly. Is threatening to get there quicker. It's assembled well where you are going and and you."

" A can't go the local gas station that out of my home theater that's."

" Appointment and hey you gradually -- I need you to win the praise from those guys I."

" Unaffiliated so -- and Robert like our way -- your partner criticism -- and so I'd just like I just won an Oscar. Yeah -- really like to hear from them. Is what if they can take from each system the things we had and put together their own what it would be and how much it would cost really."

" You know to see exactly what it is -- to understand how difficult it is to stay within five dollar it was. Yes that's difficult there was no George Steinbrenner luxury tax overspending don't have the Google that particular show was really it was tough stuff."

" And now you know what the experts think now it's time for you -- to tell us what you think who think the winner ran for us he. Yes well you going to want to go online. And you're gonna but and here's the best part when you vote you also use up till we met one person sentenced -- three systems three winners."

" Yet just go to revision3.com -- digital or digital on my dot com to take this same place. And they'll give you the instructions on how to enter and votes more importantly. --"

" Yes vote and will. You will be as -- that entered to win the system that you vote force and this is exciting for yet what's gonna happen and it's X get an exciting few guys as well there's one important copy dot and that is really sad news but this is only open."

" Two residents of the United States."

" The customs fees and the statement taxes and shipping costs is is going to bankrupt us and the next eleven shows would just be like some paper clips kind of just didn't make up and down and definitely -- I shoe box like you know you can just -- YouTube. You can still votes. If you are not in the United States just will not eligible to win the contest and please do you vote whether it. United States or not. As long as you're voting for me."

" let her off when things are sponsored godaddy dot I think at. That huge thank you Google me."

" Diet today like symmetric absolutely yeah. They were there aren't -- just fantastic today we learned so. Mind."

" happily lots of it and I would announce the winners out on this yes. Which our next episode. You're giving you issues multi yeah. So have it so watch out for that itself by together if you one."

" And don't forget to go to a digital online and vote for your favorite system. Thanks for watching thanks for downloading --"

" For the latest news tips and information about home and technology -- a list don't be to find that podcast dolby -- to build your own home theater to check out Adobe's buyer's guide with all the information we talked about it out."

" Intel here."