HTiB—Home Theater in a Box
The addition of home theater systems to home television viewing has transformed how we see and hear entertainment. As the name “home theater” implies, the cinema experience can be brought to virtually any room in your home.
A typical home-theater-in-a-box (aka HTiB) system consists of several integrated components that are specifically “bundled” together by the manufacturer for compatibility and functionality. This takes all the guesswork out of selecting the right equipment, one piece at a time, and hoping they work together. All you need to do from here is provide your own TV—and you’re good to go!
LG 1,000 Watt 5.1 Channel (Model No: LHT854)
Several components make an HTiB system complete and functional. Beyond the components included in the box, most systems include speaker wires, connection cables, and a remote control. There’s nothing to additional buy, everything is included. Let’s take a look at the anatomy of an HTiB system:
Audio/Video (A/V) Receiver
The receiver is the heart of your home theater system. Besides being the preamplifier and amplifier, a receiver is the general control center where everything is plugged into. The brains part of the receiver decodes the surround sound tracks on any multichannel (e.g., 5.1, 7.1) audio source (e.g., DVD and Blu-ray).
Some receivers include AM/FM tuners, multi-disc DVD/Blu-ray/CD changer, and a dock for your iPod®. This provides a great way to enjoy music when you’re not watching movies.
Onkyo 1,200 Watt 7.1 Channel (Model No: HTS6200)
The back of the receiver should have both composite and component video outputs along with at least two HDMI outputs. There should also be an optical digital input and analog auxiliary input.
For more information on home theater receivers, please read the Receivers – Brains & Brawn behind Home Theater article located in our Learning Center.
Center-Channel Speaker
This speaker is the unsung hero of your HTiB system. When you watch a DVD or Blu-ray movie, the center channel delivers more than 50 percent of the soundtrack, including virtually all of the dialogue, and many of the sound effects. Since the speaker’s purpose is to keep sound anchored to the on-screen action, a good center channel speaker is crucial for a well-balanced home theater package.
Subwoofer
The subwoofer plays a crucial role in the surround sound effects you hear by reproducing low-frequency sounds in the 25 to 180Hz range. When the thunderous boom from an on-screen lightening and rainstorm makes you check the window to see if it is raining outside—then the subwoofer has done its job.
Front Speakers
The two front speakers (one left, one right) are for playing background music and the realistic sound effects of action scenes involving an increased amount of noise. These speakers can be small enough to be displayed on a bookshelf or large enough to be on mounted on floor stands.
Satellite Surround Sound Speakers
These speakers complement the front left/right speakers by working to immerse the listener in sound effects and music. You’ll experience the whipping of a helicopter’s blades overhead right in your living room.
More Information
For information on how to set up your HTiB, including the distance you should be sitting away from your television, read the Home Theater Installation Tips article located in our Learning Center.
Still have questions? Feel free to speak to an expert hhgregg sales associate. We offer the best-educated associates in the business who are smart enough to make it simple. Price and Advice Guaranteed!
hhgregg proudly carries Bose, Curtis, JVC, Klipsch, LG, Onkyo, Panasonic, Sony, and Yamaha HTiB systems.
