Every home theater system shares three major components: television (the bigger and wider its screen, the better); DVD player; high quality set of surround-sound speakers.

When choosing a TV, you want one that is at least 27 inches for the best home theater experience. Most movies are produced in wide screen format and wide screen TV's are more like a real movie screen in shape. Also, most of these TV's will have great resolution so you will get a clear, sharp picture. Choose between LCD TV, flat panel plasma, or front (or rear) projection TV's.

A DVD player with ability to handle high definition DVD disc formats is another one of the ideal components for home theater use. Most of the players are capable of playing DVD movies, music CDs, MP3s, movies/music recorded on CD-R/RW and DVD-R/RW discs. Your preference should be for a multi-disc player; this enable you to stack several music and/or movies discs for playback so that you do not have to get from your seat to change the discs. For clear and sharp picture, you should go for a DVD player with progressive scans. Another option for you to consider is a combo unit of DVD player/recorder enables you to record movies, music, television programs, etc. onto blank discs for your own personal use. There are DVD-R recorders with huge hard drive storage, which enables you to download and store your favorite shows.

A basic home theater system consists of center, left and right speakers and a subwoofer, which produces robust bass sounds. Best rated speakers can be identified by checking reviews in audiovisual publications where you will find the ideal components for home theater. Before buying the system, it is advisable to listen to the sounds from the speakers so that you can evaluate whether the system will suit your requirements. Final selection should be made only after you have had chance to visit several stores and listened to several systems.