Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems, 2005 Edition [Paperback]

Mark Fleischmann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2004 | ISBN-10: 1932732063 | ISBN-13: 978-1932732061 | Edition: 4th

This is the only annually updated book on the home entertainment phenomenon that combines big-screen television and surround sound. Among the technologies discussed by veteran tech critic Mark Fleischmann are HDTV, DVD, and surround sound in all its variations. Pros and cons of new video display technologies are discussed including DLP, plasma, and CRT based sets. The book also explores topics often ignored such as buying a DTV antenna, programmable remote controls, speaker mounts, power-line accessories, and cables. A richly detailed connections chapter discusses how to hook up every component and how to solve common problems. By knowledgably guiding readers through the briar patch of video and audio technology, Practical Home Theater has become the standard reference work for home theater buffs.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Fleischmann knows mere mortals are not tech experts and can't afford to spend more for their TV than their car. -- Jonathan Takiff, Philadelphia Daily News

For less than the cost of a DVD, it'll remove the power of intimidation from your home theater. -- Kevin Hunt, The Hartford Courant

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

Mark is well qualified to write about this subject.... An excellent primer for consumers, retailers and manufacturers. -- Steve Smith, This Week In Consumer Electronics

You may get to show up the mass-market retailer ... or perhaps hold your own against the specialist retailer. -- Paul Best, The Age (Australia)

About the Author

Mark Fleischmann has been a technology writer and expert on home theater for more than 20 years. He serves as news editor and reviewer for Home Theater Magazine and his writing also appears regularly in CrutchfieldAdvisor.com, Custom Retailer, DesignTechnica.com, and E-Gear. He has served as founding editor-in-chief of etown.com, senior editor of Video Magazine, audio critic of Rolling Stone, and columnist for Premiere, The Village Voice, and Audio Video Interiors. His writing has appeared in Bloomberg Personal, Details, Entertainment Weekly, The Men's Journal, Newsday, Spin, The Ultimate AV Guide, The Washington Post, and many other publications. He has lived in New York City since 1975.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Quiet River Press; 4th edition (September 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932732063
• ISBN-13: 978-1932732061
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,202,408 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Author of Practical Home Theater and Happy Pig's Hot 100 New York Restaurants, Mark has been a technology writer and expert on home theater for more than 30 years. He currently serves as audio editor, news columnist, and reviewer for Home Theater. He has also served as founding editor-in-chief of etown.com, senior editor of Video Magazine, audio critic of Rolling Stone, and columnist for Audio Video Interiors, DigitalTrends.com, Premiere, and The Village Voice. His writing has appeared in Bloomberg Personal, CrutchfieldAdvisor.com, Details, E-Gear, Entertainment Weekly, The Men's Journal, Newsday, Spin, The Ultimate AV Guide, The Washington Post, and many other publications. He has lived in New York City since 1975.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Straight to the point, for a variety of skill levels, October 18, 2004

By 

Adam Sohmer "Adam Sohmer" (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems, 2005 Edition (Paperback)

Fleischmann's book is ideal for anyone who wants to cut through the clutter of most books on the subject. Experienced high-end audio and home theater fans will certainly pick up a few new pointers on how to make the best use of their systems, but those who are relatively new to the game will walk away with plenty of information to make informed buying and set-up decisions without having to sift through pages of jargon and hyperbole.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gold Standard of Home Theater Guides., October 19, 2004

By 

Margot "Residential Systems managing editor." (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems, 2005 Edition (Paperback)

This 2005 edition by industry guru Mark Fleischmann is the gold standard of home theater guides. It's got it all--from sound basics to advanced calibration, aspect ratio to the zen of Ohm settings. The new section on digital audio servers is thorough, specific and totally up-to-date. Technology is a moving target but Fleischmann's got tremendous aim. It's also a compulsively readable book; how many home theater guides will have you laughing out loud?

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book Stufffed With Useful Information, October 19, 2004

By 

Mike Bartlett - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Practical Home Theater: A Guide to Video and Audio Systems, 2005 Edition (Paperback)

Even if you think you know it all this book adds detailed information that's hard to find elsewhere. Written in an easy to read style by someone who knows his subject matter I think this book is a winner. This books presents the facts of Home Theater without any bias often seen in similar publications. Definitively worth reading if you want to get behind what goes into a good Home Theater.