When looking into purchasing Hi-Fi Speakers for your home theater surround sound system, you’ll want to focus on a few key aspects to guarantee that you get the most bang for your buck. This guide will take you through those key aspects, showing their relevance and importance to the total package.

Surround Sound Formats

Dolby Digital and DTS are two of the largest players in surround sound format. What this means is that nearly all movies will come in either one or both of these formats. There are several other formats as well that are not used enough to merit a purchase, so by choosing utilizing Dolby Digital or DTS you’ll be able to enjoy the highest quality your speakers can produce.

While Dolby Digital is more prevalent a format, it isn’t always offered in 5.1 surround due to how the soundtrack was recorded.

Active Vs Passive Speakers

The core difference between active and passive speakers are that active speakers have a built in amplifier. This amplifier allows you to plug nearly any device into these speakers and operate them. Passive on the other hand, rely on a stand alone amplifier to power them. If you enjoy plugging your MP3 player or computer into your speakers, active is the way to go, however if you prefer the quality that can be enhanced by using a stand alone amplifier (although more costly), passive is the way to go.

Stereo And Multi-Channel

If you’re only planning on using two speakers, you can still benefit from having a quality Hi-Fi setup. However, instead of spending extra money for features you won’t be utilizing now, you may want to invest in a system gear specifically towards stereo over multi-channel. That way your 2 speaker system give you a greater value then using only 2 channels on a multi-channel system. If you’ve got the room however, a 5 speaker setup will provide you with a lot more depth overall.

iHome has introduced its new “all-in-one” speakers, the iH69 and iH70i. The speakers are designed to save on clutter by allowing users to dock, charge, play and sync iPods directly to their computer.

Working on PC or Mac and compatible with all docking iPod models. The iH70i model boasting higher wattage and a full function remote control. iHome

via TechFresh.net

Polkaudio gives us the best performing single-speaker surround sound theater system on the market, the Surround Bar 360 DVD Theater. This technological breakthrough features a host of innovations including a multifunction CD/DVD player with Faroudja DCDi video upscaler, and AM/FM tuer and high-performance digital amplifier. It can play DVDs, CDs, MP3s, JPEG ad Kodak photo discs, and includes a USB input for memory stick readers. It also has a built-in subwoofer eliminating the need for one.

The Surround Bar 360 is created with an extremely lightweight enclosure, light enough to move around where you want it to. Designed for easy hook up, just plug it in, connect with the single speaker cable, connect the TV and it’s done! And it includes a universal remote control that can also control your cable box and your TV

Marantz introduces the ES7001 SSX front surround speaker system, designed to provide that “big home theater” sound in your room. Its simple design can compliment almost any display device. The ES7001 packs left, right, and center speakers, digital amplifiers, surround image processing with listening position optimization in one classy aluminum enclosure. It also features HDMI, optical digital inputs, a system-wide programmable remote control, wall-mounting capabilities and an optional SW7001 subwoofer.

The system includes OPSODIS processing, HDMI v1.1 repeating, powerful triple 32-bit DSP configuration, six all-discrete amplifiers, built-in DTS / Dolby digital decoder, D-bus (RC-5 out) remote connection, x3 optical digital inputs, x2 analog inputs, subwoofer output, trigger output for optional subwoofer, binaural mode, easy installation - one body system, compatible as a second zone system and a three-year limited warranty.

Sunfire’s new TGR-401 receiver boosts connectivity features including a built-in Sirius Satellite Radio tuner, and Ole 2XL touchpad ports. It is loaded with three HDMI 1.3a inputs, one HDMI output, and its 1080p-capable switching circuits convey uncompressed video between HDMI components. Its LCD remote control has alternative RF output for controlling hidden components. The TGR-401 has a new Two-Tone finish and will be released in April, 2008 for the price of $4,000.

Sunfire also introduces the CRM-2BIP Bi-Polar Surround Speakers. The dual side-firing speakers feature Sunfire’s ribbon driver technology for higher quality detail, wide dispersion and high power handling capacity. The CRM-2BIP speakers have dual 6-inch ribbons with Neodymium magnets, a 4.5-inch High Back-emf woofer and will hold up to 400-watts of amplifier power. They are offered in a high-gloss black finish and will be available in April, 2008 for $1,750 per pair.