1. Before you buy or set up a home theater system

• Choosing Home Audio Speakers
  General advice on what to look for when shopping for speakers.
  
• Which is best for you?
  All-in-one (home theater-in-a-box) systems vs. components.
  
• Speaker Types
  The pros and cons of the different kinds (not brands) of speakers available.
  
• The Truth About Power Ratings
  There are games being played with amplifier power ratings, so you better watch out, you better not cry.
  
• Choosing Electronics
  What to look for when shopping for electronics.
  
• Surround Formats
  Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, DTS, THX and DSP - What does all this gibberish mean?
  
• Home Theater System Overview
  All the parts you'll need to assemble a system.
  
• How To Use Product Reviews, Part I
  Make A More Powerful Buying Decision.
  
• How To Use Product Reviews, Part II
  Exploring a relatively new, Internet-fueled issue: the role and value of consumer written reviews and review sites.

2. Setting up a home theater system can be difficult

• General Home Theater Set-up
  This is system set-up 101. Take this
  
• Home Audio Speaker Placement
  OK, now that you have all these boxes, where ya gonna put them?
  
• Surround Processor/Receiver Set-up
  Dolby Digital surround processors have some switches and adjustments that you may not be familiar with.
  
• Optimizing the Sound of Your Room
  A few simple techniques will make your room, and your equipment, sound much better.
  
• Bass Management and Subwoofer Connections
  A further examination of some of the topics covered above. Before you hook up a powered subwoofer, read this article.
  
• Subwoofer Positioning and Adjustment
  Tips from three experts on how to get the best bass performance.