What should I consider when shopping for a good home theatre system in the $300-$400 range?

I am shopping for a good system just to watch movies with mostly. What specs are most important. What should I look for?

What should I consider when shopping for a good home theatre system in the $300-$400 range?performing show

I would advise toward getting a component system. This would be a dvd player and receiver as separate component devices and not an "All in One" device.

If you ever plan on getting a next gen DVD player such as Blu-ray you would want to have a surround sound receiver to hook this device up to.

If you buy an all in one system with a built in DVD player you will not be able to hook up your cable box to it to get HBO or Stars movies in 5.1 surround sound as most of those devices have non or limited hook-ups.

I have hooked up a Sony system for a neighbor of mine that was a 5 disc DVD player %26amp; HDMI 6.1 Receiver with speakers and powered subwoofer for that price range...maybe a little more. It worked out well because he had a Sony TV and the Sony receiver remote worked on ALL three devices without missing any functions.

What ever you buy I would make sure it has at least 1 HDMI input for future upgrade to Blu-ray, HD cable tv or HD satellite receiver.

What should I consider when shopping for a good home theatre system in the $300-$400 range?opera score opera theater

Room size because the system you buy needs to be able to fill that room with good clean sound. A surround system with separate components. A good self powered subwoofer, 250watts or more. Good luck.