Home theater: all in one box.

A home-theater-in-a-box system is the easiest and usually the cheapest path to surround sound with prices starting below $300. All these systems include a receiver and six speakers, plus wiring and instruction that make setup a relative snap. Many include a DVD player.

Reflecting the trend toward more features, the DVD) players axe often multidisc models. Some axe progressive-scan players that are capable of delivering superior picture quality with digital TVs, High-quality component-video inputs for digital equipment axe starting to show up.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Decide whether you want a DVD player, If not, you may save money by buying a system without one. If you do, consider a multidisc model that will provide uninterrupted play of music CDs and DVD movies. Some systems (including all of those we tested) have a progressive-scan player. These offer regular DVD) picture quality when used with a conventional TV but can deliver a smoother, almost filmlike image when paired with a TV capable of displaying high-definition (HD) signals. Some bundled DVD players offer support for multichannel DVD-Audio and SACD music discs.

Do you want a separate DVD player or one integrated with the receiver? Systems with separate DVD players and receivers tend to offer fuller functionality and more connections than those that integrate both units in one box. Integrated units are somewhat simpler to set up, but they may not allow you to connect video devices other than a TV to the receiver. Any other devices would have to be hooked up directly to the TV

Make sure there are enough inputs. Even home-theater systems without DVD players have fewer connections than stand-alone components, but they do allow you to connect the basic gear. These systems generally have enough audio and video inputs for an external DVD player, a VCR, a CD player, and a cable box or satellite receiver. Some systems have S-video inputs, which can provide better picture quality from DV'D players and digital-cable or satellite boxes than composite-video inputs. Component-video inputs, better still, axe less widely available.

With audio inputs, there are two points to check. Some models have either an optical or a coaxial digital-audio input, not both types. Make sure whichever is offered matches the output on your CD or DVD player, digital-cable box, or satellite receiver. If you want to connect a turntable, you'll need a phono input--hard to come by None of the tested systems has one.