Home theater in a box.(Best Gifts)(Product/service evaluation)

Even the priciest high-definition TV can't fully convey the digital multichannel surround sound of DVD movies and HDTV programs. A home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) system is an easy way to do so. In our tests of 13 modestly priced systems, we found an excellent model that costs $450.

Most of the models we tested were 5.1 systems, which combine a multichannel digital receiver with five speakers, a subwoofer, and, in some cases, a DVD player. Most models need wires to run from the receiver to the rear speakers, but a few, including the $345 Sony, include accessories to do so wirelessly. Some HTIB systems, such as the top-rated Onkyo, use two additional rear speakers to further enhance the surround experience.

Other systems save space and simplify installation by using only two or three speakers plus a subwoofer. Those create a surround like effect, not true surround. We tested four such models (not shown in the Ratings). We recommend the 3.1 Panasonic SC-PTX7, $600. It's wireless-ready, with an integrated DVD player, iPod dock, and 80-gigabyte hard drive. The less-pricey 2.1 LG LFD790, $280, has an integrated DVD player and a USB port.

If space and simplicity are paramount, there are also thin, 40-inch-long sound bars, which hang on the wall near the TV. Those have few wires to connect and none to cross the room. Speaker arrangement or electronic techniques are used to emulate surround sound.

We tried three sound bars: the Yamaha YSP-800, $750, Polk Audio SurroundBar, $780, and Philips HTS8100, $625. (Prices factor in the cost of a subwoofer.) Their impressive sound makes them worthy choices when paired with a subwoofer. Only the Philips includes one.

Here are some points to consider when shopping for an HTIB system:

Speaker size. Consider your available space. Many models use tiny speakers for the front, center, and rear channels; a few use larger floor-standing ones in front.