Home theater: not ready for prime time

The author considers the home theater industry's complexity, emphasis on jargon, and lack of standards, which have resulted in the ongoing war between competing standards. He argues that the industry lacks even a basic understanding of its consumers and their needs. He reached this conclusion after putting together a home theater, including a high-definition TV set, a receiver, and the eight speakers required to give THX 7.1 surround sound. Also a digital satellite receiver capable of receiving HDTV signals even though hardly any are being sent yet, plus, of course, the set-top box controller for the high-definition satellite receiver.