You've purchased the 60 inch plasma, you've got the Blu-Ray player and the home theater system that will shatter glass when fully turned up, now you're just missing all the little extras that will complete your shrine to the TV gods. It's time to get this system hooked up so you annoy the neighbors with its deafening sound.
Cables
If you plan on hooking up all those video game consoles, DVD players, and anything else you can possibly think of, you're going to need a ton of cables. If you purchased a high definition TV (which I'm sure you did), you will need HDMI cables to transmit the high definition signals. DVI cables are similar to HDMI cables except they are used on computer monitors and projectors. Component cables come standard with most TVs and will work just fine hooking up most of your equipment, for both audio and visual. Composite cables are similar but do not produce high definition signals. S-video cables carry standard definition video. If you have cable TV, a coaxial cable is needed to hook up the cable to the TV.
Wall Mounts and TV Stands
Unless you enjoy watching TV from the floor, you will either need a wall mount or TV stand. If you have a flat screen, getting a wall or ceiling mount will save you lots of space, and you can make your TV spin around! There are tilt wall mounts and articulating wall mounts. Articulating mounts will extend forward. If you get a swivel articulating mount then you can have fun watching your TV spin around. TV stands are always a great choice because you can get a lot of storage for your equipment. If the equipment begins to take over the entire room, look into an entertainment center instead and you'll be able to display all your little knick knacks and doodads.
Remote Controls
We all know every TV comes with a remote control, but no one just owns a TV anymore. Even your grandma has an Xbox and is blowing up teenagers in Halo. Instead of fumbling around between 10 different remotes, just make your life simpler and invest in a universal remote. The Logitech Harmony series is the most popular brand, offering touch screen remotes that can control half your house. They are also much more expensive. Before you purchase a $20 remote, check how many devices you have and make sure the remote can handle that amount of systems.
