Most people characterize an entertainment system as both audio and video components that can play a variety of media. While many people might think of a home theater system as an entertainment system, you don't necessarily need all home theater components to produce quality entertainment.

Audio Entertainment System

An entertainment system might be defined by some as components that can reproduce audio media such as a receiver, CD player and speakers. You can purchase these audio components separately or purchase them as an integrated audio system. Many boom boxes or large portable radios include all the components necessary to create an audio entertainment system.Entertainment System

Video Entertainment System

Just as an audio entertainment system provides entertainment, a system that primarily shows videos can also be considered an entertainment system as well. All you need is a TV set and a DVD player or VHS player. Some TV sets are sold with DVD players or VHS players integrated, creating a stand alone video entertainment system.

Home Theater Entertainment System

Home theaters are probably synonymous with the term entertainment system these days. They integrate audio and video to create a cinema experience in the comfort and convenience of your own home. They usually include a TV set which can be standard or widescreen HDTV, a DVD player, receiver that includes digital surround sound processing such as Dolby Pro Logic, DTS or THX Surround EX and surround sound speakers.

Digital Media Entertainment System

One of the more recent additions to the category of entertainment system are digital media entertainment systems. They usually include a computer, storage device, audio output device such as speakers and a visual output device such as a monitor. Not only can you watch movies and listen to CD's, but you can also access your digital media files from your storage device or even from the internet. These files can include MP3's, WAV files and WMA files. In addition, you can also view digital photos and videos from your storage device or the internet. Some digital media entertainment systems even include PC gaming, Internet gaming or console games.

Integrated Digital Audio/Video Home Theater Entertainment System

This type of entertainment system just means that the above types of entertainment systems can be hooked up together to form one complete system. You can enjoy your favorite CD's, watch DVD's as part of your home theater set up, play digital files such as MP3's and even show your digital photos on your TV screen. These systems usually include a media server, which is really a computer integrated into a home theater set up. The purpose of an integrated digital audio/video home theater entertainment system is to give the individual an enormous amount of entertainment options.