“Simple Tech Guru” Barb Gonzalez has paired up with Monster to show you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about home theater. In their collaborated book; Home Theater Made Simple, you’ll get step by step advice informing you on everything from home theater jargon to picking the right furniture. This is my review of the advance preview version of the book.

This preview version of Home Theater Made Simple includes sections from each of the seven chapters within the book. The thesis of this book is clear from the get go; its purpose is to inform you about the basics of home theater technology, and to ensure you are giving yourself the best home theater experience possible.

Judging from the preview and the complete book’s table of contents, this book is definitely detailed. There is a wealth of information for consumers to absorb, but it isn’t written to intimidate or confuse people. The natural wording and numerous cartoonish drawings/diagrams make this book easy for anyone to read, no matter what level of electronic expertise.

What Can You Expect to Learn?

By reading this book, you can expect to learn just about everything you’d want to know about putting together a home theater system. There are sections of the book dedicated to the following:

• Picking the best cables.


• Making connection matches.


• Troubleshooting audio and visual problems.


• Step by instructions for set up, starting from when you remove your system from the box.

These are just a few of the subjects you’ll be able to read about. Although not shown in the review section, but listed in the full table of contents is a segment dedicated to budgeting for your home theater system. This is quite an unexpected surprise. Monetary advice associated with home theater systems can be a valuable tool. Prices quickly add up, and many consumers may not think of the extra costs of quality cables, clean power and furniture to house the system. It can all add up so quickly! Many “do it yourself” advice documents often leave out the important subject of budgeting.

By reading this book, you should gain some self-confidence when it comes to creating your home theater experience on your own. You will learn which questions to ask when it comes time to buy, and how to install it on your own, which can save you big bucks in the long run. It’s a must have for any novice who needs to be informed about the new technologies associated with home theater.

Fantastic quality displays and surround sound in your home are no longer for the wealthy. They are becoming more and more reasonably priced, making them an affordable luxury. Home Theater Made Simple by Simple Tech Guru Barb Gonzalez and Monster affiliates is scheduled to be available to consumers sometime later this year (2008).

Barb Gonzalez’s work doesn’t just consist of this book. Starting out at an electronics store, she simplified home theater and electronics for her customers. She’s also written informative articles on Project Kuro, the thinnest and most awe inspiring flat screen plasma display. Beyond the home theater knowledge that gave her the “guru” reputation, she’s expanded her knowledge to portable devices and cell phones. Her article on “Tech Gifts for Your Valentine” can even make buying a gift for your sweetie a breeze.

With this wealth of information that Ms. Gonzalez has to share, she’s become a valuable member of the home electronics community.

Barb's first book is called "The Home Electronics Survival Guide: The Simple Guide to Understanding, Hooking Up and Buying TVs, HDTVs, DVDs, Home Theater, Remote Controls and More!" and is available now at Amazon.com.