Hey i just recently set up my home theater system and have come to the realization that I need a surge protector to protect my merchandise. I don't know anything about surge protectors or the value of getting one that "conditions" power verse just a plain old surge protector.

Most of the power conditioning protectors I have seen cost several 100 bucks which seems like a lot to me. Is it worth spending the extra money, instead of just buying a plain jane 20-40 buck protector?

Either way could you guys make some recommendations in both categories?

I will be hooking a 50 inch Plasma, cable box, 360, wii, ps3, sound system and maybe some other random bits into this.

Thanks so much for the help!

I recently found out that a good UPS/surge protector unit is worth at least a hundred or so dollars. A few weeks ago a lightning strike traveled into the house via the electric lines. A number of electronic units throughout the house got zapped, but my 60" HDTV was saved due to the unit tripping and blocking the surge.

Steve

Hey i just recently set up my home theater system and have come to the realization that I need a surge protector to protect my merchandise. I don't know anything about surge protectors or the value of getting one that "conditions" power verse just a plain old surge protector.

Most of the power conditioning protectors I have seen cost several 100 bucks which seems like a lot to me. Is it worth spending the extra money, instead of just buying a plain jane 20-40 buck protector?

Either way could you guys make some recommendations in both categories?

I will be hooking a 50 inch Plasma, cable box, 360, wii, ps3, sound system and maybe some other random bits into this.

Thanks so much for the help!

You need to give the amount of power needed total for the system, add up all the watts for your devices.

Also the forum area

Home Entertainment & Theater Builder

with subforums

Dedicated Theater Design & Construction

General Home Theater & Media/Game Rooms

may be the best place to ask question

I like the Tripplites. I have the HT10DBS.

http://www.tripplite.com/products/suppressors/audiovideo.cfm

another good "conditioner" is the APC H15 unit (currently on sale)
http://www.apcc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=H15

APC units are true conditioners, protecting from both high voltage (surges) and low voltage (sags). They also make this unit with a battery backup if that is a concern. The battery is not there to run the equipment for a long period of time, just to give you enough time to turn everything off in an orderly manner instead of dumping the electronics on their head during a power failure.

Many conditioners sold on the market do not correct low voltage conditions, usually far more common that true surges.

I have the belkin PureAV AP11000fc-10 10-Outlet HomeTheater Power Conditioner and it seams to be doing it's job. Bought it as buy.com for around $45+- dollars. I would pick a Home Theater Power Conditioner over a regular surge protector because the protection is better and it filters interference form your power. WOW, the price has really gone up since i bought mine a year ago.

http://www.buy.com/prod/pureav-ap11000fc-10-10-outlet-pureav-home-theater-power-conditioner/q/loc/101/202352763.html

I learned the hard way. I lost 2 computer modems due to lightning a few years ago. My pricey one & the Sam's Club special both have worked well.

I like the Belkin stuff too.

like what is the real diff between these?

Belkin Surge (http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-BP112230-08-Pivot-Plug-Surge-Protectors/dp/B000JE9LD4******sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1215653093&sr=1-5)

Belkin Pure AV (http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-PureAV-Theater-9-Outlet-Protector/dp/B0006AZ518******sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1215653093&sr=1-17)

Monster (http://www.amazon.com/Monster-MP-AV-800-PowerCenter/dp/B00003CWDH******sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1215653093&sr=1-6)

Are any of these good for home theater use?

Belkin has a long history of manufacturing quality cables n stuff. Monster has a shorter but still long history of marketing extremely over-priced cables n stuff to unsuspecting consumers.