LG LHB336 1100W 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System with Smart TV Review

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(More customer reviews)With the exception of scary generics that I don't know well, you're choices in the current blu-ray home theater in a box (HTIB) space is restricted to Sony, LG, Philips, and Samsung. I did see some reviews of Onkyo, but those are significantly pricier for the same features. I basically evaluated these players based on features for the $$$ and selected LG. I also found that all the new models are 3-D players, but very reasonably priced. I cannot comment on the 3-D display quality, as my LG LCD TV does not have this feature.
Setup/Install:
Good labeled speaker wire with no proprietary speaker connections (I'm looking at you Sony), so you can extend the wires easy for a bigger room. No HDMI or ethernet cable. This unit does not include wi-fi. No wireless rear speakers either.
Hardware:
Cheap ipod dock, but I'm sure it's sufficient. I haven't used it yet oddly, even though I have my iPhone on hand for music all the time. But I primarily use MOG and Pandora, both apps included on this web-connected system. (MOG for a fee, Pandora if you can put up with their constantly-increasing ads). I think the days of taking time to select and pay to "own" individual tracks are numbered, I LOVE the TV showing the music app while the tunes blast over the speakers.
Remote is decently laid out, but the tactile sense kind of stinks. Not a big deal to me, you just have to press the buttons a little harder than what should be necessary. I've got the remote app on my iPhone, but c'mon LG developers, give that app some KEYBOARD functionality.
Note: The LG "Remote" iphone app has 2 store choices. I'm speaking of the one labeled for 2011 devices. I'd like to know if the older app has text entry. Why is this important? Imagine how much text entry is needed to navigate Netflix, youtube, pandora, etc. The less-than-perfect remote combined with letter by letter selection gets old REAL fast. PLEASE LG APP DEVELOPERS, HEAR OUR CALL! We're looking at 3-5 seconds between character entry!
Speakers/Main Unit:
Nothing flashy here. The speakers have no protective cover but look sharp and modern in flat black. All 4 surround speakers are identical. The subwoofer looks nice with the same shiny finish as the surrounds. The center speaker for vocals is also attractive. The head-unit is quite wide, and the display is nothing special. Kind of like looking at a high-school scoreboard. White LED display on black.
Sound Quality:
What can I say, I've got surround sound for a VERY reasonable price. I'm happy with the quality compared to my TV speakers ;) I'm no audiophile, but I do love music and concerts. This sound quality meets my needs. It will boom if you like some bass to dance to.
Note: The next model up (LG LHB536 1100W 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System with Smart TV Integrated Wi-Fi) I THOUGHT only included integrated wi-fi connectivity, but look closer at the pics and you'll notice this unit adds tweeters as well. I can't comment on the difference in sound quality, but something to consider.
Network connectivity and apps:
System hooked right up to the web. Hard-wired to a wireless router on a Comcast cable subscription in Denver metro area. Props to LG engineers here, I was on the web instantly! I work as a computer engineer, so I do appreciate the ease of use and instant gratification out-of-the-box.
App installation:
1. Created my LG account and then accessed "Premium" apps
2. Netflix - Works great. My PS3 was consistently dropping Netflix about every 20 minutes, requiring a button press to restart play. Now I know it wasn't my ISP, b/c those days are over. The PS3 interface for netflix was a little more visually appealing and easy to use. However, Netflix is constantly testing new interfaces for different device types, so this could change next week.
3. Pandora - Well, just logged into this for the first time to give my fellow shoppers a break-down :) Beautiful interface, lots of functionality (bookmarks, ratings, station creation). This is a winner. My track-forward remote button even shoots to the next Pandora song. Nicely integrated.
4. MOG - I'm just happy to SEE this app from the little music start-up that could. Feature set is limited, very limited. But searching for nearly ANY artist/track/album and playing it immediately is SWEET! (Subscription service, but consider the amount of time needed to download tracks to devices and the cost to pay by track). I hope the guys at MOG will bring playlist look-up and creation to this app though. Basically all you have here is search and the ability to browse editor's picks, top picks, and new releases. Note: There is no searching of others' playlist's either (in my opinion the killer app of the MOG model). But alas, these functions already exist for the iPhone and Android MOG apps, so it's just a matter of time until this hits a developer's queue (PLEASE MOG?!?)
Overall, I like the system a lot so far. I'm only 2 days in, so hopefully no glitches to come. If you buy one of these, join up with the AVS forum site. Lot's of good details there on this product family.
Happy with the seller, very happy with Amazon's early delivery.

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(March 2011)
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Samsung SWA-5000 Wireless Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)Let me get to the point:
This product is not compatible with anything that would work with a SWA-4000 or SWA-4100.
The "TX CARD", which is a card shaped transmitter, is a completely different shape and size.
I contacted Samsung and was told the opposite before making this purchase. This item does not even appear on Samsung's website.
Their 4000 series of wireless adaptors has been completely discontinued, even though the theater systems that require it are commonly sold (including here, I just bought one from Amazon).
I understand that Samsung is constantly improving their products and therefore will often outdo their recent efforts. There's always going to be a new version coming out. That's basically why I like the brand. Their TV and Surround sound systems I just hooked up are simply perfect. I love them. However, the incompatibility does not seem to stem from technological reasons. The TX card housings and different... the electronics (as far as I can see) are similar. The pinouts appear to be the same. The card itself is a relatively simple device, too.
But mostly, they should be prepared for this question. The problem should be discussed on their website. They are selling a large amount of 'wireless ready' gear that they no longer support, so they should have been proactive on info.
And they should consider being more consistent with their TX Cards, because it's not a very complicated card and Sony seems to have no problems with this. I would have bought a Bravia TV and Receiver had I known Samsung's 'Wireless ready' claims were notional at best. And of course, in several months or a couple years, this unit will not work with Samsung's next lineup, the 6000 series or whatever it is named. Forcing you to replace more equipment, for no good reason.
I had to buy a 'rocketfish' universal wireless sound adaptor, which does not function nearly as seamlessly as this would have. I do somewhat fault Samsung for not being backwards compatible with a very similar device. Or at least selling an adaptor. But most of my frustration is that, when asked, their staff were giving me the wrong information.
As for quality, the device is attractive, well built, and has a strong wattage for the speakers. I heard a nearly identical Samsung unit at a family member's house and it sounds great. I am very sure it would be a great addition to your theater system if your system specifically calls for the SWA-5000. No matter what you hear from Samsung or a sales representative at a store, this unit will not work with the SWA-4000 compatibles.
This really spoiled an awesome event of hooking up a beautiful TV and hearing a fantastic HT 1250 5.1 system. Shucks.

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Samsung HT-C650W Home Theater System Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased this Samsung system as a replacement to my previous Samsung system that was destroyed in a house fire. I'm no audiophile, but I do know good sound when I hear it.
Before buying this set, I had considered sound bars and other 2.1 systems (mainly Bose) as I live in an apartment and my living room isn't all that big, nor did I want the system to blow away my neighbors. I ended up with this, though for a couple of reasons:
For the money, it's a good system. It's almost identical to the last albeit with wireless rear speakers. Which is my first point. The wireless rear speakers just work. You plug in a transmitter to the back of the unit and then plug the rear speakers into a receiver unit that you plug into the wall. So the rear speakers aren't truly wireless, but they're good enough. I did buy some nice stands to put them on so that I could hide the speaker wire. The receiver box is small (about the size of a Nintendo Wii or similar) and unobtrusive. I set it next to my couch on the floor under a side table and you can't see it unless you're looking for it. Also, the couch hides the wires coming from the farthest speaker.
The speakers are good. Not great, but they'll do. They don't have any grilles on them, which is a bit annoying. They look good, but if you've got toddlers on the move or a big dog, I'd suggest wall-mounting them or putting them up on stands to get them out of the way of curious fingers and/or sharp teeth. My rear speakers exhibit a bit of fuzziness at low volumes, especially when I'm sitting right next to one of them, but turn up the volume and have a steady flow of sound, and you never hear it. I'm guessing this might be a slight loss in transmission from the transmitter to the rear receiver, but I may be wrong.
The setup for this system was incredibly easy. Samsung color-codes their speaker wires so you can't really mess it up. The only bad thing about this is that if you want new, more or better speaker wire, you're going to have to get something Samsung compatible with their connections or either do some MacGuyvering to get their connection onto your wire of choice (which may defeat the purpose of better speaker wire). The good thing about this system vs. my last one, is that the wires weren't permanently attached to the speakers so I can upgrade my speakers at any point by just unplugging the wires from these and plugging them into the back of something nicer. I doubt I'll ever need anything more, but it's an option. Back to the setup, Samsung provides a microphone for an auto setup feature and while I never could get it to pick up every speaker every time (it would miss at least one each time), it did seem to get things close enough for me.
This system works flawlessly with my Samsung 46" LCD HDTV and while I don't use the remote (I have a Logitech Harmony remote), it seemed easy enough to use and matched the remote to my TV almost button for button.
For the money, there aren't much better systems out there. Especially if you're looking for rear speakers that are wireless. It's a good starter set or a replacement to an old setup if you just want to add in the all-in-one capability of the box.

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wireless rear and upgraded front speakers,Crystal Amp Pro,Eco Power System,Advanced ASC,Smart Volume

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Sony BRAVIA DAV-DZ170 Home Theater System Review

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(More customer reviews)Purchased this system for our family room which is a little on the smaller side. The sound is rich and full, the subwoofer is better than expected, and overall we're very pleased. Good TV sound and excellent DVD and iPod sound. Moderately priced as well, which is a bonus. *NOTE: Fiber Optic audio and HDMI video cables are NOT included and must be purchased separately.* The system does include a cable for basic video connection. The Fiber Optic audio cable (recommended for best quality audio) is about $20-25 retail. [If purchasing the fiber optic cable, make sure to remove the small clear covers at each end of the cable before trying to connect it to the receiver and cable box or TV. Otherwise...yikes, you've plugged the jacks]. The remote is small, very handy and easy to use. Front connection for an iPod, which works great. There's an antennae for FM radio which we haven't connected yet so I can't comment on that.
Set up is easy but time consuming, so as with most electronic set ups buyers should allow enough time to run the wires, position the rear speakers, attach everything and run the tests. There's fairly generous amount of speaker wire [wish they could have included about 5' more for the back speakers]; depending on how the room is arranged buyers might need to figure out creative ways to run the speaker wires for the back speakers. If it's impossible to properly place two speakers in the back of the room there is a setting which adjusts the sound for a set up where all speakers are located in the front.
The system comes with a 1-2-3 Step easy set up guide and also the more detailed instruction booklet. Speaker cords, input jacks, and speakers are color coded and clearly labeled. There's a disc included to run as part of setting up the speakers and testing the system. For the most part the instructions are self explanatory and easy to follow. However, some of the steps are slightly more confusing than necessary because the drawings of various components [e.g. TV, Cable Box, Sony Receiver] aren't labeled. The person setting the system up can clearly see what needs to be connected, but it's not always clear to what component [cable box or TV].
We now use this system exclusively and keep the speakers on our TV turned down. We will probably purchase this system for use with our basement TV as well.

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Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589W 5.1-Channel Theater System (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this unit to complement a Samsung LN52a550 HDTV. Didn't feel there was enough sound from the unit to complement the samsungs outstanding video. Shopped for reasonably priced HTIB units and decided (despite cautions that most didn't perform) to give this unit a try. In my wildest expectations I never thought this unit would perform up to its marketing description. Placed in a den of that is approx. 15 x 25 and playing a Dolby DVD, it placed me in a cinema that provides sound effects that truly astounded. I'll qualify this by saying that I'm a audio neophyte but for this sound at this amount of money I am truly impressed.
Be aware that this Sony unit is being used with a Samsung HDTV and consequently the transition between DVD usage & HDTV usage (must change input source) is a bit bothersome. I found that in order to obtain full surround sound from the unit when receiving audio only from you TV (not from the DVD) you must purchase a digital optical cable.
Hope I haven't misled any one but if you select this unit I don't believe you'll be disappointed.


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The DAV-HDX589W BRAVIA theater system boasts an integrated 5 DVD/CD changer, and 1000 watts of room-filling power. With the included S-AIR rear speakers with rear receiver and amp (WAHT-SA10), you can now hear powerful sound from behind you without running wires. iPod support is limited based upon which optional Digital Media Port is being used. The unit will support the following players: iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod Nano 1st, 2nd & 3rd generation, iPod 4th & 5th generation & iPod Mini. The optional TDM-IP 50 adds iPhone support as well.

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Panasonic SC-XH150 5.1 Channel Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this dvd home theater for my little corner of the house. We already have an expensive Sony 5 disc home theater for the family room, so I bought this mainly because of the price.
I have it hooked up to a 42in LG Plasma tv, and with the HDMI hookup it upconverts the dvds nicely. They don't look blu-ray quality, but still they look better than normal.
The sound quality of the system is pretty good for a small room. I wouldn't suggest this system for a big basement or living room, but for what I bought it for it sounds great. The volume goes from 1-100 which is a little weird for me, I really only like it to go from 1-50, because I feel bad listening to it at 75.
I have a TOSLINK optical cable running from my tv to the system so I can use it to listen to the tv as well. I does a pretty good job with that. It also has a little tray that pops out for an ipod, but I only use my ipod for jogging, so I doubt that will ever get used.
Hooking up the system was pretty easy. Just hook up the hdmi and toslink cable to the tv and the back of the player and you're good to go. The speakers are all marked which they are and the ends of the wires are color coded to ensure you hook them up right, so they're pretty dummy proof.
The center speaker looks different than it does in the picture here on amazon. It's more of a rectangle than the others. The 2 side and back speakers are little squares just like in the picture. The subwoofer is a tad on the small side, but it serves its purpose well.
Overall I'd recommend this system for anyone looking for an inexpensive home theater for a smaller area.


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(March 2011)
The SC-XH150 Home Theater System incorporates a wide variety of Panasonic technologies for high quality sound. The Clear Sound Digital Amplifier and Down Firing Subwoofer reproduce a clear, dynamic sound that wouldn't be expected from the compact size of the main unit and speakers.

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Sony BRAVIA Theater System (DAVHDX576WF) - Black Review

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(More customer reviews)Sony DAV-HDX576WF Home Theater System
Overview:
Another "Home Theater in a Box" design (HTIB), the Sony DAV-HDX576WF tries to be all things to all people and does satisfactorily in some areas and poorly in others, so a mixed bag. The basic components are the following:
(1) Receiver (Main Unit). You get a basic 5.1 surround sound receiver facilitating six sources or inputs: DVD, TUNER, AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV, and DMPORT. The DVD player and AM/FM tuner are built in to the receiver. These internal sources in more detail are configured as follows:
* DVD: The internal DVD has five trays to hold five DVDs or CDs. The DVD outputs 5.1 surround sound through the 576 wireless surround sound speaker system, and outputs video three ways: HDMI, component, or composite. You can use the DVD/CD player to play Data-CD or Data-DVD disks that have MP3 song files or JPEG image files.
* TUNER: The internal FM tuner stores 20 stations, and the AM tuner stores 10. Reception is strong and clear if the antennas are positioned well.
The other four sources facilitated by the receiver are external (AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV, DMPORT). Three of the four external sources are audio only (AUX, SAT/CABLE, TV). One is both audio and video (DMPORT), but the video is composite quality only. Of these four external sources, one is accessed on the front panel (AUX) and the remaining three on the back. The types of external source inputs are as follows:
* AUX: front input, miniature stereo phono (audio only)
* SAT/CABLE: RCA stereo (audio only)
* TV: RCA stereo, or digital coaxial, or digital optical (audio only)
* DMPORT: proprietary connection for MP3 player dock (audio and video)
Note that the three output ports on the back of the 576 are: (1) video only, and (2) hardwired internally to just the DVD player = are not configurable to output any other sources (except the composite also can output from the MP3 player). To repeat for clarity and emphasis on the three video outputs:
* Digital HDMI Out (internal DVD only, video only)
* Component Y-Pb/Cb-Pr/Cr Out (internal DVD only)
* Composite RCA Out (internal DVD or MP3 player only)
Finally, you do have one other out port, the miniature stereo phono headphones connection on the front of the 576. Using this connection mutes all the external speakers, naturally.
(2) Speakers. You get a 5.1 surround sound speaker set, the front stereo pair on stands, a ported, passive subwoofer, and two smaller surround speakers that are wired to a small amp that communicates with the main amp wirelessly. Thus, be aware that you need an AC outlet near where you want to put the surround speakers for the surround amp. Connections are bare wires into all speakers, marked for polarity, but color-coded plugs into the main unit that fit only one way to insure proper polarity. The front stereo speaker stands have to be assembled, which takes a little time, with one part about threading the wire into the stand not quite so obvious. Once all connections are made, setup goes fairly well. The autocalibration mic has plenty of cord (perhaps 13-14 feet) to work even a large den. The mic at least gets the estimated distances pretty good, but the individual speaker level settings were way off. I had to go back and redo all levels manually. I did this autocalibration several times just to make sure I had not missed anything, and every time I still had to adjust the levels of the speakers manually. You might have to do this as well.
(3) Wireless Surround. Surround sound to the rear speakers is wireless. The main unit comes with a wireless transceiver that broadcasts surround audio on the 2.4 GHz band to the surround amp wireless receiver. The surround amp is quite oddly shaped, to be honest (over a foot long! 13.5" x 3.5" x 4" LxWxH). The surround speakers, in fact, are wired. That is, these speakers are hooked into this oddly shaped surround amp by running speaker wires from wherever the surround amp is to each speaker's terminals. Hence, the surround sound is only "partially" wireless. Also, seems that Sony has not provided enough wire really to run the speakers, especially not if you have to do something like go up and over a door frame. I had to add a length of my own speaker wire to get to a corner just 12 feet away as the crow flies. Setting up the wireless system is straightforward, and, following instructions carefully, goes without a hitch. You have three ID switches (A, B, C) to choose from to match up among your wireless units (to distinguish from other possible S-AIR units in the neighborhood, but the conflict could hardly occur given limitations of range, unless in a small apartment).
(4) Digital Media Port Adaptor. This is a fancy name for an MP3 dock. The dock is connected to the main unit via a proprietary cable that carries audio and video (composite quality only). Though advertised for Apple iPod, the unit basically really is for Sony products. The main unit's remote controls many elements of the MP3 transport (Play, Stop, Pause, Track Forward, Track Back) and menu (Previous Menu, Next Menu, Up Folder/Item, Down Folder/Item).
(5) S-AIR Receiver. This wireless unit looks like a table radio, and that basically is its function. You have a small, self-amplified stereo speaker system that receives its sound from the 576 main unit. You can set up the S-AIR unit in two modes:
* "Party Mode." The S-AIR joins in with the main unit and tunes in whatever the main unit is doing.
* "Separate Mode." The S-AIR operates independently of the main unit.
Buttons on the top of the S-AIR unit control transport functions of the source dialed in on the S-AIR when in "Separate Mode." For example, if someone is watching a DVD movie on the main unit in the den, someone else in a different room with the S-AIR receiver theoretically could be listening to the main unit's FM tuner and changing stations, or can be listening to a playlist on the MP3 player in the main unit's MP3 dock and controlling transport, such as play, pause, stop, previous and next track. Finally, the S-AIR even can function when the main unit is off (in "Standby" mode). This option is set in the main unit's system menu.
Evaluation:
(1) Audio. The sound is generally satisfactory, being smooth and fairly accurate if the bass is not pushed. Good, flat sound overall probably is the chief factor that sets this HTIB apart from others in the class. Two caveats apply, one minor, the other more serious.
* Subwoofer. First, on the minor side, the passive subwoofer is decent for musical frequencies, even though still a little soft and muddled for my tastes (not quite punchy enough). This subwoofer, however, is at a distinct disadvantage with handling the boom, thunder, and roar of low frequency movie sound effects. Fortunately, I just happened to have a Velodyne CT-100 active subwoofer lying around that has sophisticated circuitry allowing speaker level inputs with audio pass through. So I took the speaker level subwoofer out from the Sony 576 straight into the Velodyne, then passed through the same signal on out to the Sony passive subwoofer. (In this way the Sony amp sees no extra impedence load at all, so is completely unaware of the Velodyne's existence in the circuitry.) I have the Velodyne set to kick in only at those lower frequencies for movie sound effects, and the Sony subwoofer handling just the higher musical frequencies. With this adaptation, I am more satisfied with the audio performance, especially action movies. Your requirements and tastes may be different.
* Equalization. Though the 576's sound is generally OK, just a little dash of EQ would have gone a long way to really making her shine. One distinct downside to the 576 is that the audio allows no EQ settings of any kind anywhere--not even those cheap presets found on many HTIB (such as "Rock," "Classical," "Easy Listening," "Stadium," "Theater"). The user has no option to adjust any EQ. This inability is quite significant given that any room anywhere of any size and configuration will have its own "sound print" (frequency difficiencies) de facto that need to be compensated for to have accurate, clean sound.
(2) Wireless. The S-AIR wireless system broadcasts on the 2.4 GHz band. When some 576 users reported no conflict with their 2.4 GHz wireless computer networks, I thought I was free and clear. Not so. The S-AIR circuitry is supposed to search out a clearer signal in its frequency range to avoid such conflicts, but mine just did not work. I definitely had wireless conflicts with my computer network, and the S-AIR never did get happy until I completely relocated my computer wireless setup. Therefore, I would advise caution about consideration of this HTIB with its wireless surround if you are running anything wireless at 2.4 GHz in the same room or nearby (including phones).
(3) S-AIR Receiver. All sounds very promising with this S-AIR receiver, which is sort of like a remote radio, but reality bites. I found the S-AIR unit in the end a poor system and rather useless. I will mention several critical items that seemed to doom the unit for my use anyway:
* Performance. The S-AIR unit really does not work well. The maximum reception distance is 25-27 feet, and that is line of sight. Somewhere between 27-30 feet, the unit no longer can lock in the signal. I can lock in from my den to my dinette wetbar, which is about 27 feet and line of sight. If I move just a few feet more to the AC socket on the far dinette wall, about 30 feet, the unit simply refuses to lock in. My two cordless phones in the den and dinette are 900 MHz, so not in conflict. To facilitate the wireless of the 576, I moved my 2.4 GHz computer wireless network out of the den due to conflicts between the computer wireless and the...Read more›

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Panasonic SC-BTT370 5.1 Channel 3D Blu-ray Cinema Surround Home Entertainment System Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this system in March after pre-ordering it. I have had previous good luck with Panasonic home theater systems so I waited buying an upgrade until this was released this year. And I'm glad I did. What a great product. I've had it for 2 weeks now and I'm really impressed with this system. I don't have a 3D television, I only use this system for Bluray discs. You do not have to own a 3D television to use this as a bluray system.
I've shopped around for other home theater systems for a long time. I've gone to many electronics stores, Fry's, Best Buy, Target, but I was not impressed with any of the other brands out there. Sony, Samsung, LG, I truly believe this Panasonic system beats them all in terms of quality, sound, picture, and features.
Likes:
Viera Cast: Built-in ready to go WiFi for streaming netflix, vudu, and many other services. This thing will also do Skype!
Down-firing subwoofer: Panasonic changed the subwoofer so it fires the bass into your floor, creating a theater-like boom and experience. And let me tell you, this subwoofer really rumbles my condo. The bass is deep, no distortion whatsoever even when I've cranked this system really loud. I'm really impressed with the design of the subwoofer. Whether you want to watch movies quietly or crank it up during an action-packed movie, the bass produced by this system is totally jaw-dropping.
Cinema Surround Sound - The cinema surround sound feature you can turn on really increases the surround effect of movies, making this 5.1 system sound like a 7.1 system. I recommend turning the rear surround speakers up, you can customize every speaker and how loud you want them to be. You can even increase the bass output. The surround sound produced is clear, crisp, sounds excellent, and during actions scenes you don't even realize that it's the superb surround experience making your heart pound, not the movie.
2 HDMI Inputs & Optical In: The SC-BTT370 allows you to connect your xbox or ps3 or whatever has an HDMI source directly to the unit, so you don't have a ton of fussing and forgetting which system is hooked directly to your TV and what setting you are supposed to be on. I have my xbox directly connected to the surround sound system and it works flawlessly.
Picture: The deep color and full 1080p picture renders beautifully. I am breathless when watching bluray movies on this system. The Netflix and VUDU streaming services are integrated nicely, and look stunning as well. I watched U-571 and Blawhawk Down last night, and I still couldn't believe how clear and beautiful the picture was.
3D Discs: I do not have a 3D television, and you do not need a 3D television to use this player. I have talked to many people who have bought this system, and they rave about the 3D capabilities and I believe it. They told me this play blows the PS3 out of the water in terms of 3D rendering and detail.
Dislikes: None

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3D Technology Checklist
This product is 3D-related. To help you get a great 3D experience, use the checklist below to ensure you have everything you need. 3D viewing requires:

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Sony HT-SS370 Surround Sound Home Theater System, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)Just wanted to share a few points about this product that weren't clear to me before I purchased it.
1.) The receiver does not decode Dolby True HD or Master DTS HD. HOWEVER, the receiver accepts LPCM signals. So, if your Blu-Ray player can send an LPCM signal and it has onboard decoders for those codes (and I believe they all do), then you can still experience everything Dolby True HD and Master DTS HD has to offer. If you're lost at this point, I'll put it this way. If you have a PS3 and this sound system, you're getting the full "HD" sound offered by Blu-Ray discs. Just make sure your PS3 is set to send Blu-Ray audio via LPCM, not Bitsreaming. Also, you need to connect your PS3 with HDMI to make this happen.
2.) The sound from this system is excellent. 1000 watts is plenty of power for your typical home theater. In fact, it's more watts than most home theater systems on the market currently offer. In my experience, a good rule of thumb is "more watts the better". This is true even you don't plan on cranking up the volume.
3.) The rear speakers on this system are not automatically wireless. That is, this system is CAPABLE of wirelessly transmitting to the rear speakers, but in order to do this, you need to purchase a transmitter to plug into the back of the receiver and an amplifier for the rear speakers. Sony calls this system AIR. So, in case it isn't clear, this system is only "wireless ready". I haven't purchased the transmitter and the amp needed, but installation looks like it would be very simple. It's nice to have that option in the future.
The only downside to this system, as I see it, is that the remote is overly complicated. Lots of buttons and I only seem to use about 8 of them. If my home theater had more Sony BRAVIA compenents, then maybe all of the extra buttons would be of more use. Overall, however, the bad remote is definitely not a dealbraker. The positives of this system greatly outweigh this one minor negative.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony HT-SS370 Surround Sound Home Theater System, Black

Complete your entertainment experience with 5.1 channels of high-quality surround sound and 1000 watts of power with the HT-SS370 surround sound system. Connect multiple HD devices using a single HDMI cable per device and turn this great system into your entertainment hub, plus operate all your compatible BRAVIA Sync devices using one remote control. Add optional S-AIR accessories and enjoy the convenience of wireless rear speakers or multi-room streaming.

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Sony HTSF470 Blu-ray Disc Matching Surround Sound Home Theater System (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great sound.
Great 5.1 functionality.
Great value.
I have mine teamed with a 46" Samsung C6300 LED LCD and a Sony Playstation 3. I love the fact that I'm down to one HDMI input feeding my new TV for all input sources. . .they all go through the Sony HT-SF470.
Complaints: When I bought the product, I assumed that the rear speakers would work wirelessly without an additional purpose. Note, that to use the S-AIR functionality with this product, one needs to buy a transmitter to plug into the HT-SF470 receiver and a receiver for your powered speakers that get served. I also agree with the previous reviewer about how the system lacks a graphical menu. Finally, and perhaps most needlessly frustrating, I hate that Sony doesn't leave you enough wire for their rear speakers. There's nothing worse that to give up on an optimal setup because you don't have enough wire. Also, Sony uses speaker wire with proprietary connectors(more costly and hard to find upgrades).
Still a good value for the price. . .beware that they attempt to suck you in to future purchases by giving you a nearly complete system.


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Samsung Electronics HT-D5300 Home Theater System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bought this last night at another retailer. Great price and features, easy setup, but I'm returning it today. I wasn't crazy about the sound, but some tweaking might have been able to make that acceptable. The big sticking point was that it caused video and audio to frequently go out of sync. It would be fine for a while, and then I would change channels back to something I had been watching earlier, and it would suddenly be out of sync. I would turn the system off and on, and it would be back in sync. Soon enough, though, I would be flipping through channels, and another channel (or more) would get out of sync. I called Samsung to see if there were some fixes, but nothing we discussed made a difference. It never happened when watching a DVD. This is my first integrated bluray/home theater system; I hope I don't get burned on the next one.

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Insignia 700w 5.1-ch. Home Theater System with Blu-ray Disc Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I would like that the seller describe in actuallity what they have because in this country I don't think that when you are buying home theater system will come without remote control, no cable at all they said that it's netflix ready no true. If they listed all that at first I would not buy it. Then I try to return it and every day they gave a son and a dance. Botton line this seller is the worst that I ever buy from and the last time. I still have this ..... here can not use it and almost 200.00 less in my pocket..

Click Here to see more reviews about: Insignia 700w 5.1-ch. Home Theater System with Blu-ray Disc Player

Click here for more information about Insignia 700w 5.1-ch. Home Theater System with Blu-ray Disc Player

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