Showing posts with label home theatre system. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home theatre system. Show all posts

7/02/2011

Samsung HT-TX75 DVD Home Theater System Review

Samsung HT-TX75 DVD Home Theater System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a wonderful home theater system. I have played a few movies since I got this a couple of days ago and have been more than happy. The system came well packaged and there were no signs of wear and tear when I accepted delivery. The player and the speakers are in an attractive matte finish, although the speaker casing seems light and made of plastic (but then it is only $440, so can't expect anything more)- nonetheless it looks good. Unlike my other home theater system, the Sony DAV FX900W, which took a long time to assemble, I was able to assemble all the four speakers in 15 minutes. The speaker unit consists of three parts- the base, middle section and the speaker (the top half). The middle section clicks into the base unit and is secured by three screws. Then the speaker clicks into the middle section (which is affixed to the base unit) and is secured by one screw- simple as that. The speaker wires (not very good quality) are sufficiently long to reach the DVD player from their respective positions. Upon connection, I entered setup and selected 1080i for the picture and increased the level for the center and rear channels. On playing a DVD, the picture quality was very good for a system of this price as was the audio. The radio and the ipod connection work fine, although I think i will stick with using the aux in jack for my ipod and not the USB- the problem arises when the ipod is not fully charged as then one cannot access the ipod library for a bit while the ipod charges via the USB (just like it is when you connect a partially charged ipod to your computer via USB). Sound quality playing the ipod and CDs is great. The remote is not backlit which is a bummer. I don't understand why these companies cannot provide this basic and essential feature on remotes. The remote feels good though and should be liked by most people (I use a logitech universal remote). BTW the system does NOT come with batteries for the remote- so you need to buy them yourself (two AAA batteries).
Now for the icing on the cake. I was able to find a code on the internet to make this player region free. The code was meant for another Samsung player but worked with this one too- so I am now able to watch DVDs I purchased in Hong Kong and the UK- Sweet!!!
To make your player region free (and I think any other Samsung DVD player region free) follow the instructions below (you need to follow the instructions exactly, else it won't work).
1. Remove disc from tray.
2. Switch off player and unplug from mains.
3. Wait 30 seconds, then reconnect mains.
4. Turn on player with remote. Wait for player to finish loading and display 'no disc'.
5. Press enter on remote. (There will be no on-screen response.)
6. Press 8, 4, 2, 6, 9 on the remote. (There will be no on-screen response.)
7. Press enter on the remote. Player will automatically shut off.
8. Turn player on.
9. Turn off.
10. Turn player on then off again.
11. Player is now region-free.
All in all I am really happy with this purchase. Good video and audio quality, HDMI Out/ In, Tallboy speakers, $440 value and Region free capability, make this system a good buy.
I hope this review has been helpful in making your choice. I don't think you can go wrong with this player (for the price)


Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung HT-TX75 DVD Home Theater System

Samsung's elegant HT-TX75 Home Theater Audio System offers industry leading power.Imagine 1200 watts of audio power, enhanced by Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic decoders--that's what the HT-TX75 has in store for you.You'll be delighted with the superior non-interlaced images you get from the latest digital television receivers.Smooth progressive scan imaging eliminates even the slightest hint of blur or distortion.Load up the 5-disc DVD tray and Watch your fill of movies and videos without having to change discs.With USB Host Play, you can plug a portable digital device into the USB port for instant entertainment.Additionally, with the ability to go wireless you can expand your system to achieve the ultimate surround sound experience without the need to figure out how to hide those unsightly wires.

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5/14/2011

Sony DAV-FR1 5-Disc Progressive Scan DVD Dream System Review

Sony DAV-FR1 5-Disc Progressive Scan DVD Dream System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I was pretty skeptical about a home-theater-in-a-box until I got this new Sony system home and tried it out. I already had a really good component-based home theater, but this system was a promotional purchase along with my new Sony HDTV, and the price was too good to pass up. Set-up took about 45 minutes, but the resulting sound is awesome! The bass is wonderful - when the Norah Jones CD is playing, my living room sounds like a jazz club!
I had recently purchased the Sony NS-575P single-disc DVD player and was stunned by its video performance and slick operation. It looks as though the changer in the FR1 uses similar software, or atleast, the same user interface and it is great! I like how it displays the disc's artwork as a screen background. The reasons why I'm happy with this Sony changer are similar to why I am also so happy with the stand-alone player I had to move to the den - it decodes virtually EVERYTHING you can throw at it... mp3, SACD (!), and DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD with JPEGS, etc.
And, the all-in-one package means a minimum of wires. Quite frankly, I'm really impressed with this "dream system"... it delivers big sound and convenience for much less money than I expected to have to pay! Thanks, Sony!
Update: Just listened to/watched the Star Wars trilogy on DVD and the sound (and video) is very impressive. In particular, the dialogue was always audible, even when the music and other sound effects were active.
Also: There is one thing that bugs me about this player - this is my first carousel CD or DVD changer (I've had a magazine changer forever), so I don't know if this is par for the course or not, but it takes a fairly long amount of time to load a disc into an empty slot... you can hear lots of stuff going on inside the box, but it's never clear WHEN it's OK to go ahead and load the disc. But maybe this is true of all carousel-style changers.
Just FYI: No color/saturation problems can be detected with my system. I use component video outputs with an HDTV widescreen monitor (see my other reviews) and I stand by the stunning images I see - my DVD collection, as I stated above, is BRAND NEW again!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony DAV-FR1 5-Disc Progressive Scan DVD Dream System

DVD Dream System with 750 Total System Power- 110 x 5(F,C,R) + 100W x 2 Subwoofer

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5/04/2011

Yamaha DVX-S120P 5.1 Channel CinemaStation System with Progressive Scan DVD Player Review

Yamaha DVX-S120P 5.1 Channel CinemaStation System with Progressive Scan DVD Player
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(More customer reviews)
I just bought this thing from Amazon and all I can say is WOW!!!!
This is probably the best purchase I have ever made. This thing is everything I ever expected and more!! It's easy to use as well - even my wife can operate it!
I have to say, everyone out there who is thinking of buying this, stop thinking. I bought it and I am extremely happy with it the moment I powered this thing on. YOU ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY CANNOT GO WRONG WITH THIS PURCHASE! I GUARANTEE IT!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yamaha DVX-S120P 5.1 Channel CinemaStation System with Progressive Scan DVD Player

The Yamaha DVX-S120P is the Home Theater System that makes it easy to enjoy all your favorite entertainment.Movies, music, sports and games have never sounded so exciting - as if you're right in the middle of the action.CinemaStation DVX-S120P brings you thrilling surround sound with a 55W X 5-channel digital amplifier, built-in progressive scan DVD player and five compact yet power speakers, plus a 140W subwoofer.Simple controls including four quick-selection program icon buttons make this home theater system a delight to use.The DVD Receiver features 19 Surround programs and One-Touch Cinema DSP Selection.It features Silent Cinema, a variation of Cinema DSP technology that allows you to listen to movies and other multi-channel sources using stereo headphones.It also features an On-Screen display for easy operation. The included 5 high performance and stylish speakers and powered subwoofer deliver exceptionally high quality surround sound.The system is completed with 4 included stylish speaker stands for the two main and two rear speakers.

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Click here for more information about Yamaha DVX-S120P 5.1 Channel CinemaStation System with Progressive Scan DVD Player

4/27/2011

ZVOX 550HSD Low-Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System with Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs Review

ZVOX 550HSD Low-Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System with Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Before purchasing this speaker/amplifier system, I read every review I could find. However, no matter how well a speaker review is written, the proof is in the actual listening. After some careful measurements of the space where I intended to put this speaker, I decided to go ahead and spring (also known as "putting a dent" in the credit card) for the system. Quick background - I've been using a Yamaha 5.1 channel surround receiver with Bose AM-3 speakers and an OPPO BDP-83 Blu-Ray player. One of my biggest gripes about compact systems has been high levels of total harmonic distortion. But the simple convenience of fewer remotes and easy adjustments does have its charms.
I received the system about 3 days after placing the order and I set it up the day after I got it. Did I say setup? This marvelous audio soundbar/box sets up faster than an egg on hot asphalt. I ran a set of RCA cables from the TV's analog output to the ZVOX analog RCA inputs. Everything else, video and audio-wise, is plugged into the back of the TV. An optical digital cable from the Blu-Ray player to the optical input on the ZVOX takes care of the DVD audio. Even my PC's audio goes through the ZVOX unit.
The unit itself is wonderfully "invisible" in that it sits under the LCD TV base and does not call attention to itself. The sound? With a little noodling on the included remote (which is larger and easier to use than the chiclet size remote provided with the standard 550 model), I was quite impressed. I played my Blu-Ray copy of AVATAR and with the PHASE CUE setting near maximum, the BASS on maximum, treble on about three-quarters of the allowed adjustment range, I began my listening test. After several minutes, I was struck by the fact that the sound was so full and clear that I got lost in the movie. The speakers just "disappeared".
Several observations: The bass output doesn't have quite enough "oomph" for my taste, so I purchased an inexpensive Yamaha YST-50 subwoofer that worked out just nice. It's compact, provides a nice punch to the bass, and fits almost anywhere. As for the surround effect - the system broadens the soundfield more than adding weird surround effects. Truthfully, I like its overall balanced sound much better than some of the other soundbar manufacturers attempts at faux surround.
In summary, if the complexities of today's audio/video receivers and multi-channel rat's nest of connecting cables is driving you to distraction, try the ZVOX 550 HSD system for small spaces (I'm using it in a third bedroom space which is quite small), or the ZVOX 575 HSD system in larger living room spaces. Simple is best!

Click Here to see more reviews about: ZVOX 550HSD Low-Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System with Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs

The Z-Base 550HSD is the only surround sound system designed to act as a base platform for most 26" - 50" flat-panel TVs. Only three inches thick, the Z-Base virtually disappears when placed beneath a flat panel TV. But don\'t let is low profile fool you -- the 550HSD sounds absolutely terrific-reproducing music and movie soundtracks with lifelike accuracy. The entire system-speakers, amplifier, virtual surround technology and powered subwoofer-fits into the super-slim cabinet. There are no external speakers, no external subwoofers and no speaker wires.The Z-Base 550HSD complements the design of modern TVs by incorporating beautiful hand-lacquered high-gloss black end panels. The top of the Z-Base 550HSD is finished in rugged, scratch-resistant black vinyl that is less likely to be marred by objects such as the TV placed on its surface. Set-up of the Z-Base 550HSD requires very few steps: Simply place the unit on a stable shelf, table or cabinet. Place your stand-mounted flat-panel TV on top of it.Plug in AC power, one connecting cord to the TV. Sit back and enjoy big, realistic sound including thunderous bass from the builtin powered subwoofer. The Z-Base 550HSD uses the ZVOX PhaseCue virtual surround system to create wide, three-dimensional sound, as if you are listening to speakers eight feet apart from each other, with movie sound effects that literally surround you. You get a room full of sound without a roomful of speakers and wires! TV base should not exceed 27" in width or 13" in depth. TV should not exceed 90 pounds in weight. Safety instructions in Z-Base 550HSD Operating Instructions and in TV's Operating Instructions should be closely examined and followed.

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Click here for more information about ZVOX 550HSD Low-Profile Single-Cabinet Surround Sound System with Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs

4/19/2011

Philips HTS3544 Home Theater System with iPod Connectivity (Silver) Review

Philips HTS3544 Home Theater System with iPod Connectivity (Silver)
Average Reviews:

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The Philips HTS3555 is a great system. I have the HTS3544 which is basically the same system. It gets great sound and I've had this for a few months and I just discovered the best feature about it : It can be an all region dvd player. Here is what to do : 1. Turn on system and go to DVD mode 2. Open dvd tray 3. using remote, press Stop, 7, 3, 4, 4, 6, and 6. At bottom left of screen, you'll see "region : 1" press 0. Now you've got an all region dvd player. My Model Number is HTS3544, and this one is HTS3555 and even though they are the same system, they still contain different model numbers. So, I went to my Local store, who has HTS3555 (this one I am writing a review on) on display with a remote. I tried this code out and it works on HTS3555 as well. HTS3555 and HTS3544 are basically the exact same system just with 2 different model numbers. Anyways, this is a great home theater system.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Philips HTS3544 Home Theater System with iPod Connectivity (Silver)

The ultimate in both style and performance, the Philips HTS3544 Home Theater System pumps out 1000 total watts of Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro-Logic II, and DTS surround-sound to deliver a truly theater-like audio/video experience.The progressive-scan DVD player upconverts to 1080i HD resolution and also plays DivX encoded media files on a variety of media formats.It also features a docking cradle that both plays and charges iPod and GoGear media players, as well as USB Direct connectivity that displays photos and plays music directly from USB flash drives.

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4/01/2011

SLS Q-Line Gold 650w 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater System Review

SLS Q-Line Gold 650w 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater System
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..... cause I didn't believe it either.
Quincy Jones + Studio Level speaker mfgr = quality I didn't expect at a value I could never get through normal channels. I'm not an audiophile, but these create a better sound space than my local movie theater. I didn't plan to add surround sound to my flat-screen till I found these, but now I actually look forward to sitting down to the sound as much as the picture with my new flat screen. For the first few weeks, we turned around on several occassions thinking someone might be in the house, when we heard a particularly clear back noise. It was eerie.
On the older silver line set that I own, lab analysis shows a nice, even sound across all bandwidths except for a narrow drop off just below the voice range. When I first bought these I thought I could hear that difference playing the same song back and forth with my home audio system. Now I don't hear it, but I think I've just gotten used to it. Of course my home audio system can't touch the clean simplicity of the highs on ribbon technology speakers.
As a point of comparison, when I sit in the comfy leather chair at Best-Buy to watch their top of the line set up, the sound is a little bit richer and beefier than this set up will deliver. Still, these aren't toys themselves. At 110 pounds there's a lot of mass in speaker magnets. When I come home to this I'm very satisfied with this sound. It's way beyond the cheese-factor of a typical home theater in a box, conveys movie sound tracks and football games well enough to entrance (too well - I've gained 20 pounds) and the sense of things moving in space is believable and real. For me it's clear enough that I've saved hundreds on movies I now watch at home instead of in the theater.
I think the way they can do this so cheaply is by not chasing the most recent audio format/standard on the receiver. You'll notice Dolby doesn't say "Dolby-HD." Note too that there's no built disc player, etc. Just sound stuff: a tuner and an amplifier. To my ears the quality of these speakers contributes a lot more than anything in the latest DTS or Dolby standard and, with good speakers, I can't tell the difference. If your ears can tell the difference delivered by the most recent standards you may want to upgrade the receiver at some point and keep the speakers, or you may be able to hear things I can't and need to be shopping in the 3-5k range. I love mine just as it is. They clearly have found an affordable way to harness ribbon technology too. I remember in the 80's giant ribbon tech speakers were ultra high-end.
Note too that there is no HDMI pass-through connection on the back. That may be a deal breaker for some, it works fine for me. I just connect the optical port out of my TV to the optical in on this receiver. So, for blu-ray discs my BD player connects directly to the TV with HDMI and the TV connects to this receiver via optical. Works for me. The lack of HDMI pass through is probably another way they managed to kept the cost this low.
I had trouble believing you could get sound this good at this cost. If I hadn't found the audio response data, I would have assumed the positive reviewers just didn't know sound. I took a risk and was well rewarded. I'm no audiophile myself but my sense is I could get this quality, more connections, and maybe a little more volume if I were willing to spend about $2k on something else.
Hope that helps.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SLS Q-Line Gold 650w 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theater System

The Q Line Gold Home Theater Surround Sound System features 4 bookshelf satellite speakers and one center channel speaker, all utilizing SLS International's PRD100 Planar Ribbon Drivers and woven Kevlar midrange drivers. To meet today's demanding low frequency requirements, SLS has included a high excursion, self-powered subwoofer delivering accurate and controlled bass. A multi channel Dolby Digital/DTS surround sound receiver powers the system with 110 watts per channel featuring a built-in room balancing algorithm, component video throughput with video up scaling, on screen display, and a universal remote control. This unit DOES NOT INCLUDE A DVD PLAYER.

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3/28/2011

LG LHT854 1000-Watt DVD Disc Home Theater In a Box Review

LG LHT854 1000-Watt DVD Disc Home Theater In a Box
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Pros : Plenty of Volume (1000W) Great pairing with LG T.V.
Comes with Excellent Ipod Adapter and sounds great for
an all-in-one solution. Chalk full of features.
Comes with speaker Wire too.
Cons : As with most other systems...Inputs! Only has one Optical but
thank goodness for that. Only has preset Equalizer settings.
Long Review (A lot to say and want to answer any questions)
I had been looking around for a good 5.1 system that decodes all the popular signals such as Dolby Digital and DTS sound.
Not Looking to spend a whole lot of cash I needed a simple solution.
I have looked around online and in stores at a variety of options.
When it came down to it I had considered heavily on the sony soundbar mainly because it was the only low price ranged sound system with 3 HDMI inputs. But when I went to bestbuy and listened to it all of my fears came true as far as volume. The soundbar was just too low unless I would have kept it cranked up. Then after weighing the other options of a receiver/speakers (Panasonic receiver)combo the price just was just barely in my range but really didnt want to spend all my cash. Then remebering that my T.V. was an LG (42pg20 42"Plasma) I decided to check out this model. Going out on a limb I was wary because of the one input.
Much to my suprise this unit is awesome for a HTS.
Now for an audiophile the 1.0% THD might discourage you but for around
$220 It something Even I could overlook.(Also have a high end 6.1 sony receiver and yamaha speakers in the house, they have like a .07 THD)
This system gets so loud too. My room is only a 14ft. by 20ft. room but I never even have to turn the volume up over half to crank it while watching a movie.(Actually never had to go over that) The sub kicks.
Also this unit not only upscales DVD's through the built-in Dvd player(which looks great) it also plays from Ipod with the INCLUDED Ipod Dock (Through OSD or via Ipod control which is cool), From USB, and from the digital optical in. (Will of course also play mp3 music, jpg pictures, and divx movies, and probably a few other formats that I am forgetting).If that wasnt enough LG also included a am/fm receiver in this unit with a loop antennae.
Hooking up the unit was straight forward, the wiring is 18 gauge wire ,About 18ft. long for the rear speakers, about 12ft. for the sub that is color coded, pre stripped at the ends and ready to go.
There is an HDMI Out (I ran to the T.V.) and a couple other outs, composite and standard RCA I think). There was a little delay in the audio from my Digital DVR cable box when I ran the HDMI Out of my cable box into my T.V. and then optical out of my T.V. into the Home theatre. Problem was solved by running the optical from my cable box straight into the home theatre. The Home theatre also automatically picks up whatever kind of sound source it needs to decode and displays it on the front of the unit.
If you have an LG T.V. with simplink then it is really simple to control the System as it syncs right up and even turns on the unit when synced and off when the T.V. turns off.
The remote for the unit also has controls for the T.V., If you dont own an LG TV then no fear as the remote is programmable for your T.V.
The OSD allows you to set aspect ratio and resolution for your T.V as well as test the speakers and turn up each one individually as necessary.
There is No way to set your own E.Q. though but the presets are good even though you probably wont even have to use them. There is also an audio delay fixer (up to 300ms).
Overall I would give it a 4.5 because of all its features but lack of inputs.Recommend to anyone on a budget and wanting a great home theatre with plenty of options.

Click Here to see more reviews about: LG LHT854 1000-Watt DVD Disc Home Theater In a Box

1000W 1 Disc HTiB, 4 Satellite, HDMi/ 1080p, Made for I Pod, Demo Mode

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