Panasonic SC-HTB500 2.1-Channel SoundBar Speaker System with Wireless Kelton Subwoofer (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently took advantage of the Amazon Gold Box Deal and bought the Panasonic TCP42G25 and got this sound bar for free. This was exactly what I needed to replace a poor quality Olevia LCD TV in my bedroom. I have a fully decked out audio/video room already so all I wanted was something decent for the bedroom. After some tweaking and rewiring, I was able to integrate this with the new Panasonic Plasma, an old Panasonic Blu-Ray DMP-BD35, and a low end Dish Network VIP211. The big puzzle was a bug in the Dish receiver that caused it to fail to deliver Dolby 5.1 over the HDMI cable. I took advantage of the second HDMI input on the soundbar with an optical input to solve this problem. Bottom line, no new wires, no new A/V receiver and fantastic sound from a very simple setup. It is very easy to do a "side-by-side" comparison because Panasonic's VieraLink will return the sound back to the TV if you turn the soundbar off. What a difference! I am only giving the unit 4 stars because of the lack of some, in my opinion, basic functions being absent. Why would Panasonic not put simple bass and treble controls on a unit that retails for $349? Other than that, I am really enjoying the new setup.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Panasonic SC-HTB500 2.1-Channel SoundBar Speaker System with Wireless Kelton Subwoofer (Black)

Wireless Kelton Subwoofer. The included Wireless Kelton Subwoofer provides flexible and easy installation with no wires to connect. Clear-mode DialogClear TV Sound Reproduction With clear-mode dialog, the voice will sound more from the center of the TV display. With more precise linking between the picture and the sound, the dialog voices and vocals in movies and music can be enjoyed with clearer sound. Advanced Bamboo Cone SpeakerClear, Beautiful Vocals. With the new bamboo cone speakers the sound becomes more responsive. Vocals are purer and clearer, and the dialog is crisper and easier to understand than ever before.

Click here for more information about Panasonic SC-HTB500 2.1-Channel SoundBar Speaker System with Wireless Kelton Subwoofer (Black)

Read More...

Bose® CineMate® GS Series II Digital Home Theater Speaker System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did extensive research before purchasing the Bose Cinemate GS II Series; but before I start my review I have a quick comparison to share by comparing a $300 panasonic system to the Bose Cinemate GS II: I previously owned a panasonic 2.1 system with built in up-convert DVD player which recently broke (lasted about a year). Sound quality on the Bose Cinemate GS II is markedly better than the panasonic system! Plus my audio system is not tied to a standard DVD player. I should have bought this first--instead of being $300 behind the curve than if I just bought the Cinemate GS II to begin with. Just though I should share that in case you are trying to justify the cost.
REVIEW--Info I discovered during my research and since owning for 3 months: I listened to the Cinemate II and the Cinemate GS II side by side in the store, both using the Toslink (digital optical audio) connection and also with the Component (analog audio) connection while watching an action scene from Kung Fu Panda in both BluRay and regular DVD. To me, the Cinemate GS II's sound was clearer and also sharper (crisper highs and clearer mids like with voices). The Cinemate II sounded great too (a lot better than the panasonic), but the sounds tended to be more muddled in the mid-to-high range (as compared to the the Cinemate GS II). But for $200 less and if your ears don't mind the difference (or can't tell the difference) then the Cinemate II is the better bargain. Also, the Cinemate GS II has the universal remote, but I don't use it ( I use a logitech Harmony Universal Remote). The Cinemate II remote has volume up/down, mute, and power on/off. The Cinemate GS II remote has quite a bit of features (a lot actually), and it feels good in your hand; but if you really want one, they are available from Bose for $30.95.
Other good to know info: You can connect both the Toslink and Component audio into the interface module at the same time. The interface module will automatically default to component audio unless there is an active Toslink connection (an active Toslink connection will always override the component audio). What does this mean? I have my DishNetwork receiver connected to the interface module via the component connection for watching TV--this is how I normally use the Bose Cinemate GS II (sounds great by the way). I then have my BlueRay player connected to the interface module via the Toslink connection. When I want to watch a movie, all I have to do is power on the Blueray player and the Bose Cinemate GS II will automatically use the Toslink connection (overrides the component audio). When I am done watching a movie, I power off the Blueray player and the Cinemate GS II automatically switches back to my TV audio. Of course the Toslink audio is the better of the two, but with only two connections available I had to compromise (plus my TV has no Toslink out--which would have been the preferred solution). The interface module works exactly the same whether you have the Cinemate II or the Cinemate GS II. Also, there is a Bass adjustment knob on the Acoustimass module, so you can turn it up or down to your preference. Sorry there are no other manual adjustments that you can do to the Bose Cinemate GS II.
Room filling sound: I have the Bose Cinemate GS II in my living room which is pretty big and it opens directly into the kitchen; total size is 20x60. Despite the room size, and even at a pretty low volume, I can easily understand a TV shows conversations because of the crisp and precise audio reproduction. I use to watch with closed captioning (so the TV can volume can stay at a normal level), but now I have turned closed captioning off.
Even at max volume (watching GI Joe), it was very very loud and the whole house was shaking, but the system did not distort at all--in almost disbelief it seemed to sound even better and clearer. I think that is attributed to the Bose TrueSpace technology which is used to covert 5.1 audio into a 2.1 system; the louder it got, I guess, the more the TrueSpace seemed to kick in.
Despite my acclaim for this system it is pricey; but, it sounds great, it was very easy to setup and it has the Bose 5 year limited warranty on the speakers. However, no matter how much a 2.1 system is touted as a possible replacement for a 5.1 or even a 7.1 system, in my opinion there are no 2.1 systems that can truly replace a 5.1 or 7.1 system. But if you don't like running wires and want a minimalist system with superb sound then I strongly recommend the Bose Cinemate GS II; or if budget minded, or can't discern the audio difference, then the Bose Cinemate II is a solid 2nd choice.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bose® CineMate® GS Series II Digital Home Theater Speaker System


The Bose® CineMate® GS II speaker system is the easiest way to enjoy Bose 2.1-channel home theater performance and bring out the full audio potential of your HDTV. Proprietary TrueSpace® technology enables two Gemstone® speakers and an Acoustimass® module to deliver compelling sound for movies, games, sports and more. The system easily connects directly to your TV, avoiding the need to disconnect other sources. And with no rear speakers, there's no wiring to the back of your room. A programmable universal remote control simplifies operation of other connected sources.
A sound upgrade for your home theater needsThe CineMate GS II system represents a quality home theater upgrade to complement your HDTV. Two powerful Gemstone speakers flank your TV and put you in the middle of dramatic home theater sound. You'll experience a level of realism that simply cannot be matched by TV speakers alone.
A hideaway Acoustimass module provides the low frequency effects that make movies and games so compelling. It even includes dedicated bass control. Place the module in a corner or out of view--all the sound seems to come from the compact speakers. Together, the speakers and Acoustimass module provide full depth and clarity for your music, too.
Simplified setupSetting up a CineMate GS II system is a quick exercise, with only a few wires to connect. It hooks up directly to your TV with minimal-if any-disruption to existing component connections. A small interface module houses your audio input from the TV and displays on/off status for your system. And it's all controlled with a programmable universal remote that works seamlessly with most video components attached to your television.
What's in the box--2 Gemstone speakers--Acoustimass module--Interface module--Universal remote control and batteries--Stereo cable (6')--Speaker cable (15')--Optical cable (6')

Click here for more information about Bose® CineMate® GS Series II Digital Home Theater Speaker System

Read More...

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.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony HTSF470 Blu-ray Disc Matching Surround Sound Home Theater System (Black)

Click here for more information about Sony HTSF470 Blu-ray Disc Matching Surround Sound Home Theater System (Black)

Read More...

Samsung HT-X810 2.1 Channel Sound Bar Home Theater System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm not an audiophile and found the HT-X810 quite by accident after doing a google search for 'wall mount stereo'. I'd lived in Denmark and had seen Bang & Olufsen stuff so knew that it was possible to put a stereo in a discrete shell but was hoping that some company made something that didn't require an additional mortgage. I've got cable but no set top box or TV furniture to hold components so my main objective was to find something that complimented my wall-mounted flat screen, didn't require turning my dry wall into swiss cheese to hide miles of wire, and provided some semblance of 'theater-like' sound. After trolling the web I found a number of 2.1 systems. Below is a discussion of these and the reasoning why I went with the Samsung:
Yamaha YAS-70/1BL: The Good: 1) Has an SPDIF (digital optical audio) input for directing broadcast TV audio through the receiver in digital format rather than simple RCA 2-channel stereo. 2) Relatively slim soundbar/display looks nice and fits inconspicuously below the TV. 3) Includes wall-mount hardware. 4) The sub has a clean look. The Bad: 1) Requires not one but two 13-foot cables (control & speaker) between the sub and the soundbar/display, which requires hiding wires and, more importantly, limits placement of the sub. 2) The digital AV connections are on the sub so, depending on sub placement, the cables to the TV may have to be relatively long (i.e. 13 feet) and, like the control and speaker cables, also require hiding. 3) You must use a separate dvd player, which 'ruins' the clean wall-mount look unless you have a TV with an integrated dvd player or a piece of furniture. 4) The number of digital AV connection ports is very limited so you'll have to connect components (dvd player, game consul, etc...) through the TV and then onto the receiver via the SPDIF, which means more wires. 5) As far as I could find, there is no iPOD/Mp3/USB connection dock.
Sony HT-CT100: The Good: 1) Can make the SPDIF connection to the TV for good sound on broadcast TV. 2) The sub/receiver has plenty of HDMI connection ports for connecting the TV and additional components. 3) Has a nice slim speaker for mounting under the TV. 4) Includes wall-mount hardware. The Bad: 1) Requires a 10-foot cable between the sub/receiver and the soundbar, which raises the problems of hiding the cable and even more limited sub placement than the Yamaha. The cable is a 9-pin serial cable, which is a standard PC cable and so can be swapped out for something longer for better sub placement but it still needs hiding. 2) The digital AV connections are on the sub so there are more wires to hide and the farther away the sub is from the TV, the longer these must be. 3) You must use a separate dvd player. 4) The remote sensor is on the sub/receiver so unless its placed on the same wall as the TV, using the remote can be a bit counter-intuitive. 4) The porthole is on the front of the sub and looks a bit odd. 5) The iPOD/Mp3/USB connection dock is only available separately.
Philips HTS8100: The Good: 1) Has an integrated 1080 resolution dvd player. 2) Has an HDMI connection port to send digital video signal to the TV for dvd playback. 3) The soundbar/display is reminiscent of the Yamaha, just a bit bigger but still not obtrusive. 4) Includes wall-mount hardware. 5) The sub is smallish and looks good. 6) Has iPOD/Mp3/USB docking capability. The Bad: 1) Requires a clunky 15-foot cable between the sub/receiver and the soundbar, which raises the problems of hiding wires and limited sub placement. 2) Has no SPDIF connection for digital audio from the TV and instead offers a pair of RCA stereo inputs on the soundbar plus another pair of RCAs and a single coaxial digital audio input on the sub/receiver. This likely means buying an SPDIF-to-coaxial adapter and using the input on the sub to get digital audio for either broadcast TV or game console play. Even with this `fix' you'll have to choose which gets stuck with simple 2-channel RCA sound and again, you're adding more wire between the sub and the TV/soundbar that will need hiding. 5) The iPOD/Mp3/USB dock is a clumsy external unit.
At this point in my research, it seemed that the problem with all 2.1 systems was their flat sound reproduction in comparison to true 5.1 systems. Convenience does come with a price but the inherent sound limitation of 2.1 systems can be minimized through placement of the sub. The most obvious weakness of 2.1 systems is the lack of genuine rear stage sound and the best way to overcome this is to place the sub opposite the TV and near the listeners. In terms of sound, convenience and aesthetics then, the most significant problem with the Yamaha, Sony and Philips systems is the wired connection that must be made between their soundbars and their subs. The length of these cables limits the distance that the sub can be place away from the soundbar, which hurts sound quality. Additionally, and with varying degrees of severity due to where digital AV connections are made and whether or not a dvd player must be connected, the running of AV cables takes away from the convenience and clean lines that drew me to a 2.1 system in the first place. My conclusion then, was to get a 2.1 system with a wireless sub and an integrated dvd player so that I could best mimic rear stage sound and not have to worry about using a separate dvd player, extending the sub-soundbar cable of a wired 2.1 systems for better sub placement, hiding wires throughout the living room. As there are only two companies offering 2.1 systems with wireless subs and only one company offering a 2.1 system with both a wireless sub and an integrated dvd player, my choice was easy.
Boston Acoustics TVee Model 2: The Good: 1) Has the wireless sub needed for most easily diminishing the weaknesses of 2.1 sound. The Bad: Requires connecting a separate dvd player.
Samsung HT-X810: The Good: 1) Has the wireless sub needed for most easily diminishing the weaknesses of 2.1 sound. 2) Has an integrated dvd player that upscales to 1080 resolution. 3) Has an SPDIF input for directing broadcast TV audio through the receiver in digital format rather than 2-channel RCA stereo. 4) Has an HDMI connection for good digital picture reproduction during dvd playback. 5) Includes wall-mount hardware. 6) The sub looks good and is very simple to hook-up. The Bad: 1) Base-heavy sound and limited adjustability of the sub volume. 2) At 39" wide and 7" tall, its bigger than the other systems and so probably best suited for a 42" or larger TV. 3) Has USB port but iPOD/Mp3 dock requires and aftermarket wire. 4) It doesn't have BluRay but neither does the Philips. 5) It costs more than the units that don't include a dvd player but it's on par with the Philips, which does.
Happy Shopping.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung HT-X810 2.1 Channel Sound Bar Home Theater System

Click here for more information about Samsung HT-X810 2.1 Channel Sound Bar Home Theater System

Read More...

LG LHB975 1100-Watt Blu-ray Home Theater System, Gloss Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this system in May of 2010. When it worked, it worked great and I really enjoyed the quality of the blu-ray player and sound.
About a week ago the wireless subwoofer stopped working. It has power but will not link up with the wireless receiver. I tried everything I could possibly do and couldn't get it to "remate" (connect) again. I then called LG and they were unable to fix it.
LG offered to repair the system but they wants me to spend $70.00 for them to look at it and this does not include shipping. From what the customer service representative told me, the 1 year warranty means that regardless of the cost to repair, my cost is capped at $70.00. I'm not sure how that qualifies as a warranty but according to LG it does.
What is troubling about this issue is that this problem does not appear to be an isolated incident. I searched the internet for reviews from people who owned the system. There are a number of people who are having this exact same problem after using the system for about 6 months. Mine started in just 5 months. It's starting to look like this product has a defect.
I own an LG cell phone, washer and dryer, and this blu-ray theater system. I've never had a problem with any LG product before. I'm surprised that LG would put out a product that seems to have a systematic defect. I'm even more surprised that the LG customer service would be so bad and not customer friendly. This experience has really questioned my brand loyalty towards LG. At this point, they must know this product has a problem. Rather than do the right thing - which is to correct the problem and send a new unit to everyone who is having this problem free of charge - LG is instead forcing the consumer to pay for service, pay for shipping, and hope that the repair is a long term fix. I'm afraid I'll spend the money to get the system "repaired" only to have it break again in another 5 months.
Rather than deal with the nonsense I'm going through, anyone who looks at this home theater system should just avoid it.


Click Here to see more reviews about: LG LHB975 1100-Watt Blu-ray Home Theater System, Gloss Black

LG's NetCast Interface lets you easily access a vast array of internet content. This model comes with two tower speakers.

Get 43% OFF

Click here for more information about LG LHB975 1100-Watt Blu-ray Home Theater System, Gloss Black

Read More...